Vow renewal on punts at Cambridge – No ordinary wedding

Occasionally I give my photography as a gift to deserving causes and such an opportunity came along for Naomi and Graham’s vow renewal which took place on punts in Cambridge.

Naomi Thomas is a remarkable woman who when faced with terminal cancer set up a charity to organise and fund weddings for terminally ill people. The Wedding Wishing Well Foundation was launched in 2012 after Naomi got married herself. In 2009 doctors delivered the devastating news that Naomi had breast cancer, she wanted to marry Graham and with the help of a wedding planner she found suppliers who would work for free, in 2012 Naomi and Graham married. Naomi’s cancer then spread to her bones and she has a tumour on her spine. Moved by the kindness of suppliers for her own wedding Naomi wanted to help other couples facing the same difficulties and set up the Wedding Wishing Well Foundation, they help people without savings where one partner has a terminal or life shortening illness.

Naomi and Graham’s vow renewal was on Saturday 6th June. Three punts full of invited guests headed out along the River Cam to a spot in from of Kings College where a celebrant held the short ceremony. Afterwards there was Pims and afternoon tea at The Sheene Mill in Melbourn. Singer Roxy Searle provided the music. Later in the evening the daughter of Naomi and Graham’s friend played the harp.

The photography was given to Naomi and Graham as a way of giving back, I’m fortunate to have made my living from wedding photography for the past 15 years. Two years ago we photographed the wedding for a bride with cancer who sadly passed away a short time after her wedding, however I will never forget the day of delivering her wedding album and the smile on her face as she looked through it. I was glad the photographs had brought some comfort and continued to bring comfort after she had passed away.

The Wedding Wishing Well Foundation  http://www.weddingwishingwell.org.uk/
Roxy Searle singer/songwriter http://roxysearle.co.uk/