Daisy’s Hen

When I mentioned my plans for this weekend, fellow blippers expressed their horror at the idea of attending a hen ‘do’, and I must admit this was probably the last thing I needed at the end of a flare-up week. It’s been a tiring weekend, hence I’m even further behind with blips, and I’m now backblipping Saturday’s blip on Monday morning - so apologies for my recent absence……

It’s an early start to meet Solveig just east of Chester for the drive to Nottingham - a drive made more difficult by the weather and the paucity of charging points en route. It’s her first long journey in the new car, and inevitably there’s a degree of anxiety linked to running out of charge. We arrive at service stations to find there is just one charging point, usually occupied, and thus needing a wait of between 15 to 30 minutes - or the roulette option of travelling to the next point in the hope it will be free.  

Ultimately, we’re about 90 minutes late. Solveig goes to join the others in the luxurious Eden Hall Spa, while I’m off for lunch with the father of the bride, Nic. Lunch is delicious - though Nic does have to explain to an acquaintance that he’s not cheating on his wife as I’m eyed with some suspicion! 

There’s a quiet afternoon which allows some rest, then the hen party returns and there’s a flurry of preparation for the evening event at a local branch of The Botanist. It’s Saturday night and, as it’s Hallowe’en weekend, the place is full of revellers in various goulish costumes, and there’s live music - actually a really great vocalist, but far too loud. I’m really not used to noisy, crowded places any more, and standing at the crowded bar for what seems like an eternity brings me  to a teary meltdown. Still, I manage to recover, put on the smiles, and eventually I’m grateful to follow the others to our table in a slightly quieter area. 

There are just 16 of us, spreading across three generations.  Daisy looks lovely and is clearly very happy; the table’s tastefully decorated and the evening continues with drinks and a three course meal - served at a pace which would make snails look speedy. 

The wedding will be taking place next month, and I’ve been asked to take the photos, so decide I’ll start with hen night shots - but the light’s so dreadful, it really is a challenge. I push the 90D to its limits - I really want to avoid flash - and eventually manage a few unposed shots. I would resort to my iPhone, but have left it charging at the house - so I borrow Solveig’s and realise just how much the cameras have improved with later versions of the phone. 

Inevitably, my shots are grainy, but I’m impressed at how successful noise reduction is. I try a range of Lightroom profiles, deciding I like this Vintage 3 the most - so here’s my blip for Saturday; my main, an unposed shot of the bride to be, and a collage extra.