Emily & Angus

Emily & Angus' wedding coincided with a gorgeous day and England's opening match of the World Cup.  There was no ignoring the football, with many at the wedding having a big involvement in the game.

 Time to finish getting ready .....

 Emily was simply stunning.

 Angus and his groomsmen caught up with the latest football news, had a good laugh and a game of darts.  No sign of nerves yet.

Parking is always tight at St. Matthews Church and minutes before the ceremony, just as the bridesmaids arrived, their way was blocked by this huge machine trying to fit through in the opposite direction.  It looked as if there could be a big problem, but somehow the machine and following tractors and trailers managed to squeeze past just before the bride arrived.

 A slightly more pensive look on Angus now.

 The scene was just perfect outside the church, little wind and a beautiful blue sky.

 The Cobo Bay Hotel was the reception venue.  Speeches were held before the meal and naturally contained a few football references.  Dad's statement that the wedding was the biggest match of the day, went down especially well.

 With such a hot day, the allure of the beach across the road was irresistible for some.

 Back indoors it was time for the first dance, a lovely moment.

 Things then became pretty lively, as everyone throughly enjoyed themselves.

Not very gentlemanly to beat one of your sisters at press-ups!  It was an extremely close contest though.

 As it was getting dark, there was just enough sand at the top of the beach as the high spring tide receded for Emily and Angus to have a quiet moment outdoors.

 The wonderful day finished off with the other match drawing everyone's attention.

Rowena & John

What a spectacular day this was.  Beautiful weather and settings, but also such a great crowd of family and friends all having a wonderful day.

Rowena got ready with her bridesmaids at her parents' home.

 I could have spent ages taking abstract pattern pictures of sections of the dress.

 Lena did the hair and make up, all preparations wernt smoothly with plenty of time to spare.

Meanwhile John and his groomsmen had a good time over breakfast at the Auberge, before making their way to Castel Church for the ceremony.

 The wedding filled the church and the singing was particularly rousing, helped along by the Bel Canto Choir.  Bishop Thomas gave a touching and personal sermon.  He talked about the symbolism of hands, especially appropriate as the couple sat below him holding hands.

 I haven't mentioned the amazing veil that Rowena wore.  The strong backlighting flooding through the church doorway showed this off to great effect as the bridesmaids tended to the veil.

 Then it was drinks on the lawn, with a vibrant garden party atmosphere.

 The marquee was stunning inside and out.

 Speeches were after the meal and gave us touching and humorous moments.

 Soon it was time for the dancing and the first dance was an athletic show.

 The dance floor remained packed for the rest of the night, with the Elastic Band giving a great show of their vast experience.

 The only short break in the dancing was when the ice-cream van arrived...

I am sure this day was what everyone who had planned and organised it had wished for.