A love letter to authenticity and refined style, we will be dreaming of today’s real wedding forever. Holly and Dominic run the marketing agency Le Claires Digital that empowers small, independent businesses and that became a driving force throughout their celebration too. Joined by 50 of their loved ones, and their three whippets, Doris, Nigel and Brian, they tied the knot at Gonville & Caius College in a Cambridge-centric celebration of captivatingly chic style.

With an organic palette of ivory, olive green and soft metallics, every detail was chosen to create a warm and personal celebration. They held their after-party at Scott’s All Day where a communal dining setup boasted a modern European feel. Luxury editorial wedding photographer Tom Keenan captured all the magic from the simple florals to style that exuded quiet confidence and the most darling petite cake idea. Let’s dive in!

It was a modern-day love story for our wonderful couple who met online in October 2018. They tell us, “Somehow, we both just knew. A shared love of business, big ideas, dogs, and good food made it easy to connect – but what really bonded us was something deeper. We were both carrying our own stories, our own traumas, past and present. Together, we built a little bubble – a space to breathe, to heal, and to really see each other. And from that, something strong and lasting grew.”

From the very beginning of their wedding planning journey, the Cambridge-based couple knew they we wanted their celebration to feel like a shared experience rather than a formal event. “Good food, flowing drinks, and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere were our top priorities – we wanted everyone to feel completely at ease and to enjoy a night filled with laughter, conversation, and genuine connection.”

Gonville & Caius College was the dream venue for them and it offered a spellbinding backdrop to their happiest day. “It offered something truly special, the chance to celebrate in such an iconic, historic setting while enjoying drinks and music on the lawn, an experience few ever get to have beyond the porters’ lodge. The historic architecture and soft natural light created a sense of gravitas while our styling choices focussed on clean lines, minimalist florals, and natural materials – bringing a contemporary calm.”

Timeless, modern, and quietly confident, the couple’s wedding day style blew us away. To walk down the aisle Holly’s wore a sleek Odd Muse gown and for the after-party she changed into a drop waist Vivienne Westwood mini dress. Her something blue? Her stunning jewel buckle Manolo Blahnik slingbacks.

Dashing groom Dominic opted for a classic Saint Laurent tux that was refined and effortless polished which he accessorised with Manolo Blahnik shoes.

Every detail felt so personal and it made the celebration feel so special and they sourced elements from their clients and local makers which included their custom-designed rings made in Cambridge and their hand-poured ‘Library scented’ candles by Melissa Harris of Harris of London which were engraved with their initials. “Even our stationery was created by our own creative team, making every element feel like a true reflection of us and the community we’re proud to be part of.”

A bouquet of sculptural calla lilies was the perfect accompaniment for the bride’s contemporary chic look.

Their ceremony was loaded with sweet accents that reflected their lives together. Holly made her entrance to All the Time and Everywhere by Dickie Valentine which was a piece composed and performed by her late grandad for his band, the Keith Peters Big Band. “It was a truly special moment that connected the day to her family’s musical legacy.”

Their ceremony readings included How Falling in Love is Like Owning a Dog by Taylor Mali which was read beautifully by their dear friend Jane Unsworth. “It was a perfect choice given how central our whippets are to everything we do.”

Their aesthetic was an organic culmination of elements they adore. They explain, “We’re drawn more to textures than colours, so we played with foliage, wild flowers, terracotta pots filled with herbs, and vintage smoked glass instead of traditional vases. We didn’t want to follow tradition for the sake of it, so we avoided the expected choices (including roses) in favour of things that genuinely reflect our own style and taste.”

They opted for an intimate dinner party over a traditional reception. The communal dining setup created a personal and modern European feel with monogram candles and bespoke menus included amongst the decor. “The white calla lilies and hydrangeas, paired with olive green menus and candlelight, aimed to deliver understated luxury rather than opulence.”

“Our aim for our wedding aesthetic was effortlessly elegant – refined yet warmly intimate, with a modern, timeless sensibility rooted in Cambridge’s character,” they reflect.

Scott’s All Day was an easy choice for their afters as it has been their go-to spot since they first arrived in Cambridge and it felt perfectly natural to celebrate one of their biggest moments somewhere that already holds so many memories for them. 

As for wedding planning advice they urge couples to to stay true to who they are and to not feel pressured to follow tradition just because it is expected. “If something holds meaning for you, embrace it – but if it’s just to please others, it’s perfectly fine to leave it behind. Focus on creating moments and memories that genuinely reflect you both; that’s what will make the day unforgettable.”

They bought a VW ID Buzz for their honeymoon, packed up their adorable dogs and they set off on the ultimate road trip. “Our route took us from Bordeaux to San Sebastián, through Cannes and St Tropez, across to Lake Como, into Switzerland, and finally to Reims for endless champagne. It was the perfect mix of freedom, food, and adventure, a trip we’d recommend to anyone who loves exploring at their own pace with a touch of spontaneity.”

Finally, how absolutely darling was their Croquembouche cake by Italian baker Debora Di Biscotti? With music from a local Cambridge pub band, they did not do a first dance but they ended the night with Common People by Pulp. Iconic!  

A very special thank you to Holly, Dominic and Tom Keenan Photographer for sharing today’s incredible celebration. Be sure to check out the gallery for even more images from their stunning spring wedding.

Planning a wedding in the UK? Get inspired with more real weddings here!