Fields of Flowers at Upwaltham Barns

This recent styled shoot showcases the venue’s enchanting wildflower meadow in full bloom, inspiring couples to bring the outside in for their special day.

Sam says…

From mid-May to the end of July, Upwaltham Barns’ wildflower meadow is a breathtaking sight, with a sea of colours and textures that evolves throughout the summer. This year, the meadow features a stunning display of Ox-eye daisies, buttercups, Prunella vulgaris, Devil’s bit scabious, and Centaurea nigra. This ever-changing tapestry of wildflowers provides a magical backdrop for wedding portrait photography.

Our styled shoot aimed to reflect the beauty of the wildflower meadow while in bloom at Upwaltham Barns. Showcasing wildflowers and natural greenery, we brought the essence of the Sussex countryside indoors. The shoot was beautifully captured by the talented local photographer Lucy Davis. Lucy’s expertise brought every element together, highlighting the romance and charm of Upwaltham Barns. She even used smoke bombs in the meadow to add a touch of drama to the images. Familiar with the venue, Lucy knows where to find picture-perfect backdrops at different times of the day, making the most of the changing natural light.

Our model wore several exquisite dresses from May & Grace in Haslemere. One standout was the 3D floral organza ballgown ‘Sienna’ by Freda Bennet, paired with a bouquet of cottage garden flowers. Another favourite was the hand-painted ‘Julia’ dress by the British brand House of Savin, which looked stunning amidst the daisies. Choosing a wedding gown that reflects both your environment and personal style works beautifully. May and Grace also provided gorgeous hair accessories, helping Toni of Toni Todd Bridal create a natural yet elegant look for our model. Toni, based in Chichester, is not only highly experienced but also a delightful presence on your wedding day. She spent the morning of the shoot in the charming Jasmine Cottage, making it feel like a real wedding morning as she worked her magic with hair and makeup.

Inside the South Barn, we aimed to mirror the gardens through our tablescape. Rosie of Studio Brice, a local artist specialising in bespoke wedding embroidery, created beautiful napkins adorned with elements of our cottage gardens. Real flowers were incorporated, and the look was completed with name places crafted from blue sea glass, elegantly calligraphed by Katia of Grey and Copper. Each detail contributed to a table setting rich in texture and fresh blooms, perfectly capturing the essence of the gardens. The chefs at Upwaltham Barns added to the ambience by preparing dishes from their current menus.

To inspire couples, we collaborated with Ashton of The Flower Hut Co., a local florist working from her charming garden studio. Ashton crafted a beautiful flower arch brimming with natural greenery and seasonal garden flowers. This arch framed the doors of the East Barn, creating a picturesque view of the meadow—a perfect setting for a ceremony with a true country vibe. The arch and aisle florals were versatile enough to be repurposed as a backdrop for wedding photography, creating a wild arch entrance to the meadow and seamlessly blending the indoors with the outdoors.

At Upwaltham Barns, we strive to create natural-inspired celebrations so that couples can bring the charm of the Sussex countryside into their special day; whether it’s the enchanting wildflower meadow, the thoughtfully curated cottage gardens, or the flower-filled courtyard.