Civil Partnership of Jeff and Simon

We have just returned from a brilliant weekend in London photographing Jeff and Simon's civil partnership and the inspired celebrations which took place the rest of the day and into the night. Earle and I met Jeff and Simon over two years ago while we photographed the wedding of Steff and Rob, very dear friends of theirs and following this we were invited to photograph the massive birthday party Simon threw for Jeff, so to be invited to meet up with them and all their fantastic friends and family again for this lovely event was something Earle and I had been looking forward to tremendously.
We met up at Simon and Jeff's home where their guests were gathering before all jumping on to the coach to Westminster Registry Office at the Old Marylebone Town Hall. The registrar here was pure gold dust - she was completely relaxed and welcoming even dancing to the music as the guests walked into the ceremony room, oh what joy! The ceremony was delightful with Simon and Jeff's closest friends and family around them it was intimate and emotional all of which we were able to photograph, capturing beautiful images throughout.
Chandos House was the destination for reception drinks and lunch, an elegant boutique hotel and restaurant in the centre of town, then we were all taken to our hotel to prepare for the massive evening celebrations at the Museum of Garden History which is in fact a converted church and stands next to The Archbishop of Canterbury's residence at Lambeth Palace. Earle and I grabbed the opportunity of our superb location to capture some extremely pleasing shots of Simon and Jeff by the river with the surrounding landmarks all floodlit with stunning effect.
Once all Simon and Jeff's guests had arrived at the museum and were enjoying their hospitality the time came for the Caberet which was provided by a select number of their friends and Simon himself! The show was launched by Nat who sang brilliantly 'Let's get the party started!' - everyone obliged!!!!! Nat's performance was followed with several more acts which included Simon's delightful solo to Jeff all contributing to a fantastic show culminating with everyone joining in singing the last number 'American Pie'. Then the dancing started and just kept going.
Earle and I thank you Simon and Jeff, for the generosity and hospitality you extended to us, it was great to see you both and your friends again, we are priviledged to have been a part of your special day.
Enjoy your pictures - we think you will see how much everyone there loved being part of it!

Anna and Stuart wedding

Christmas just around the corner and Anna and Stuart totally steal the show with their beautiful wedding day. It was a marvellous mix of style, romanticism, festival and togetherness. The wedding was late in the day so given the date 22nd December, the day after the shortest day of the year it was inevitable the photography was going to have a rather different edge to it. This was fantastic for Earle and me as we always love working in challenging environments, when the mist started rolling in after the ceremony and the light was dropping incredibly fast the whole atmosphere was given the most lovely quiet serenity which we were able to make the most of with Anna and Stuart at the location of Evening Hill at Sandbanks while en route from their church at Lytchett Minster to the reception venue at Compton Acres. Once at Compton Acres where all the guests had travelled to by red London bus, Anna and Stuart walked through to the Italian Gardens where Earle and I were able to capture more romantic shots of them both by the water and in the fairytale grotto. Once Anna and Stuart reached their guests everyone was ready for the big group image which was to be outside - it was by now of course completely dark!!! Well thanks to the festive lighting around the Italian Garden and a little bit of extra help from us it was a resounding success.
The party after the wedding breakfast was buzzing immediately with everyone joining in the dancing with Anna and Stuart, the celebrations were going on well into the night with the Bride and Groom looking completely radiant.
The entire day was so fantastic, warm and thoroughly enjoyable. Anna you looked marvellous and Stuart looked the happiest man on earth! Very many congratulations to you both, enjoy your photographs!