Classic Home Garden Wedding in Sussex

RHIANNON AND GEORGE’S ROMANTIC COUNTRYSIDE WEDDING

Nestled in the Sussex countryside is the quaint village of Wivelsfield, and the scene for Rhiannon and George’s home garden wedding.

Rhiannon’s family home was the back-drop for their day, following a ceremony at their family church. The garden was full of roses grown by her parents, with an orchard and field beyond perfect for romantic evening portraits.

With a marquee featuring silver birch trees, and colourful florals that matched Rhiannon’s incredibly embroidered veil, the golden sun shone on them all day.

GETTING READY WITH THE GIRLS

Rhiannon was supported by her mum, her bridesmaids and close friends as she prepared for the big day. With elegant make-up providing a subtle glow and lush lashes, Rhiannon’s look was perfectly classic and elegant.

When speaking with Rhiannon before the day, she wanted to prioritise photos of getting dressed with her girls, and photos with her family before leaving for the church above anything else, and I think we captured some truly beautiful moments in doing so.

With a pop of bubbles, we gathered all the girls together for some quick and fun shots. Having met and been at school since a young age, the bond between them and Rhiannon’s mum was so strong, an absolute bundle of love and admiration for her.

Her stunning satin v-neck dress featured pearl detail all the way down the back, and a unique embroidered veil covered in light pink and purple orchids and roses.

Rhiannon’s girls faces were an absolute picture as they helped with her dress and veil, seeing her in the mirror; no longer the little girl they were at school with, but now the woman about to marry her George….

THE FIRST LOOK

One thing I would always encourage you to do is work a little time in for a first look with your parents/nearest and dearest there with you in the morning. It is such a precious moment for them as they see all your hopes and dreams about to come true, to see you in your most special get-up EVER!

The final big moment before leaving for the church, was to greet her parents and brothers. They all gasped as Rhiannon walked down the stairs to meet them, it was such a special and emotional moment as they saw her in her dress for the first time, completely herself, elegant, glowing, refined, and completely ready for a new life with her beloved George.

Rhiannon and her parents travelled to the church in a stunning cream vintage car with her brothers following in a vintage bus ready to transport the guests following the ceremony.

Her family could not have looked prouder or happier as took some family photos in front of the family home before leaving for the church.

GEORGE AND THE BOYS

With George just ten minutes down the road, I hopped in the car with their button-holes and zoomed down the country lanes to meet them for some relaxed photos before the ceremony too.

THE CEREMONY

Rhiannon and George’s ceremony took place in the family church just down the road. Blue skies and sunshine were out in force to welcome Rhiannon and her dad as George waited patiently inside for the beginning of their forever to begin.

The church featured beautiful pastel and foliage floral arrangements, featuring pink hydrangeas, stocks, and eucalyptus.

They were positively beaming from ear to ear, so happy to finally be married! I loved being able to capture the happy faces of their guests looking back at them after confetti, snapping away to relish the moment for the ‘newly-weds’.

RELAXED AND ROMANTIC

Rhiannon and George wanted an emphasis on relaxed wedding photos, as both of them felt quite nervous about having their photo taken. As always, this was music to my ears as the most relaxed wedding photos make for the most romantic ones!

We first went for a wander in front of the house away from guests as they tucked into canapes and bubbles. I really wanted to showcase Rhi’s dress which paired perfecly with that stunning embroidered veil. Later on in the evening into the field beyond the house for a different scene and countryside vibe.

I just adore how elegant and confident Rhiannon looks in her dress and veil, that is a true bridal glow if I ever saw one; it is just so obvious how in love and ecstatic they are in each other’s company.

THE RECEPTION

Back at the family home, the sperry tent was decked out with florals by Tigers To Lillies and silver birch trees to really bring the ‘outside in’ summer vibe to the reception. Table places were named after Rhi and George’s favourite places together with the top table being named after their new home, New York.

They chose to hold a receiving line so they could welcome all of their guests to their special day, followed by family photos and relaxed portraits together in the gardens.

The weather could not have been more perfect as everyone relaxed together, enjoying the day as it unfolded. Rhi and George were greeted with raptuous applause and much napkin waving as they entered the marquee together.

THE SPEECHES

Rhiannon’s father kicked off the speeches describing his pride for Rhiannon and George’s decision to live their lives to the fullest, to follow their career dreams and relocate to New York. He finished his heart-felt speech with a classic dad joke (I say that with love!),

‘George, place your hand on top of Rhiannon’s.…enjoy this moment as this is the last time you’ll have the upper hand’…

check their hilarious reaction below!

Rhi and George’s joint speech described their love of being at home with both their families, sharing the lockdown at Rhiannon’s famliy home which gave them time to connect ahead of their wedding planning, and thanking their parents for the support and love throughout their journey as a couple as they embarked on a huge life change by moving to New York.

PARTY TIME

As the moon rose on their wedding day, their guests relaxed with espresso martinis and garden games, before gathering for the cake cutting and first dance.

Rhiannon and George danced to ‘Rhiannon’ by Fleetwood Mac and I can not think of a more fitting song for George and his name-sake bride.

They were soon joined on the dancefloor by their loved ones, swiftly boogying the night away, under the stars on the most glorious evening and a star-filled sky.