Engagement and Wedding photography at Homewood by Bath photographer Beata Cosgrove
Engagement and wedding photography at Homewood, near Bath
When couples hire me as their wedding photographer for a half or full day, I like to offer an engagement shoot as part of the package. I don't charge extra for this, and it gives me an opportunity to spend some time with the couple in a more relaxed setting. This means that the couple can get to know a bit more about their photographer, and I can find out in more detail about their plans for the big day. Holding the informal engagement shoot at the wedding venue also gives an opportunity for us to scout for suitable locations for pictures of the whole group, as well as more intimate pictures of the bride and groom together on their big day.
So when A & A approached me to be the photographer at their wedding, I immediately arranged for the three of us to meet at Homewood near Freshford, just outside Bath, in order to meet and photograph the couple and to find out more about them and the wedding day.
We walked around Homewood's gorgeous gardens, and had no difficulty identifying several locations which we agreed would work well for larger group shots for the actual wedding, the next time we were to meet was the wedding day, where I also took some heart shaped group pictures.
One of the first things I learned about A & A is that they are huge cycling fans. So much so that they had in fact themed and planned their wedding to reflect this passion. At one point after the ceremony they emerged from the hotel to walk through a sabers' arch.....
... made entirely from raised cycle wheels, as the confetti rained down over them. So how could the groom and his best man resist posing for the camera as if on bikes too?!
And the guests too!
I find that different groupings of people work well in a variety of settings.
Homewood's porticoed entrance also provided an attractive architectural backdrop for wedding group photos.
In fact, the whole building is gorgeous, and you can see more of my photos of Homewood here.
After the photo sessions, it was back indoors for a fabulous meal and speeches.
Congratulations to the lovely couple!
Do feel free to browse my weddings gallery to see more examples of my work.
Bath wedding photography at the Roman Baths, Royal Crescent, Parade Gardens, and No 15
Couples looking to celebrate their wedding in Bath sometimes feel spoilt for choice when selecting which of Bath's gorgeous wedding venues to go for. One option is to do what Jim and Rea did, and spread their wedding out across several locations in the city! First up was an apartment in Great Pulteney Street, rented for Rea's early morning bridal preparations.
Immediately after that, it was on to the Roman Baths, where Jim and Rea had booked the sunrise slot for their wedding ceremony, giving them exclusive use of the 2,000-year-old building before it opened up to the day's tourists.
With the flame torches lit up, The Roman Baths looked spectacular, providing an ideal location for portraits of the whole group of guests.....
... the bride and bridesmaids....
... and of course the happy couple.
Coming out of the building onto the street, the guests provided quite a confetti shower!
Next, it was off to Royal Victoria Park, one of Bath's many romantic photo locations. But why walk....
... when you can go by horse and carriage?!
The umbrella wasn't just a photographic prop by the way, it really was chucking it down! Just a minute away from Royal Victoria Park is one of Bath's most iconic pieces of Georgian architecture, the Royal Crescent.
Small groups of onlookers wished Jim and Rea well as they posed for the camera, although not all of them were quite so camera-shy!
Next on the itinerary was the Parade Gardens, which fortunately features a covered portico, providing an intimate backdrop for the group, and some very welcome shelter from the rain.
The final destination was the magnificent hotel at Number.15 Great Pulteney for the wedding feast.
And
Congratulations to the lovely couple!
The best wedding venues in Bath
Few places in the UK can match Bath for its stunning architecture. And with a wide range of top-notch wedding venues, it's no surprise that the city is one of the most popular locations for couples looking for a memorable wedding in a glorious setting. This blog features some of the best wedding venues in Bath which I have photographed.
Royal Crescent Hotel
Occupying the central portion of architect John Wood's stunning 1774 terrace, the Royal Crescent Hotel is in fact surprisingly spacious, with secluded garden on the convex side of the crescent itself (pictured below). With the feel of a stately home, the hotel has several event spaces, including a wedding garden (for up to 30 guests for al fresco dining) and the Dower House Restaurant for up to 50.
Follow the link if you'd like to see more photographs of the Royal Crescent Hotel
The Roman Baths
Probably the single most iconic location in the whole of Bath, the Roman Baths provide an event and wedding venue like no other. Where else can you sip champagne on 2000 year-old paving stones, while gazing at the reflections of flickering torchlight reflected in a Roman pool? In fact it won the accolade of Best Historic Venue in 2017's UK Wedding Awards.
Click for more photos of the Roman Baths
Holburne Museum
At the end of Bath's most complete Georgian street, Great Pulteney Street, is the Holburne Museum. For a wedding photographer, the museum presents a wide range of gorgeous backdrops, from its Palladian west facade (below) to the artworks inside and elegant Sydney Gardens immediately to the east.
The Guildhall
The Guildhall is one of several historic wedding venues owned and run by BANES (Bath and North East Somerset) Council. Wedding ceremonies can be held in a range of rooms ranging from the intimate to the grandiose. For wedding receptions, the Banqueting Room can accommodate up to 360 in style.
More photos of Bath's Guildhall are available to view here.
You can view a selection of photographs featuring weddings in Bath I have taken photographs of at these venues and others on my Weddings page.
Photographing a surprise wedding proposal in Bath
The surprise of a lifetime
One thing I love about working as a photographer is that no two jobs are the same. I can be 'creating' a portrait in the morning and then covering a corporate event in the afternoon. I was recently contacted by a guy who wanted to choose a romantic location in which to propose to his girlfriend. He'd selected Bath, found my details online and wanted my help in identifying a suitable location. One of the great things in the Bath area is the wide range of really top-quality venues, as well as gorgeous country pubs and glorious architecture as possible backdrops. We decided on the secluded garden of the Royal Crescent Hotel, and arranged that I would get there early and hide behind a bush (no, really!!) only to emerge after he'd popped the big question.
I must admit I got a few funny looks from other hotel guests as I crawled into the undergrowth and took up my position. Before long, the couple appeared, and just as planned, C took out the ring. I was out of earshot, but it was immediately obvious that he was proposing.
And I'm delighted to say that she said yes!
If you are thinking of a romantic surprise (and you'd like a photographer present!) do please get in touch.
My photograph of children's workshop published in 'The Guardian' newspaper
It's great to see that today's 'The Guardian' newspaper features one of my photographs. I recently took photos of a workshop run for children at the Threeways School in Bath, which focussed on how to bake bread, and which was run by Richard Bertinet.
Here's the photo chosen to illustrate the article:
And you can read the rest of the article at
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/mar/20/children-special-needs-downs-syndrome-day
