Sophie & Will – Grittenham Barn Wedding

A beautiful Grittenham Barn Wedding

Oh Sophie & Will! What a day we had. This stunning Grittenham Barn wedding truly had it all. I must say I have always loved West Sussex, it’s a delightful and peaceful area with gorgeous countryside, ‘old-timey’ feel and most important of all, its micro climate! We had all weathers predicted for Saturday, and what started off as a little drizzly and overcast, soon developed into the most perfect sunshine-filled, balmy afternoon. After what followed on Sunday they really couldn’t have planned it better!

Sophie and Will, another couple affected by the pandemic, chose (luckily) to postpone for a whole year, it was still a year of waiting and wondering like all my couples, but it paid off, by being the first weekend all restrictions at weddings were lifted. It was good to be back.

Sophie seems to make friends with the absolute best people, with so much of their day having links to clients from her work, or friends of the family. One such family kindly lent the couple their stunning home to get ready in, and pulling up at the door I must say I gasped a little! The first image you see is a classic example of one of my favourite types of photography. Beautiful, soft, key-lighting enhancing the most stunning flowers which were consistent throughout the wedding. Knowing Sophie also had a Jesus Peiro dress by the one and only Miss Bush, I knew it was going to be a good day!

The vibe whilst everyone got prepped and dressed was so serene and calm, and for the first time this year, the bride arrived at the ceremony on time! A slightly anxious Will was waiting at the beautiful All Hallows church, and had informed me he’d been incredibly emotional all morning. Turns out I wasn’t prepared for the number of tears shed and during the first ‘live’ singing of hymns in over 18 months I was blubbing away too, to Shine, Jesus, Shine. The choir were just wonderful and I couldn’t have asked for a kinder Vicar who allowed me to work wherever I needed to (without being obtrusive of course).

Glorious confetti flowed before everyone headed just down the road to Grittenham Barn. A new one for me, and already a firm favourite! I am definitely desperate to head back again, it was just perfect. Stunning setting, corn fields, a lake, super pretty garden, and let’s not forget the pigs and donkeys! So adorable and I might have squealed a little as one of the family dogs escaped into the reception to see what all the fuss was about. The caterers were incredible, kind and attentive and the food was to die for! Can you tell I had a lovely time at this wedding? And let’s not skip past the real reason I enjoyed it so much, Sophie and Will.  Could I have adored them anymore, I don’t think so. Sophie and I had got to know each other quite well in the run up, and I can honestly say that I adore both of them, and will be annoying them forever trying to stay friends as I just loved working with them so much. They took every moment in, and smiled ALL day. Their two beautiful children were so well behaved and so utterly adorable, and seeing them all together as a family celebrating such an important day was just so lovely.

Speeches were emotional, funny and heartfelt, just the way they should be, Will’s in particular was so sweet and meaningful, and once again left me with watery eyes. We headed out before the first dance to grab the last of the light for the day, in the stunning corn field and gardens, to capture what will always be a favourite image of mine. A huge thanks must go to my lovely assistant and second shooter for the day, Philippa, who was a total pleasure to work alongside. Sophie and Will, thank you for being the absolute loveliest clients to work for, I cannot wait to get stuck into the rest of your photos, but for now, here is a little story for you to keep you going. Lots and lots of love to you both! xxx

If you’re planning a similar wedding and would like to know more about my approach or have any further questions please just shout!