Last year my friend Tina & her two sisters arranged a surprise ruby anniversary reception for their parents at the Bear Hotel in Hungerford. Tina asked if I could photograph the celebration of 40 years of marriage. I really enjoyed documenting the day as I knew how very anxious Tina and her sisters where about how their surprise was going to be received by their parents. Luckily for them Martin & Gaynor (the parents) really enjoyed their special day and as you can see from the images below they really had no idea about the surprise.
In the morning Tina took her mum to have her hair done. The other sisters stayed at the hotel decorating the room and welcoming the guests arriving. It was as lovely as a wedding with a harpist playing, a photographer hired
tables with beautiful centre pieces, a bouquet for mum, a seating plan, gift table, champagne, cake and lots of absolutely gorgeous framed old black and white photographs from Martin & Gaynor’s original wedding day decorating the room.
The tables where named after all the places where Martin & Gaynor have lived over the years as they do not like to stay in one place for too long!
The girls all gave a moving and funny speech for their parents. Dad then did really well giving a great speech too considering he had no time at all to plan it.
Below are some of my favourite images from the day. I have included lots of images of Martin & Gaynor’s expressions as they walked round the corner to find all their close family and friends all waiting.
I must say looking at these again makes me feel very guilty on my parents as I only got them a card on their ruby anniversary. I will make it up to them though.
I have to admit the boy had to jump about four times before I captured him in the air!
The bride and groom 
The grooms sister and her family – It was great seeing this family again as I had photographed their friends wedding a few months ago too. I love it when I bump into brides, grooms and guests from past weddings.
The men loved the props the most I think
The ladies
The flower girl was the first at the booth
Walking towards Oxford Street
Looking out for interesting reflections and find this rather yummy one
I was actually lost at this point too and waiting to ask directions 
Easter Time in Oxford Street
Looking at reflections, lines and shapes at the underground station
Beautiful and full of tourists – South bank
Some evening images around London
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