A Golden Hour Wedding at Fitzleroi Barn – Hannah & Rory’s Big Day

A Real Fitzleroi Barn Wedding

There’s something special about a wedding that feels entirely like the couple who planned it, and this May wedding at Fitzleroi Barn was exactly that for Hannah and Rory.

Set on Fitzleroi Farm near Pulborough and Billingshurst, this beautiful West Sussex barn venue gave us the perfect backdrop for a sunny, relaxed day built around family, a shared love of classic cars, and golden light.

If you’re a couple currently searching for a wedding photographer at Fitzleroi Barn, or you’re simply after some inspiration for your own big day, read on…

Falling in Love with Fitzleroi Barn

Hannah and Rory chose Fitzleroi Barn because they simply fell in love with it the moment they saw it.

It’s easy to see why…

The venue itself is tucked out of the way down a beautiful, tree-lined country lane, which gives the whole day a feeling that it’s incredibly private.

The courtyard at Fitzleroi Barn is a beautiful, relaxed space, and the outdoor ceremony area there is backed by a floral archway that makes for a stunning setting to say “I do.” Everything at the venue is kept within easy reach, so guests can mingle comfortably in the courtyard without spreading out too far – it’s a layout that just works, for the couple and for everyone celebrating with them.

Getting Ready: Two Houses, Two Stories

Hannah’s morning started at her parents’ house, where her sister Daisy – also her Maid of Honour – helped with the finishing touches to her hair and makeup. Meanwhile, Rory was getting ready at his grandparents’ house, just a few minutes’ drive from Hannah’s.

First Look with Dad

One of my favourite parts of the morning was the first look between Hannah and her dad, Ian – a quiet, emotional moment before the whirlwind of the day properly began. Hannah and Rory chose to save their own first look for the aisle, which made the ceremony all the more special.

A Vintage Touch – Classic Cars

Every couple brings something unique to their day, and for Hannah and Rory it was beautiful classic cars.

Hannah travelled from the getting-ready location to Fitzleroi Barn in Rory’s grandad’s vintage Jaguar, arriving in style.

But it was Rory’s own yellow Triumph Spitfire that really stole the show for portraits – a car he’d spent over two years renovating, always knowing it would one day be part of his wedding day. I built time into the schedule to photograph them in and around it.

The Ceremony and Reception at Fitzleroi Barn

Fitzleroi Barn proved to be a wonderful setting for both the ceremony and the wedding breakfast, with around 60 daytime guests gathered to celebrate. The barn itself – where the wedding breakfast, cake cutting, first dance and dance floor all took place – is beautiful inside, with old oak beams running throughout that add so much character to every shot.

After the ceremony, confetti, and group photographs, the newlyweds and their guests moved into the barn for a relaxed wedding breakfast courtesy of Roasted Catering, followed by speeches sandwiched between the main course and dessert – a nice way to keep the afternoon flowing without rushing anyone through their meal.

The speeches brought one of the most touching moments of the day. Rory’s grandad Ken, who also stood as his Best Man, gave a wonderfully emotional speech – and the hug between the two of them straight afterwards was one of those genuine, unscripted moments that make wedding photography so special.

Couple’s Portraits Around Fitzleroi Barn

Fitzleroi Barn isn’t just a beautiful venue for the ceremony and reception – the surrounding grounds and countryside gave us some wonderful settings for Hannah and Rory’s portraits. I pre-planned the locations, knowing exactly the style of photography they wanted: no awkward posing, just relaxed, fun and enjoyable – completely them.

The Field with South Downs Views

We started in a field just behind the venue, with the South Downs rolling out in the background. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxed stroll together, giving the couple a few quiet minutes to take in the view and let it sink in that they’d just got married.

The Quiet Country Lane

Later in the day, as the light began to soften, we headed to a quiet country lane just over the road from the venue… so little-used that grass grows down the middle of it.

The trees along the lane framed Hannah and Rory beautifully, giving us an intimate, secluded setting for some of my favourite images from the whole day.

A Cake Made With Love

Rather than book an outside supplier, Rory’s nan baked the wedding cake herself – a lovely touch that made the cake cutting feel even more meaningful, with Rory’s grandfather Ken also standing as Best Man.

First Dance – Golden Hour

As evening guests arrived for the party, Hannah and Rory shared their first dance to Golden Hour by Kacey Musgraves – a fittingly beautiful choice as the light softened outside the barn. Toast Live kept the dance floor going long into the evening.

Off to Canada

Hannah and Rory jetted off just days later for a two-and-a-half-week honeymoon in Canada – a well-earned adventure after around a year of planning.

A Lovely Message

Around midnight I received a lovely message from Hannah and Rory…

“Thank you so much for everything today, you were absolutely amazing! We can’t wait to see the photos!”

Moments like that are exactly why I love what I do.

Google Review

Hannah was kind enough to write the following Google review…

“Choosing a wedding photographer is a massive decision, you want to ensure your day is accurately captured and not feel nervous in front of the camera. From the second we first got in touch with Andy, I knew we didn’t need to worry any more. Andy is absolutely fantastic, the whole photography experience was completely personalised to us from beginning to end. He put us at ease right from the start and made us so comfortable in front of the camera on the big day. The communication was also excellent – we never needed to worry about Andy being difficult to get hold of or that we would be left worrying with unanswered questions. Thank you again for the most beautiful photos.”

Meet the Suppliers

A huge thank you to the wonderfully talented team who helped bring Hannah and Rory’s day to life (and, of course, to Rory’s grandad for lending his vintage Jaguar, and to Rory himself for his beautifully restored yellow Triumph Spitfire):

• Venue: Fitzleroi Barn – Fitzleroi Farm, Fittleworth, Pulborough, West Sussex, RH20 1JN
• Catering: Roasted Catering
• Hair Stylist: Styled By Natalie
• Florist: Perfect Arrangement – High Street, Bognor Regis
• DJ: Toast Live
• Bar: Bennetts Bars – Horsham, West Sussex

Getting Married at Fitzleroi Barn?

Are you getting married at Fitzleroi Barn or another West Sussex wedding venue? I’d love to hear from you.

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