Chloe & Steve – A Rainy Day Wedding at Highley Manor

Picture the morning of your wedding. You pull back the curtains, and the sky is grey and heavy with rain. That’s exactly how Chloe and Steve’s Highley Manor rainy day wedding began in September.

For a moment your heart sinks. Then you remember that none of the moments you’ve been dreaming about need the sun.

It rained on and off, and the day was still full of laughter from start to finish.

Chloe had told me during our planning that she didn’t want stiff, posed photographs. She and Steve wanted to have fun together and spend time with the people they love. The rain didn’t change any of that.

Wedding Morning at Highley Manor

Chloe and her bridesmaids had their hair and make-up done in the getting-ready cottage, set apart from the main house.

Chloe stepped into her dress in the bridal suite with the help of her mum. Once she was ready, I grabbed a quiet moment to photograph her looking stunning.

Then I sat her at the end of the bed, and her bridesmaids came in with their eyes covered, ready for the big reveal. Their faces say it all.

A First Look With Dad

Chloe and Steve chose to wait until the ceremony to see each other. Instead, Chloe shared a first look with her dad and brother.

If you’re thinking about doing this yourself, I can’t recommend it enough. It only takes a few minutes and is a special moment before your ceremony.

An Indoor Ceremony With a View

The ceremony took place indoors. Guests were welcomed in and took their seats in a bright room framed by a tall arched window.

Chloe didn’t walk down the aisle with one man by her side. She had two, her dad and her brother.

Celebrant Charlotte Williams led the ceremony. The garden glowed green through the window behind them.

Chloe and Steve sat together for much of the ceremony while Charlotte read their story aloud to everyone in the room.

Signing the register brought plenty of smiles too.

At the signing table, Chloe and Steve couldn’t stop looking at their new rings.

And then, as husband and wife, they walked back up the aisle to cheers from every seat.

Dry Skies for Confetti on a Rainy Wedding Day

It was dry for the confetti, so everyone spilled outside to the timber Pavilion. Look at Chloe’s face. That’s pure joy.

Umbrellas and Romance at a Highley Manor Rainy Day Wedding

Here’s something I want every bride to know. A rainy day doesn’t mean you miss out on beautiful couple portraits.

Chloe had her heart set on photographs by the Pavilion. So we grabbed two white umbrellas and headed out.

The wet stone and the soft mist over the valley gave these images a mood you simply can’t get on a sunny day.

Then we found the rope swing beneath one of the great old trees in the grounds, with the manor house standing behind. It was lovely and dry under the tree.

Speeches and Laughter

Back inside, guests gathered in the lounge before the wedding breakfast.

Chloe told me her one wedding day pet peeve was long, boring speeches. Judging by the laughter around the room, nobody was bored.

Cutting the Cake

Before Chloe and Steve cut their cake by Harry Batten, one of the guests couldn’t resist messing around with the knife.

Evening at Highley Manor

As the light faded, the house glowed warm against the evening sky.

I took Chloe and Steve away for a few minutes to the Secret Garden, where fairy lights glow among the laurel. It’s one of those quiet moments you’ll be so glad you made time for.

A First Dance to Nat King Cole

Their first dance was to L-O-V-E by Nat King Cole. Steve twirled Chloe across the floor while their friends and family gathered round.

A Dance Floor Full of Fun

If there’s one thing I’ll remember about this Highley Manor rainy day wedding, it’s the dance floor. Everyone had so much fun.

Family, bridesmaids, little ones and old friends all danced together. JPC Events kept the music going all night.

Even outside, the laughter didn’t stop.

A September Wedding at Highley Manor

Chloe and Steve’s day proved that a little rain changes nothing that really matters. Their Highley Manor rainy day wedding was full of family, laughter and dancing.

If you’re worried about the weather on your own day, I hope this shows you what’s possible. Your story will still be told beautifully.

Suppliers

Venue – Highley Manor
Celebrant – Charlotte Williams
Cake – Harry Batten
DJ – JPC Events
Venue decoration – Shelley’s

Planning a Wedding at Highley Manor?

If you’re getting married at Highley Manor and want relaxed, natural photographs whatever the weather, I’d love to hear about your plans.

See another real wedding here in Jade and Matt’s Sussex countryside wedding at Highley Manor ▸

Find out more about photographing your wedding at Highley Manor ▸