I can't wait to go skiing with these guys in January

Every 6-weeks I take Monty to his personal stylists, Verity & Lyndsey at The Hound Groom in Locks Heath. His last trip was a Friday in July, which worked out quite well as we were due to catch up with Finn and his folks for a walk and a few photos on the Monday.

So after handshakes, cheek kisses, high fives and a tail wag we were set to pound the path of Southampton Common with Monty looking mighty fine … then this happened….

Emma & Ed were whisked away from the Church in a turquoise Rolls Royce with pink ribbons. Although it didn't quite make it all the way to the reception they still arrived in style when their friends picked them up in a rather snazzy Range Rover. It was a little too breezy for wedding photos on the beach so we took advantage of the flower gardens behind The Alverbank. After a few relaxed group photos it was time to lose the hats, loosen the ties and have themselves a party.

If you combine Emma's French finesse with her Event industry experience this is what you get … a summer afternoon of guests mingling over a scrumptious BBQ, kids running around a confetti decorated lawn after reaping the rewards of the piñata, tables of individual decorative tea cups, mouth watering cup cakes, a perfect wedding cake, beautiful flowers and speeches that have enough laughter to wash away the tears of emotion … and not forgetting, the funkiest of photo booths for when the evening guests arrived.

I know after speaking with clients, Bride's often wonder what it will be like having a photographer around when they have a house full of people all getting ready on a wedding morning. I'm a kick-off-my-shoes at the door and get clicking type of photographer. I don't ask a bride to pretend to put on some eyeliner or stop the Bride's mum so that I can take a picture of her putting on a necklace and I wouldn't dream of poking a Bridesmaid in the eye to make her look more 'emotional' … everything is photographed 'as it happens'. However, there's a fine line between getting the photo and getting in the way. I guess the equivalent type of house guest might be a good comparison … I'd be the sort that wouldn't mind opening a cupboard door or two to find where to put the crockery away rather than leaving a pile of plates on the side but I wouldn't help myself to the contents of the fridge.

Anyway, back to Emma & Ed's wedding …

I love the feeling of not knowing what to expect when I've pulled up to the Bride's house for Getting Ready wedding photos. As you walk up to the house you've no idea what's going on behind the door, it could be mayhem, it could be champers in full flow, relaxed pampering, tears, laughter, anxiety or just a house full of love. At Emma & Ed's pad it was all of the above. After photographing Emma and her Bridesmaid's transformation from stunning to stunning'er, I made my way to the Holy Saviour Church in Bitterne, which for Ed and the boys was conveniently located next to the Red Lion pub.

Here's the first of two parts of their wedding in pictures.

Hazel put together a plan of such military precision (I'm guessing it has something to do with her Naval DNA) that come rain or shine their wedding day was going to be enjoyed and celebrated by everyone there … and it was.

The ceremony was held at St Faith's Church in Havant and the wedding reception at HMS Collingwood.

Just so everyone is clear … Hazel's Dad is a plumber!

There really is so much that I can write about Natalie & Stewart's wedding that I risk filling the page with text rather than photos and as a photographer I like to think I know which I'm better at.