Last May, we welcomed Kristina and Ashley to The Secret Barn for their wedding. Kristina and Ashley made the most of all the outdoor spaces, holding their ceremony in sunshine, in the orchard, amoungst the ancient apple trees.
The stars really alligned for this one, when they got in touch asking for our availability, the only day we had was May 10th – which happened to be the anniversary of their engagemnet – so it was meant to be.
Roald Dahl once wrote that if you have good thoughts, they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely, that is exactly the vibe Kristina and Ashley have. We loved them instantly, and basically held them hostage and wouldn’t allow them to get married anywhere else, we just knew they belonged with us.
A Ceremony Under the Trees
The couple decided to hold their ceremony in the orchard, which is a great shout in May. Sitting out under the trees takes any “awkwardness” out of a wedding – there is something special about getting married outside with the birds singing.
The sun shone through the branches while they said their vows, and the whole thing felt very private and peaceful. For anyone looking for a licenced outdoor ceremony space, our original orchard is a hidden gem, it feels miles away from everything, (even though it’s just a short walk from the barn).
Into the Timber Barn
After the vows, a few drinks on the lawn and lots of canapes the barn doors were opened and everyone headed inside the for the feast. Our barn is an authentic timber frame, so it doesn’t need much dressing up. Kristina and Ashley kept things simple, letting the warm wood and the scale of the beams do the heavy lifting and added classic white linen, and some big floral pieces in whites and soft colours.
Why This Day Worked
Kristina and Ashley’s was so laid back and the focus was on them and their guests having a brilliant time. They didn’t overcomplicate things; a great group of people, lots of delicious food, the barn dressed with seasonal flowers from our field in whites and lights, and the natural beauty of the West Sussex countryside. We’re lucky to have such a great backdrop of the South Downs, and a sunny May day when everything is looking so green and hopeful can be one of the best times to see it.
The TL;DR
- The Couple: The lovely Kristina & Ashley – beautiful inside and out!
- The Date: A sunny Saturday in May (the anniversary of their engagement!)
- The Setting: An outdoor orchard ceremony followed by canapes on the lawn and sharing platters feast in The Secret Barn.
- The Menu: Signature Petal and Feast Sharing platters of giant steaks, herby bashed potatoes, salads, and sides, followed by pavlovas. All served at the table. Lots of fancy wine!
- Location: The Secret Barn, Near Steyning, West Sussex
- The Vibe: Relaxed, sunny May wedding, lots of family and friends, feasting food, fancy wines, white linens and flowers.
- The Photographer: Charleigh Victoria Photography
- The Videographer: Jordan Manfield
