A Ghanaian Family Celebration of Life

It was a privilege to cover this event, and I was struck by how every element had been planned with both love and precision.

Church & Cemetery
 The service took place Kenton Methodist Church315 Kenton Rd, Harrow HA3 0HT

Venue & Décor
 The family selected the Amber Suite at The Hive, Camrose Ave, London HA8 6AG The décor combined elegance and resourcefulness: silk flowers and centrepieces from mySilkFlowersLtd on Etsy and some clever touches from Ikea.

Catering & Refreshments
 King Solomon’s Catering, whose service and flavours truly excelled, feeding both the body and the spirit of the day.

Music & Visuals
 A saxophonist friend performed heartfelt selections, while easel-mounted portraits (easels sourced here) graced both the church and reception.

Outfits & MC
 Outfits were crafted from material chosen by the stepmother, sewn in different styles by a trusted local seamstress—uniform in fabric but personal in design. The MC, Benji Sam-Benji ("Sweet Apple Sweet Apple" – +44 7960 402337), was a perfect choice: a Ghanaian himself, familiar with the traditions of such receptions and attentive to the family’s wishes.

A Community Farewell
 What stood out most was the unity of this Ghanaian family and their community. Every decision, every element, reflected a balance between cultural tradition and the personal character of the man they honoured. It wasn’t just a funeral—it was a celebration of a life well-lived, supported by a network of love, heritage, and community spirit.

As a photographer, I have captured many moments, but this was truly special—a reminder that farewells can be as full of joy as they are of sorrow when carried out with this much heart.