Natalie and Laura at Buxted Park Hotel

A Relaxed and Magical Wedding at Buxted Park | Natalie & Laura

Nestled in the heart of the East Sussex countryside, Buxted Park Hotel provided the perfect setting for Natalie and Laura’s beautiful summer wedding. With its grand Georgian architecture and lush landscaped grounds, this exclusive-use venue played host to a day that was both elegant and wonderfully relaxed — a true reflection of the couple themselves.

From the moment I arrived, it was clear that the day would be centred around the things that matter most: family, fun, and love. Natalie and Laura chose to have their ceremony indoors in one of Buxted Park’s stunning rooms, surrounded by their closest friends and family. The atmosphere was calm, joyful, and deeply personal, with every part of the day shaped to reflect their connection.

One of the most memorable and heartfelt moments came during the ceremony itself, when the best woman surprised the entire room with a little magic. As Natalie and Laura prepared to walk in, every guest was handed a pair of Harry Potter-style glasses — a nod to a shared love of the wizarding world. The glasses stayed on for the ceremony walk-in and walk-out, and the room lit up with smiles and laughter. It was a simple gesture, but one that summed up the whole day: thoughtful, joyful, and utterly unique.

Following the ceremony, the guests moved out onto the manicured lawns and gardens of Buxted Park, where drinks and garden games kept everyone entertained. As a documentary-style wedding photographer, this part of the day is always a favourite for me — genuine smiles, natural interactions, and candid moments that tell the real story of the couple’s celebration. From grandparents playing lawn games with the kids to friends sharing stories over a glass of fizz, the afternoon flowed effortlessly.

Natalie and Laura wanted their wedding photography to focus on these authentic moments, and Buxted Park provided the ideal backdrop. We took a short time to capture some relaxed portraits of the couple around the grounds, making the most of the soft afternoon light and the beautiful surroundings. These quiet moments gave them time to pause, soak in the day, and simply enjoy being together — something I always try to prioritise in every wedding I shoot.

The reception continued with more food, laughter, and dancing, and I made sure to blend into the background as much as possible to document it all as it naturally unfolded. It’s always a privilege to witness the small, often unnoticed interactions — a shared look between the couple, a proud parent wiping away a tear, or a spontaneous dance move on the lawn that no one expected.

What stood out about Natalie and Laura’s wedding day was the warmth. There was no rush, no formality for formality’s sake — just a group of people coming together to celebrate two people they love deeply. Buxted Park, with its elegant yet welcoming feel, suited them perfectly.

If you’re planning a relaxed wedding in East Sussex and want a venue that offers both classic beauty and space for you to make it your own, Buxted Park is a wonderful choice. And if you’re looking for someone to capture your day in a natural, story-driven way — I’d love to hear more about your plans.

Natalie and Laura’s wedding reminded me, once again, why I love what I do. No two weddings are the same, and it's these heartfelt, personal touches that make each one so memorable.