So, it may have been a little on the chilly side, but at least the rain held off! Les and Kath, now in their 70th year of married life together were both on good form and very pleased to see so many people from the family meeting up at Lauraine’s house last Sunday afternoon. The hog roast had been cooking in the back garden since 7.00 that morning and by the time we got to lunch it was full of the flavours you’d expect (if a little off-putting with its eyes still appearing to look at you!)

With good food, fine wine and excellent company came a speech from Philip to encourage everyone to raise a glass to celebrate the previous 69 years of marriage. Not that people needed encouraging, of course!

And then a response speech from Les which I don’t think I’ll ever forget. Packed with meaning, humour and emotion, he spoke with such clarity and thoughtfulness and touched the hearts of everyone there.

I hope I’m as happy as Kath and Les are when I’ve been married 69 years. Tomorrow, Karen and I celebrate our ninth wedding anniversary. Far fewer years but just as happy!

The photographs below are a small summary of the day. If you’d like a complete of them please email simon@bonjourphotography.com and I’ll arrange for that to happen.

Hope you enjoy them!

What an incredible wedding for Sam and Jacqui at Redland Parish Church in Bristol! Firstly, the weather was supposed to be rain all day but it managed to hold off until everyone was sat down enjoying the wedding breakfast. But secondly, I think this was the most moving wedding I’ve ever had the opportunity to photograph.

It’s obvious that Sam and Jacqui are so deeply in love with each other and their whole wedding day was filled with all things love. Love for each other, love for their families, love for friends and love for God.

After a cut-throat shave for the Gents at the 1930s style Patrizio, and a two hour pampering session for the Ladies with the amazing Doug at Hobbs Salon, it was on to a healthy full-english breakfast at the Cafe Cosmopolitan on Whiteladies Road. There’s something great about a bride sporting incredible hair with a fabulous veil while she’s tucking into bacon and eggs wearing jeans and a casual top!

Back at the house, it was time for the dress and then a brief walk down to Redland Parish Church with a set of Converse All-Stars for footwear. I’m sure that Jacqui will remember that walk with her Dad and those few precious minutes before the wedding service for the rest of her life…

With a fantastic band leading the worship (Be Thou My Vision, Awesome God and Before the Throne of God Above) the wedding itself was just electric! Sam and Jacqui’s faces were beaming throughout which was a great sight to photograph! And so many people were involved to share the experience (which included Readings in both English and Cantonese!)

After ensuring the ‘formals’ were covered off swiftly, it was on to the Reception to enjoy a glass of ‘bubbly’, fine canopés good conversation. But I don’t think anyone was prepared for the emotional speeches which left barely a dry eye in the room. Just incredible.

I can’t wait to show Sam and Jacqui all the photographs from the day but below is a small collection of ‘Sneak Peeks’ to summarise the day for those people who couldn’t be there. I’m really looking forward to designing the album for these photographs! Hope you enjoy them.