Set just on the edge of the South Downs on a beautiful spring day, Amelia and Tobias’ wedding at Cissbury Barns was one of those events that just felt fantastic to be part of. From the outset, they wanted something genuinely chilled out – a relaxed South East wedding where people could settle in, wander, chat and enjoy themselves without feeling tied to a strict timetable.
Rather than leaning into anything overly traditional, they shaped the day around a garden party style atmosphere. The setting did a lot of the work for them: open countryside, spring light, big skies and plenty of space to move at your own pace. It felt sociable and easy, with guests naturally drifting between conversations, drinks and moments rather than being ushered from one thing to the next. It’s exactly the kind of South Downs setting that suits couples who love the outdoors but want their wedding to feel modern, informal and full of life.
The details were thoughtful without ever feeling fussy. Amelia’s statement puff-sleeved dress set the tone beautifully, paired with mismatched pastel bridesmaids dresses from Rewritten who each chose something that felt like them. Locally grown flowers from Chalk Farm Flowers kept everything rooted in the season, handmade mango chutney favours added a personal touch, and live soul music gave the evening that effortlessly joyful lift when everyone finally found the dancefloor.
This is the sort of South East wedding that really suits a documentary approach – one that focuses on people, atmosphere and how the day actually felt, rather than stopping it to manufacture moments. Amelia and Tobias were just the best sort of couple to shoot for: thoughtful, easygoing and fully present, more interested in soaking it all in with their friends and family than performing for the camera.
If you’re thinking of throwing a wedding at Cissbury Wedding Barns, and you need a photographer who will capture it all with a relaxed documentary style, then please get in touch to have a chat – we’d love to hear from you.
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