Hannah & Lawrence’s Sunny Summer Wedding at St Mary’s Church and Cissbury Barns

There’s something special about an early June wedding when the summer sun is out in full force, and everything just feels golden. Hannah and Lawrence’s wedding day on the 4th of June was exactly that - a joy-filled celebration under bright blue skies, with heartfelt moments, countryside charm, and a dance floor that came alive beneath a sparkling chandelier.

From the timeless ceremony at St Mary’s Church in Washington, West Sussex, to the relaxed and rustic reception at Cissbury Barns, this was a wedding packed with personal touches, natural beauty, and pure emotion.

A Church Ceremony Full of Heart

The day began at St Mary’s Church, a beautiful, historic building tucked away in the West Sussex countryside. It’s one of those churches that carries a sense of peace the moment you step inside. As guests arrived in the sunshine and greeted each other with hugs and happy anticipation, it was clear that this was going to be a day built on love and connection.

The ceremony itself was classic and heartfelt. With the sunlight pouring through the stained-glass windows and the soft rustle of excitement in the pews, Hannah walked down the aisle to meet Lawrence, who couldn’t stop smiling. The exchange of vows felt beautifully grounded - emotional but steady, joyful but calm.

Documenting weddings like this is what I love most. It’s the quiet in-between moments, the clasp of hands, the tear wiped quickly away, the small smiles shared mid-ceremony—that make for truly memorable photographs.

From Historic Church to Countryside Charm at Cissbury Barns

After confetti and cheers outside the church, we made our way through the countryside to Cissbury Barns, one of West Sussex’s most loved wedding venues. Surrounded by rolling fields and set against the backdrop of the South Downs, Cissbury offers the kind of relaxed, rural setting that’s perfect for couples like Hannah and Lawrence - those who want a day that feels both elevated and easygoing.

The couple and their guests enjoyed drinks on the lawn under clear skies before sitting down to a BBQ wedding breakfast. The casual, sociable food fit the day perfectly - guests were relaxed, conversation flowed, and laughter echoed around the barns.

Sunlit Portraits in the Field

One of the highlights of the day came during the couple’s portrait session. With the fields just behind the barn glowing in early evening light, we stepped away for 20 minutes of magic. Hannah and Lawrence were complete naturals, relaxed, joyful, and completely wrapped up in the moment.

Their chemistry and comfort with each other made for some incredibly natural shots, exactly the kind of images I aim to capture in my candid, documentary-style wedding photography. No forced smiles or awkward posing - just real, beautiful connection in the middle of a sun-drenched field.

The First Dance Beneath the Chandelier

As the sun began to dip, guests moved inside to the barn for the evening celebration. Cissbury Barns’ reception space is one of the most striking I’ve worked in—characterful wood beams, warm lighting, and that stunning chandelierabove the dance floor. It’s dramatic without ever feeling overwhelming, and it made the perfect setting for Hannah and Lawrence’s first dance.

Their dance was classic and heartfelt, just the two of them moving together in their own little world, surrounded by the glow of the chandelier and the warmth of their guests’ applause.

Once the music started, the dance floor filled quickly and stayed busy long into the night, with guests of all ages joining in.

A Wedding That Felt True to Them

What stood out most about Hannah and Lawrence’s wedding was how true it felt to them. There was no stress, no drama - just sunshine, connection, and a genuine sense of celebration. From the elegant charm of St Mary’s Church to the relaxed, joyful vibe of Cissbury Barns, every part of the day reflected their personalities and the love they share.

Planning a wedding in West Sussex or looking at venues like Cissbury Barns? I specialise in relaxed, documentary-style photography that captures all the candid moments, genuine emotion, and natural beauty of your day. If that sounds like your kind of vibe, I’d love to hear from you.