At the altar of an ornate but intimate 300-year-old college chapel, Adriel and Michelle tied the knot after seven years of long distance. A profound sense of gratitude hung in the air as Michelle walked down the aisle towards Adriel. They had waited nearly three years to get married (Adriel worked as a doctor in Scotland throughout the pandemic while Michelle was in Malaysia) and now they were reunited in the ancient city of Oxford where Adriel is pursuing his specialty training and Michelle is completing her doctorate studies.

The couple decided to keep their wedding day simple because they didn’t have their core support network in Oxford to help with the planning and wanted to focus on enjoying each moment with their loved ones who travelled for their special day. After the emotional chapel ceremony, guests crossed the city to the couple’s favourite restaurant, a bijou, family-run French restaurant for lunch before a spontaneous afterparty which continued the celebrations late into the night at a local pub for a more relaxed setting.

‘We skimped on flowers (the chapel was so beautiful we felt flowers wouldn’t do it justice), sent e-invitations via WithJoy, and bought all our clothes off-the-rack. We invested in a good live streaming service for friends and family around the world, and made sure that we had rings that, with time, could become family heirlooms. Our priorities became very clear to us during the pandemic – being able to celebrate momentous occasions with our loved ones was already privilege and joy enough.’

Venue: Pembroke College Chapel, Oxford University

Photographer: Stephen Yau Weddings

Wedding Dress: Monsoon

Bridal Shoes: Paradox London

Groom’s Suit: Moss Bros

Groom’s Shoes: Loake

Batik Ties and Pocket Squares: Desa Heritage

Reception (Lunch and Dinner): Pierre Victoire, Little Clarendon Street

Make up: Bride Michelle herself