I made the decision to risk missing my flight back to Manchester for a chance to spend an hour running through Manhattan marvelling at the architecture, the history, the people and all that is New York.

It was totally worth it.

I made it back to JFK with 30 minutes to spare.

I’m closest to #5 these days, but I’d kill to have #24.  He looks like he’d be smooth with the ladies.

And a big thanks to her boyfriend for taking on the role of ‘Water Boy’.

After a beautiful morning full of smiles, tears, and laughter, everyone poured out onto West Tower’s warm, sun-soaked lawn for fruity drinks and ice-cream. And it was later, after the plates had been cleared away and all heads were turned towards the best man, that I had the privilege if witnessing the greatest best man’s speech I’ve ever seen.  I was absolutely perfect.

All future best men should take note.  No jokes you’ve found on the internet will ever be as funny as telling a room full of friends and family about the misadventures you’ve had with your best friend.

Nathan’s speech was a very tough act to follow.

Steph and Nathan had a fantastic rustic wedding at The Star Inn in Harome complete with Michelin star food prepared by Andrew Pern.  (I’m a bit of a foodie, so I was in absolute heaven.)  One of the best unexpected moments happened when Nathan, Steph and I went for a little stroll through the village and ventured down a public footpath.  We eventually came out onto a field with beautiful flowing grass and a fantastic tree.  (No, I don’t normally get that exited about trees, but this one was quite something.)

We were busy taking some shots against the setting sun and failed to notice the dark clouds that had suddenly rolled it behind us.  It was a good ten minutes walk back to The Star Inn, so I suggested we take shelter under the tree (you know, the really cool one).  Not one to miss an opportunity, I ran around in the rain getting shots of Steph and Nathan as they shared an intimate moment together while weathering the brief storm.

After about ten minutes, the rain let up enough for us to make our way back to the inn.  Steph was unfazed about getting her dress a bit wet and just enjoyed the moment.  A perfect example of the bride wearing the dress and not the dress wearing the bride.

Sometimes the best moments in life happen when things don’t quite go according to plan.

Having finished my meal early (delicious) and not being one to sit still for long, I went off in search of things to photograph.Getting caught in the rain on your wedding day can be a wonderful thing.

After a beautifully touching ceremony (lots of happy tears) there seemed to be an air of mischievousness that slowly gained momentum throughout the day.  Weddings are always happy occasions, but Lauren & Mike’s guests seemed to really enjoy themselves.  There wasn’t an opportunity missed to have a bit of extra fun and it was the grandparents who were first to hit the dance floor.

A big thanks to Lauren & Mike and all their friends & family who allowed me to be part of their day.  It was actually nice to be mistaken a couple of times as just the enthusiastic friend with a camera.

And a final note to the girl with the wandering hands (you know who you are).  I’m cool with you getting up to a bit of harmless mischief, but while I’m trying to photograph Lauren & Mike’s first dance is really not the best time to grab my bum …repeatedly.

Unless of course you’d just been waiting for the moment when you knew I’d been helpless to do anything about it.  In that case, touché.