Something a bit different to wedding photography on the blog today – last Saturday I had the pleasure of covering a 90th birthday party at Hotel du Vin, Tunbridge Wells, where Niel’s (an interesting and unusual spelling, not a spelling mistake!) family and friends had gathered to celebrate this remarkable milestone birthday.
I arrived early to photograph the preparations in the Ruinart room, which looked fantastic! Every place setting had favours bearing different images of Niel throughout his life, which were also displayed on a big screen (which provided plenty of laughs later on for all the guests); there was a fantastic chocolate ganache cake covered in strawberries, and a string quartet to provide beautiful background music. When the guest of honour arrived, you could tell Niel was touched by how much effort his children had gone to.
I documented guest arrivals during the one hour champagne drinks reception, and it was lovely to see all the different relationships within the family, from 90+ years down to a few weeks old. The atmosphere was just lovely, happy and relaxed.
The guests then made their way to sit down for a three course birthday meal, during which I kept an eye out for lovely candid moments.
After two very short speeches, we took advantage of the fantastic weather to head outside for a quick overhead group shot of the whole party, before we were back inside for the cake! Luckily only two candles rather than 90, but after a rousing rendition of ‘happy birthday’, Niel blew out the candles then cut the cake with his wife.
Finally, Niel was presented with a leather bound album of the photographs that had been up on the screen, beautifully put together by his children – he truly was touched!
Many happy returns on your 90th Birthday Niel! Here are some of my favourites from the party!
If you’re having a birthday party which you’d like covered, please contact me for a quote.
All images copyright David Burke Photography 2015