You don't have to become the Duchess of Cambridge to feel like a Royal Highness on your wedding day. Having once played host to Henry VIII – New Hall Hotel & Spa, is as majestic as it is magical.

Despite the fact that Kirsty and Pete had reservations about New Hall Hotel & Spa – leaving it as their last venue to look at, as soon as the medieval moated house loomed into view they fell in love. Kirsty picks up the story: “We were wary of it being old fashioned but we couldn’t have been more wrong. The building is amazing, it really has wow factor, and the grounds are beautiful too, and so peaceful.

“It was the first venue we could actually picture ourselves getting married especially with all of the many picture opportunities, like the richly timbered and elegant gardens, and of course, the drawbridge. What is more the staff were fantastic, and continued to give brilliant service throughout to the process.” 

The couple exchanged their vows in the hotel’s Great Chamber, originally built for King Henry VIII’s visit to Sutton Coldfield. Featuring oak panelled walls and an ornate ceiling it is packed with history and a plethora of period features – it is rather impressive to say the least. 

The wedding breakfast and reception was held in the Garden Pavilion, situated in the grounds of New Hall with imposing views of the hotel and gardens. It is a really versatile space and was complimented perfectly by the couple’s theme for the décor, influenced by three core colours – dusty pink, silver and cream.

“The marquee was exactly how I imagined,” explains Kirsty. “The chair covers, the decorative balls on the ceiling, the hearts and candles in the trees, and the flowers were all so beautiful. I went with New Hall’s recommendations for the florist and cake makers and I am so glad that I did. I couldn't fault either – both Clare Handsaker from CZ Floral Designs and Paula Hill from A Cake to Remember did exactly what I asked of them. The cake was just brilliant; half was white with flowers the other half was in the Aston Villa Football Club colours as Pete is a die-hard Villa fan! The guests loved it.”

When it came to entertainment, Kirsty was recommended a DJ by a friend – Jay’s Discos. “Jamie Firman, aka DJ Funman, who is owner of the company was great – very friendly, played all the songs we requested and even let Pete have a go on his microphone, this is when he rapped all the words to Shaggy’s ‘It Wasn't Me’,” laughs Kirsty.

One of the most common complaints about wedding photography is that it is too expensive – we have heard this sentiment a lot from a lot of brides to be, and Kirsty took the time to do a bit of research to find someone that was more competitively priced. “Our photographer Adam from Tamworth, was very decently priced compared to other photographers in the area, but gave a great service from start to finish, took beautiful photos, stayed all day and even wore a suit. He fitted in with the day like he was guest, which we loved. Most of our quests even commented on how lovely he was.” 

As with many of our couples, Kirsty and Pete, struggle to tell us one single thing that stood out for them on their special day. “I loved every minute,” confesses Kirsty. “It was the most perfect day, it ran so smoothly and everything was how I imagined it would be. Everyone involved helped to make our day special. The guests loved it too, and were as equally impressed with the venue, service and food, which I couldn’t fault – it was delicious. In fact, my dad even commented a few weeks ago that it was the best wedding he has ever been to!”

THE DETAILS
CAKE: Clare Handsaker from CZ Floral Design (07971800520)
ENTERTAINMENT: Jay’s Disco (07919 921430)
FLOWERS: Paula Hill from A Cake to Remember (07855621131)
PHOTOGRAPHY:  Adam Andrew Photography (07412336339)