The Perfect Venue

Setting a July wedding date, Joanne and Alexander were looking for a wedding venue in West Sussex, close to where Joanne was brought up. Dreaming of finding a venue that embraced the countryside and where they might host their drinks reception in a walled garden, they fell in love with Bartholomew Barn.

“It was absolutely beautiful. Frances, the owner, was so friendly and we could immediately envisage having the perfect day there.” – Joanne

The happy couple decided to marry in St Mary’s Church in Horsham, bringing their celebrations back to Bartholomew Barn.

Setting the Scene

Planning their idyllic country wedding, Joanne and Alexander didn’t want a rigid colour scheme and instead wanted their look to be a little ‘softer around the edges’, celebrating the surrounding countryside and local produce.

Colourful hanging lanterns and beautiful flowers added to the natural beauty of the barn and gave a party vibe. Dusky pinks, creams and muted greens were introduced in the flowers, with pops of colour through the bright pink and teal lanterns.

“There was so much natural character in the barn and in the courtyard, we were keen to maintain that. We wanted to create a classy, English country wedding, keeping things simple and letting the venue speak for itself.” - Joanne

Bridal Style

Joanne’s bridal dress shopping involved a wonderful weekend in Milan, drinking Prosecco and trying on fabulous gowns!

“I was extremely fortunate in that my step-mother-in-law lived in Italy for many years. She, my mum and I spent a weekend in Milan.” – Joanne

The beautiful bride chose a stunning dress from the Max Mara bridal collection, accessorising with an elegant jewelled belt to add a little sparkle. Joanne also chose Max Mara shoes and completed the look with a Victorian lace veil and pearl and diamond earrings.

“The night before the wedding, my mother gave me a simple silver bangle with the words ‘you are my sunshine’ engraved on the inside. I cried my eyes out when she gave it to me and wore it on my wedding day.” – Joanne

Alexander looked the part in traditional morning attire with trousers and waistcoat from Favourbrooks and tails from Ede and Ravenscroft.

Meanwhile, Joanne’s two bridesmaids were beautiful in long sage green dresses from Reiss, a colour that suited them both perfectly.

Order of the Day

Following their romantic church ceremony, a drinks reception was held in the walled garden at Bartholomew Barn with delicious canapés.

"A family friend plays in a small jazz band and they kindly played during the drinks reception. Their style fitted really well with the venue and it was very relaxed.” Joanne

Caterers, Jacaranda, designed an exquisite menu, starting with pork belly, moving on to rump of lamb and delighting guests with mini puddings including chocolate brownie, lemon tart and elderflower jelly.

“We love our food and just tried to put something together that we loved, was balanced and that everyone would like. The food was faultless.” – Joanne

Evening Celebrations

Dancing their first dance to ‘Body and Soul’ by Billie Holiday, the newlyweds also introduced a live band, ‘In Yer Face’, who sang songs that entertained all generations and certainly created a party atmosphere. A hog roast was served alongside cheese and biscuits and, of course, delicious wedding cake.

Joanne’s Favourite Moment

“I don’t think I can choose just one! It was great to walk down the aisle and see Alex get all emotional. There was so much love in that moment.”

If you would like to see Bartholomew Barn for yourself, please give our friendly wedding team a call on 01403 330049. In the meantime, take a look at some of our favourite wedding photographs in the Gallery.