Here’s one of my ‘shameless promoting of afriend’s book – because I can’ posts. One of my oldest mates, Ms Hilary Ord has added to her many talents by writing the text for a new photography book, I Do (Random House, $24.99), which is to be launched this week. It’s a gorgeous, schmaltzy, romantic wedding book – with a difference.

The photography has been done by legendary father and son team Frank and Florian Habicht. Frank is a Hamburg-born photographer who spent several decades working in London, Paris and Berlin, and has a huge international reputation. He’s featured in Die Welt, Esquire, The British Journal of Photography and The Guardian and has also been a stills photographer on films, working with the likes of Roman Polanski, Jules Dassin and Bryan Forbes. No happy snapper, then.

As for Florian, after graduating from Elam, he’s become an independent film-maker (he did Kaikohe Demolition (available now from your local and well worth the belly laughs) and Woodenhead) and is working on a feature script right now in Amsterdam.

Hilary’s words however will be key to this little beauty. With her partner, the invincible Mel, she’s run two of the best bars in Auckland for many years now – first the iconic Verona on K’Rd for over ten years, and now the Musket Room on Ponsonby Rd. From this and her many extraordinary travels she’s gained the life experience necessary to be a celebrant like no other.

Hilary has performed naming ceremonies for all of our three children, and her professionalism and deep, abiding respect for ceremony and a bloody good laugh has made every event something to treasure. She just has this knack for really wringing the emotional juice out of even the toughest nut. You laugh, you cry, you get a bit pissed. And that’s what it’s all about.

This book will be glorious – get it even if you know no-one who’s getting married. Get it as a celebration of lurve everywhere, for everyone.