Over the last couple of years, we have been exhibiting at our local wedding shows and have been fortunate to have the wedding team from Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory as our neighbours. Working with Cayla and her team has been a delightful experience, and I’ve been able to learn more about this incredible venue. To gain more in-depth knowledge, I visited the conservatory one winter day with my family. The atmosphere was lovely, filled with lush greenery, birds, and breathtaking butterflies. It was puzzling to me why I hadn’t worked there yet. 

My first Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory Wedding

Cayla noticed my work from other venues and added me to their preferred vendor list for photography. As a result, I connected with a few wedding couples, including Adam and Kelly, who were my ideal clients. We clicked immediately, sharing similar views and values on the importance of the wedding day and the overall documentation process. Once they set their wedding date and time, I started working on logistics and addressing any challenges I had identified during my visit to the venue with my family.

How my 25 years photography experience helped me in this Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory Wedding

Photographing a wedding at the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory was an amazing experience, but not without its challenges.

The Conservatory was warm, which made it comfortable for the guests, but the humidity made it tricky for me as a photographer. While the reception and indoor areas were air-conditioned and great for viewing the displays, as the only photographer that day, I had to be in and out of the Conservatory to capture the real moments of Adam and Kelly’s special day. However, the humidity was so high that it fully fogged my cameras and lenses with water condensation. I was worried I would miss some crucial moments of the bride’s arrival at the ceremony. To solve this issue, I decided to leave two of my cameras and lenses in the Butterfly Conservatory to acclimate and work with my third one outside the humid area. Despite the challenges, I captured some beautiful and memorable moments of Adam and Kelly’s wedding.

Evening Wedding Ceremony

As I prepared for my clients’ wedding, I was mindful of their priorities. We had previously discussed that the ceremony and the photos that followed were the most important aspects of their big day. I arrived early to set up my lights in the ceremony and reception areas to ensure that everything went smoothly. Fortunately, the wedding ceremony was scheduled for 5 pm, after the Butterfly Conservatory closed to the public. This gave me ample time to capture some beautiful photos of the couple getting ready before the ceremony.

It can be challenging to work in some venues for indoor ceremonies scheduled at 5 pm due to the dim lighting caused by the time of day. However, at the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory, this was not a problem. Thanks to the glass covering the Conservatory, the open sky was softened, creating an overcast appearance perfect for photos. 

The ceremony took place under the waterfall area, which posed some challenges for photography, but it was not impossible to capture great shots. The water was turned off during the ceremony, which made things easier. The ceremony itself was so smooth that it was almost over before I realized it. Then came the most exciting part for many couples, including myself: the release of a bunch of beautiful butterflies, which the venue is well-known for. Some stayed on Kelly’s hands, while others flew away, creating an unforgettable moment.

Golden hour at Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory

After the ceremony ended, I was thrilled to capture my clients’ pictures in a photographer’s paradise. The location boasted stunning greenery, diverse colours, and well-lit flowers. Our session in the greenhouse of the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory was brief but delightful. Once we wrapped it up, Adam and Kelly joined their loved ones, eagerly waiting for them in the reception area.

During the first course of the dinner, I used every moment to explore the stunning location to find hidden spots for unique photos. While doing so, I stepped outside and was amazed by the breathtaking view of the sunset right in front of the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory. Even though my couple had just started their meal, I couldn’t resist capturing this incredible moment. I asked Adam and Kelly if we could step outside for five minutes, and they agreed. Adam even suggested that we take some photos with their car. The golden hour light was perfect, and the location and orientation of the Conservatory allowed me to take some beautiful wedding photos of Adam and Kelly.

Picture perfect experience at this wedding venue

Although it was a relaxed day for everyone, I was very busy. Making the most of the venue to provide the best experience for my clients and their guests. It was my first time working there, so I used my expertise to try many things and was pleased with the results. I was happy to see Adam and Kelly enjoying their wedding day and the photography coverage.

With my first experience at this venue, I am excited to take on my next assignment at the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory. I want to thank Cayla for trusting my photography service and recommending me to future wedding couples. 

Looking forward to seeing you at the next Cambridge wedding show!

Credits to below wedding professionals and locations that helped Kelly and Adam’s wedding to be one-of-a-kind.

If you want to see another Cambridge wedding check  Tangi and Stephen’s wedding at Four Father’s Brewery.