The reception marks the end of the days activities it is a time together share food and have fun. Ollie and Jess held their reception in the hall next to the church. I have been in the hall on a number of previous occasions, so I knew that it was going to present problems.

When I attended the rehearsal and saw how it was set up that confirmed the issues. There was limited room around the sides for which the shoot. My choice of lens was fairly easy. I selected my 70 -200 mm which was mainly shot for at f4. This meant I could get in close from pretty much anywhere in the room.

The band had set up earlier in the day on the stage behind the main table. They had installed some LED coloured lights for mood. This created an interesting colour range with the image as I did not use flash.

I will always endeavour to get into a position so that I can capture the people speaking. Once I have got these shots I will turn around and look for the reactions on the bride and groom. Again my main focus is on capturing in emotion.

The cutting of the cake is another tradition at Western weddings. While most people are familiar with the idea, the actual practise of two people using a knife at the same time can be difficult. I have often found it necessary to show couples the best way to actually do the cut. This ensures that we can record it in the best possible way.

The last event that we focus on at a wedding is the first dance. In some weddings this is a simple shuffle around the dance floor. But others go all out and choreograph elaborate performances. It helps to be pre-warned in terms of what’s going to happen.

Ollie’s two sisters and had elaborate arrangements that involve the whole family. Fortunately Ollie didn’t want to follow the same path however they had choreographed a routine.

While I was taking students my daughter switched to Camera to Video mode and we recorded both the dance and short snippet they followed as the others crowded the dance floor.

By this time the lights have been turned off and it was no longer possible to shoot. It was time to pack up go home and rest.