Wedding photographer at Coltsfoot Country Retreat
I’m Tracy, and Coltsfoot Country Retreat in Bulls Green, Datchworth, is about 11 miles from my front door in Hitchin. I photographed Alison & Aaron’s wedding here: a relaxed summer day with barns, secret gardens, alpacas next door and an owl who had his own ideas. I’ll be the relaxed one in the corner, capturing the real you.
My notes for photographing here
Every venue has its quirks. Here’s what I learned at Coltsfoot.
The ceremony barn has a huge window at the far end and a draped ceiling, which gives lovely soft light for the ceremony. Alison & Aaron hired their own pianist, so they had live music while they signed the register.
Wildflowers, old brick walls, a lawn for twirling and an old wooden door onto the garden steps. Plenty of spots for relaxed couple photos without going far.
The alpacas graze in the field right by the barns, and they make a brilliant backdrop. Getting up close with the animals is a separate package you book with the venue, so ask them about it.
Black timber barns and a gravel courtyard give you a simple, classic background, perfect for a quick walk-and-talk between the ceremony and drinks.
The owl who changed his mind
The practice run went perfectly
Alison & Aaron booked an owl to fly their rings down the aisle. At the practice run he swooped across the barn like a total professional. On the day itself? He decided he simply wasn’t in the mood.
Plan B: the best man and a smaller bird
So the best man walked down the aisle with a smaller owl on his glove, and the rings were exchanged that way instead. Nobody minded one bit. It’s exactly the kind of unplanned moment I love to capture.
Alison & Aaron’s day at Coltsfoot
Lashes on, nerves settling
A relaxed morning with Alison’s sister as maid of honour, three more bridesmaids, two flower girls and her son as page boy.
Her sister by her side
Alison’s sister was her maid of honour, and the two of them couldn’t stop smiling at each other.
Rings, eventually
After the owl drama, the rings made it, and there was plenty of laughter at the front of the barn.
Aaron relaxes
Aaron was not looking forward to the photos at all. Ten minutes in the garden and he was twirling Alison across the lawn.
Cake at dusk
A navy and white cake to match the day, cut as the light faded over the fields.
“Amazing photographer! She made everyone feel comfortable (including my husband who hates posing for photos). Tracy and her second shooter captured every moment of the day and has given us memories we will cherish forever. We have received our photos in under 3 weeks and are so happy with the photos.”
Alison & Aaron, Coltsfoot Country Retreat
Very little posing, a quick set of group photos, then back to the party. That’s how I work at every wedding, and it’s why nervous grooms end up enjoying it.
Moments from Coltsfoot
Getting there
Coltsfoot Country Retreat is on Coltsfoot Lane in Bulls Green, near Datchworth and Knebworth. It’s an easy trip from my home in Hitchin, and travel is always included.
roughly, from Hitchin
travel charges, ever
Questions about Coltsfoot
Do you travel to Coltsfoot Country Retreat?
Yes, it’s about 11 miles from my home in Hitchin. Travel is included for every wedding anywhere in the UK, so there are no hidden costs.
Can we have photos with the alpacas?
The alpacas live in the field by the barns, so they often end up in the background. Getting up close and interacting with the animals is a separate package you book with Coltsfoot, so check with the venue first.
My partner hates having their photo taken. Will that be a problem?
Not at all. Most of my couples say the same. I keep posing to a minimum and chat my way through it, and like Aaron, most people relax within minutes.
How do I book?
A 20% booking fee secures your date, with the balance due two weeks before. See my prices.
Do you photograph weddings elsewhere nearby?
Absolutely. See my Hitchin wedding photography page.
Getting married at Coltsfoot?
Tell me your date and I’ll let you know if I’m free. Owls optional.
Check your date