Jess & Sam’s St Mary’s Church Ceremony & Cambridge Polo Club Wedding

Jess & Sam’s Wedding at St Mary’s Church & Cambridge Polo Club

Some weddings feel timeless, and Jess & Sam’s day at St Mary’s Church in Swaffham Bulbeck, followed by their reception at the Cambridge and Newmarket Polo Club, was exactly that. With a perfect balance of heartfelt emotion, family traditions, and their shared love of polo, their celebration was as unique as it was moving.

A Relaxed Morning of Laughter & Excitement

From the moment I arrived with Jess during her bridal prep, the atmosphere was warm and joyful. Jess was chilled, excited, and surrounded by loved ones. Her mood lifted even more when Sam made a thoughtful stop to drop off their dogs before heading to the church.

It’s always these quiet moments before the ceremony that set the tone, and one of the most touching memories was Jess reading the heartfelt card and gift from Sam, which brought real tears of joy.

A Ceremony Full of Personal Touches

The ceremony at St Mary’s Church was truly special. The light inside the church was beautifully soft, the organist played perfectly, and the vicar was welcoming and accommodating throughout.

What made it unforgettable were the deeply personal details. Alongside Jess’s mum, Sam’s nan had the honour of signing the register, while Jess’s recorded singing filled the church during the signing. A moment that left family and friends visibly moved. Jess’s dad was even spotted shedding a tear, a reflection of the love and pride surrounding them both.

And then, the sound of the church bells rang out as Jess and Sam stepped hand in hand into a shower of confetti, one of my favourite parts of the day to capture.

Style & Details That Told Their Story

Jess wore a breathtaking gown from Burr Bridal, Cambridge. Its grand silhouette perfectly complementing the scale of the church. Her florals, designed by Johanna Barber & Tolly Constantine, featured a timeless mix of greenery with her favourite pink lilies, which decorated both the church and later the marquee at their reception.

Another heartfelt detail was the cake. Sam’s mum baked a special fruit cake with requested Royal Icing, a recipe passed down from Sam’s grandmother. She had started soaking the fruit as early as June, with plenty of brandy, a beautiful nod to his grandma who sadly passed earlier this year.

A Polo Match to Remember

The reception at the Cambridge and Newmarket Polo Club was set in a simple marquee in an open field, with styling kept deliberately understated to allow the focus to remain on the people and the experience.

After dinner, guests were treated to a truly unique form of entertainment: a live polo match. With a commentator perched on an open-top bus, microphone in hand, the energy was high and the atmosphere electric. Guests even joined in with the traditional “treading in” at half time before play resumed, an experience that was completely personal to Jess & Sam’s shared love of polo.

Photography with Emotion & Atmosphere

The light stayed bright throughout the day, so I made sure to capture a range of portraits at the church before we left, using the architecture and natural shadows to frame editorial-style images. Later in the evening we managed a few more portraits at the marquee, but I was grateful for those earlier backdrops that really elevated the gallery.

For me, the highlight as a photographer was the ceremony itself, particularly the confetti walk outside the church, framed by the beautiful historic stone and surrounded by smiling guests.

Words of Inspiration for Future Couples

Jess & Sam’s day proved that simple is powerful. You don’t need endless details for a wedding to feel extraordinary. What matters is keeping it personal, surrounding yourself with the people you love, and letting joy lead the way.

If you’re planning your wedding for 2026, whether in Cambridge, London, or at a destination abroad, I’d love to tell your story with the same editorial, documentary style.

Enquire today via my wedding photography contact page to check my availability.