On the 30th April 2025, nestled in the heart of the Sussex countryside, Holly and Dan had their April wedding at Blackstock Estate. Surrounded by rolling fields and characterful barns, the couple embraced the full beauty of spring with a celebration that was joyful, personal and effortlessly stylish. From emotional vows to vibrant evening entertainment, their wedding was a seamless blend of elegance and fun.
All images by Simon Booth.
The day began with Holly arriving at the venue early to get ready in the calm and spacious Bridal Suite, while Dan settled into the welcoming atmosphere of the onsite Cottage. Both the bride and groom enjoyed a relaxed breakfast of fresh pastries before the excitement of the day unfolded. This peaceful start gave them a chance to soak in the morning and spend time with loved ones before guests began to arrive just before midday.
As the sun gently lit up the estate, the venue buzzed with anticipation. Guests were welcomed with drinks and soft background music, allowing them to take in the beautiful surroundings and admire the rustic features of the barns and gardens. The early spring greenery and warm light made the perfect first impression, setting the tone for this unforgettable April wedding at Blackstock Estate.
At 1pm, the ceremony began in the Tudor Barn, a room filled with original beams and warm tones. Holly and Dan chose to make their ceremony truly personal, with one of their friends performing a live song during the service. This added a special, emotional, intimate layer to the moment. The performance, paired with the barn’s natural acoustics, created a sense of stillness and connection that resonated with everyone present.
The layout was intentionally simple and elegant, with three chairs on each side of the aisle. The focus remained on the couple and their shared promises, made in the heart of a venue that felt authentically theirs.
After the ceremony, guests moved outside for a drinks reception where they were treated to sparkling wine and a range of canapés. The menu included baby mozzarella skewers with pesto and mini rare steak skewers served with aioli – both favourites among the guests.
While friends and family mingled and relaxed, Holly and Dan took advantage of Blackstock’s scenic grounds. They hopped into the Blackstock buggy and explored the estate with their photographer, capturing beautiful natural moments across meadows, rustic fences and oak-framed buildings. The backdrop of the Sussex countryside was perfect for photos that feel both timeless and full of character. These candid and relaxed images became a treasured highlight of their April wedding at Blackstock Estate.
The wedding breakfast was held in the Granary Barn, where long banquet tables were dressed to reflect the couple’s elegant but informal style. Guests were served a delicious two-course meal, beginning with the option of featherblade of beef in red wine jus or a vegetarian roasted butternut lattice with smoked paprika tomato sauce. Dessert followed with passionfruit posset served with shortbread and fresh berries – a refreshing and light finish that complemented the spring setting perfectly.
Drinks were flowing, and conversation filled the room. The speeches, delivered after the meal, struck the perfect balance of humour, heartfelt emotion and gratitude. These touching moments, shared over coffee and mints in the Tudor Courtyard, brought the wedding party together and added a deeper sense of meaning to the day.
As the evening approached, the Tudor Barn was transformed into a vibrant space for dancing and laughter. Evening guests arrived to the sounds of live music from The Penny Kings, a band that brought energy and charm to the dance floor.
Holly and Dan marked the start of the party by cutting their wedding cake, using an engagement sword for a touch of theatrical fun, before sharing their first dance as husband and wife. The atmosphere was electric, and the music carried the evening forward with a mix of crowd-pleasers and classics.
Later in the evening, a gourmet burger station opened, serving chargrilled beef burgers with a full spread of toppings. This late-night feast gave guests a welcome boost and added a casual, festival-inspired twist to the formal celebrations. The couple also offered a DIY Polaroid station and scrapbook on the gift table, encouraging guests to snap candid photos and leave personal messages. It became a playful and heartwarming corner of the evening that captured spontaneous joy from every guest.
Don’t just imagine your perfect countryside wedding…come and see it for yourself.
Book a private viewing today and discover how our exclusive barns, stunning Sussex views and dedicated team can bring your dream day to life. Availability for spring dates is limited, so get in touch now to secure yours.
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