Susan & Oby

This certainly was a wedding with a difference, vibrant and colourful throughout.

I started with the hairdressers, this can take quite a long time, but there are always some good moments to capture needing concentration not to miss the best expressions and to find strong compositions in the confines of a busy salon.

One of my favourite images that really tells a story

 I am always pleased to try to take any specially requested pictures.  This is one rather sweet and elderly lady that a lot of people are rather fond of....

While the bride and bridesmaids were continuing their preparations it was time to see what the groom was up to.  Laid back and relaxed was one way to describe things, while everyone else was fully dressed Oby was still walking around with a towel around his waist!

The best man also had to perform a bit of hairdressing himself!

Is this a small sign of a few nerves?

Susan looked really stunning.

Weddings with Rev. Northover at the Vale Church are always entertaining, with everyone having a great time.

 

 The children were impeccably behaved throughout the day,  

 There are also off beat moments to look out for, as well as the obvious moments to photograph.

Karen, my wife and assistant, is good at spotting a good opportunity as below.

The couple were transported in a stunning Riley car, we found time for a quick stop for some pictures on the way to La Grande Mare Hotel for the reception.  It was nice to make use of some spring colour.

Talking of colour, the couple changed to traditional Nigerian costumes when they arrived for the reception.  All I can say is wow, what amazing outfits.  I love events which bring a mix of cultures.

The speeches took place before the food and provided plenty of funny moments.

With night falling we popped out briefly to take a couple of pictures between courses.

As I mentioned before, quite breathtaking outfits.  I was pleased to take something that captured the mood and colours so effectively.

One more change for the bride, as Susan went back into her wedding dress for the first dance.  This was a beautiful and touching moment before everyone else joined in on the dance floor.

All ages joined in with obvious enthusiasm, I don't think I have ever seen such smooth dancing at a wedding reception, wonderful.

Finally the day drew to a close, this certainly was a memorable event.  Best wishes to Susan and Oby for their future together.

Guernsey Choral and Orchestral Society

What better way to get into the festive spirit of Christmas than to go to the Guernsey Choral and Orchestral Society Christmas Concert.  Last Saturday evening there was a distinct winter chill outside, even some snow remained on the pavements of Town from earlier in the day.  I was at St. James to take a few pictures of the proceedings.  I have been too busy to put much on my blog recently, but couldn't resist a few images of this event.

Light conditions at such events are always an extreme challenge, but Guernsey is so lucky to have such a beautiful building for events like this.  The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, the music and singing were amazing.  All this set against the stunning interior as you can see in the images below.  I am more used to seeing St. James decorated for weddings, this time we had all the Christmas decorations.

The main picture we wanted was to get the orchestra and choir together prior to the commencement of the evening.

I am used to being discreet and unobtrusive and this is essential for jobs of this nature. It is of the utmost importance to me not to disturb anyone's enjoyment of the evening.  So where I was able to I took the opportunity to take a few other compositions, there is always a host of photographs to take at events like this.

After the interval the children came on stage, this is always delightful.

I am always on the look out for something different and visually exciting, I really enjoy the next image, though it was tricky to get the right moment with the conductor's actions.

We were treated to an expressive narration of a Christmas story before Father Christmas made an apperance!

I was able to take a few shots of some of the musicians.

The evening drew to a close with the audience participating in some carols, I certainly felt that this evening really meant that Christmas was almost here.  There will be further pictures for viewing very shortly from the Buy Prints, Events area of my website.

Katie & Ben

Katie & Ben had a wonderful winter wedding.  Beautifully themed and detailed throughout, this was a pleasure to cover.  Appropriately we will start with a selection of details of the jewellery and accessories.

 The morning was fairly hectic, an early service necessitated a bit of running around to fit everything in from both the bride and groom's perspective.

 Fortunately my wife and assistant Karen covered the groomsmen having a swift drink and walking to the church.

 The service was held at Notre Dame, a church I have memories of as a child.  I still admire the architecture and the stunning roof design.  Karen was able to cover a few nice moments before the bride arrived at the church.

  

 A brief stop for pictures on the way to The Venue for the reception meant we had to put up with a cold and brisk wind.  But no sign of the previously forecast heavy rain.

 The reception area was really delightful, the winter theme was perfect.  Here's a small selection of the details we found.

 The speeches took place before the meal, the participants were then free to enjoy their food with no further duties to worry about!

 No respite for myself though, rings, flowers and a cake to photograph.  I was especially pleased with this creative shot of the rings, it took me a while to execute with a bit of ingenuity, but the result was well worth it.

 

 The early darkness gave us even more opportunity to have some fun with whatever light was available.  I love low light challenges.

 As the evening progreesed it was time to take to the dance floor.   Some took the chance to get a bit of practice in before Katie & Ben took to the floor.

The young and not quite as young took to the floor.

 While some chose a more modern form of entertainment.

 Some frantic activity saw out the evening.

 Eventually the night came to an end and the party was over.  A truly memorable day.

Hope you enjoy this preview of Katie and Ben's wedding, my last wedding of the year, a great way to end this season.  Don't be shy, please leave a comment if you thought this blog was worthwhile.