Interesting debate. I initially started out using a fujifilm F11 zoom for holidays back in 2006. Didn't take much interest in photography until 2011 when I purchased the Nikon D3100 in December of that year.
Since then I've upgraded to the D7000 for the sole purpose of ease of access to functions and it's slightly more robust... ...and I could just afford it! Lol.
For me living in London since taking up photography it appears that the city is very new to me. I now walk looking up as opposed to looking down, straight ahead or my head buried in my phone!
I pick up tips from magazines, websites and other photographers I bump into in the street! One photographer (whilst doing a shoot on top of the new'ish shopping plaza opposite St. Paul's Cathedral adviced I try using Aperture then graduate to using Manual. This I tried and now it is extremely rare that I use any other. It's been a learning curve and I personally feel more accomplished for it but am not fooled as there's still plenty to learn and I guess I will one day find the area that interests me most (though I would love the opportunity to do a safari, who wouldn't?).
For me it's about having an eye for things and drawing out the not-so-obvious, people and the appreciation of the surroundings.
As for weddings, no way!! Mind you I did take my camera to my boss' wedding last year just to experiment and I must say I would leave it to the pro's! Lol. (good thing as I'm sure she would have sacked me if I was hired)
Mind you, I have been invited to a Bengali wedding so I expect there will be plenty of colour and an opportunity to experiment. If I do attend I'll post one or two up for comment or criticism!