The One with the Wedding
Alternative Wedding Photography Windsor – Prior to their Big Party Becky and Ian celebrated their marriage at Dartford Registry Office. The couple wanted to quietly get married to fulfil the legal obligations required to become husband and wife, so it was an intimate gathering of their nearest and dearest friends and family. They maintained that they wanted to celebrate with their wider group of friends in a very different and very spectacular way…
Becky and Ian’s Big Party
When I saw Becky for our pre wedding meeting and she told me what she had planned for the wedding party I could have done a little dance. Actually, I think I did!
On the day of the wedding reception I arrived early at the top secret wedding party location. Becky was with her ‘Best Girls’ prepping in the top floor. I presented her and Ian with a gift – a framed signing board of a wedding portrait taken the previous week. They were thrilled, but refused to let anyone spoil it with a signature!
I took a few portraits of Bridal prep and enjoyed the buzz about the place, excited by the chaos that was about to descend. It was then a short hop to the guest hotel to board the vintage red route master wedding bus. The venue was down a quiet, unassuming country lane and there were a few moments on that bus when we thought we’d not make it through the trees!
The Great Wedding Bake Off
One of the best things the couple had planned for the wedding party was inviting guests to bake a cake for ‘The Great Wedding Bake Off’ competition. First Prize was afternoon tea at a swanky London hotel and was deservedly won by a cake designed like a garden vegetable patch, with the words;
“Marriage is like gardening, as days go by it blossoms into something unforgettable.”
The couple had also organised entertainment in the form of a caricaturist and a magician. Lunch was an amazing array of barbecued foods including hog and lamb roasts, there was a tea tent for afternoon refreshments served alongside the 25 cake comptition entries. There was the biggest sweet buffet I’ve ever seen, and a simply marvellous cocktail bar serving the very best WooWoos in Windsor.
A Wedding Blessing
Becky’s Uncle performed a very special blessing of their wedding in the garden marquee. Rings were exchanged – Becky gave Ian some precious metal and Ian gave Becky his boat. I think it was a fair swap.
Then their good friend Katie recited once again (to some muffled and not so muffled laughter from the congregation) the famous Owl and the Pussycat poem;
“O lovely Pussy! O Pussy, my love,
What a beautiful Pussy you are,”
In a nod to the family’s Jewish faith a Chuppah had been erected under which Becky and Ian stood. The Chuppah was supported at the corners by four of their closest friends and brothers. Seven blessings (The Sheva Brachot) were recited by family and friends, and then Ian had the duty of successfully breaking the glass; Mazal tov!
One Very Big Party
Guests then commenced with evening celebrations – the most wonderful band struck up, sister in law sang. The happy couple weren’t going to have a First Dance, but changed their minds at the very last minute. It was lovely, and Great Aunt Dot even made an appearance to share a dance with the happy couple.
After the third encore the band played out and the DJ took over. Curry was served (yes, authentic Indian cuisine was bussed in especially for the occasion), glow sticks were snapped, confetti was thrown. So much fun was had by all, we were very sorry to see the routemaster return to collect guests at midnight!
Congratulations Ian and Becky, your wedding and party were absolutely wonderful and it was a pleasure to be a part of them. I wish you every happiness for your future together.
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