Naomi + Chris’ wedding was nothing short of laughter, romance, and a big party. After meeting at 12 years old + being together for half their life, they tied the knot in front of their close friends + family in Cambridge. I loved how ‘handmade’ this wedding was + how it involved the couples’ community in every detail. The cake was handmade by Naomi (apparently she was still frosting it on the morning of her wedding!), the confetti were flower petals that Naomi + her family went out to pick together, and the flowers/bouquets were made by family friends. Even the guests’ place-cards were photos of them with Naomi + Chris.
These lovebirds wanted a less conventional way of celebrating their big day so after an emotional first look, they welcomed their guests with garden games + canapés at the enchanting Lanwades Hall. Strawberries + clotted cream, croquet, frisbee, and Pimm’s were the entertainment for the early afternoon where Naomi + Chris could relax, spend quality time and be present with their guests.
When Naomi had to get back into her wedding dress to get ready for the ceremony, I got to spend a little time with her + her mum. As I photographed them in the silence away from all the guests, Naomi’s mum simply gazed at her daughter with emotions in her eyes before finally beaming the words, “I’m so proud of you”.
The wedding ceremony was held at Kings College Chapel in the University of Cambridge. And what better way to transport your guests from the reception to ceremony than with a classic red London bus? – one that has no Oyster card machine, doesn’t stop at any bus stops except the last, and makes people the most excited they’ve been when boarding a bus.
The ceremony itself was nothing but grand. Naomi graced into the chapel dressed in the wedding dress she designed in Turkey, complete with a stunning crystal belt + flowers in her hair. Her five bridesmaids trailed behind in their blush pink dresses. Everything was perfect especially the rings they exchanged which they had handmade for each other shortly after they were engaged.
I still can’t get over the privilege of being able to take Naomi + Chris’ wedding portraits on the precious grass of Cambridge University! I felt like a rebellious child + took pride in stepping on the grass for 20 minutes before moving to snap a few photos in their Aston Martin.
Finally, Chris’ speech made me well up from behind the camera. Not only did he give me a shoutout in front of all his guests (I know right?!), but he also said the following words to his wife: “I could stand here and try to say something poetic, but I know that all I need to do is look into your eyes and know that you love me. And now that we are man and wife, for the rest of our lives, all I have to do is gaze into your eyes and know that it is all the love I need.”
heather sham x
Modern natural London wedding photographer | Alternative and creative wedding photographer in Surrey, UK | Documentary and fun wedding photography in the UK | London Intimate wedding photographer
