“After our pre-wedding shoot we knew we’d get excellent photos. It also meant photography was something we didn’t have to think about or stress about leading up to or on the day.”

Royal Military Academy Sandhurst | Nicky and Alex

Nicky and Alex met on a minibus on the way to an Army Reserve Adventure Training weekend to North Wales. Fast forward and they’re saying their vows at the Royal Memorial Chapel in the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst. Their wedding inspiration was quite simply: military fun! Here’s their day in their own words:

What were your favourite wedding details?

Using our excellent pre-wedding photos from Jonny Barratt Photography to create a jigsaw for people to sign the pieces and fit them together, to create our different kind of ‘guestbook’ and as a bit of fun.
Favours – joke moustaches and facemats – again – to create the opportunity for guests to have fun!
Cake topper – thought it would be nice to get a specific replica of us – which we can keep as a permanent momento as well.
Table names – inspired by a weekend visit to our home town of Northampton and desperately trying to find something to do there. We found a list of the top 50 things to do on the internet – which genuinely included things like visiting the bus station and three different entries for shopping in different parts of the town. It was desperate! It made us laugh so we thought it might amuse our guests as well!

What made you want a Sandhurst military wedding at the Royal Academy?

As commissioned officers in the Army Reserve we are privileged to be able to get married at the Royal Military Academy. The Royal Memorial Chapel is a very special place, as much of a war memorial as a church and we were glad of the opportunity to be able to share it with our non-military friends and family who would otherwise not get to experience it. It was the only choice for us really.

Tell me about the dress.

Francine low back in light gold by Sottero & Midgley. Light gold satin dress with lace overlay and buttons up the back. I loved it and wish I could wear it every day!

Groom’s attire?

Military – Full No1 Dress known as “Blues”

Nicky, what advice would you give to future brides for their wedding day?

It may feel like a pain in the backside planning it – but if you do, on the day, it will all just be exactly what you love and want – the most perfect day with your friends and family – so make sure you enjoy every minute of it! People told me to make sure I took the time to enjoy it at different times during the day and I’m glad they did because it did fly past and I was glad I had taken those moments. I got up and walked around all the tables to speak to people during the meal – to make sure I did speak to everyone. I was glad I did that.

Alex, what advice would you give to future grooms for their wedding day?

Relax – it will be fine!

Any advice for those planning their wedding now?

Don’t go for a straight top table – it’s a bit rubbish for the parents, not conducive to relaxing! Also, helpful venue staff make the process much easier – the groom says so does an amazing fiancé (he must want something!)

What was the most anticipated part of the day?

The first dance – because it was a complete secret from everyone that only we knew we’d had lessons and practiced a routine. We completely cocked it up because I’d obviously never done it in my dress and I tripped over it! But it was still a lot of fun to do!

Groom says – bride walking down the aisle.

Did you have any readings?

Yes – one biblical – 1 Corinthians Chapter 13
One not – an extract from Captain Corelli’s Mandolin

What song played for your first dance?

“It must be love” by Madness – light hearted and fun and that’s what we wanted

What did you want from your wedding photography?

Natural, fun and unposed shots of all the people we love. We really liked you as a person and clicked on our first meeting when we did the pre-wedding shoot. You were so laid back and easy to get on with and you were enthusiastic for us and our day from the start – which was nice, because in the planning stages sometimes it’s hard to see through all the ‘wedmin’ to feel enthusiastic yourself! We really appreciated the pre-wed shoot – not just for the excellent photos but because it just meant that photography was something we didn’t have to think about or stress about leading up to or on the day – because we’d met you and we knew what to expect.

Shout outs:

 Macdonald Frimley Hall Hotel & Spa – www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk
Band – The Startones – booked through the Alive Network – www.alivenetwork.com
Cake Topper – www.noveltycaketoppers.co.uk
Love Letters – www.lockeandbusby.co.uk
Flowers – Sprinkles & Petals – www.sprinklesandpetals.co.uk/
Cars – www.classicandvintage.co.uk
Dresses – www.camelliabridal.co.uk
Dance lessons – Kristina Pfeffer School of Dance – www.danceballroomlondon.co.uk

Thinking of getting married at The Royal Military Academy?  If you like the look of these Sandhurst military wedding photos I’d love to hear more about you, your wedding day plans and what you want from your documentary wedding photographer.