Stewart & Stacey’s New Place Wedding by Myriame Lawley Photography
Stewart and Stacey married at the stunning New Place Country Hotel, surrounded by family and friends. New Place Hotel is a Grade 1 listed building commissioned by Mrs A S Franklyn in 1904 and designed by Edwin Lutyens. The impressed ornate wrought iron gates are a stunning feature and a must for bridal portraits. New Place Hotel is one of our favourite wedding venues as the building is beautiful, the staff lovely and the stunning gardens are just wonderful for wedding photography. It was at the New Place Hotel PMN wedding fayre, which we regularly attend, that we first meet Stewart and Stacey and we were privileged to be asked to photograph their wedding. I was lucky to get to know them and their family further during a complimentary engagement shoot in the local bluebell woods. Complimentary engagement / family shoots are an ideal way to get to know each other and become familiar with the camera, especially if you are a little camera shy. I took a lovely family photo which has been framed and on display in their lounge. The wedding day was bright and sunny and both Stacey and Stewart looked radiant. Here is Stewart and Stacey’s wedding journey as told by Stacey.
How did you chose your venue & what made this your ideal venue?
We had an idea of a castle style wedding because the proposal was at the Hot Walls but we didn’t like the small , dark feel. A friend gave us a few ideas of places to look at, one being New Place Hotel. When we went to view the venue, we just knew it was the one. It had the style theme we were looking for, a great feel, open and spacious and lots for guests to do.
What part of the wedding process were you most excited about?
Choosing the wedding dress and groom suit.
Please tell me about your proposal, who proposed, where and how?
On the 29th April 2023, we went for our usual monthly dinner date, we went to River Spice, Portchester. After dinner, we went for a walk around the Hot Walls. It was cold and Stew was acting strange, making us loiter around the fishing area, he was waiting for them to leave. Stew told me to close my eyes and hold out my hand. I was suspicious but I did, and then Stew said open your eyes. Stew was one one knee and asked me if I would marry him. I was surprised and was not expecting it. Stew said I took what felt like minutes to answer, but I was just so surprised, words didn’t come out – of course I said yes!
Did your wedding date have any special meaning to you?
No special meaning. We had thought about a September date but Stew has a very big family, so we had to plan it around everyone’s birthdays. We did want a summer wedding or a warm weather wedding so the 31st August was perfect for us.
How long did it take you to find the dress of your dreams? Any tips you can offer other brides?
It took me two fittings to find the dress and I don’t regret my choice. Any tips? Go with at least 2 other people as they can offer their honest opinions and help you pick styles you may have not usually picked for yourself. Try on every style, I had a vision of a dress style but it didn’t suit my body and I chose something out of my comfort zone and felt amazing in it.
Tell me about your wedding suits and colour theme
Stew didn’t want me to see the wedding suites until the day as a surprise, but they were perfect. The colour theme was navy, liliac and silver, with white and ivory. Stew wore blue and the groomsmen wore grey so the groom looked different from the other suits.
How did you personalise your wedding day?
We had a crisp wall which Stew’s dad made and the guests loved it. We ran out of crisps by the evening. Stew is into his retro gaming and toys so we had a dance machine at the reception, we wanted something different that the guests wouldn’t have expected.
What song did you chose for your first dance and why?
All of me by John Legend, sums up Stew and Stacey’s love for each other.
‘Cause all of meLoves all of youLove your curves and all your edgesAll your perfect imperfectionsGive your all to meI’ll give my all to you
What was your favourite image from your wedding gallery and why?
How can we choose? They are all amazing.
What advice would you give newly engaged couples in planning for their wedding?
Talk about ideas and what you would like, compromise, and discuss budget. It will get stressful at times but try to relax and trust your suppliers, guests don’t look at the little details, only you will notice. Take your time because when the big day arrives it will go so fast.
Stewart and Stacey’s Wedding suppliers:
- Venue. New Place Hotel
- Photographer: Myriame Lawley Photographer
- Bridal Gown: Wed2b Southampton
- Suits: Hunters and Greys
- Florist: Hampshire flower barn
- Cake: Cocoa and Whey
- Dance Machine: Corporate Amusement Services
- Letters: Event Themes
