I was delighted to be booked to photograph a friend’s Mum and Dad’s Golden (50th) wedding anniversary party. I hadn’t really shot many events like this before and was really looking forward to trying something a bit different. 

When Rachel got in touch, she told me that the afternoon would start with family and friends all meeting at her house for champagne and nibbles, followed by a surprise trip to the church where her parents had made their vows 50 years earlier! She’d spoken with the Vicar, and he agreed to be there to have a chat with them on the day. The last part of the party was a lunch in a private dining room with its own terrace at a lovely restaurant; it all sounded just wonderful.

Rachel and I met a few weeks ahead, to have a “recce” of the different venues. With an event like this, I always like to look ahead. That way I can foresee any lighting issues, find a decent spot to park and seek out potential shoot locations. I always take my camera along for some tests shots too.

On the day of the party, I arrived in plenty of time so that I could get Mum and Dad arriving and their surprise as they met all their friends and relatives. It was so lovely and Rachel had gone to so much effort, even purchasing button holes and a bouquet for her Mum, just like the one she had on her wedding day. After champagne and lots of nattering, we all headed off to the church and, happy to muck in, I had Rachel’s brother and wife in my car to save taking even more cars, and even her nephew was in Jackson’s car seat!!

Attending the church was beautiful; you could see how touched Mum and Dad were by all the effort that had been made. This also allowed for lots of shots of them walking around, meeting with the vicar and then I took some more formal group shots (I was given a list) outside the church. For the last part of the day we all headed over to a local restaurant, where we had more champagne on the terrace. I took lots of pictures here and the last picture I took was of them all sat at the table waiting for their starter, and then I left.

I always enjoy covering afternoon parties for any occasions, sometimes that will be a child’s birthday party, an 80th birthday afternoon tea, a family gathering, baby showers or even wedding showers! This year I’m looking forward to photographing a “rockfest” party for a couple I’ve photographed previously at their joint 40th birthdays in their garden. To find out more, or to book, just get in touchNina@3boysandmephotography.co.uk These shoots are charged an an hourly rate which includes fully edited digital images. For more examples of my sessions please check out the rest of my blog posts here.