Anstey Hall Wedding | Cambridge | Nic & Lloyd

This wedding was special to me because I have known Nic for many years, and was therefore thrilled to be able to be part of her and Lloyd’s big day.

The entire day was spent at Anstey Hall, a quirky mansion in Cambridge, filled with interesting nooks and crannies, long corridors and four-poster beds. This was a relief as a wedding photographer, since it rained most of the day and all of the photographs had to be taken inside!

After hair and makeup, it was time to get some shots of the bride’s dress and accessories. I had imagined Nic would have a slightly unusual dress, but what I hadn’t imagined is that the wedding dress would be pulled out of what looked like a PE bag! After the dress, came a pair of silver, sequined Converse sneakers. It wasn’t a bridal look that I had photographed before, but Nic looked amazing, calm and confident as I made use of the lighting and reflection from a large wall mirror in the bridal suite to take some stunning pictures.

Nic and Lloyd chose to have a ‘first look’ photoshoot, since the ceremony was at 4pm and the sun would have already gone down by the time they were husband and wife. Lloyd looked slightly nervous but happy as he saw his bride-to-be, and wasn’t at all surprised by her choice in footwear! After this and a father of the bride first look, it was time to make our way downstairs for the ceremony.

The ceremony took place in the library of Anstey Hall, a gorgeous and brightly coloured room, which provided a great backdrop for the ‘I do’ pictures! Nic’s Dad played saxophone during the signing of the register, which was a great personal touch, and before I knew it everybody was joining the newlyweds in the main hall for champagne! Everyone seemed to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere – there was a real buzz in the air.

The group shots for this wedding were the most difficult I’ve ever taken, but I am so pleased with the results. As we couldn’t get outside, I set up the group shots in front of a wall of books in the library. The room is relatively small and the newly-joined families were relatively large! However, the colourful background and happy people made for some great pictures.

At around 6pm, guests were ushered upstairs to the Ball Room. Jam jars tied with ribbon were filled with snowdrops from Lloyd’s Mum’s garden, and in the middle of each table was salt, vinegar and tomato ketchup. Dinner was served – traditional fish and chips from the chippy, served in white boxes and with wooden cutlery! It was a no frills, back to basics meal – and it worked a treat. Each guest had their own place name card, and written inside was a personalised memory.

Nic’s Dad’s band played in the evening and it is clear in the photographs that everyone had an amazing time. The dance floor was full all night long and Lloyd even DJ’d a set of his own music during the break! He even remixed their first dance and played that out, complete with their son’s voice as an introduction!

What I will remember this wedding for the most, is the sense of relaxed laughter, and fun. Thank you to Nic and Lloyd for making me part of the family for the day.