Cissbury Barns Wedding Photography

Bridget & Damien’s gorgeous autumn wedding at Cissbury Barns

I’m very lucky that a lot of my couples are referred to me by previous clients and I was absolutely delighted when Bridget & Damien booked me to photograph their wedding at Cissbury. Cissbury Barns  is just a 15 minute drive from me. I don’t often shoot weddings this local, but having done a few now at Cissbury, I have to say not only is it nice to have such a short journey, but it’s a bonus that the venue is as stunning as this! Cissbury Barns has a perfect layout out for weddings – 2 barns, lovely outdoors space and grounds set in the stunning South Downs, nestled into the Findon woodlands. It’s lovely and rural but not far from Worthing, and the gorgeous landscape is what I love most about it. Another wedding featuring woodlands!! Yes, but I’ve loads of gorgeous London weddings to show you too, so watch this space to see more of what I’ve been up to this year!

Preparation at Cissbury House

Lovely Bridget and her bridal party were getting ready at the main  house, and all was calm when I arrived. With just a small immediate family both Bridget’s mum and brother were there to support her and get here there on time! After doing all the practical stuff, the last job they had was getting the wedding ribbon on the wedding car, dodging the rain and borrowing scissors and things to clip it on. Once ready, all hands were on deck to get Bridget into her amazing dress, and then having a bit of fizz to calm the nerves. Meanwhile, I whizzed off to the barns a short 3 minute drive away, to capture some of their guests arriving and say hello to Damien and his family. As usual, there was a bit of a buzz before the ceremony as family and friends started arriving and everyone was busy saying hello to each other. Then the groomsmen started ushering guests into the barn ready for the ceremony and the arrival of the bride. I spotted the wedding car through the trees and got ready to capture Bridget’s arrival. The rain had stopped so no brollies were needed!

Wedding Ceremony in the Barn and photos in the woods

Bridget looked an absolute picture of happiness walking down the aisle on her brother’s arm towards Damien and the look on his face was priceless. Both of them were clearly very close to their families as they cast lots of glances towards them during the ceremony. And you could see how totally delighted both mums were. After reading their personal vows and exchanging rings, they were married and headed outside for confetti and a few family photos. Then off to the woods for some photos. Personally, I love to feature the surrounding area a venue is set in, be it urban or rural. That’s one of many reasons why couples choose their venue, so I try to do it justice. They were also really keen to get out to take some photos. Bridget & Damien were big adventurers and had travelled lots together so getting trainers on and having a wander was top of the list! They told me about the proposal adventure in Canada, on a trip to Moraine Lake. It was beautiful day and they took a hike up from the lake to a nearby peak where Damien set up his camera on the tripod for a ‘photo’. As Bridget turned around he was on one knee with a ring. Quite the romantic isn’t he! They were totally themselves, relaxed and happy and clearly very much in love as we wandered in the woods taking photos. Their guests were being seated for dinner and were happy to welcome them back with a big roar of applause, for a few speeches before dinner. Damien was ribbed rotten by his best man for all the things he’d gotten up to during the years of their friendship, and Bridget’s mum spoke of how strong and determined her lovely daughter was. Both adventurers and travellers. Quiet, determined characters. They were clearly made for each other.

Relaxed story-telling documentary wedding photography

Most of my couples are looking for no fuss, natural coverage of their wedding day, where they can relax, be themselves and get on with enjoying their day. Damien & Bridget’s wedding was a very relaxed, romantic celebration and I caught the best moments from the day without being a shouty loud controlling photographer! If my approach appeals to you, get in touch HERE. If you’d like to see a bit more of my work, take a look at Danielle & Colin’s wedding at Abel’s Harp in Shropshire or Anna & Brad’s wedding at Hampton Court House. Bridget & Damien – thanks a mill for booking me and I wish you both many adventures, along life’s road together xx