Anjela & Joey: Falling for Bury Manor Barn

Bury Manor Barn was the third venue we visited in person, and as the saying goes, the third time truly was the charm. The moment we arrived, we knew—we had found the one. How could we not? Every corner of the estate felt like a dream. The intimate amphitheatre instantly sparked visions of our guests gathered in laughter and conversation. With its shady nooks, the enchanting Walled Garden promised a retreat for warm afternoons, doubling as the perfect backdrop for group photographs. A charming pond, complete with a jetty and a gracefully draping weeping willow, added to the storybook setting.

The gazebo, fitted with a stretch tent, provided a stylish contingency for the unpredictable English weather. At the same time, the heart of the venue—the Inner and Outer Barns—captivated us with their exposed wooden beams and rustic elegance. They offered the perfect balance of character and versatility, a blank canvas ready to be transformed into the romantic countryside wedding we had always envisioned.

We didn’t hesitate. Within hours, we paid the deposit. Bury Manor Barn wasn’t just a venue; it was our venue.

For our big day, tradition took a backseat to personal style. My wedding dress was a dreamy champagne hue with intricate floral embroidery, perfectly tying together the magenta and teal palette that defined our wedding aesthetic. My dress was custom-made in my hometown in the Philippines by an up-and-coming local designer, Brylie Hiponia.

Magenta has always been my favourite colour, and teal is Joey’s—so naturally, our fashion choices reflected this blend of our personalities. Joey looked effortlessly dashing in a teal suit. He wore a pocket square boutonnière, where the floral arrangement beautifully mirrored our wedding’s signature colours—vibrant magenta and rich teal.

Our bridal party wore different shades of magenta, while my maids of honour wore striking burgundy dresses. Joey’s groomsmen wore classic navy blue, while his two best men sported lighter blue suits, creating a gradient effect.

Beyond our inner circle, we wanted our guests to blend into the romantic, elegant atmosphere we envisioned. We requested a palette of neutral tones—gold, copper, black and rich browns—allowing the wedding party’s bold colours to take centre stage. The result? A visually stunning celebration where every outfit felt intentional, every detail cohesive, and every photograph a testament to the thoughtful harmony of colour and style.

Our wedding décor blended rustic elegance and our signature magenta and teal aesthetic with a deeply personal, DIY touch. We hand-sprayed teal LED candles for a warm glow and meticulously handmade name cards that doubled as napkin rings. Our florist supplied lush magenta and teal-hued flowers, generously and loosely arranged in bud vases of varying heights. Our seating arrangement was displayed in two white frames, with black-and-white photos and DIY floral arrangements adding a natural touch.

Our wedding florals were masterfully curated by Arundel Cathedral’s in-house florist, Rebecca Baugh. We opted for a minimal yet elegant floral display for the Catholic ceremony, allowing the cathedral’s grandeur to shine. Just two urns by the altar and two arrangements by the podiums framed the space beautifully, enhancing rather than overpowering its breathtaking architecture. Beyond the ceremony, Rebecca also supplied table arrangements, bouquets, and boutonnieres. My bouquet was an all-white ethereal arrangement designed to complement rather than compete with my wedding dress.

We chose four unique cakes stacked on a rustic wooden stand. Two were by Lorna Magbanua, who celebrated tradition and indulgence. One of the cakes featured the beloved ube—a vibrant purple yam known for its subtly sweet, nutty flavour and luxuriously creamy texture, a true staple in Filipino desserts.

Complementing these were two smaller, vegan cakes by Joey’s cousin, Monica, whose passion for plant-based baking shone through every bite. Supporting both bakers, each with their own small business, was a meaningful choice, making our cake table a visual delight and a nod to family, heritage, and community.

Our wedding feast was created by Ren’s Kitchen based in Worthing. As passionate foodies, every detail was considered—from the flavorful canapés that paid homage to my Asian heritage, featuring delicate bao buns and crispy spring rolls, to the generous buffet-style main meal, complete with a dedicated spread for our vegan and vegetarian guests. Ren and his team also took charge of the bar, ensuring guests were never without a drink in hand—including three of our favourite signature cocktails: piña colada, espresso martini, and mojito. Thanks to Ren’s generosity, we had the luxury of two tasting sessions to fine-tune every bite and sip to perfection. The result? A dining experience that was not only delicious but deeply personal—exactly as we had envisioned.

Sarah Elvin is a seasoned wedding photographer with over 14 years of experience. She specialises in capturing the beauty of rural weddings in a rustic and editorial style. Sarah gave us gentle direction on the day and was a calming, unobtrusive presence. Known for her “film-like” aesthetic, Sarah’s photography captures candid, dreamy moments in stunning locations, making her the perfect choice.

This is hard to pinpoint because every moment felt perfect. From the sunshine on the stunning grounds of Bury Manor Barn to the heartfelt speeches where everyone was engaged, the atmosphere was electric. There was one moment, though, when Joey and I looked around at all our guests enjoying the food, drinks, and each other’s company, and we felt completely surrounded by love. To top it off, we surprised everyone with a short choreographed first dance, wowing them with some impressive lifts!

Savour every moment as the day will pass in the blink of an eye. Don’t stress over minor hiccups or delays—focus on being present and fully immersed in the joy around you. Enjoy the experience, and let go of perfection because the little imperfections often make the day even more memorable. Most importantly, invest in a talented photographer and videographer, as they’ll capture the day, allowing you to relive those precious memories for years to come.