In the hot weather some of the older, vintage cars can break down. In the days before mobile 'phones everyone was inside the church waiting for the bride and father to arrive. Five minutes late- 10 minutes late-15 minutes late-20 minutes late-and we were all becoming a little edgy. Then the vicar's wife came running down the path from the vicarage next door, straight into church and whispered into the vicar's ear. He smiled and announced to us all that the bride was on her way but that her car had broken down. There was an audible sigh of relief and half the congregation proceeded outside for a cigarette! The bride did arrive, but in an ordinary car. She and father had flagged down a kind driver from passing traffic.

It's a fun picture with the car bonnet up and a few of the men pushing it, but it can be upsetting for the couple and their families.

I had a lively bride one hot day and we had arranged for photographs to be taken at the nice reception venue. When we all arrived at the reception the bride and groom were really happy and exuberant and celebrated with a couple of glasses of champagne-and the bride promptly collapsed! A touch of heat exhaustion combined with a lack of food left her lying down, resting for over an hour which of course, completely threw all the plans and timings into disarray. We started the photographs over an hour later than planned and then finished them after the wedding breakfast-at dusk.

There's no doubt that fathers can become very nervous just before walking down the aisle. It is also surprising how much detail the mind absorbs when checking backgrounds and appearances-much of it quite subconsciously. Anyway, it was going to be a good wedding. Friendly people, attractive venues, good weather and a lot of attention to the details-so far so good. The bridal car arrived - very smart. Father - immaculate in morning dress including hat, stepped from the car. I helped the bride out and tidied her dress. I could tell that Father was nervous so I asked if everything was all right. "Yes", he said rather curtly, "Let's get on with it". Without taking my eyes from his face I said "You're wearing your slippers".