A PERFECT SPRING WEDDING DAY AT CHICHELEY HALL

Dannii and Matt tied the knot at the beautiful Chicheley Hall in Milton Keynes, and I was lucky enough to be there to capture it all. Even though it was April, it felt more like summer with clear skies, bright sunshine, and warm temperatures throughout the day. From relaxed morning prep to heartfelt speeches, a chilled evening of dancing, and golden hour portraits, the whole day had a laid-back and joyful feel. It was a pleasure to be part of it and to document such a genuine, love-filled celebration.

Getting Ready at Chicheley Hall

Both Dannii and Matt got ready at Chicheley Hall, which made the morning really relaxed and easy. When I arrived, Dannii was already helping to set up some of the ceremony details, calm and smiling. Upstairs, the bridal suite was buzzing with energy as her bridesmaids got ready and the excitement began to build.

Matt was just across the way, getting ready with his groomsmen. The atmosphere on both sides was full of good energy and laughter, and it was great to be able to capture those moments from both perspectives.

First Look with the Bridal Party

Before the ceremony, Dannii had a first look with her bridal party on the grand staircase inside the hall. I suggested the location and it ended up being perfect. The reaction from her bridesmaids was priceless, with big smiles, a few happy tears, and lots of emotion. Dannii looked absolutely stunning in her dress and veil, and it was a lovely moment to photograph.

First Look with Dannii’s Brother

There was also a quiet first look between Dannii and her brother, who would later walk her down the aisle. It was just the two of them, away from the noise, sharing a meaningful moment before everything began. Their closeness really came through, and it was a special part of the day to capture.

Ceremony in the Main Hall

The ceremony took place in the main hall at Chicheley Hall, a grand and elegant space that made for a beautiful setting. Dannii walked down the aisle with her brother and the room was full of smiles and emotion. Although they saved their personal vows for later, the ceremony was heartfelt and full of warmth, surrounded by friends and family who clearly adore them.

Group Photos and Smoke Bomb Fun

After the ceremony, we gathered everyone outside the front of the hall for group photos. The weather was ideal, with bright sunshine and a clear sky. We kept things efficient and fun, and the wedding party brought great energy to the photos. We also did a smoke bomb group shot, which added a splash of colour and excitement to the day and made for one of the most fun moments to shoot.

Couple Portraits in the Spring Sunshine

Couple portraits took place around 2pm in full sunshine. It was around 25 degrees and I was in all black, but the light was beautiful and totally worth it. We used all the best spots Chicheley Hall has to offer, including my favourite, the lake reflection shot with the hall in the background. We also captured some classic staircase photos, a starburst shot, a veil-in-motion photo, and more. Dannii and Matt were amazing to work with, completely relaxed and clearly enjoying their time together.

Wedding Breakfast and Speeches

The wedding breakfast was set up with a long head table and round guest tables, creating a lovely, open layout. Chicheley Hall’s staff were fantastic, serving delicious food and making sure everything ran smoothly. The speeches were heartfelt, funny, and full of emotion. There were plenty of laughs and a few tears, and it was clear how loved Dannii and Matt are by everyone around them.

Private Vows, Cake Cutting and First Dance

Dannii and Matt took a quiet moment together in the garden, sitting side by side on a bench as they shared their personal vows in private. It was an intimate, heartfelt exchange, just the two of them, away from the crowd, that added a deeply personal layer to the day. Later, they cut the cake. It was a simple, sweet moment and a lovely way to transition into the evening. The first dance followed shortly after. It was low-key and natural, with the two of them just enjoying the music and each other’s company. It felt very true to who they are and was a pleasure to photograph.

Evening Celebrations and Golden Hour

As the evening continued, guests enjoyed the music, shared stories, and relaxed into the night. There was a great atmosphere as everyone made the most of the warm spring air and beautiful setting. These quieter evening moments often bring out the most natural, candid photos, and it was lovely to see everyone so happy and at ease.

Just after the first dance, we stepped out for some sunset portraits. The light was perfect, with that warm golden glow that adds something really special to the photos. It was a peaceful moment at the end of the day and gave us a lovely final set of portraits.

Final Thoughts

Dannii and Matt, thank you again for having me along to capture your day. You were both so easygoing and a pleasure to work with. Your guests were lovely and welcoming, and the staff at Chicheley Hall were brilliant throughout.

It was one of those weddings that flowed naturally from beginning to end, full of emotion, joy, and real moments. 

If you're planning your wedding and want someone to capture every meaningful moment, both big and small, I’d be honoured to be part of your special day. Together, we can create a beautiful collection of photos that reflect your unique love story.