The wedding of Dionne Elliott and Darren McKee,
at St Marys Cathedral, Newcastle upon Tyne followed by a reception at the Old Assembly Rooms.

This English summer lives up to it's name,
and just as the nice man on the TV weather forecast explained.

we have a day of showers.

drat.

never mind - such things happen.

we're not going to let a little thing like the weather spoil anything.

Here we have Dionne and her mum and dad,
sheltering in the doorway -
your friendly photographer is reasonably waterproof
and can take pictures from outside.

At the Cathedral, the bride is traditionally a little late.

In the meantime,

here we have a priest choosing his favourite bouquet.

(they are identical - don't tell him though).

he bridesmaids notice a slight lull in the rainshowers,
leap outdoors and stand expectantly on the steps awaiting Dionne.

I like this picture, because it tells a story -
but I'm convinced that I've made the building look like a mediaeval rocketship.

Quick as a flash, things start to happen.

Dionne arrives,
she swooshes up the aisle.

and looks spectacular.

(try saying she swooshes up the aisle after you've had a couple of drinks).

Totally unnoticed - my camera slides imperceptibly past the front pews
and reveals Dionne and Darrens family watching the wedding.

Actually - I think they might have noticed me - but I did choose a lull in the proceedings to make these pictures.

Do you take this woman to be . . .

you bet !

picture taken on a long lens,
very low light level.
with no flash used.
so as not to disturb anyone.

photographer propped against a stone column instead of a tripod.

it's a wonder we got a picture at all !

There's always some paperwork involved . . . here the register is signed.

I'm looking for something interesting
so I photograph the scene from the brides viewpoint.

this makes quite a bit of sense actually -
most photographers choose to show the couple - not what the couple saw . . .

The weather is becoming better.

well - the rain has stopped !

this means that confetti has a chance to float on the breeze
and doesn't stick like papier mache.

Theres an old saying,
avoid children and animals,
they'll steal the show.

the old adage proves true again -
especially in the case
of the young man above
who clearly doesn't wish to be involved
but his shyness
gives an extra dimension to the picture.

Darren finds it totally unnecessary
at this particular moment,
to use words to express his feelings.

I think that the expression says it all !

hah - groom with bouquet.

We arrive at the Old Assembly Rooms for the wedding breakfast,
it's a good idea to make a picture at this point.

(photographer with sensible head on again).

Darren, his best man and ushers investigate the effects
of alcohol free champagne.

it only hits you when you step outside into the fresh air

The guys decide to have a road race on piggy backs.

naturally all road vehicles need warning instruments.

so the guy on the left operates his home made car horn.

The horn is really easy to operate

with a sharp twisting motion
pull it's ear sharply and it makes a high pitched yelp,
thus warning passers by of your approach.

I run for it backwards.

why do I get the feeling that I'm about to be mown down ?

ah - it's because the maniac
with the home made car horn is in the lead.

Dionne and Darren head towards us,
I think they want some pictures taken.

cease merriment - focus camera - act sensible . . . .

We spot a hen party wending its way up the street - and ask if they can help out with our arty poses.

the girls pose gracefully
whilst Darren appears to be wondering what's hit him.

maybe he's dreaming all this . . . .

After a little while,

the promised arty shots are produced.

Darren loses no time in obtaining an opportunity to kiss his lady.

I thought I'd better end this page
with a sensible picture.

Darren and Dionne will have absolutely stacks of pictures to choose from,
only a few of which are shown here.

finis. end. that's it folks.