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Contemporary Elegance at Southend Barns

by Caitlin Hoare
Images by Ruby Roux Photography.
Rustic charm meets modern monochrome at Southend Barns in Sussex.

Today’s shoot was inspired by the newest addition to Southend Barns’ popular inclusive venue styling service – Magical Monochrome.

The Floral Artisan provided the stunning selection of seasonal white florals, there were oodles of lush green house plants and mini succulents from The Little Botanical, and it was all brought together and styled to perfection by Southend Barns’ in-house wedding team. Whilst it’s fun to scroll and sift through tonnes of wedding inspo online, sometimes you just want someone who really knows what they’re doing, who can give you a nudge in the right direction, source the perfect items and curate it all into a seamless, BEAUTIFUL wedding day.

This particular theme is fresh, clean and the perfect option for couples looking for a contemporary twist on a classic venue.

Notes from the Venue

Southend Barns says…

We recently held a chic styled shoot proving barn wedding day styling doesn’t always have to be rustic. With its beautiful 220-year-old farm buildings and exquisite surrounding countryside, Southend Barns was the perfect backdrop for the contemporary styled shoot which brought together a fabulous selection of local suppliers.

Shot in the barn’s Threshing Barn (receptions) and Dairy Barn (ceremony room), the styling showcases the versatility of the space and is a great example of how the venue’s traditional charm can be combined with a sophisticated and modern aesthetic.

The style of the shoot was timeless and sophisticated, capturing the essence of spring and summer in a modern and visually stunning way. It featured a contemporary black and white colour theme with touches of gold and striking displays of greenery. The minimalist monochrome aesthetic was enhanced with swathes of lush greenery and peppered with white seasonal flowers as well as large structural living plants.

The perfect finishing touch, models (and real life couple) Marysia and Ryan, looked resplendent in chic wedding day looks from Whyte Weddings and Astares. Marysia was beautifully styled by Lauren from ID Hair & Makeup, who went for a soft but striking look which highlighted Marysia’s natural beauty and intricate lace gown perfectly.

Beautifully shot by the talented Ruby Roux Photography, styling included romantic white hangings combined with breathtaking floral arrangements.

In-keeping with Southend Barn’s stance on sustainability and the recent trend towards living plants instead of flowers, the shoot also featured a large selection of houseplants from The Little Botanical. Succulents, Strelitzia Bird of Paradise, Areca Palm and leafy Monstera in concrete pots, added an unexpected twist to displays which were also peppered with chic wedding day signage in a palette of black and stone.

Tables were laid with black candlesticks in holders and stunning glass charger plates with gold edging. The white three-tiered cake featured just an oversized black ribbon – showing that simple can be stunning.

Lucy from The Floral Artisan, known for her structural yet whimsical take on wedding flowers, aimed to create a modern twist on a classic botanical style. She crafted fabulous focal displays using foliage and houseplants as well as minimalistic white centrepieces using seasonal flowers to complement the monochrome theme beautifully.

The shoot was inspired by the latest Styling Selection at Southend Barns. Working with The Floral Artisan, the new styling option is a sleek but romantic pairing of chic black with crisp, beautiful white. The stylish package includes everything a couple needs for their wedding day décor including matt black candlesticks and holders, black and glass table numbers with tables adorned with beautiful foliage and vases filled with gorgeous seasonal white flowers. The shoot also featured simple and romantic white drapes – another fresh new styling option for couples tying the knot at Southend Barns.

The shoot offers a wealth of inspiration for a stunning spring or summer wedding and is a great example of how beautiful Southend Barns’ rustic buildings can look when paired with contemporary styling.

Credits

Venue Southend Barns

Photographer Ruby Roux Photography

Linen, Cutlery + Glassware Crystal Hire

Florist The Floral Artisan

Cake Cakes in Bloom

Signage + Props My Event Lab

Hair + Makeup ID Hair & Makeup

Dress Whyte Weddings

Suit Astares

Favours + Plants in Pots The Little Botanical

Styling Southend Barns Magical Monochrome Styling Selection

With Thanks to Models Marysia & Ryan

Tags: Barn, City Chic, Southend Barns, Styled Shoot, Wedding Venues in West Sussex, West Sussex
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From £3,500

Based on a weekday wedding in January. Includes accommodation.

Set on a working farm in the stunning Sussex countryside, the lovingly restored barn complex features a magnificent 200-year-old Threshing Barn. It...
Meet the author
Caitlin Hoare
With over a decade of wedding industry experience, Caitlin began by managing a picturesque Shropshire venue and now helps wedding professionals with brand messaging and copywriting through Digital Bloom. When she's not crafting words, she enjoys exploring the Peak District with her two scruffy terriers.
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