The Old Hall Ely Wedding | Editorial Wedding Photography

A Relaxed Morning with Kirsty and the Girls

The morning began in the bridal suite where Kirsty and her bridesmaids were enjoying a wonderfully relaxed start to the day.

One of our favourite moments came almost immediately. Kirsty had surprised everyone with personalised wedding newspapers, and as two of the bridesmaids relaxed together on the bed, it felt like the perfect opportunity to hand them each a copy. It made for one of those natural photographs that couldn't have been planned better.

While the excitement quietly built, Kirsty spent a moment admiring her dress hanging in the suite before we explored the venue capturing all the carefully chosen details that would become such an important part of telling the story of the day. From elegant jewellery and wedding rings to bouquets, shoes and stationery, every detail reflected the timeless style they'd created.

With a little time before the ceremony preparations really began, we took the drone into the air for a beautiful aerial view of The Old Hall Ely, showcasing just how stunning the venue looks surrounded by its gardens and countryside.

Classic Black Tie Groom Preparations

Meanwhile, Conor and his groomsmen were enjoying an equally relaxed morning.

Like many grooms opting for black tie, Conor was battling with his bow tie at first. They certainly aren't the easiest things to master, but after a little perseverance he ended up tying what was genuinely one of the best bow ties we've seen all season.

The atmosphere was calm, full of laughs and exactly the sort of morning every groom hopes for.

His best man helped him into his jacket before Conor returned the favour by fastening his best man's buttonhole. It's little moments like these that often become some of the most meaningful photographs from the morning.

Before heading back inside, we made the most of the beautiful front courtyard outside. The entire group threw themselves into every idea we suggested, resulting in one of our favourite editorial photographs of the day as they confidently walked towards the camera fastening their jackets. We finished with a portrait of Conor framed by the grand front entrance of The Old Hall Ely, a photograph that perfectly captured the timeless style of the day.

Beautiful Bridal Preparations Filled with Emotion

Back upstairs, the excitement was beginning to build.

Kirsty's bridesmaids looked incredible in their sage green dresses, a colour that complemented both the venue and the black tie styling beautifully.

As her mum carefully fastened the final buttons on the dress, the room became noticeably quieter. There are always moments during the morning when everything suddenly feels very real, and this was one of them.

We captured some lovely moments between Kirsty and the page boy, who completely stole the show for a few minutes.

Then came one of the most emotional parts of the day.

As Kirsty's dad walked into the room and saw his daughter in her wedding dress for the very first time, emotions took over. There wasn't a dry eye in the room, especially when we noticed Kirsty's mum watching quietly from the background, wiping away tears. It's moments like these that remind us why we love photographing weddings so much.

An Outdoor Ceremony Beneath the Pagoda

The weather couldn't have been more perfect for an outdoor ceremony.

Bathed in sunshine beneath The Old Hall Ely's beautiful garden pagoda, family and friends gathered as Conor waited patiently with his groomsmen.

As Kirsty made her way down the aisle, we captured one of our favourite ceremony photographs, a close-up of her smiling towards Conor while walking arm in arm with her dad.

The ceremony itself was full of laughter, emotion and genuine happiness.

As the newlyweds walked back down the aisle together, they surprised everyone with a brilliant idea. Rather than simply walking hand in hand, Conor swept Kirsty off her feet and carried her back down the aisle, creating a joyful photograph.

Capturing Confetti from the Ground... and the Sky

Confetti is always one of our favourite parts of any wedding day, and Kirsty & Conor's was no exception.

With guests lining the front of The Old Hall Ely, we knew we wanted to capture this moment in a slightly different way.

While Andy photographed the confetti from the back, I took to the skies with the drone at exactly the same time while holding my camera from the gorund. Flying the drone with one hand while photographing with the camera in the other certainly kept me busy, but the result was completely worth it. The couple now have two completely different perspectives of exactly the same moment, creating a gallery that feels even more immersive.

Before everyone headed through to the drinks reception, we quickly stopped Kirsty & Conor for a stylish editorial portrait in the front courtyard, making the most of the elegant architecture while the celebrations naturally continued around them.

Cocktails, Sunshine and a Saxophonist

If there was one word to describe the drinks reception, it would be fun.

Guests enjoyed cocktails in the sunshine while a live saxophonist created an incredible atmosphere throughout the courtyard.

Before long, the bridesmaids and wedding party couldn't resist joining in, dancing together and making the most of the beautiful summer afternoon.

These are exactly the kinds of moments we love photographing. Nothing feels forced. Everyone simply enjoys themselves while we quietly document everything happening around us.

Editorial Portraits Around The Old Hall Ely

One of the biggest reasons couples choose us is because they love our editorial style, but what many don't realise is how relaxed the experience actually feels.

Rather than spending hours posing, we simply took Kirsty & Conor for a gentle walk around the grounds of The Old Hall Ely while guests made their way into the marquee for the wedding breakfast.

Conor carried Kirsty's dress whenever she needed him to, they chatted together naturally, laughed constantly and completely trusted every suggestion we made.

That trust is what makes all the difference.

Despite not having time for a pre-wedding shoot, within minutes they looked completely comfortable in front of the camera. You don't need modelling experience to create beautiful photographs, you simply need a photographer you trust enough to guide you naturally throughout the day.

A Wedding Breakfast Full of Energy

As Kirsty & Conor entered the marquee, they were welcomed by one of the loudest receptions we've photographed.

Guests stood waving napkins, cheering and creating an incredible atmosphere as the newlyweds made their entrance.

The speeches continued the energy perfectly.

From heartfelt words by Kirsty's dad to Conor's speech before a brilliantly funny performance from the best man, there was every emotion imaginable.

One thing we always make a conscious effort to photograph during speeches isn't just the person speaking, but everyone listening.

The laughter from friends, emotional reactions from parents and little glances between family members often become just as meaningful as the speeches themselves. They're the photographs that help couples relive the atmosphere of the room years later.

Golden Hour at The Old Hall Ely

As the evening celebrations began, Kirsty & Conor shared their first dance surrounded by family and friends before the dance floor quickly filled.

With the party well underway, we quietly slipped outside for one last adventure together.

Golden hour at The Old Hall Ely is always something special. The soft evening light, beautiful gardens and peaceful surroundings create the perfect setting for timeless portraits.

Watching Kirsty & Conor completely embrace the moment was the perfect ending to an unforgettable day. Every photograph felt effortlessly elegant and perfectly captured the editorial style we love to create. Honestly, these two wouldn't have looked out of place in the pages of a wedding magazine.

It was the perfect way to finish one of our favourite weddings we've ever photographed at this incredible venue.

Planning a Wedding at The Old Hall Ely?

Kirsty & Conor's wedding perfectly showcased everything we love about The Old Hall Ely. Elegant black tie styling, beautiful gardens, an unforgettable atmosphere and a couple who completely trusted the creative process combined to create a gallery we're incredibly proud of.

If you're planning your own The Old Hall Ely wedding and are looking for an Cambridgeshire wedding photographer who specialises in relaxed, natural and editorial wedding photography, we'd love to hear all about your plans.

GET IN TOUCH