Musical Madingley Hall wedding – Louise & Phil

A shared love of music played a big part in the musical Madingley Hall wedding of sweethearts Louise and Phil.

Madingley Hall wedding

Louise studied at Queens, Cambridge and her magical musical day began by getting ready in the dorms where she used to live as a student. University friends and bridesmaids Louisa and Vicky as well as the bride’s mum joined her. Louise looked absolutely stunning in her dress, her father’s reaction was priceless.

I used a second photographer to help me capture the two ‘getting ready’ scenes. While I spent the morning with the bride, her mum and bridesmaids, my colleague covered the boys’ changing room. Their tasks included communicating via walkie-talkies to ensure no one saw the bride until the last minute!

Queens’ College Chapel ceremony

The ceremony was in Queens’ College Chapel, which Louise had special permission to use, having been in the choir and knowing the minister well.

A string quartet accompanied her walk down the aisle with father Keith and bridesmaids Louisa and Vicky. Louise’s friend and organist Bertilla added to the music.

Fit and flare wedding dress

Her soft crepe fit and flare Amayrillis dress by Donna Soladawas pitch perfect. Adorned with a lace applique and a sophisticated Sabrina neckline, it was finished with a beautiful low illusion back and pearl buttons. It was definitely my favourite wedding dress of the year!

Tesla girl, and groom

After a quick drinks reception, the wedding party and guests crossed the famous Mathematical bridge to attend the full reception. This was at Madingley Hall, an elegant 16th century country house. Luckily, we all dodged the rain! Meanwhile, Louise and Phil set off in a friend’s fast, luxurious and electric Tesla car!

Musical Madingley Hall wedding

And the uniquely musical theme continued on the cake, decorated with notes and a cute cake topper representing their mutual love of the piano. A different instrument appeared on each table number.

Guitar great

My toes kept tapping as I captured the fun at the drinks reception. This was thanks to some brilliant acoustic guitar from Dave Niskin.

Best man Andrew stuck to tradition in his speech by putting the groom on the spot. Unusually though, it was by challenging Phil to eat a cucumber – something he hadn’t done since he was a child! He succeeded!

Beautiful backdrop

Madingley Hall was a great backdrop for wedding portraits, with an abundance of different features.

Phil and Louise really enjoyed their portrait session as a quiet moment away from the hustle and bustle of their wedding.

Dance party

And The Twilight Band gave Phil, Louise and their happy guests some great live music to party from the first dance to the last.

And it was a first dance with a difference. The couple recorded themselves playing and singing the song (not wanting to risk nerves on the day) and danced to it.