East Meets West at Portsmouth Register Office

Raymond and Sam were married at Portsmouth Register Office at the end of May 2015. Many of their friends and family only spoke Chinese (of one form or another) and some didn't speak any english at all.

But this day was a very English affair. It was the legal part of their marriage conforming to UK law but also very English in its traditions and dress.

Sam looked fabulous in her white wedding dress, veil and flowers...

 ...and looked absolutely perfect against her sunlit venue with its beautiful gardens together with blue skies and fluffy white clouds.

Being the end of May meant that the wisteria was out and what a pretty picture it made framing the faces of the gorgeous newly-weds.

Whilst this day was very English in its traditions, the following week Raymond and Sam would have another wedding, this time with full Chinese traditions including a red wedding dress, a dancing lion (looked like a Chinese New Year's dragon to me), nearly 300 guests and a twelve course meal.

But this day was very English, quiet, reserved and wonderfully tender. Raymond and Sam were a gorgeous bride and groom and are lovely people and their friends and family treated us as though they'd known us forever. It was a really lovely day at so many levels.

Congratulations Raymond and Sam and we both wish you the fondest wishes for your future together.

by Steve Dunster

2 June 2015