Suzanne and Neil’s humanist wedding at The Three Pigeons
Suzanne and Neil's wedding was a celebration of family, with their blended family of seven adult children playing a central role. As someone from a blended family myself, I understood the significance of including everyone in their special day.
They decided to hold their wedding at their local pub, The Three Pigeons, where they frequent regularly. They are friendly with the staff, so naturally, they were just as much part of the day as the guests.
They were so welcoming and treated me as a long time friend! It was truly a pleasure to be part of their day.
Getting Ready
Getting ready at a hotel in Colchester with the entire family was chaotic but it only added to the excitement of the day. Suzanne's sisters helped get her ready before they all embarked on a coach trip to the local park for portraits.
The Portraits
This wedding was anything but traditional, reflecting Suzanne and Neil's desire to create a day that truly resonated with them. Opting for portraits before the ceremony in a local park set the tone for a unique and personal celebration.
The Ceremony
I had photographed a few humanist ceremonies before but they had followed the same structure as a traditional ceremony. This was the first one I had experienced that included alternative rituals such as the ring warming.
My most favourite part was the 'tying the knot' where each of their 7 children placed a colourful ribbon over the couples hands. Zoe, the celebrant, did her magic and then the bride and groom tied the knot! So symbolic, colourful, different and fun.
The Reception
One of the most memorable moments was during the wedding breakfast, when a singing waiter surprised everyone with his energetic performance that got everyone up on their feet singing and dancing. (Well, I knew - never keep a secret from your photographer! It was a joyful and fun-filled celebration that perfectly captured the spirit of Suzanne and Neil's commitment to each other. I'm so pleased I was able to witness it and preserve it in photos for them.
