Earlier this year I had been invited to Tracy Park Golf and Country Hotel by their Conference and Events Co-Ordinator, Harriet Greenop, to discuss becoming one of their preferred suppliers.  They had heard about me through the Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel who I am also a preferred supplier for.  I was extremely happy to be given the opportunity to photograph future weddings at such a stunning and historic venue.  If you are looking to get married somewhere close to Bath with lots of character, peace and tranquility, and spacious beautiful scenery then this is the place for you.  It is situated just 10 minutes from Bath in the small village of Wick and the 16^th century manor house is a perfect retreat to enjoy a wedding or holiday.  For more photos of Tracy Park’s restaurant, bar, bedrooms and afternoon tea selection click here.

Tracy Park bedrooms   Tracy Park bedrooms

Not long after my meeting with Harriet I had been contacted by Christine and Keith to photograph their wedding in June.  The date had been brought forward because, sadly, Christine’s sister, Jackie, had been suffering from cancer in recent years and given only months to live. 

As a wedding photographer you know that the images you produce on the day are going to be seen by many people for years to come and have their own special meaning to those involved, but in these rare situations you suddenly become aware of the burden of responsibility in capturing what will be incredibly important moments like this.

My mum died of cancer in 2003 and having recently got married myself in July this year I would’ve given anything to have her there that day.

With only a few weeks’ notice until the day itself it came around quickly and fortunately Jackie was able to make it to witness her sister get married.  With the short time period for Christine and Keith to prepare, plus the circumstances, only close friends and family were invited which totalled 12 people including them.  With a 5pm ceremony they felt 2 hours’ coverage would be sufficient so I was able to tailor a package to suit them, which included a 14”x11” album and a USB of all the images.

Jackie with mum, Brenda With a wedding where I’m there all day I can pace it accordingly and there’s plenty of time for each part of the day (preparations, ceremony etc.) to get the shots I need, but with just 2 hours I really wanted to be getting as many shots as possible.  Of course, it’s quality not quantity, which I am a firm believer of, but I didn’t want to miss a moment.

The guests arrived and made their way to the Garden Room where the ceremony was taking place.  I had seen Christine briefly to say hello as she was getting ready in one of the cottage-style bedrooms in the courtyard but photos of the guests arriving were preferred to preparation shots.  Everyone looked so happy to be there but none more so than Christine as she entered with a beaming smile on her face to be walked down the aisle by her daughter, Judith.

Christine walking up the aisle with daughter, Judith After the ceremony, everyone headed out to the back of the hotel for photos.  Luckily the weather was holding out and we got some sunshine and blue skies.  The hotel itself makes for a beautiful backdrop with its architecture but also facing away from the hotel there is the lush greenery of the golf course so we were spoiled for choice. 

Tracy Park exterior architecture Once the group shots were done I led the bride and groom away for a few photos on their own and made use of the huge trees nearby, shooting wide shots to show their scale as well as more with the hotel in the background.  I worked quickly to get many different angles and poses as the wedding breakfast was fast approaching.

Tracy Park - trees on golf course

It must’ve been a real mixture of emotions for the whole family that day but the happiness of the occasion shone through.  I left as everyone was sitting down for the wedding breakfast in the Fleet Room to enjoy the rest of the day together.

Wedding breakfast in the Fleet Room Jackie died in September.  I am glad to have had the opportunity to provide these photos for Christine and Keith, and their family, as I know how much they mean to them. 

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