Birthdays are always important occasions; a time to celebrate, reflect and give thanks. However, a 40th birthday is a truly momentous occasion and for this reason Gemma organised and threw a surprise birthday party for her husband James.

Last month James turned 40, and his adoring wife threw a surprise party at the Grand Pacific in Spinningfields, which our team was invited to photograph. Gemma went to great lengths to ensure James was completely unaware of the surprise, and this was evident in his shock to seeing his close friends and family there to celebrate with him, helping him create many more happy memories. We find birthdays are always enjoyable events to shoot but surprise parties are much more entertaining.