Olivia & Ilana’s New Hall Wedding Photography

In August 2021, I was invited to provide Olivia and Ilana’s New Hall wedding photography.

New Hall truly is a hidden gem. It’s one of those wedding venues that is seamlessly tucked away in the middle of a built-up area, the kind you never knew was there.

I wonder how many people realise there’s a 13th century manor house in the suburbs of Sutton Coldfield in North Birmingham?

Set within 26 acres of woodland, and with its very own moat and drawbridge, New Hall transports you to a world steeped in medieval history. Being 800 years old, it certainly has the wow factor. It’s right on my doorstep, just two miles away from town. And it was clear, right from the start, why New Hall wedding photography is so popular in the West Midlands. It’s a magical and rather majestic wedding day venue.

My day as a New Hall wedding photographer began in the Rose Arey Suite, a lovely space for getting ready and completing the wedding morning preparations.

Before the main ceremony, Olivia and Ilana had their ‘first look’ moment, along with a relaxed mini pre-wedding photo shoot in the Rose Arey Suite. I then headed downstairs to join the rest of the wedding guests in The Great Chamber. There are several wedding ceremony locations to choose from at New Hall, but this one really captures the majestic essence of the medieval era (and it was also originally built for King Henry VIII’s visit to Sutton Coldfield!)

Olivia and Ilana looked absolutely stunning as they walked arm in arm down the aisle, exchanging rings and wedding vows, before signing the register beneath the intricately painted ceiling.

After celebratory drinks in the garden, it was time for the confetti throwing. Olivia and Ilana’s wedding guests did a brilliant job of flurrying their dried flower petals over the newlyweds. We snapped some great photos!

There are so many wonderful locations to mention when it comes to doing New Hall wedding photography – the grounds are just as exceptional as the interior. Woodland walkways, gravel paths and stone courtyards all add to the authentic medieval aesthetic – not to mention the ancient stone drawbridge.

The bridge over the moat too is a fantastic location, with the striking manor and its crenelated towers in the background, and the moat itself filled with lilies. As a New Hall wedding photographer, I really was spoilt for choice!

Olivia and Ilana were totally natural and relaxed in front of the camera, and we took a few traditional family group photos on the manicured lawn too.

The wedding reception took place in New Hall’s marquee: The Garden Pavillion. Lit by fairy lights, it offers great views of the main manor house (which is just a short walk away). It’s a really great space for New Hall wedding photography: bright and airy in the daytime, and cosy and intimate in the evening.

As well as being a wedding photographer, I also have a photo booth business named Planet Booths which caters for weddings, birthdays and conferences.

Olivia and Ilana opted for my wedding photo booth package and hired the Flower Wall, which really complimented their wedding colour palette of white, green and gold. The wedding bouquet was made up of white flowers and eucalyptus foliage, and the wedding cake was iced in simple white and adorned with little golden acorns.

Drinks poured, speeches given, it was time for the evening entertainment. Having set up the photo booth and the Flower Wall, I headed to the edge of the dance floor to photograph the traditional cutting of the cake, and Olivia and Ilana’s first dance under the twinkling lights.

Some of my favourite photographs are taken in the evening, when everyone is letting their hair down and taking to the dancefloor – or being cheerfully persuaded to join in with the Macarena. It’s the perfect opportunity to snap some candid shots of everyone enjoying themselves.

After the sun had set, I whisked Olivia and Ilana back outside for one last newlywed photo shoot. There was a stunning woodland walkway on the grounds which we had visited earlier, and with a little additional light it transformed into another magical setting for New Hall wedding photography.

A big thank you to Olivia and Ilana for inviting me to be your New Hall wedding photographer. I had a really great time, and I wish you both every joy and happiness for the future! Cheers!