Jacob & Hazel's Wedding at St Audries Park – A Love Story That Almost Went Uncaptured
When I first met Hazel at the Dunster Wedding Fair in February 2024, she wasn’t even sure she wanted a photographer for her wedding. She told me she was quite shy and didn’t think she’d feel comfortable being in front of the camera all day. We had a great chat, and a few weeks later, I got a call—Hazel had changed her mind. She and Jacob had talked it over, and they decided they wanted their day to be captured after all. And I couldn’t be more honored to be the one behind the lens.
How It All Began Jacob and Hazel met while working at Lidl in 2021. What started as friendly shifts together soon turned into something much deeper. Their connection was effortless, filled with laughter and mutual respect, and before long, they realized they had found something truly special.
The Venue – Hazel and Jacob tied the knot at the stunning St Audries Park in West Quantoxhead. Nestled in the Somerset countryside, this grand manor house provided the perfect setting for their celebration. With its breathtaking architecture, large windows flooding the rooms with natural light, and beautiful grounds, it was an absolute dream to photograph. (More about the venue here: St Audries Park).
The Wedding Day The day itself was a rollercoaster of emotions, as all the best weddings are. Hazel started the morning surrounded by her closest friends and family, getting ready in the luxurious bridal suite. The air was filled with excitement, a few nervous jitters, and some incredibly touching moments—like when her loved ones gathered around her just before she put on her dress, offering words of encouragement (and some happy tears). One of the most emotional moments came when Hazel read a letter from Jacob before the ceremony. As she held his heartfelt words in her hands, tears welled up in her eyes, and she couldn’t help but let them fall. It was a moment of pure love and anticipation, a testament to the deep connection they share.
Jacob, meanwhile, looked sharp in his dark green suit, adjusting his tie with quiet anticipation. As I captured his pre-ceremony moments, you could see the excitement in his eyes—he couldn’t wait to see Hazel walk down the aisle.
The Ceremony & The Moments That Mattered The ceremony was intimate and heartfelt. The way Jacob looked at Hazel as she walked towards him—pure awe and love. And Hazel, despite her initial nerves about being photographed, absolutely glowed with happiness.
The laughter, the tears, the subtle glances between them—it was all so incredibly genuine. One of my favorite moments was right after they were pronounced husband and wife. They stepped out into the daylight, hands clasped, beaming at each other as their guests cheered around them. You could feel the joy radiating from them.
The Reception & Evening Festivities If the ceremony was full of tenderness, the reception was packed with laughter. Jacob and Hazel’s guests knew how to have fun. The speeches had everyone in stitches, especially when Jacob’s best man shared some legendary stories from their time together. I caught so many candid shots of guests doubled over with laughter—true, unfiltered joy.
The evening was capped off with a dancefloor full of energy, heartfelt embraces, and one last magical moment—Jacob and Hazel wrapped in a tight hug under the warm glow of the lights, completely in their own world.
Final Thoughts This wedding was special in so many ways. Not just because of the stunning venue, the perfect autumn light, or the incredible energy of the day. But because Hazel and Jacob’s love story is one that truly deserved to be told. And I’m so glad Hazel took that leap of faith in deciding to have a photographer—because these moments, these memories, will last a lifetime.
P.S. This wedding did come at a small personal cost—I had to miss my wife’s birthday to capture it! But don’t worry, she got extra spoiling to make up for it. 😉
Congratulations, Jacob & Hazel! Wishing you both a lifetime of love and laughter.
Also, a very special mention for Kien the videographer, be sure to check his website
