Hogarths Hotel Wedding Photographer – Gemma & Sasha

Hogarths Hotel in Solihull is a wedding venue I know well, having photographed numerous weddings there over the years. Set on 27 acres of land surrounded by beautiful woodland and countryside, it offers fantastic opportunities for wedding photography. Even if the weather isn’t perfect, the venue provides plenty of indoor spaces that are just as photogenic, so you’re never short of options.

The Ceremony

The weather was on our side for Gemma and Sasha’s wedding, allowing them to enjoy an outdoor ceremony in the stunning grounds of Hogarths Hotel. I began the day photographing Gemma and her bridesmaids getting ready, as well as capturing some relaxed, natural shots of Sasha and his groomsmen outside before the ceremony.

The ceremony took place next to the venue’s iconic bridge—a feature that’s almost a must for photos after the wedding. It’s the perfect backdrop for romantic couple shots, capturing the beauty of the venue while keeping the focus on the bride and groom.

As always, I stayed unobtrusive during the ceremony, letting the registrars handle the formalities. There was a lighthearted moment when one of the registrars accidentally got Gemma’s name wrong! While slightly embarrassing for them, it made for a funny memory for everyone present.

A Unique Dove Release

After the ceremony, Gemma and Sasha arranged for a dove release—only the second time I’ve photographed this at a wedding. Dove releases make for spectacular images, but timing is key. The birds don’t hang around, so you need to be ready with a fast camera and precise timing to capture them in flight. The effect is magical, and the resulting photos are always a beautiful addition to a wedding gallery.

 The Speeches

The speeches took place in the main room after the wedding breakfast. They were a perfect mix of funny and emotional moments, and I focused on capturing genuine reactions from the bride, groom, and guests. These candid moments are some of my favourite images from any wedding, showing the personality and atmosphere of the day.

The Party

After the speeches, the staff quickly turned the room around for the evening celebrations. Gemma and Sasha began with the traditional cake cutting and first dance. They also organised a sparkler exit, where guests lit sparklers and I set up a tunnel for them to walk through.

Sparkler exits can be challenging to photograph safely—they require careful planning to protect the wedding dress, guests, and photographers’ equipment. But they also create dramatic, memorable images, and I love the technical challenge they bring.

Once the formalities were done, it was time for everyone to let loose. I like to get on the dance floor during this part of the evening, capturing the energy, fun, and atmosphere as guests really enjoy themselves. These moments bring the wedding gallery to life.

 The Sunset

As the day drew to a close, we were treated to a beautiful sunset. I couldn’t resist setting up my lighting and calling Gemma and Sasha outside for a quick set of portraits. I captured two photos in the same location using different lighting setups to give two unique and striking images.

Sunset portraits like these add variety and a creative edge to a wedding gallery, combining natural beauty with professional lighting techniques.

Final Thoughts

Gemma and Sasha’s wedding at Hogarths Hotel was a fantastic day full of natural moments, emotional highlights, and beautiful photography opportunities. From the ceremony to the dove release, speeches, party, and sunset portraits, it was a day I thoroughly enjoyed capturing.

If you’re planning a wedding at Hogarths Hotel in Solihull—or anywhere nearby—and like my natural, relaxed style of wedding photography, please get in touch. Dates book up quickly, so early enquiries are always recommended.

I’ve included a small selection of my favourite images from the day below.

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Hogarths Hotel Wedding Photography © David Causon Photography