Vogue Style Wedding at Firle Place

BLACK TIE SUMMER WEDDING AT FIRLE PLACE

Fran and Josh planned the ultimate summer wedding at country estate, Firle Place. With the utmost care and attention to detail, this couple’s wedding looked straight out of Vogue magazine. A sprinkling of Vivienne Westwood, black tie, a champagne tower, Mustangs, and a 2025 wedding trend I predict to see everywhere: the black bow!

This Firle Place wedding was an absolute treat, and a day I had eagerly been waiting for since I first met Fran and Josh for my lockdown charity project of Doorstep Portraits. Following their incredibly gorgeous engagement session at Camber Sands, I knew former model Fran had the glam in the bag, with Josh’s sweet and relaxed nature, this pair were a romance made in heaven.

Just wait until you see Fran’s Grandad Ken walk her down the aisle (that’s if you didn’t catch the clip from videographer genius Russell Kent Nicholls going viral on TikTok).

IT’S GOT TO BE ‘THE VIV’

It was an absolute privilege when Fran messaged me THE DRESS to end all dresses when she was making her choice at The Wedding Club boutique. It was of course, The Vivienne Westwood. To see it in the flesh and watch Fran become the Goddess she is, was magic.
This leads me to give you one piece of advice when shopping for your dress, choose one that makes you feel like a Goddess, like it was made just for you.
The iconic corset and draping of Vivienne Westwood truly can’t be understated, modern Grecian sculptural vibes.

But, it’s not all about the dress. It’s about your precious time getting ready with your loved ones, sharing those moments of excitement, seeing you in your dress for the first time.

A LITTLE WESTERN NOD

Fran and Josh love country music, and are obsessed with Western show Yellowstone, so Blue Door Barns was the perfect match for Josh to get ready in. With his brother and best men on hand to help, the black and white edit giving a modern twist to this little country prologue. Just wait until you see the Mustangs…

COURTYARD CEREMONY AT FIRLE PLACE

On a bright day, you could be forgiven for thinking Firle Place is in the south of France rather than the South Downs of Sussex! With the sun beaming into the courtyard, it really gives luscious destination vibes, perfect if you are after a destination style but want to stay in the UK.

A stunning floral arch installation by Fig and Flower, and the accompaniment of my hand-picked recommended supplier, the iconic Chiqas Music string quartet, it was undeniably going to be a pretty special ceremony.
When the doors slowly opened to reveal Fran and her Grandad Ken, I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house; it was a truly special moment, one I will never, ever forget.

Grandad Ken also wrote a poem to honour their wedding vows.

A top tip from this couple, personalise your wedding ceremony as much as you wish. From the music, to your readings and vows. I would highly recommend you write your own personalised vows. If you’re too shy to say them during the ceremony, take a moment before or after together to read them. I promise you will not regret doing so.

I will let the rests of their photos do the talking here.

“Today you open a new chapter
Of a long and happy life
And what an amazing one it will be
Together as Husband and Wife”

— Grandad Ken

CONFETTI TOP TIP: YOU CAN NEVER HAVE TOO MUCH

A part of the day your guests can all participate and share in your joy together is confetti. Don’t worry about having too much, you can have too little, but never too much confetti. White paper confetti flutters so beautifully, it lasts longer as it really floats and catches in the wind without disappearing too quickly. Fran and Josh secured their confetti from my faves Flutter Darlings!

POP THE CHAMPAGNE

Kick off your wedding in style with a champagne tower! If there was ever an excuse to indulge in a gorgeous tower of fizz, it’s your wedding. Toast to your vows, to your loved ones, to a lifetime together with a bubbly treat for you and your guests.
Fran and Josh added a chic edge to their tower, with elegant little black bows on the champagne coupes, a delicate detail that flowed throughout their wedding styling.

FAQ: DO YOU DO GROUP PHOTOS? ABSOLUTELY.

I highly recommend taking 20 minutes out of your day for some treasured VIP photos. I recommend a maximum of 10 group photos so that you know you have photographs with your most special people, without everyone hanging around too long and can enjoy your drinks reception. Nominate a family member or friend who can help gather your VIPs, and let them know before the day they’ll be needed after the ceremony for photos.

WEDDING PORTRAITS AT FIRLE PLACE

If you don’t want to take too long having your couple photos, I recommend splitting your photo time. 10 minutes before dinner, and 10 minutes after dinner, that is all you need for some stunning and relaxed photos. We took some time in the sunshine at the Firle house, before soaking up some golden hour after dinner.

Top tip: Switch up your look after dinner! Fran took off her veil, and switched to an up-do. Later on, Josh shed his jacket and opted for a Prada bolero tie (hello Country and Western fans), with Fran also opting for a super cute party dress.
Why have one wedding look when you can have three? PS: doesn’t Fran remind you of Megan Fox?

2025 WEDDING TREND: DRAPING AND CHIC BLACK BOWS

Top tip for your wedding reception decor, if you love the venue but want to make the reception space your own, why not consider draping? Drapd.d created the most elegant reception space, creating a neutral and romantic backdrop for the florals and details to pop.
Black bows embroidered with guests names adorned the place settings, with little black bows tied to Aviation gin (a nod to Fran’s profession), a macaroon tower and cake flowing with black bows on the desert table gave a polished and very Vogue vibe to their reception. Every detail had been thought of and styled so perfectly by Fran.

Another top tip for your reception: Get those napkins waving in the air to welcome the couple into the room! Smiles all around guaranteed.

FAQ: DO YOU STAY FOR THE PARTY? OH YES!

After your first dance and cocktail hour, I am totally down for a party, and some fireworks afterwards just like Fran and Josh!
Let me know everything your wedding entails, from your party outfits and personalised cocktails to your perfected playlist, and I will make sure all the important events and partying are covered.