Otterburn Tower Hotel, Otterburn in Northumberland and St Georges Church, Jesmond,
provided the venues for the wedding of Martine Chapman and Douglas Gray

All is silent at Martine's parent's quayside flat.

nothing stirs - not even a bridesmaids shoe or a buttonhole.

this is handy - as we need them to pose for pictures
before the girls arrive and do the dressing up thing . . . . .

This looks promising . . must be the right place,
guys in morning suits with literature to distribute . . .

Douglas - to the right,
and to the left, his best man Charlie,
a gigantic Rugby player,
are captured near to the church door . .

things to do . . . vicar to see . . . !

Here we have a cheerful video man
(a friend or relation I guess).

Douglas smiles the smile of a feller who is about to be wed.

It must be lonely sitting in that seat.

Just as well he brought 160 guests to keep him company !.

and his lady of course !

Martine negotiates the church porch.

The vicar explained his photography restrictions.

. . . . a total ban . . . . .

oh dear.

I face the vicar with the smile of a man who suddenly opens his door
to find a group of Jehova's witnesses staring at him.

I then collect my wits and plead in the most grovelling manner

and thus obtain a tiny concession . . .

a vicar or priest standing shotgun at the rear of the church,
lets me know with a withering stare
that he's aware that I'm taking a picture.

he is unaware of my tiny concession.

I exploit my tiny concession to the max.

I deploy a lens with a barrel longer than a telegraph pole.

Martine and her father stand to the left,
Douglas and his best man to the right.

Enchanting music drifts through the vaulted church.

a guest does a karaoke spot.

on a serious note - this lady could certainly sing.

her voice was so beautiful - I didn't want her to stop.

Do you really need a caption for this one ?

Oh well - If I must,

couple emerging from dark background into daylight,

camera set on f8 @ 125th second exposure.

are you happy with that ?

A speedy set of formal group pictures ensue.

I'm convinced that the best man Charlie
(to the rear at the centre),
looks a bit like a young Robbie Coltrane.

I didn't say this on the day,
as he's a lot bigger than me . . . .

Technical assistance re : brides dress movements
is provided by a well trained squad of bridesmaids.

(collective term for bridesmaids = squad)

the collective term could also be a flock, a gaggle, a giggle,

or in some cases a panic of bridesmaids . . .

A strange dwelling for white doves
( with radiating perches)
provides a backdrop for Martine and Douglas as they head towards the camera
in order to have a couple of pictures taken.

As promised - we take a couple of pictures.

Martine poses like a goddess.

which in fact she was on that day.

Martine looks something like a fashion model at this point.
hey - every girl is entitled to a day like this . . .

We sneak around the side of the building and find our way blocked by a Marquee . .

who put that there ?

it's to the right of this picture,

you're quite correct - you can't see it.

but we could . . . .

A a hatter has been hatting.

(I know - the correct word is milliner,
but it would sound silly to say
a milliner has been milllining).

I like hats . . . .
(not being in the habit of wearing one like this myself you understand)

gals really look good in them.

Expressions produced by general bonhomie and falling down water.

I am nabbed firmly by the ear and instructed to produce a couple of pictures.

one of which is to the left . . .

sorry . . . . right . .

god I get confused sometimes

Thankfully, things dont get much more formal than this.

yippee . .
we have a relaxed wedding !

But I really like to capture people in their natural state (sounds a bit rude doesn't it !)

with expressions and smiles -
totally unaware of the camera.

Within the marquee -
many bottles of wine and champagne await.

it's good intent.

(terrible pun - feel free to grimace)

Intent.

(I'm persevering with the pun).

Top table :

Douglas looks as pleased as a boy who's been given two bicycles for christmas !

Various smiling inhabitents peg me down and ask for a picture.

(I'm still trying hard with the tent pun)

A smiling guy ropes me in for a picture and then gives the thumbs up.

(ok I'll give up on the tent humour)

a thumbs up.

Our friend Charlie makes his speech.

in order to get this picture,
I dangle gracefully from the marquee roof.

A pause in Martines fathers speech gives a smile to Martine.

It looks as if Martines father is a really happy man.

and Martine - tears of joy I think.

Last picture . . .

a simple portrait.

Ms confused of Otterburn.