Jessica & Jonny’s Summer Wedding at Highley Manor

Imagine a summer wedding day so packed with surprises that your guests are still talking about it years later.

That was Jessica and Jonny’s day at Highley Manor, a 19th-century manor house tucked into the Sussex countryside near Balcombe.

As a Highley Manor wedding photographer, I knew from our planning together that this one would be special. They’d built so many brilliant moments into their day.

From a secret watch gift to blue floodlights after dark, this Highley Manor summer wedding had it all.

Whiskies, Watches and a Surprise

While Jessica was getting ready, Jonny and the guys had planned a “whiskies and watches” moment in the bar.

What Jonny didn’t know was that Jessica had bought him an amazing watch as a surprise for exactly that moment.

The look on his face was complete surprise and delight. It’s one of my favourite kinds of moment to photograph, because you can’t fake that reaction.

A First Look with Dad on the Staircase

Jessica’s first look with her dad took place at the bottom of the beautiful staircase in the foyer.

It was naturally full of emotion. If you’re planning a first look with your dad, it’s a moment you’ll treasure forever, and I make sure I’m in exactly the right spot for it.

An Outdoor Ceremony with Views Across the Countryside

Jessica and Jonny married outside, in front of the stunning wooden pavilion that looks out across the rolling Sussex countryside.

Calling it a pergola would be a huge understatement. It’s an incredible setting to get married, and the timber frame makes a natural picture frame too.

Then came the walk back up the aisle as husband and wife, and a shower of confetti from every direction.

Portraits Around the Grounds

Highley Manor sits in around seven acres of grounds, with old trees, sweeping lawns and that pavilion to explore.

Couple portraits here never feel stiff. A low branch to sit on, a swing hanging from a tree, a quiet minute together away from the crowd.

If you’d love natural, relaxed photos of the two of you, this is exactly the kind of setting that brings them out.

A Wedding Breakfast Entrance to Remember

The entrance into the wedding breakfast was great fun.

With everyone seated, Jessica and Jonny had planned a special entrance to lively music they’d chosen themselves.

First the parents, then the groomsmen and bridesmaids, and finally the newlyweds. The whole room was waving their napkins in the air.

An MC who also performed magic kept the room entertained, and the cake was cut beneath a beautiful floral arch.

Laser Clay Shooting and a Choreographed First Dance

Not only that, there was laser clay pigeon shooting on the lawn. No real guns, just plenty of laughter and some surprisingly good aim.

As the evening began, Jessica and Jonny wowed everyone with a brilliantly choreographed first dance.

After that, the dance floor was packed for the rest of the night.

Blue Floodlights and Sparklers

After dark, blue floodlights lit up the pavilion and the trees around it.

As a photographer, it was too good an opportunity to miss. A few minutes outside gave Jessica and Jonny some truly unique images to finish their day.

And to end the night, sparklers lit up the grounds.

A Highley Manor Summer Wedding Full of Surprises

Jessica and Jonny’s day was packed full from start to finish, and every surprise they planned paid off.

If you’re planning a Highley Manor summer wedding of your own, I hope their day gives you plenty of ideas.

Suppliers

Venue – Highley Manor

Planning a Wedding at Highley Manor?

If you’re getting married at Highley Manor and you’d love award-winning photography from someone who knows these grounds well, I’d love to hear about your plans.

Want to see more? Read Jade & Matt’s Highley Manor wedding ▸

Or see Emily & Adam’s Highley Manor wedding ▸