Blush Pink, Romantic Woodhall Manor Wedding of Hannah & Adam

Like many couples, Hannah and Adam were forced to postpone their wedding in 2020 due to the Covid pandemic. They were able to find a new date the following summer, and I was delighted to be asked to take the pictures of their special day.

As a Suffolk wedding photographer, their venue, Woodhall Manor, is one I know well and absolutely adore – it’s a romantic, historic place, with a walled garden and immaculate grounds that provide a gorgeous backdrop for photographs. After all the delays, Adam and Hannah’s wedding there was a joyous celebration. They were a pleasure to photograph, and their family and friends helped create a vibrant atmosphere at the venue and made me feel so welcome.

Here, Hannah tells us about how she coped with having to rearrange her wedding, how she picked a theme, what her highlight of the day was, and plenty more…

How did Adam propose to you?

Adam out did himself with the proposal, and I still smile thinking about it today! After saving for our first home, we decided our next adventure was to go on holiday somewhere special. We chose Mexico! I had never been on a plane before, and it was out first holiday abroad together, so it was already going to be an incredible
experience, but the proposal made it truly magical.

We used to walk to dinner via the beach most evenings, but on December 9, 2018, as we looked out to sea, Adam dropped to one knee and proposed! I looked round to see a lovely Mexican photographer who had captured the special moment which I am so grateful for. Following the proposal, we had a candlelit private dinner on the beach and it was the best steak we had ever had. When we first met, we were teenagers with not a penny to our name, so the fact we were able to go away, and then to have such a special engagement on top of that was perfection!

How would you describe your wedding day in three words?

Summery, romantic and joyful.

What was your vision for the wedding?

After postponing in 2020, I really wanted to make sure the day was fully focused on celebrating the end to such a challenging time. We wanted to make the whole day about being together with family and friends, as well as being able to marry the love of our lives! My dream was always to be married outside in Woodhall's Dovecote, as
it is such a romantic setting in stunning grounds.

Did you have a theme and/or colour scheme?

We went for a simple white and blush pink theme throughout the venue. We both like the simplistic, natural, but romantic look, so chose white and pink flowers, including a wisteria tree arch in the main ballroom and a blossom tree arch for the ceremony. We also went for simple blush pink bridesmaids dresses and Adam and his groomsmen wore navy suits with a hint of pink on their tie or waistcoat, while the rooms were decorated with pictures of places Adam and I have explored together.

What music did you pick for the special moments on your wedding day?

I wanted to walk down the aisle to Over the Rainbow as the last few years had been so challenging for everyone, it felt just right for the occasion. We walked back down the aisle together as husband and wife to Send Me On My Way by Rusted Roots. It is just such a fun and joyful song. For our first dance we chose Song Birds by Fleetwood Mac, which is one of the songs we have listened to for years and it felt so comforting.

What was the best moment of the day?

Finally walking down the aisle and seeing my family and friends faces, and, of course, my husband-to-be's HUGE smile! Nothing will ever beat that feeling of happiness.

Where did you go for your honeymoon?

We flew to Antigua four days after we were married and it was the cherry on top of the cake! A very romantic location with lots of amazing activities to try. We spent two weeks exploring, snorkelling and laughing.

What advice would give brides to be as they prepare for their own weddings?

Relax, it will all work out. The details are important, but everyone who attends simply wants to see you happy. One thing I learnt from having to postpone the wedding was that I had initially been so worried about all of the little details, whereas when the big day finally arrived I just wanted it to happen and be able to see my family's faces as I walked down the aisle. So, the delay just put everything into perspective.