Royal Holloway wedding photographer -SJ & BEN
Royal Holloway is one of Surrey’s most iconic venues — instantly recognisable with its grand red-brick architecture and historic chapel. But for SJ, this wasn’t just a beautiful backdrop. It was home. Ten years after graduating, she returned to Royal Holloway to marry her fiancé Ben, a police officer, in the chapel where her story came full circle.
Thoughtful, Personal Details
Every element of the day was carefully chosen and deeply meaningful. SJ had researched the flowers from her mum’s and grandma’s wedding bouquets, and recreated them as personalised corsages, a lovely touch that connected generations.
Ben’s jacket carried a little nod to home too, with a William Morris print lining from the factory near where they live. They both arrived in a vintage police car, history is Ben's favourite topic and the vintage elements and history with it also being a police car was so lovely. He also received as gifts from SJ a vintage cutlass to cut the cake and a police whistle he used to call guests in to eat.
SJ wore Jo Malone perfume, one of the most sought-after fragrances right now, she had her brand-new initials engraved on the bottle.
The Ceremony
Inside the chapel, the atmosphere was both emotional and lighthearted. Readings included a touching Winnie the Pooh passage that brought many to tears (myself included!). With the summer heat in full swing, thoughtful touches like hand fans for guests were well used!
Afterwards, the wedding breakfast was held in the gallery. Behind the couple hung a large portrait long thought to be haunted. As tradition dictates, a flag was hung from the frame, something normally done by the university during exam season.
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why have a second photographer?
For this wedding, I brought along a second photographer, and it made such a difference to the coverage.
While I focused on SJ’s preparations and group photos, my second shooter was with Ben for groom prep, captured the high angles inside the chapel, and photographed additional venue details. Together, we delivered an extra 400 images, giving SJ and Ben a fuller, richer story of their day from every angle.
Honouring Loved Ones
One of the most touching features of the reception was the memory table. Here, SJ and Ben displayed photos of loved ones who couldn’t be there, along with old family wedding photographs.
They even included pictures from their own engagement shoot, which I had the joy of capturing earlier in their journey together.
looking for a photographer for your royal holloway wedding?
SJ and Ben’s Royal Holloway wedding was the perfect mix of history, heritage, and heartfelt details. From the chapel where it all began to the thoughtful touches honouring loved ones, their day was a reminder that weddings are as much about story as they are about celebration.
If you’re planning a wedding at Royal Holloway and want a photographer who will capture both the grandeur of the setting and the intimate personal details, I’d love to hear from you.