Aliza + Tarun in Oxford

Oxford is one of my favourite places in the country so I was looking forward to returning there for Aliza and Tarun’s wedding. I’m probably not doing myself any favours but I’m not sure pictures can quite describe what was a truly incredible weekend.

You just had to be there.

It all kicked off with a very English welcome at Aliza’s old stomping ground, St Edmund Hall, with champagne and strawberries and cream.

The majority of the guests made the journey from India and the US where both Aliza and Tarun are from.

We took a barge to The Perch where we spent the rest of the day. Hats off to the friendly staff who made all of us feel so welcome.

Aliza’s parents have always been a huge guiding influence to her and it was touching to hear her speak of them and of their 40 happy years together.

The next day I headed over to the Old Bank Hotel to catch all the preparations.

There were so many personal touches. Aliza wore the same shoes she wore on her first date with Tarun; the veil was her mother’s, the pearls her grandmother’s. Aliza’s mother wore vintage Armani, circa the year her daughter was born. Lovely!

Aliza’s entrance with her father into the medieval Divinity School at The Bodleian Library was simply breathtaking.

We then headed to Merton College, where we were treated to a fabulous (no, really, it was something quite special!) five course meal. Tarun is a self-confessed uber-foodie and there’s no doubt that he was involved in selecting the menu.

The party continued into the wee hours at The Vaults and Garden where we took the opportunity to grab one last portrait.

But it doesn’t end there. I’m really looking forward to Part Two later this year in Louisiana for their Indian extravaganza. I’m also looking forward to lots of the red stuff!

Please feel free to leave a message for Aliza and Tarun.