A Naval Bride, An Army Groom and The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst
Some weddings make you stop and pinch yourself. A naval bride. An army groom. The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Sword arches. Port toasts. A bouquet that went into low earth orbit. This was one of those days.
Katy and Jon’s wedding on the 2nd of May 2026 was unlike anything I have ever photographed, and I genuinely mean that. From start to finish it was full of military precision, incredible moments, and the kind of joy that fills every single frame.
Bridal Prep
Bridal prep was relaxed, warm and as the bride herself might say, ran with military precision. Lovely moments with mum and dad, and a first look with dad that was absolutely beautiful. The calm before what was about to be one of the most spectacular days I have ever witnessed.
The Ceremony at the Royal Memorial Chapel, Sandhurst
The Royal Memorial Chapel at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst is one of the most awe inspiring ceremony spaces I have ever stepped foot in. Built in the Byzantine style with soaring ceilings, stunning stained glass windows and walls that carry the weight of over two centuries of military history, it is quite simply breathtaking.
Katy looked absolutely radiant walking down the aisle, and Jon, resplendent in his army uniform, was completely and utterly smitten from the moment he saw her. I managed to capture some stunning shots from the balcony too, looking down over the ceremony as it unfolded below. Pure magic.
The Sword Arch Exit
If you have never witnessed a military sword arch exit, I cannot explain to you just how iconic it is in person. As Katy and Jon left the chapel as newlyweds for the first time, their fellow officers formed two lines and raised their swords overhead to create an arch for the couple to walk through. But then came something I hadn’t expected. The couple went back inside the chapel while all the guests made their way out and lined up waiting. And then Katy and Jon got to exit all over again, walking through that sword arch a second time, this time with every single one of their friends and family cheering them on.
There was no confetti, which I decided simply would not do. So I gathered everyone together and told them to make as much noise as humanly possible to welcome the newlyweds. The result was a cheer line that gave everyone goosebumps 😊
The Grounds of Sandhurst
The grounds of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst are genuinely extraordinary. With the grand facade of the Old College standing majestically behind them, we captured some beautiful family formals with close family and the bridal party. The kind of backdrop that does all the work for you. We also grabbed a few couples portraits in the college grounds before heading over to Robertson House for the reception and I am so glad we made the time for them.
Robertson House: The Reception
The reception took place at Robertson House on the Sandhurst campus. A beautiful, elegant space that perfectly matched the grandeur of the day.
The speeches were brilliant, full of laughter, cheeky banter and plenty of warmth. Toasts were made with port of course, because how else would you do it at Sandhurst?
Katy and Jon got to cut the cake with Jon’s sword, which he assured me was not too sharp. I chose to believe him 😂
Then came the first dance, the dance floor opened up, and then a surprise bouquet toss that I think most people are still talking about. Katy launched it somewhere into the stratosphere and absolutely nobody had a chance of catching it. Pure comedy gold.
As the sun began to set I took Katy and Jon outside where that gorgeous pinky blue sky gave us the most beautiful light. Using my softbox, I was able to create something really special out in the grounds. Then back inside Robertson House, I even got my mirror out for a reflection shot in the grand reception hall, capturing the couple with the stunning chandelier overhead. One of my favourite images from the entire year.
The dance floor was epic, the energy was incredible, and I genuinely loved every single second of this day.
Planning a Military Wedding at Sandhurst?
The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst is one of the most unique and spectacular wedding venues in the country. If you are planning a military wedding and you are looking for a photographer who will bring energy, creativity and a genuine love for documentary storytelling to your day, I would absolutely love to hear from you.
I am based in Portsmouth, which makes me perfectly placed for military weddings across Hampshire, Surrey, Berkshire and beyond. No hard sell, no awkward posing, just beautiful images and a photographer who will go above and beyond for you 😊
