Photographing a wedding at West Bromwich Register Office, Sandwell Country Park and the Kitchen Garden Café, Kings Heath
The Birmingham Wedding of Andrew & Runa
Photographers: Andrew and Sarah
Locations: Sandwell (West Bromwich) Register Office,
Sandwell Valley Country Park Visitor Centre
and the Kitchen Garden Café, Kings Heath
Our friends Andrew and Runa invited us to their wedding as guests and photographers, and it was an absolute joy to go. As well as honouring many years’ friendship as families, we knew that this wedding would be a photographic treat. So it proved!
The wedding was in three parts: a civil ceremony at the register office, lunch and an Islamic Nikkah at Sandwell Valley Country Park and a Christian blessing with a sit down meal at the Kitchen Garden Café. It was a marathon day, but one we would treasure. It was a great privilege to photograph it.
Thank you, Runa and Andrew, for making us your wedding photographers!
A favourite shot? Hard to pick one, but the colour and joy of the exchange of garlands in the Nikkah stands out as a lovely moment.
Part One: The Civil Ceremony
Location: Sandwell (West Bromwich) Register Office, Highfield House, West Bromwich
The day started misty and very cold. But it was dry through the whole day, and the light had a quality which made the photography a joy.
The old West Bromwich Town hall, just across the road, loomed out of the fog in the dawn light when we arrived for the first ceremony. That sight was the highlight – until we saw Runa! In her wedding finery she was as beautiful as a bride can be. And Andrew’s traditional suit looked surprisingly good on him too!
Part Two: the Nikkah
Location: Sandwell Valley Country Park
The Nikkah was the most interesting part of the day in the sense of its “differentness”, compared to most weddings I have photographed. The ceremony has plenty in common with Western weddings, though, and things weren’t hard to follow. The beauty and colour of clothes, decorations, food – all of it was a delight. The Imam was friendly and explained things clearly, and it was really interesting to compare theologies, so to speak.
After a lovely lunch, with a wide variety of food, was followed by group shots in a large room, followed by photos of the bride and groom walking in the park. These are the main portraits from the day.
Part Three: The Christian Blessing and Reception
Location: The Kitchen Garden Café, Kings Heath, Birmingham
The day ended with a brief Christian blessing service at the café, followed by a feast with speeches and cake. A lengthy, exhausting and glorious day!
Whether you need a wedding photographer for a quick ceremony only, or for a three part marathon, please call Andrew King today on 07983 787889 or, if preferred use the form on the contact page.