Was this the wedding of the year?

I have shot many incredible weddings this year, but I have to admit, this wedding was up there as one of the best I have EVER shot!

Why, I hear you ask.

Well, it has to be down to both the incredible couple Katy and Richie, whose high energy never wavered throughout the day. It is also thanks to the fabulous venue of Newton Hall, which not only easily accommodates a large wedding but also boasts a fantastic outdoor area for the ceremony, beautiful flower-filled gardens, and the lovely Link House Beach, just 5 minutes down the road on the gorgeous Northumberland coast. Finally, nothing makes a wedding better than amazing wedding guests who are all up for it and even featured a T. rex! (Will explain later).

There is no doubt about it. What makes a brilliant wedding for me is the people who attend it. I have been to weddings where the energy is not just there, and I get it; every couple is different. However, for me, the more energy the couple and guests put into the wedding, the better the wedding is. Drinks flow freely, the dance floor fills quickly, and there is so much laughter, tears, and general emotion that it creates a perfect story. What’s even better is that I’m the lucky bugger who gets to photograph that wedding and recreate the story of the wedding day. What a job!

Let’s get into the venue, as I said, it is one of the best I have had the honour to photograph. As a wedding photographer, I’ve had the pleasure of capturing celebrations in some truly beautiful places, but few compare to the charm and magic of Newton Hall. Nestled in the heart of the Northumberland countryside and just a short stroll from the beach, Newton Hall is more than just a venue; it’s a storytelling paradise. The Georgian mansion, with its stunning interiors and lush gardens, offers the perfect backdrop. And the best part? Every corner of this venue is made for photos.

From the wild, romantic gardens to the chic and quirky rooms inside, there’s a rich texture to every scene. As a photographer, I’m constantly spoiled for choice, whether it’s capturing Richie and Katy in the gardens or sneaking away with the couple for golden hour portraits on the dunes of nearby Newton-by-the-Sea.

I started the day in one of the charming courtyard rooms, the Pinarello, where Katy was naturally getting ready with her bridesmaids and mother before darting over to the main building of Newton Hall to capture the guys applying their finishing touches to their luxury tuxedos. The champagne was popping for both parties already! The bride then moved across to Newton Hall and upstairs to the Giannella room to apply her finishing touches before an adorable bride reveal to her bridesmaids and brothers. I love these moments as you don’t know what the reaction will be, but 9/10, it’s emotional.

The ceremony took place in the glasshouse, and with the roof off, it was a perfect day for it. The weather was spectacular! Post-ceremony was naturally the confetti, which took place in the enchanted chapel. You can also hold the ceremony in the enchanted chapel, which is gorgeous and fairytale-like. However, when the weather is good, for me, it has to be in the glasshouse.

Next, into the Garden suite, where the rest of the day’s events took place. A wonderfully large room which easily accommodated the wedding of this size, which was around 80 guests. There were some great speeches at this wedding, and they even had a game of bongo bingo! One of the prizes was an inflatable T. rex! Make sure you check out the photos for that gem! It was hilarious.

Straight after bingo, the three of us headed down to the beach to get some dreamy golden hour shots. The lighting was perfect, and Katy and Richie made it their own. Needless to say, we had a lot of fun running around and drinking champagne. It was great for them just to be alone and enjoy the beach together. To have the coastline just five minutes away from this venue is a deal breaker. What an incredible evening!

Back to Newton Hall, and of course, it was party time—first, a live band - The Overthinkers, before a DJ to dance the night away.

Every part of this day was a dream to photograph. Even the little bit of rain that we had didn’t impact the day, as this is a great indoor venue as well as an outdoor one.

The Venue - Newton Hall

One of my favourite things about Newton Hall is its flexibility. Couples can choose from several beautiful ceremony spots: the Enchanted Chapel for indoor elegance, the romantic Garden Room with its glass roof and trailing florals, or the outdoor terrace surrounded by countryside views. Each space offers unique lighting and composition opportunities.

Newton Hall is also all about the little things. Bold interior design, antique mirrors, plush velvet chairs, statement lighting… It’s a dream for detail shots and lends a unique character to every photo. Even the getting-ready suites are thoughtfully styled, giving the bridal party prep that editorial edge photographers adore.

One hidden gem? The beach is just down the road. If couples are up for a quick escape before or after the ceremony, Newton-by-the-Sea offers sweeping views, dramatic skies, and rugged shoreline. Perfect for romantic, windswept portraits.

Newton Hall doesn’t just look good, it feels good. The staff are warm and attentive, the food is phenomenal, and the entire experience is designed to make couples (and their vendors!) feel relaxed and cared for. That energy carries through in the photos: natural smiles, genuine emotion, and moments that feel real and timeless.

If you’re planning a wedding and want a venue that’s both luxurious and full of personality, Newton Hall should be at the top of your list. And as a photographer, I can say with confidence: it’s a place where love stories truly come to life, frame by beautiful frame.