Rachel & Mike Grittenham Barn - Sophie Duckworth Photography

“We had THE BEST day and it wouldn’t have been possible without you. We wanted to say a HUGE HUGE thank you for all your help leading up to and also on the day… We had the most amazing time and everything was SO perfect we couldn’t have asked for anything more – you have been an absolute star :)… THANK YOU for the previews eek they are SO lovely and we can’t wait to see the rest.” R&M

Rachel Mike Grittenham Barn Wedding Sophie Duckworth Photography

Grittenham Barn Spring Wedding

My second visit to the fabulous, countryside venue that is Grittenham Barn in Petworth. WHAT A PLACE! Donkeys, the cutest dogs, PIGS even, plus of course, Jeff the cat (in the form of the sweetest sequinned adorned hat hiding on a wedding cake tier). We can all agree the weather so far in 2023 has been rather unkind…I don’t think I have avoided checking my weather apps so much, only due to the fear of seeing yet another outdoor family shoot postpone. So when I reluctantly glanced only to see that Rachel and Mike would be blessed with beautiful weather, I won’t lie, I did a happy dance in my car.

The thing is with barn venues, is they are largely darker than the average venue, the rustic-ness is part of their charm, and they often have beautiful surroundings. It is not easy shooting the whole day indoors (but do-able, I can get creative!) so being able to make the most of the space at Grittenham was fab.

After capturing Mike and the boys at the venue setting up, it was time to meet Rachel and her gang of lovely girlies just down the road. I do love a busy bridal prep house! Always someone on hand to help, but mainly because the atmosphere is brilliant and distracting – always useful to curb those pre wedding jitters.

A quick dash back to Grittenham saw me preparing for beautiful Rachel’s arrival in THAT dress with THAT bow at the back (my fave look!) Poor Mike was a little nervous waiting but his lovely group of lads kept him patient and calm. The ceremony was so lovely and smiley and emotional. I knew after seeing the pair of them together this would be a lovely day. The sunshine poured down upon us all, all day and evening, we were superbly lucky. We had about three different outings in the golden hour light and finished off the photos with a stunning first dance and some brilliant shapes thrown upon the dance floor!

It truly was a wedding that had it all, and I will quietly mention that the venue staff, and caterers, Eat the Street, looked after me SO well, something that doesn’t go unnoticed, so thank you. The flowers were by the wonderful Angel Like flowers and were so unique, and truly captured the Spring vibe. I won’t lie, if I book more Grittenham weddings after the last two I’ve had, I will be a very happy lady!

Here are some previews (and some lovely words from the lovely couple themselves) – can’t wait to get stuck into the main edit! x