An Italian-Inspired Wedding at Fitzleroi Barn – Sarah & Mike’s Wedding Day

Sarah and Mike got married on a Saturday in September at Fitzleroi Barn, tucked between Pulborough and Petworth in the West Sussex countryside.

As a Fitzleroi Barn wedding photographer, I’ve learned this venue has a way of surprising even couples who’ve visited before – the enclosed courtyard glows with fairy lights by evening, and the cornfields behind the barn turn gold as the sun goes down.

I’m one of Fitzleroi Barn’s recommended wedding photographers, and this is a real wedding at Fitzleroi Barn built entirely around Sarah and Mike – their families, their love of Italy, and over sixty guests who came to celebrate with them.

Here’s how their day unfolded.

Getting Ready at The Bothey

Sarah got ready at The Bothey, a cottage close to the venue, with her mum Cath and her sister Becca close by.

Her hair was styled by a member of the family, and her makeup was done by Hannah Goudman.

Sarah wore a dressing gown embroidered with the word ‘Bride’ – a small, sentimental touch before the morning properly got going.

Before leaving for Fitzleroi Barn, Sarah and her bridesmaids celebrated together in the field outside The Bothey.

A First Look with Her Dad

Before the ceremony, Sarah had a private first look with her dad, Jon.

It was a moment she had been looking forward to for a long time, and one she wanted to echo a treasured photograph from her parents’ own wedding day.

Moments like this, quiet and just between two people, are some of my favourite parts of any wedding day to photograph.

The Ceremony in Fitzleroi Barn’s Courtyard

This was the moment Sarah’s dad, Jon, walked her into Fitzleroi Barn’s enclosed courtyard to meet Mike – and since they had chosen not to do a first look, it was also the first time Mike saw her in her wedding dress.

Guests rose to their feet as she came into view, past white parasols and the barn’s own stone walls.

It’s one of my favourite moments to photograph on any wedding day: nerves and anticipation breaking into pure joy in a single glance.

Sarah and Mike wrote and read their own vows to each other, surrounded by family and friends.

Pianist Lance Jones played during the ceremony, setting the tone as guests gathered in the courtyard.

Then came their first kiss as a married couple, followed by confetti as they walked back out through the courtyard together.

Signing the Register and Bridal Party Portraits

Sarah and Mike signed the register together before heading out for portraits with the wedding party.

Her six bridesmaids – Becca, Jess, Fay, Rubie, Hannah and Tasha – wore sage green and carried bouquets of dahlias and roses from Sussex Florals.

Vintage Wheels and Golden Hour in the Cornfields

Sarah and Mike marked their day with a vintage cream VW Beetle from Bus and Bug Vintage Weddings, complete with orange ribbon for a champagne toast outside the barn.

Later, as the light turned gold, we headed into the cornfields behind Fitzleroi Barn for portraits – one of the venue’s best-kept secrets, and somewhere Sarah and Mike had specifically asked to visit.

It’s exactly the kind of golden hour that makes this such a rewarding Fitzleroi Barn wedding photography location.

An Italian-Inspired Wedding Breakfast

Food and drink mattered a great deal to Sarah and Mike, and their choice of venue reflected that.

Fitzleroi Barn allows couples to bring in their own caterer with no corkage fee, which meant they could build a menu entirely around Italy, a country they both love, working with the team at Taste to bring it to life.

Guests were welcomed with canapes during the drinks reception, followed by a two-course wedding breakfast, with speeches from the best man, Sarah’s dad and Mike himself beforehand.

Dancing the Night Away at Fitzleroi Barn

Before the dancing began, Sarah’s groomsmen lifted her into the air outside the barn doors for one of the day’s funniest photographs.

Sarah and Mike’s first dance was to Bob Dylan’s Wedding Song, danced beneath the fairy lights strung across Fitzleroi Barn’s beams, with DJ Steven Boys keeping the music going long into the evening.

A Real Wedding at Fitzleroi Barn

Sarah and Mike’s day is a perfect example of what makes a real wedding at Fitzleroi Barn so special – relaxed mornings, heartfelt vows, an Italian-inspired menu and golden hour in the cornfields.

Suppliers

Venue: Fitzleroi Barn
Makeup: Hannah Goudman Makeup
Florist: Sussex Florals
Wedding car: Bus and Bug Vintage Weddings
Catering: Taste
Cake: Cakes by Nina
DJ: Surrey Event Services
Pianist: Lance Jones Piano

Planning a Wedding at Fitzleroi Barn?

If you’re getting married at Fitzleroi Barn and are looking for a wedding photographer who knows the venue well, I’d love to hear about your plans.

You might also like this real Fitzleroi Barn wedding for Hannah & Rory.