European Adventure - part 1

I can't believe it's October already.

I recently returned from a trip across to the UK with my partner Keryn for my brother's wedding.  We used the trip as a great excuse to spend some time soaking up the European summer in Italy.

Our first stop was Dubai.  We had a 3 day stopover en route to the UK - we figured it would be just enough time to get a taste of Dubai and to get some heat into our bones following the long Melbourne winter before jetting off to the wedding.  We quickly discovered that 3 days in Dubai was about 2 days too long!

The rather obscene Burj Al Arab

Keryn & I at the top

Don't get me wrong - we had a fun time, but there is only so much time I can spend looking at the worlds biggest, well, everything, or shopping at overpriced malls.  One thing I can wholeheartedly recommend doing if you do visit is dune bashing.  I expected to be totally under-whelmed by a casual drive in the desert but I was happily proven wrong.  Dune bashing panned out to be an exhilarating race over the dunes by a paid psychopath on a mission to roll the vehicle.  Sooooo much fun!

Dune Bashing

Following Dubai, we headed to the UK for the wedding.  My brother Philip and his now wife Joanna married at a beautiful stately home in northern England.  England put on a fine display of summer weather with just a little sprinkling of rain for luck.

Given that I attend many more weddings as a photographer rather than a guest alone, it was lovely to spend the day enjoying the wedding from a different perspective.  Typically I don't photograph friend's and family's weddings as I want to dedicate 100% of my time to being a guest, but it goes without saying that I had to take a handful of pictures!!

My Brother, Philip

My Sister-in law, Joanna

Philip & Joanna

Gotta love Joanna's cheeky smile!

It was great to meet so many people who are important in Jo & Phil's life.  Living at the other side of the world does have it's disadvantages when it comes to keeping abreast of what's happening with those you love.  Alongside meeting new faces, it was such a beautiful opportunity to gather all the extended family together in one spot.  That's something that doesn't happen nearly enough.

Following the ceremony, the guests all headed off for a disco-nap - some time to relax before the evening reception.  The reception was a black tie cocktail party complete with casino and jazz band.  The grandeur of the stately home effortlessly carrying the theme into the early hours.

With guests starting to disperse, Keryn & I headed to our room for a well earned sleep and the beginning of the next chapter of our trip.

Continued in part 2 coming soon!