I photographed this relaxed Oxford University Wedding during the summer of last year. I won’t go into the history of the college, but a fascinating fact I found out was that St. Hugh’s College was originally set up in 1886, to open up opportunities of an Oxford education to poorer women.
THE PROPOSAL
Toby and Emma met at St. Hugh’s College when they were students and started off as very good friends. Ten years later they got together and knew it was just meant to be and Toby planned the ultimate proposal;
“Emma is a history of art teacher, and loves games and challenges, so I concocted a scavenger hunt around the famous artworks of Florence, resulting in a proposal atop a hill in Boboli Gardens with a lovely view of Florence.”
How romantic is that!!!
OXFORD UNIVERSITY WEDDING AT ST. HUGH’S
Toby and Emma took their wedding inspiration (both good and bad) from the multitude of weddings they’d been to over the years. They made sure their wedding was touching, fun, and the best day – not just for them – but everyone who attended.
In order to have the wedding day exactly as they wanted, they decided to do the legal bit of the wedding the day before. You can read more here: OXFORD REGISTER OFFICE WEDDING. This meant they weren’t restricted by locations, they could write their own vows, and they could ultimately have the exact kind of ceremony and relaxed day they wanted.
SPECIAL TOUCHES TO THE OXFORD UNIVERSITY WEDDING CEREMONY
The ceremony was led by two friends, with readings/songs from other friends, it was very personal and very touching. They wrote their own vows, which again brought on more tears!!
They also had singing, which I love seeing at weddings (but often only done in churches!) To stand up and sing with all the people you love is very moving and I can’t recommend it enough… I bang on a lot about it and a few other things in this blog post: SIX WEDDING CEREMONY IDEAS YOU WOULDN’T HAVE THOUGHT OF
A RELAXED OXFORD UNIVERSITY WEDDING RECEPTION
What I love about this wedding is all the relaxed touches the couple put in place. It was a scorching hot summers day and so after the ceremony cake was served with champagne (yes, THREE CAKES by Little Flower Cakes) Garden games and we created an opportunity for guests to have photos with the couple during this time.
If you’re having an Oxford University Wedding and need any help with local wedding suppliers, ideas for accommodation or anything else, please get in touch and I’ll point you in the right direction.
Oxford University Wedding Supplier List:
OXFORD UNIVERSITY WEDDING VENUE – St Hugh’s College, Oxford
BRIDAL PREPARATIONS – Vanbrugh House Hotel
DRESS – Needle and Thread
SUIT – Harry Brown
FLORIST – Willow Green Flower Farm
CAKES – Little Flower Cakes
BAND – Electric Soul Club