Clare & Tracey — A Leeds Wedding Story at DoubleTree Hilton & Fazenda

Getting Ready at the DoubleTree Hilton Leeds City Centre

The morning began with easy laughter and familiar smiles. Tracey’s daughter carefully styled her hair, while Clare’s grin never seemed to fade — the kind of quiet joy that set the tone for the whole day.

Playful details appeared early. Tracey’s colourful socks — stripes and hearts — quickly became a favourite, a small moment of personality that said everything about the spirit of the celebration. Dresses and a crisp white suit hung nearby, the room calm and unhurried as a handful of loved ones shared the space.

From the 12th-floor suite overlooking Leeds, the city stretched out below while the atmosphere stayed warm and relaxed. No rush, no nerves — just a gentle build-up to what was still to come.

A final photograph with Clare’s mum brought the morning to a close before everyone made their way downstairs, ready for the ceremony to begin.

The Ceremony at the DoubleTree Hilton Leeds

Before it all began, a few light-hearted moments unfolded in the hotel lifts — quick, joyful frames filled with laughter. Clare and Tracey chose to walk in together, a simple decision that felt entirely their own.

Inside, guests were already seated, chatting quietly as the room settled. The atmosphere was calm and thoughtful, with those small, unguarded moments that often pass unnoticed before a ceremony begins.

When Clare and Tracey entered, the focus shifted instantly. Emotion showed most clearly in Tracey’s daughter’s eyes — proud, moved, and watching every moment closely. Rings were exchanged, a joyful first kiss followed, and the signing of the register came with wide smiles and arms lifted high.

Through the tall windows, a few curious faces appeared from the building opposite. Tracey spotted them and offered a playful wave, drawing laughter — even from the registrar.

Moments later, the newlyweds danced their way back down the aisle, joy spilling over as they stepped onto the grand white staircase — officially married, beaming, and ready for the celebrations still to come.

Reaching the End of the Aisle

Clare and Tracey smiled all the way down the aisle, excitement radiating from every glance. Guests cheered and I captured the natural joy as the ceremony transitioned from anticipation to celebration.

Celebrating at The Lock, Leeds

Hugs, smiles, and an easy warmth filled the room as everyone gathered downstairs at The Lock. It was immediately clear how deeply Clare and Tracey are loved — the celebration felt open, supportive, and full of shared joy.

Once everyone had settled, a few relaxed group photographs came together indoors, keeping things simple and unforced. From there, we stepped outside briefly for a handful of couple portraits — nothing formal, just a moment to enjoy the atmosphere around them.

The bright yellow Prosecco van offered a playful first backdrop, while Granary Wharf’s waterfront stretched out nearby, catching the light beautifully. Outside The Lock, the timber entrance and bold signage framed one last quiet portrait before the celebration moved back inside.

Around the long tables, laughter carried easily. Friends leaned in close, jokes were shared, gifts exchanged, and those candid, in-between moments kept unfolding — the kind of afternoon shaped by humour, warmth, and togetherness.

Fazenda Celebration and Dinner

Clare and Tracey arrived at Fazenda with bouquets held high and wide smiles all round, instantly setting the tone for the evening ahead. Inside, the tables were softly lit and thoughtfully set, the atmosphere relaxed and full of anticipation.

Dinner unfolded slowly and joyfully. Freshly carved meats were brought to each table, while the buffet offered an abundance of salads, sides, and vegetarian dishes. Plates were refilled, conversations stretched on, and more than a few guests happily went back for seconds — and thirds.

The room stayed warm and welcoming throughout. The four-tier wedding cake stood proudly among traditional desserts, almost too good to cut — though that didn’t stop the laughter when it finally happened. Speeches followed, filled with character and affection, bringing hugs, happy tears, and plenty of smiles.

As the evening settled, the guestbook made its way from table to table while small moments continued to unfold — friends leaning in close, quiet exchanges, laughter passing easily between people. Later, as the light dipped over Leeds, a few relaxed family photographs were taken outside, everyone glowing softly as the day edged into night.

Evening Portraits at Granary Wharf

As evening settled in, a short walk led down to the tunnels at Granary Wharf — just the three of us and the last of the fading light. Beneath the arches, coloured lights glowed softly, and Clare and Tracey moved with an easy confidence, completely at home in the moment.

Nothing was staged or drawn out. Just a handful of relaxed minutes, laughter echoing lightly, and the kind of connection that needs no direction.

At one point, a small group of passing strangers paused and asked to join in for a photo. It became one of those unexpected moments that felt entirely right — spontaneous, joyful, and full of warmth. A fitting reflection of the day itself: open, generous, and full of life.

One Last Wander by the Water

Before the evening drew to a close, there was time for one last wander by the water’s edge. A passing canal boat slowed, and its owner waved Clare and Tracey aboard for a quick photograph — one of those spontaneous gestures that seem to appear when the atmosphere is just right.

A few final frames followed near the bright yellow Prosecco van, laughter still lingering in the air. Then it was time to part ways — two newlyweds stepping into their next chapter, the day complete in the most unforced way.

It was the kind of ending that didn’t need anything added — just a quiet sense of joy, carried with them as the night settled in.