Maia & Matt’s Wedding at Stowe House

Morning Prep at Horwood House

The day began at Horwood House Hotel, where both Maia and Matt were getting ready in separate rooms. Maia was joined by her parents and bridesmaids, while Matt prepared with his groomsmen.

The Helicopter Transfer to Stowe House

A single helicopter was arranged to transport the wedding party between Horwood House and Stowe House, flying back and forth throughout the morning.

Matt and his groomsmen travelled first, enjoying a celebratory drink before take-off. Once they had safely arrived at Stowe, the helicopter returned to collect Maia and her bridesmaids. I photographed the guys preparing to board, then headed ahead to Stowe to capture Maia’s dramatic arrival.

Final Preparations at Stowe House

After arriving at Stowe House, Maia was taken to an elegant room within the house to finish getting ready ahead of the ceremony. Away from the guests and the grandeur of the Marble Hall, this was a calm, intimate space where she stepped into her dress and had the final touches taken care of.

A Ceremony in the Marble Hall

Maia and Matt’s ceremony took place in the Marble Hall and was filled with emotion from start to finish. Laughter, quiet moments, and huge smiles filled the space as the couple became husband and wife in one of Stowe House’s most iconic rooms.

Confetti on the South Portico Steps

After the ceremony, Maia and Matt exited onto the South Portico Terrace, where guests lined the steps ready with confetti. It was loud, joyful, and wonderfully chaotic, with hugs, cheers, and congratulations coming from every direction.

Champagne, Magic & Unscripted Moments

As guests enjoyed drinks and canapés on the terrace, the celebrations continued at a more relaxed pace. Magician Gary Schiffman entertained guests throughout the drinks reception, creating laughter, surprise, and plenty of animated reactions.

Portraits

For couple portraits, Maia and Matt had arranged a golf buggy, allowing us to explore some of the most scenic locations across the Stowe Gardens.

We visited the Temple of Ancient Virtue, the Temple of British Worthies, and the Palladian Bridge. I also took images across Octagon Lake, with Stowe House framed perfectly behind them. One of my favourite images from the day.

Family & Wedding Party Group Photos

Group photos followed on the steps, making the most of the scale and symmetry of the house. From a large group shot of all guests to smaller family and wedding party combinations, everything was kept relaxed and efficient so guests could quickly return to enjoying the reception.

Pig Racing

Three pigs, named Porka Radcliffe, Oscar Pigtorius, and the lightning-fast Uswine Bolt, competed in a hilarious and heart-warming race. The laughter was instant and infectious, and one of my favourite candid moments was Maia and Matt feeding the pigs afterwards.

The Marble Hall Set for Dinner

Before guests took their seats, I documented the Marble Hall setup in full. The tables, florals, lighting, and scale of the room came together beautifully, creating a wedding breakfast setting that felt both elegant and fun.

Speeches Full of Laughter & Emotion

Speeches followed the meal, delivered by the bride and groom, parents, maid of honour, and best man. There was a brilliant mix of heartfelt moments and humour, with plenty of laughter and a few emotional pauses along the way.

Cutting the Cake

Maia and Matt cut their cake surrounded by friends and family, another lively moment before the evening celebrations really got going.

Live Music & Dancing

As the evening unfolded, She Music Global, a brilliant all-female band, filled the dance floor almost instantly. Later, a DJ took over, keeping the party going late into the night.

Fireworks

Just when it felt like the day couldn’t deliver anything else, guests were led back out onto the South Portico Terrace for a fireworks display over the gardens.

An unforgettable finale to an extraordinary wedding at Stowe House.