What an absolutely fantastic two-day celebration we had in Oxford for Udit and Jasper. I had the pleasure of working with them for over a year, and it was such a joy to help them bring their dream wedding to life. From the very beginning, they were clear that they wanted a celebration that reflected both their backgrounds and personalities. They wanted to combine a traditional Sangeet Night to celebrate Udit’s heritage with a classic English wedding at Lady Margaret Hall. The result was magical and full of love, laughter, colour, and music.
Gail Secker Photography
Sangeet Night at the Ashmolean Museum
The celebrations began with a vibrant Sangeet Night at the Ashmolean Museum, a venue that perfectly suited the energy and grandeur of the evening. Guests arrived to a reception in the Atrium, where the atmosphere was electric, and then moved through to dinner in the Greek and Roman Sculpture Gallery. The catering by Chakra Events from London was absolutely superb, offering a traditional Indian feast that had everyone raving.
We chose a palette of rich reds, golds, and oranges for the evening, with deep red tablecloths and bold floral arrangements created by Flowers by Kirsty. The flowers were dramatic, vibrant, and perfectly matched the celebratory mood. That Event Company provided spectacular lighting throughout the Atrium and Sculpture Gallery, adding a sense of theatre and magic. The stationery, designed by Lynda Athey from Lynda Loves, was exquisite, setting the tone for a truly elegant and joyful evening.
After dinner, guests descended to the vaults where henna artists were waiting to create intricate designs. A Bollywood DJ got everyone on the dance floor, and the energy was incredible. I remember Udit and Jasper telling me that they were not usually dancers, but on the night, their moves were magnificent. Everyone joined in, whether on the dance floor or at the henna stations, and the evening was filled with laughter, music, and fun.
Wedding Day at Lady Margaret Hall
The following day dawned bright and beautiful, with Lady Margaret Hall at its springtime best. The gardens were full of blooms, and the light was perfect for photographs. The ceremony was held at 3 pm in Talbot Hall, conducted by Father Andrew, with the music beautifully provided by Isobelle Austin on the cello and Matthew Raggett on the piano. There is something about live music at a wedding that makes the atmosphere feel intimate and magical, and this ceremony was no exception.
Reception drinks followed in the Old Library, allowing guests to mingle in the stunning surroundings before moving to the Dining Room for dinner and dancing. Kirsty from Flowers by Kirsty created soft pastel arrangements that perfectly complemented the springtime surroundings, and her work truly brought the rooms to life. Lady Margaret Hall can be something of a maze, but the events staff had thoughtfully provided a beautifully drawn map, ensuring that guests could find their way easily. A special touch was the gift of tea from India, provided by Udit’s mother, which delighted guests and added a personal element to the day.
The dinner was a delicious three-course vegetarian meal, and after the cake cutting, the celebrations continued with dancing. The cake, a beautiful semi-naked creation by Samantha from The Pretty Cake Company, was both stunning and delicious. Matt from The Sugar Bumps provided music that perfectly suited the English wedding vibe, a contrast to the Bollywood beats of the previous evening. Later in the evening, guests were treated to a fantastic selection of cheeses for grazing, keeping everyone happily nourished while the dance floor remained full.
Every single moment of both days was beautifully captured by Gail Secker Photography. Her ability to capture not just the events, but the emotion and joy in every photograph, means that Udit and Jasper have memories they will treasure forever.
A Few Words on the Suppliers
For Sangeet Night:
Venue – Ashmolean Museum
Catering – Chakra Events
Planner – Joanna Wilford Weddings
Bar – Bar Simple
Florist – Flowers by Kirsty
Photographer – Gail Secker Photography
Henna Artists – MACH Management
Bollywood DJ – The Sugar Bumps
Lighting – That Event Company
Childcare – Lemonjelly Childcare
Stationery – Lynda Loves
For Lady Margaret Hall:
Catering & Venue – Lady Margaret Hall
Planner – Joanna Wilford Weddings
Flowers – Flowers by Kirsty
Photography – Gail Secker Photography
DJ – The Sugar Bumps
Lighting – That Event Company
Cake – The Pretty Cake Company
Childcare – Lemonjelly Childcare
Ceremony Musicians – Isobelle Austin and Matthew Raggett
Order of Service – Lynda Loves
Working with Udit and Jasper was a dream. Their wedding was a true celebration of love, family, and the coming together of cultures. The energy, laughter, colour, and emotion across both days made it a weekend that none of us will ever forget. Seeing their vision come to life was a privilege, and I feel so lucky to have been part of their journey.