I first met Emily and Ollie at the Mercedes-Benz World wedding fair. As we chatted about their wedding plans, they mentioned that Ollie was an Officer in the Army and that their big day would take place at none other than the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Just as they said this, my portfolio display happened to flick over to an image of a guard of honour from a Royal Navy wedding I’d photographed—complete with raised swords. A perfect coincidence!

 

From that moment, I was intrigued. Sandhurst is one of the most iconic military institutions in the world—a location steeped in tradition, formality, and grandeur. Naturally, a venue like that called for a bit of pre-planning. So, a few months before the wedding, I joined Emily and Ollie for a walk around the estate, scouting locations, learning the layout, and imagining the flow of the day. I always find venue visits invaluable, especially when working with large or complex spaces—there’s nothing like seeing the light, the backdrops, and the atmosphere in person to help plan the photography.

 

On the day itself, we were blessed with blue skies. Whether that had anything to do with the quirky tradition of planting a sausage for good weather the night before—I’ll never know. But it certainly worked!

 

Emily’s morning was filled with warmth and laughter as she got ready with her family. I captured those intimate preparation moments, pausing occasionally to lend a hand—yes, even with tying the odd bowtie. Her reveal in the dress was emotional and full of joy, setting the tone for the day ahead.

 

The ceremony itself was timeless and elegant. With guests in black tie and military uniforms, the atmosphere was formal yet deeply personal. I made use of several vantage points—including a remote camera discreetly placed in the upper gallery—to document the ceremony from different perspectives.

 

The reception took place in another part of the Sandhurst estate and was full of smiles, heartfelt speeches, and shared moments. The cake was ceremonially cut with Ollie’s regimental sword—one of those little touches that make military weddings so unique. After a quick outfit change, Emily and Ollie shared a private dance before joining their guests on one of the liveliest dance floors I’ve ever seen—no coaxing needed!

 

This wedding was a perfect blend of tradition, personal connection, and pure celebration. It was an honour to capture every moment.