Ellie & Dominic’s Beautiful Wedding at Newton Hall
We were so looking forward to Ellie & Dominic’s wedding at Newton Hall. A beautiful couple, at one of our favourite venues, in the middle of August. It had already been a busy month but we had a five-day gap before our last wedding so, other than having had a busy week at the studio, we were full of beans.
The Morning After the Rain at Newton Hall
We got to Newton Hall in plenty of time. The night before saw a lot of rain. Driving to the venue I remember thinking to myself, we weren’t going to get our wedding on “The Hill” today. Ellie & Dominic’s plan had been for an outdoor wedding on Newton Hall hill, looking over the Northumbrian countryside. The day was forecast to get better, but the grass would be too sodden for high heels. We would be denied another outdoor wedding but it wouldn’t be our last chance this year.
A Family Affair
As we arrived, Lisa went straight to the courtyard cottages to see Ellie. The room was filled with family. Everyone helping each other out. They had chosen an outstanding venue but the details were all going to be lovingly supplied by family. Aunts, Uncles & Cousins were decorating the service room with their own chair covers. Ellie did her own makeup and was the focal point of the room.
While Lisa photographed the girls, Dominic and his mom and dad were getting ready in the adjoining suite. It took a bit of juggling to stop the two of them from seeing each other. Dominic’s mum & dad were real characters, there were times during the day when we weren’t sure who was getting married. His parents were so excited and loved the camera. By the end of the day, I was worried I had more photos of them than the bride & groom.
Father & Son
Dominic’s dad took great pride in helping him get ready. Their suave black jackets and bow ties suited them perfectly. They were in a small bedroom so it was tough to get around without being right in the lads’ faces but I started to get a sense that they want to help me get the best images I could. They kept checking whether what they were doing was ok. It makes it so much easier and I was surprised. It was as if they were wedding pro’s, pointing out all of the special items they had gotten to mark the day. Dominic’s dad also had a little tipple ready to kick off the day.
Welcome to Newton Hall
On a morning I tend to be able to float around venues a lot easier than Lisa can as she helps the girls. She doesn’t just document the prep. She loves getting involved and if there’s anything she can do to make things go smoothly she will put the camera down and muck in.
Guests were starting to trickle in as the sun began to peek out from behind the rain clouds and the grounds were starting to dry out. Dominic’s best man arrived and we got all of the groomsmen together. Newton Hall is owned by the Apartment group, and what we love about their venues is how well their staff are trained. Here and at Le Petit Chateau, their sister venue, their master of ceremonies is a huge asset in making your day run smoothly.
Finishing Touches
Ellie is the baby of the family and her Dad was gushing when he saw her, ready to walk down the aisle. She looked effortlessly, beautiful. Her mum helped attached a stunning veil to finish off the perfect look.
From a photographers’ point of view, the Newton Hall Enchanted Chapel can be tricky. There’s a load of natural light at both ends but where the action happens is quite a shaded area. Its bi-fold doors open out to an amazing water feature giving an amazing atmosphere for your service. It also lets us wander a little outside of the room without being a distraction.
Neither Ellie nor Dominic shows any nerves and beamed from ear to ear all the way through the ceremony. After a beautiful service, and the registrars left, Dominics Dad gave a heartfelt blessing, before heading out into what had become a glorious day outside.
A Glorious Garden Party
We love an outdoor drinks reception. The atmosphere is always so much more relaxed and we can drift around the guests at a distance so they don’t even know we are there. This time of the day is a balancing act between letting everyone enjoy the time and spoiling the fun of getting the group shots your Bride & Groom have requested. Newton Hall’s gardens were bursting with colour. I had my eye on a patch of pink hollyhocks for our family groups.
Newton Hall’s Gardens
Depending on the time of year we find the best time to get the bride & groom alone is straight after the wedding breakfast. Ellie & Dominic were so easy to photograph. We could have spent hours with them and it was just an ideal time. No distractions, the weather was perfect, and the couple were comfortable being photographed. We had a good laugh too as we wandered around the gardens using all the little areas Newton Hall has on offer.
Sunset
We haven’t had our off-camera flash for long and because we try not to force situations too much we don’t always get a chance to play with them. Some venues haven’t got a clear view to the west or the weather just isn’t working with you. This night we had clear skies, a huge moon and a bride & groom that were still up for posing for us. We can’t tell you the number of opportunities we’ve wanted to take but at this point of the day, couples just want to relax. But we love these images.
Sparklers!!
This is weird saying it now but we’d never photographed sparklers before and in the next few months we’d see them a further 3 or 4 times. When you think about it, giving red hot sticks to drunk people in the dark isn’t a great idea. So we’ve never suggested it or encouraged it, but this year it seemed to be the “in” thing to do. We’ve also learned that it’s hard to teach people how to draw invisible shapes. Ellie & Dominic had a great time and all their guests survived so we’re calling it a win!
Lisa & I had a perfect day with Ellie & Dominic. We couldn’t have asked for a more welcoming group of family & friends. Halo Photography had such a great time and it was honestly hard to pick our favourite images from their set for this blog. We send them our best wishes for the future and hope to see them both again very soon.
Here are some of Ellie & Dominic’s suppliers that made their wedding day unique.
- Brides dress: Blue Bow Bridal Company (Stella York)
- Bridesmaids Dresses: Biba
- Hair by: Mubyleigh
- Grooms Suit: Selfridges London (Zenga)
- Groomsmens Suits: Vivienne Westwood, Hugo Boss, Moss bros
