Clare & Tracey — A Leeds Wedding Story at DoubleTree & Fazenda
Clare and Tracey’s day? Full of laughs, hugs, and those tiny moments that stick with you. We kicked things off bright and early at 9am at the DoubleTree by Hilton Leeds City Centre — a cosy spot where happy nerves mixed with big smiles from close family. Later, the celebration moved to Fazenda, with its bold lights and delicious food that got everyone chatting and enjoying themselves. This was a colourful, joyful LGBTQ wedding — full of love, connection, and all kinds of good vibes. I feel lucky to have been there to catch every moment.
Family moments that sparkle with warmth and joy.
Getting Ready at the DoubleTree by Hilton Leeds City Centre
The morning was full of smiles and easy laughter. Tracey’s daughter styled her hair with care, while Clare’s grin never seemed to fade — a joy that made her effortless to photograph.
Tracey warmed up quickly, no doubt helped by their relaxed pre-shoot at Kirkstall Abbey just a month before. A highlight was Tracey’s colourful socks — stripes, hearts, and all — playfully showing off her fun side to the camera.
Around them, dresses and a crisp white suit hung ready, matching Tracey’s sharp DKNY watch. The room was calm, just five close people sharing happy moments, with Clare’s mom arriving wearing a smile as big as Clare’s.
When Tracey peeked out from the bedroom, socks on full display, the light-hearted spirit of the day shone through. No stress, no chaos — just easy joy and togetherness high above the city on the 12th floor.
A final photo of the couple with Clare’s mom captured the perfect start before heading down to the ceremony.
Confidence and happiness shine through every strand.
Joy in the little moments that last a lifetime.
Every detail perfectly in place for the celebration ahead.
Bold patterns for a bride with bold heart.
Family love arriving to share the day’s magic.
A quiet moment of ease amidst the excitement.
A quiet toast to love in the heart of Leeds.
Details that tell a story all their own.
A mother’s pride wrapped in handwritten blessings.
A moment woven into her Leeds wedding morning.
A final touch passed down through generations.
Ribbons and roles shared with tenderness.
A timeless portrait of love and connection.
The Ceremony at DoubleTree Leeds
Before everything began, we caught a couple of fun photos in the white hotel lifts — simple, bright, and full of laughs. Clare and Tracey planned to walk in together, which suited them perfectly.
Guests were already seated, smiling and chatting. I managed a few quiet shots before the couple made their entrance.
There was a calm, thoughtful atmosphere. You could see it especially in Tracey’s daughter’s eyes — a proud, emotional moment. After the rings and a lovely first kiss, they signed the register with a big grin and a cheer, arms in the air.
Outside the window, a few people in the building opposite were watching — Tracey gave them a cheeky wave, which even got a smile from the registrar.
And then they danced their way down the aisle, full of joy, before heading down the grand white staircase — officially married, and beaming.
A soft pause in the heart of Leeds.
Smiles bloom just before love enters.
A celebration held in grins and glances.
A front row seat to love’s new chapter.
Two hearts beaming in celebration of love.
The beginning of a beautiful Leeds love story.
Joyful calm before vows are spoken.
Joyful calm before vows are spoken.
A circle of gold, a symbol of forever.
A vow sealed in each simple gesture.
The beginning of a shared forever.
Eyes glistening as love takes its vow.
Family grounded in joy and quiet pride.
A promise woven in love and quiet joy.
Passed with pride, received with love.
Joy erupts in the room like sunlight through clouds.
Proud, radiant, part of the love.
Playfulness meets tradition in the happiest way.
Signatures or not, it’s all real here.
Tracey grins as she makes her ‘official’ mark.
A moment caught in calm celebration.
Because love doesn’t follow scripts.
A celebration bursting with colour, joy, and pride.
Laughter and closeness as the witnesses join in.
A shared joy that needs no colour.
A close-knit group, wrapped in celebration.
Guests capture the magic with proud, steady hands.
Love seen through a different lens.
A Leeds moment, full of charm and cheek.
A room full of smiles meets theirs again.
A document of love passed hand to hand.
It started between rows of smiling faces.
The aisle becomes a runway of joy.
A love that can’t help but move.
Even I was swept up in the joy.
Everyone flows toward the next chapter.
A soft landing after soaring hearts.
Celebrating at The LoCK
Hugs, smiles, and so much warmth as everyone gathered downstairs at The Lock for the next part of the day. You could feel how deeply loved Clare and Tracey are — this was a true celebration of their LGBTQ+ wedding, and the support around them was genuine and strong.
After giving everyone a moment to settle, we took a few relaxed group photos inside, making sure no one important was missed. Then we slipped outside for a handful of couple shots — nothing too long, just enough to soak in the atmosphere. A bright yellow Prosecco van made the perfect first backdrop, and the Granary Wharf waterfront looked amazing in every direction.
Outside The LoCK, the timber-panelled entrance with its bold sign made the perfect backdrop for one last couple photo before heading back in. Inside, we gathered a lovely group of friends around one of the long tables for a relaxed, happy photo — plenty of laughter and big smiles. Between the hugs, Tracey’s bald head jokes, thoughtful gifts, and a few more laid-back candids, it was the kind of afternoon where love and support filled the space.
The Lock bar in Leeds welcomes the warmth.
A welcome stitched with old friendships.
Joy passed freely from one to another.
The day reflected through countless lenses.
Time folds into warmth and laughter.
The air itself seems to sparkle.
The Lock bar cradles moments of calm.
A portrait rich with love and ease.
Togetherness at its most tender.
A kiss of colour in the heart of Leeds.
The city pauses just for them.
A gentle moment made to last.
Time slows at the water’s edge.
Love lingers where water flows.
City meets serenity on the Leeds canal.
Canal boats float through their perfect Leeds day.
Even the sky felt part of the celebration.
Side by side, as close as can be.
A quiet breath in the hum of the day.
Laughter lines every familiar face.
This group knows how to laugh together
A burst of joy wins every time.
Memories shared in the shade of now.
The kind of warmth that lingers.
Friendship in its purest form.
Smiles shift but joy stays constant.
Conversations wrapped in golden light.
Laughter leaning into the lens.
These smiles were made to meet.
A playful pop beneath the dress.
The calm glow of shared joy.
Gran’s laugh was truly the best sound.
Leeds Waterfront’s charm in every detail.
Eyes sparkle more than the paper ever could.
Moments that breathe between the big ones.
A quiet pause in a vibrant day.
These hugs say more than words.
Clare’s laughter makes everything lighter.
Love’s circle passed from heart to hand.
A photo taken and a moment kept.
Something sparkly is about to happen.
Clare dodges, Tracey beams.
A perfect storm of paper and love.
Almost through — but never out of love.
Hearts still spinning, feet barely still.
This day belongs to them.
DoubleTree by Hilton, a part of their story.
Love lives in the everyday moments.
A floral exclamation mark to the day.
Fazenda Celebration and Dinner
Clare and Tracey made their entrance at Fazenda Leeds with bouquets held high and big smiles all round. The tables looked beautiful — soft lighting, thoughtful place settings, and a relaxed, joyful atmosphere. The Brazilian-style dining was such a treat: meats were carved fresh at each table, while the buffet offered all sorts of salads, sides, and veggie options. Some guests definitely made the most of it — I saw a few asking for thirds!
Everyone was so warm and easy with me, which made capturing natural photos an absolute pleasure. The wedding cake stood tall with four elegant tiers, surrounded by traditional desserts that looked almost too good to eat. Cutting the cake brought a few laughs, and the speeches that followed were heartfelt and full of character — hugs, happy tears, and a few thumbs-up moments.
The guestbook made its way around the tables with everyone keen to leave a message. I kept quietly capturing all the little moments: laughter between friends, hugs, thoughtful glances. As the sun dipped low over Leeds, we stepped outside for a few relaxed family photos — everyone glowing in the golden light.
Fazenda Leeds, where love meets celebration.
Bouquets raised, applause ringing.
The wedding cake stands proud in the wings.
Every seat a story waiting to unfold.
A feast shared and savoured.
The Fazenda takeover begins.
Chairs filled, hearts full.
A special touch for every seat.
Laughter over lunch, warmth in every glance.
A plate of joy incoming.
Eyes wide, tastebuds ready.
Kindness passed between tables.
Flavours and laughter shared again and again.
Hands up, hearts open.
A feast with rhythm.
Their names beside each other forever.
Moments you can’t pose for.
but now it’s for the camera.
Tracey brings the warmth wherever she stands.
The soundtrack of celebration.
Laughter, forever timeless.
One hand to steady, the other to hold.
A cake too pretty to cut — almost.
Each one a small miracle.
Fazenda’s sweetest moment.
A moment of love before the first slice is made.
A sweet start to their next chapter.
The taste of love and frosting.
Love served with laughter at Fazenda Leeds.
A memory shared in frosting and light.
The words begin to form.
Every word spoken with care.
A moment held close by all.
Love heard and deeply felt.
Gratitude in every gesture.
A shared toast to love and laughter.
The room melts into applause and smiles.
Every word stitched in love.
The embrace says thank you.
Generations linked by tenderness.
Hearts full with soft pride.
A room glowing with shared warmth.
Laughter lingers between the lines.
A celebration stitched with love.
The final page of a perfect day.
Golden light, golden hearts.
Memories captured one line at a time.
Friendship that dances through the years.
Her joy lighting every corner.
Moments woven into the story of the day.
The glow of shared history.
Gratitude wrapped in arms.
Two bright spirits side by side.
Laughter pours like Rioja.
Sunshine and celebration in perfect rhythm.
A sea of smiles beneath the sun.
A full frame of friendship and laughter.
One kiss, many hearts.
Family in its most joyful form.
Reflections of young love and sunlight.
Leeds architecture mirrored in stillness.
Evening Portraits at Granary Wharf
As the evening settled in, we took a short walk down to the tunnels beneath Leeds station at Granary Wharf — just the three of us and a bit of fading light. The coloured lights under the arches made for a striking backdrop, and Clare and Tracey looked completely at ease. It wasn’t a big, posed shoot — just twenty relaxed minutes, full of laughter and real connection.
At one point, a group of passing strangers spotted us and asked to jump in for a photo — and why not? It made for one of the most joyfully random images of the day, with everyone beaming. A unique moment that fit the whole vibe: open, warm, and full of life.
Urban steps into forever.
Steel and softness entwined.
A final pose with the city behind.
Lit in blue and wrapped in wonder.
Their world framed in stone and sky.
Granary Wharf glowing like their joy.
Blue light and quiet smiles.
The tunnel mirrored their fire.
They found a moment to melt into one.
Their joy shone through.
Their glow matched the tunnel.
A photo full of joy and surprise.
Smiles leading where words weren’t needed.
Their joined hands said everything.
Each step echoing soft joy.
They paused where light met life.
One Last Wander by the Water
Before wrapping up, we circled back to the water’s edge. A kind stranger welcomed Clare and Tracey aboard his canal boat for a quick photo — one of those spontaneous gestures that seem to happen when the energy’s just right. A final few shots by the bright yellow prosecco van, and that was us. Two newlyweds stepping into their next chapter, and me quietly heading home with a memory card full of joy.
Three days later, their full gallery — over 1,000 images — was ready. The nicest message came soon after: “Everyone said how lovely you were.” That’s always the bit that means the most.
Their stillness echoed the calm.
To anchor the moment.
And they stepped into the story.
They kissed with the wind.
Painted in canals, clouds, and joy.
So did their laughter.
Love, unposed and perfect.
Your Wedding, Your Story
Clare & Tracey’s day was full of quiet love and honest joy. Capturing their wedding across Leeds, West Yorkshire, felt like witnessing something true and real. If your story feels the same, I’d love to hear it. You can explore more real weddings here or reach out anytime — no rush, just a friendly hello.
