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  • Cherry & Duncan’s epic wedding full of fun – with added trampolining action!

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Finally, I’m able to blog this epic wedding, so epic they couldn’t fit it all into one day!

    You might remember their mammoth pre-wedding shoot – brimful of happiness and fun. Well, they had a wedding to match. Cherry, Duncan and their families are all active members of the church as well as the Chinese community. Friends and family travelled from all over the world (from Vancouver to Hong Kong) to witness their union. A rare chance for the bridal party to be together, they hired a house together and the wedding was in fact, just part of a week of fun activities that they had planned!

    This wedding was a combination of both a traditional Chinese and a church wedding. Chinese weddings start with traditional door games and tea ceremonies. The ceremony took place in the church that Cherry went to at school, then I moved on with the bridal party for some photos at a park near Cherry’s home before everyone congregated for the fabulous banquet at Water Sky.

    It was a wonderful day with a great sense of community – everyone being so happy for Cherry and Duncan. They are a really fun couple and when they are around, laughter and smiles are never far away. I’m so happy I could be there to record their wedding for them.

    It was such a big event, I’m going to start off by sharing some pictures of Cherry and Duncan so they’re not lost in the blogpost. Sit back and enjoy!

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    If you’re not familiar with Chinese weddings, proceedings are kicked off with a series of door games, where the bridal party issue challenges to the groomsmen.  This is then followed by traditional tea ceremonies, where the couple serve tea to members of their family. The morning started off relatively serenely with Cherry gettting ready…

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    In the flat next door, friends and family were gathering to prepare for the door games and tea ceremony…

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Some door games are kinder than others. Looks like mischief is afoot here…

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    The boys have arrived!!

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    And the games begin! How determined are these groomsmen to earn access to the bride?

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Pretty determined it seems! First up…dance challenge 🙂

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Next, the taste challenge…

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Some being nicer than others. Luckily for Duncan, the groom was entitled to delegate to his groomsmen. I thought Duncan was pretty smart having so many ushers!

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Yes, Duncan thought so too!

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Third challenge – no hands allowed! Duncan’s brother Terence came all the way from Hong Kong to show everyone how it’s done…

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie ManBristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Followed by this brilliantly photogenic round. I’ll let your imagination get to work on what this challenge was all about! Needless to say it needed his very closest friends (including his brothers Terence and Darren) to step up to the plate!

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    I should probably explain the next photo! This round involved snorting….pepper, it’s just pepper folks 🙂

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Mmmmmm, that feels good!

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    And the penultimate challenge? It’s a Chinese wedding, it’s about the money of course…Duncan, how much do you think Cherry is worth?!

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Having paid a suitably high sum of money for such a fabulous bride, Duncan earnt access to the house. He then had to answer a series of questions and finally…he earnt access to his bride. And doesn’t he look happy about it?

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    But it doesn’t end there! Next….tea ceremony, where the couple kneel and serve tea to their elders. Their offerings are returned with gifts of money and jewellery and blessings for their future together.

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man
    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Despite all that bling, the limelight was still stolen by Cherry’s newborn nephew

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man
    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    A whole new day. And all is calm…

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    The veil was handmade by Cherry’s friend. Amazing!

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Meanwhile, over with the boys…

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Uh-oh, cufflink down! Glue gun to the rescue…

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    All sorted!

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    The wedding took place in the church that Cherry went to when she was at school…

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    This was a super cute idea…guests signed and wrote messages on little wooden hearts which were dropped into a frame

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Contender for biggest group photo ever

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Despite the rain, the bridal party rocked it at this playground

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Yes, Cherry climbed up onto the fort in her dress. Respect!

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Then this awesomeness happened…

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Finally, the couple get a moment to themselves…

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    We haven’t even got to the banquet yet! The Chinese Banquet…with amazing cake made by Cherry  & Ducan’s friend

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    At Chinese weddings, the guest write messages on long red card or fabric

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Cherry in her traditional Chinese bridal gown. Stunning embroidery and check out her newly acquired bling!

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Ready for another round of tea ceremonies

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man
    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Time for the second dress change

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    And a whoooooole lot of toasting!

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man
    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    An amaaazing day! The bridal party went on into the night, but I will just leave you with this shot…

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Congratulations Cherry and Duncan. Thanks for having me along for the day, it was swell! Wishing you the very best of luck in your new life together. Good luck in Hong Kong.

    With thanks to James and Gareth for helping me with this big, big day
    If you’re interested in having documentary wedding photography coverage at your wedding, contact Marie

  • Chinese Door Games!

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    If you’ve never been to a Chinese Wedding before, the it’s traditional to hold ‘door games’ as part of the proceedings. This is where the bridal party set the groom and ushers a series of challenges before he can gain access to the bride. You can see from these images that there is a lot of fun to be had! These are a preview of Cherry & Duncan’s mega wedding. Enjoy…

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man
    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man
    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man
    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man
    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man
    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man
    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man
    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man
    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man
    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man
    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man
    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man
    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man
    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man
    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man
    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

  • Elaine & Sam: 99 yew trees in a traditional Cotswolds village: Gloucestershire engagement photographer

    A quick Christmas Eve post! Say hello to Elaine & Sam, who are childhood sweethearts.

    The chose the picturesque village of Painswick for their engagement shoot. It’s a gorgeous Cotswold village built out of traditional Cotswold stone, with a church and village green in the centre. In fact, their annual apple festival was taking place when we were there, complete with apple-bobbing and hay bales for sitting on. You couldn’t get more quintessentially English! We had to wait for the kids to clear out from the churchyard, which is filled with yew trees. 99 in fact, according to local folklore no more ever

    Elaine and Sam, I look forward to your wedding at the fabulous Manor on the Lake, which will be my first wedding of 2013!

    Happy Christmas and happy new year everyone 🙂

    xx

    01 Elaine & Sam, Painswick - Cotswold wedding photographer

    02 Elaine & Sam, Painswick - Cotswold wedding photographer

    03 Elaine & Sam, Painswick - Cotswold wedding photographer

    04 Elaine & Sam, Painswick - Cotswold wedding photographer

    05 Elaine & Sam, Painswick - Cotswold wedding photographer

    06 Elaine & Sam, Painswick - Cotswold wedding photographer

    07 Elaine & Sam, Painswick - Cotswold wedding photographer

    08 Elaine & Sam, Painswick - Cotswold wedding photographer

    09 Elaine & Sam, Painswick - Cotswold wedding photographer

    10 Elaine & Sam, Painswick - Cotswold wedding photographer

    11 Elaine & Sam, Painswick - Cotswold wedding photographer

    12 Elaine & Sam, Painswick - Cotswold wedding photographer

    If you are interested in an engagement photography session, drop Marie a line.

  • Sinéad & Josh: Sunbeams & Smiles in an English country garden: Bristol wedding photographer

    Bristol Engagement Shoot by Marie Man

    I had to blog Sinéad and Josh’s pre-wedding shoot extra fast as their wedding is in only two days time! I was almost thwarted as my PC kept shutting itself down. I tried lots of tricks and was about to give up, when a huge ball (ball? More like a boulder…) of dust and fluff flew out of the CPU fan. Having coughed up the furball, my PC was much happier and I’m happy to be able to share these images with you…Phew!

    Sinéad is a nanny, but secretly would like to be a children’s librarian and Josh is one of the brains behind Factfinder Guides, travel guides for children, written with input from children (in fact, it turns out that by coincidence, his business partner is a childhood friend, but that’s another story!) Needless to say, they share lots of laughter as well as love, which I think comes through in their images. I came away from my shoot with them all buzzy because they share that kind of love that makes wedding photographers go ‘yay!’ inside 🙂

    Although Sinéad and Josh are from London, they chose to have their shoot at Josh’s parents house and gardens in Bristol where they’ve shared many a happy time. And what a lovely house and garden it is…Josh’s dad renovated it from scratch and his mum had lovingly bought the walled gardens to life, making it a wonderful family home for Josh and his brothers and sisters. In fact, his mum had been working all year on growing flowers for Sinéad and Josh’s wedding, which you’ll be seeing very soon!

    Although we’re in mid-winter and we were just happy that the rain had finally stopped, the sun also burst through and made the images of Sinéad and Josh extra dreamy. I’m totally looking forward to their wedding this Saturday at the Lord Mayor’s Mansion House in Bristol. Ladies and gents, I present you with Sinéad, Josh and a whole load of love…

    Sinéad and Josh Bristol Westbury Engagement Photography

    Sinéad and Josh Bristol Westbury Engagement Photography

    Sinéad and Josh Bristol Westbury Engagement Photography

    04 Sinéad and Josh Bristol Westbury Engagement Photography

    05 Sinéad and Josh Bristol Westbury Engagement Photography

    06 Sinéad and Josh Bristol Westbury Engagement Photography

    07 Sinéad and Josh Bristol Westbury Engagement Photography

    08 Sinéad and Josh Bristol Westbury Engagement Photography

    09 Sinéad and Josh Bristol Westbury Engagement Photography

    10 Sinéad and Josh Bristol Westbury Engagement Photography

  • SNEAK PEEK – Bonnie & Will, Clifton pre-wedding shoot in Bristol

    Bonnie & Will sneak peek

    Quick sneak peek from a pre-wedding shoot in Clifton with stunning couple, Bonnie & Will. Loved shooting with them. More on them in a full blog post soon 🙂

  • South Wales Coast: A stroll by the sea with Marley Hamilton

    Where the Earth Meets the Sea, South Wales documentary photography

    At the end of a recent shoot, I spotted Marley walking in her Ugg boots by the sea.

    I started snapping, she started playing. End of story…and the beginning of this documentary photostory 🙂

    Meet Marley:

    Going for a stroll, South Wales documentary photography

    Playful, South Wales documentary photography

    French Connection, South Wales documentary photography

    Astride, South Wales documentary photography

    Adrift, South Wales documentary photography

    Close Call, South Wales documentary photography

    Marley, South Wales documentary photography

    Glee, South Wales documentary photography

    South Wales headshot photography - Marley Hamilton