I was really looking forward to this event! Not only it’s the biggest wedding I’ve done in the UK so far, it’s also happening at one of the most famous and grandest place in the world..Manchester United Football Club! Ok..ok..I know I’m not a United Fan but hey, come on..who doesn’t want to be there?? Right, enough about me..Irfan on the other hand is Man United’s BIGGEST fan! And what makes this event even more special is that we were allowed by the officials to go inside the stadium! Like a private tour..just for us. Although it’s just for a short while (about 5 mins I think), it was awesome! I would like to say my thanks to both Irfan and Amina and also to all their families for having me there on that special day. You really make me feel like I’m part of the family. Thanks for the trust guys! To Irfan and Amina..I wish you both a happy life together. Enjoy the pics..

Amina’s getting ready

The make-up kit

Bling Bling

Irfan was getting ready in another room

Getting some help from his brother Usman

One of my fav shot

Yummy creamy light

We did some ‘Hindi Movie’ pose by the stairs

The couple’s cool ride

A quick shot in the car

The venue - Manchester United

The entrance to Manchester Suite

Families already waiting at the Stadium

Irfan and Amina arriving via the Premier North Gate

Amina was greeted by mum-in-law

Getting ready to enter the hall

They both walked gracefully to the main stage

The main stage

The view from the stage

A lovely couple

Amina with some of her friends

The ladies side of the hall

The men’s side of the hall

Irfan at the main table

Asian traditional band plays while waiting for the food

Food is being served to the guests

Some detail shot

The ladies section

Amina’s parents and sisters

Irfan with dad-in-law

They went back onto the stage a second time (this time Amina’s in green)

Joined in by the families

Everybody wants a shot of the bride and groom

Happy tears..

The cake cutting

Then we went into the stadium for a quick portrait

That’s one happy couple!

A sweet one too..

One big happy family..

As for me, it was the best wedding job I’ve ever done. Congratulations to Irfan & Amina!

ps: feel free to leave your best wishes to Irfan and Amina below

Yup! I just got my WPL accreditation approved and my Photo Bip together with the Media Pass came in the post yesterday. The pass gives me total access to the Press Box, Press Room, Mixed Zone and the Photographers Zone at all WPL Grounds. Finally I get to cover the BIG games. Having said that, I’ll still go to the lower leagues once in a while if I feel like it. So if I am not busy doing weddings, I’ll be at one those games. Owh, keep a look out if you’re watching Sgorio on S4C, I might be by the pitch..very excited about it!

The (very bright!!) Photo Bip, the Pass and a note from Football Association of Wales

I spent my birthday this year in Manchester..not to celebrate but to shoot my first UK Asian wedding. I’ve known Irfan and his family for about 5 years now (we were renting their flat in Manchester back then). We’ve stayed in touch ever since and have become close friends with random visits whenever the opportunity arises. About a month ago, I was told by Irfan’s Mum that he wishes to have me as the photographer on his wedding day. I was more than happy to do it and it would certainly add to my portfoilio. So on the 29th July, 2009 I took an early morning train to Manchester to meet Irfan and his wedding party. As I was approaching the house, from inside the black cab, I could hear the load noise of asian drums and by the road side I could see a long strecthed Rover Limousine! As I expected, It was a BIG wedding with plenty of reds and bright colours around and Irfan was very handsome in his traditional outfit - fit for a King. Irfan and Amina met while they were in college in Manchester about 5 years ago. Irfan is now furthering his studies while Amina is teaching at a local school in Manchester. Here are some shots from the day. More to come - their wedding reception at Manchester United Football Club!

The Asian Drummer outside the house

Happy Aunties

A short prayer outside the house for blessings

Irfan in his cool M5 BMW ride

The Rover Limousine I was talking about

A cool ride for the ladies and children

Irfan and his little brother Suleman

Waving money around the groom’s head for luck - a unique culture

More drums on the way up to the hall

The groom’s party was stopped by the entrance - another unique culture

The Banquet Hall at Nawaab Manchester

The groom’s party is then paraded to the main stage

A quick shot of the groom’s party before the Nikah Ceremony

Irfan was very cool as he waits for the Nikah Ceremony

The Nikah took place smoothly on the main stage

Irfan being congratulated by his dad after the Nikah

Irfan with his cool cousins

Amina being led onto the stage to meet her in-laws

Both Irfan and Amina looked very shy on the stage

With the groom’s family

Exchanging flowers garland

Saying farewells before going back to groom’s house

Amina safely arrived at Irfan’s house

Married at last..a happy couple!

Here’s a video clip I shot on my new EOS 5D Mark II just to summarize to day..

More to come..

Their Reception at Manchester United FC

Llantwit Fardre 1st XI took on Newbridge at Central Park yesterday. These are some of the shots from the game:

Gareth Wyatt batting for Llantwit Fardre

Newbridge wicket keeper goes for the wicket

Matthew Walsh of Llantwit Fardre scores a run

Gareth Wyatt of Llantwit Fardre fires away for four

The famous Angel Of The North statue in the city of Newcastle 300 miles north of London, England is seen silhouetted just before sunset, May 31, 2009.