Anyhow, in all seriousness, I was really looking forward to this one. I was introduced to Kim through her big brother Rob, a close school friend of my wife. After attending Rob and Erika's wedding a couple of years ago and witnessing the family traditions shenanigans I was quite sure we were in for a treat. 

Ned graced me with his talented presence on the way up to Manchester and we met with the girls in one of the lovely bridal suites at the Radisson in Manchester. With some pretty incredible light coming in through the giant softbox windows we covered the prep, with the babble of the many bridesmaids in the background and a few quiet moments with Kim's parents.

Following a lovely ceremony at St Anselm, we took the group photos in front of the University buildings before heading back over to the hotel. With some great speeches, including some post it notes messages to Kim's mum and dad from yesteryear, the party got swinging. Half way through the dancing, Kim was stolen away (a family tradition) by her family and brought down the street to a bar for a couple of shots! It looks like she enjoyed the experience and came through smiling. The evening rounded out with a surprise for Kim - perhaps one of Kevin's traditions?

Thanks to Rob and Erika for the recommendation!

All of the photos can be viewed HERE.

With a charming family home buzzing with the chatter of Mary's sisters (x4!), there was never a dull moment! A little surprise in the form of a beautiful Packard drew up outside, luckily going unnoticed until Mary opened the front door. 

After the ceremony in the Salve Regina chapel, we headed over to Goat Island Marina for a tented reception, with some great speeches (I always approve of a good grilling) as the sun set over the island. 

All the best to the newlyweds and thank you for letting me be part of your special day.

View all of the images here: http://photo.brownphotographic.com/maryericwedding 

Slideshow (with sound) - ask Mary for password

When I mentioned to fellow photographers here about this, the reaction was of course "oh no - your shooting your own brother's wedding?"... but when I told them where it was being held - a 12th century castle in the Cotswolds, the response was always "do you need a second photographer?".

Given that nothing ever, ever happens in Gloucestershire, I was quite surprised by the long and eventful history of the place:

- Origins dating back to Norman times (1000's).

- Stone structure first built in 1154 to help defend / attack the Welsh and later finished by the Berkeley family in 1189.

- King John seized it in 1216 after the owners opposed him.

- Edward II, an unpopular King, was held prisoner here and was rumoured to have been murdered by his captors.

- In the 1640s it survived a seige during the Civil War.

- The very first American Thanksgiving was held by a Berkeley man.

- Adding to that fine list, James Brown was married to Stephanie in 2010 (my parents continue to deny they knew anything about THE James Brown back in 1976).

Traditional English weddings are a little different to the American events:

- There are the colourful hats, fascinators and penguin suits. 

- It is rare to have any more than two to three bridesmaids and they follow the bride down the aisle.

- The speeches are usually extremely long and embarrassment humiliation is the number one objective.

- Lastly, the best part is they can last all day; this one was from 12 until 12. I never hear anyone complaining that they go too fast!

I won't say too much else about the day, other than it was an absolute pleasure being able to photograph the event for someone so close. It was wonderful to meet Steph's family who are now a most welcome part of ours and a delight being able to catch up with my extended family, who I rarely see. Most of all I'm overjoyed for them both, and so happy that Steph thought the Browns were a good clan to be part of! 

GUESTS: you can view all of the photos and order prints here: http://photo.brownphotographic.com/stephjameswedding

To view the slideshow below, enter Steph's maiden name as the password:

I met with Byan who seemed a little nervous, but was put at ease by his Best Man little bro. With the ceremony running a little late, I sprinted to the car to get over to Post Office Square for the formals as the skies got darker and darker. Photos of the couple were moved inside, which actually isn't too bad inside the State Room! Some creative use of a long lens, a softbox and an ever capable Doug (everyone should have a Doug; sadly he's mostly shooting his own these days) holding the light made for some cool portraits in front of the Custom House Tower. The partying then commenced with the guests enjoying the incredible views as the pair received a classic grilling in their speeches before packing in the dancing. 

Congrats to the happy couple!

With a small, intimiate ceremony planned for a park in Cambridge, followed by dinner at the Harvard Faculty Club, I travelled alone on an extremely humid Saturday into Harvard Square. Walking past the USA v England footie match (how embarrassing), the sky didn't look at all forgiving as I approached the Charles Hotel. After meeting with the bride and groom it was clear the day was to be relaxed and a close affair and their totally welcoming nature, along with the rest of their family made my day thoroughly enjoyable. As an aside, while downstairs snapping a few photos of Hannah's little Hawaiian niece and her mother, my always giveaway accent led us to find out that they had a vacation home just a few miles from my family home  in the Cotswolds - we even go to the same pub - small world!

So the park ceremony had to be called off, so the beautiful venue of the Harvard Faculty Club was on stand-by as the heavens opened. Their closest friends and family looked on as the two declared their personally written vows to each other. We managed to sneak a few photos under some of the porches surrounding the club, then two proceeded on to enjoy a wonderful evening of fine food and great toasts. 

It was an absolute pleasure meeting and photographing you and your family Hannah and Tom! I wish you all the best on your journey and with such fine company on your wedding day you've got the best companions to make it with.

View all of the photos HERE.

To view the slideshow below (contains music), enter Hannah's maiden name as the password (lowercase)