Horsted Place - Helen & Steve

Horsted Place truly has the wow factor! From the moment I met Helen and Steve at our first consultation, I was completely taken. The stunning Victorian Gothic architecture and beautiful grounds make it a dream wedding venue. I think I might have been more excited than the couple!

Their wedding day was intimate and relaxed, surrounded by their closest family and friends. I started by photographing Steve and his groomsmen, then made my way to Helen in the bridal suite as she finished getting ready. Helen looked stunning in her dress, perfectly complementing the style of the venue. After capturing a few shots with her maid of honor, I followed Helen as she strolled through the pretty gardens, down the path to Little Horsted church—such a calm and unique experience, walking through the grounds to the ceremony.

Though I couldn’t photograph the service itself, I caught beautiful moments before and after, then returned to Horsted Place for family portraits and couple shots. With the perfect setting, couple, and weather, the day felt truly magical!

Brookfield Barn - Hannah & Tom

Stunning wedding day at Brookfield Barn, with the gorgeous Hannah & Tom. Such a fun couple, who made the most of every single moment of their day. They couldn’t have been luckier with the weather, with the sun out in a blaze of glory!

I photographed a fairly relaxed Hannah getting ready with her Mum and bridesmaids at Birchwood Cottage, a sweet airbnb, tucked away down a local country lane. Final preparations took place at Brookfield Barn, before Hannah walked to meet Tom, to say “yes”.

It was the hottest day of the year, during a very dry spell and you can see from the pictures, taken out on the golf course, just how yellow the grass was. Despite the sweltering heat, the wedding party were determined to wear their full wedding attire for most of the day, especially for the family and friends photos.

Hannah & Tom are both fun, warm and genuine & the day was simply a pleasure for me to be part of. The only downside was that (even against Hannah’s advice), I admitted to Tom that I support Spurs! This resulted in me being treated to plenty of banter from Tom & his groomsmen for the rest of the day! :-)

Brookfield Barn hosted seamlessly, with perfect attention to detail. It’s such a picturesque location, in a beautiful countryside setting.

Steyning, West Sussex: Amy & Matt

Wonderful sunny day in Steyning for Amy & Matt’s wedding, which finally took place after the delay caused by the pandemic! From Amy & Matts bedroom window you could just get a glimpse of the reception marquee on the south downs horizon, adding to the anticipation!

Beautiful wedding ceremony at the historic Steyning Parish Church, before taking the short trip to the lush green fields of the farm & reception. The marquee setting was stunning, with the south downs & Chanctonbury Ring sitting perfectly on the horizon.

“We loved the way Daren captured our wedding day and really enjoyed his documentary style as neither myself or my husband are particularly keen on posing for photos. We have so many beautiful photos to look back on and Daren was amazing with communications to ensure the album was just as we wanted and arrived safely.”

South Stoke Barn-Claire&Bill

Claire & Bill got married in the summer of 2021 at South Stoke Barn, near Arundel, West Sussex. I have visited Arundel many times over the years, yet i’d never discovered South Stoke, which is nestled between the River Arun and the South Downs. South Stoke Barn is an original nineteenth century Granary Barn. It is practically unchanged from its original form and really was an idyllic location for Claire & Bills wedding. Claire & her Bridesmaids got ready in a gorgeous thatched cottage, with lovely countryside views, a great setting to relax before the ceremony. Claire and Bill had planned their day exactly how they wanted it, really relaxed, with a great mix of romance, fun and laughter. I was fortunate to have a little time with them, away from their family and friends, so we could explore the sunshine and sweet backdrops.

Southdowns Manor-Lauren&Jason

Lauren & Jasons wedding was my first since the pandemic and so really marked a special moment for all of us. The number of guests was still limited to just 30 and masks had to be worn during the ceremony.. The restrictions and the on & off rainy day, didn’t dampen the magic, with Lauren and Jason’s love really shining throughout. Fortunately there were some sunny breaks in the rainy weather, so we could capture photographs in the wonderful Southdown Manor gardens. Southdown Manor is situated in the heart of the Southdowns national park, in Petersfield, Hampshire.

Sopley Mill-Dorset: Helen and Sam

Helen and Sam booked me for a half day to photograph their halloween styled wedding at the stunning Sopley Mill, set on the edge the wonderful New Forest.

I had been particularly looking forward to this wedding as the New Forest has always been one of my favourite places and having researched Sopley Mill i knew it was a fantastic setting. Sopley Mill is a renovated watermill, surrounded on both sides by the Avon River with uninterrupted views across the water meadows.

Helen & Sam booked me to photograph their wedding ceremony, a few couple photos and a selection of more traditional family photographs before leaving them to the spooky stuff!

The day was generally quite overcast although the sun did show itself on occasion - it was October! The only downside was that i wasn’t on hand to catch the rest of Helen and Sam’s day, as I’m certain it would have been a lot of fun to capture. Really grateful to have been part of their amazing day though and wish them much happiness together.

Some people to thank:

Make up by Helens friend, Emily Hogan.

Helens sister and brother sang in the ceremony

https://www.gracebaileybridalhair.com/meet-grace

http://sopleymill.co.uk/

https://www.redcherrycatering.com/

www.sweettreatcakes.co.uk

Quex House-Kent: Tracy & Mark

“All you need is love"

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In the summer of 2019, Tracy & and Mark tied the knot at Quex House, in the quaint village of Birchington- on- sea, Kent - not too far from Margate, one of my favourite southern coastal towns!

Quex estate dates back to the 15th century and was the perfect venue for Tracy and Mark, unique and a little quirky. The house is incredible, with richly coloured, regency decorated rooms. The featured gardens boast an ornate fountain, sweet victorian walled gardens and a funky cactus filled greenhouse!

Tracy & and Mark added some lovely touches to the venue, showing their love of art & music. They even designed an outside tent for the little ones to play in, which seemed to attract a good number of adults too! Much to the delight of all the guests there was the added attraction of the local Woodland View llamas, who came to visit - bringing some calm, before turning things up with the evening reception.

A wonderful couple, a fabulous day, full of fun and totally heartfelt.

Shermabury-Henfield-Sussex: Michelle and Mark

Michelle & Mark got married just a stones from where they live! Just opposite their home, hidden half a mile down a country track is St Peter’s Church, set on the bank of the river Adur. It’s one of the oldest Churches in Sussex and described in the Doomsday book, with archeologists dating the chuch back to 1135 - it’s a fascinating place to be married and special too as only a few people get married there each year. It’s also a place which holds fond memories with me as i spent some years living in the area, having spent sunny afternoons picnicking by the river. I was always curious to see a church, so far removed from anywhere and never thought i’d be asked to photograph a couples wedding!. I felt very fortunate to be asked to photograph the occasion.

Michelle & Mark only wanted me to capture a few hours of the day, some photographs at their home & at the church, with close family and friends - very intimate & wonderful.