On a beautiful summer’s day in the heart of the Sussex countryside, Charlotte and Kieran exchanged vows and became husband and wife. We absolutely adored working with this couple, and the results were nothing short of spectacular. From the picturesque setting to the stunning decor and glamorous outfits, Charlotte and Kieran’s wedding was a true celebration of love. We thought it would be lovely to take some time and walk you through their magical day and share why it was so special.
Choosing a venue for your wedding can be a daunting task, but Charlotte and Kieran knew exactly what they were looking for. They wanted a venue that was both beautiful and versatile, with plenty of outdoor space. With the Great British weather being as unpredictable as ever, they were also looking for a place with stunning indoor options, in case of bad weather on the day. Thankfully, Blackstock Country Estate ticked all the boxes and more, for these two.
From beginning to end, this wedding had a special feel about it. The couple in particular were so bubbly and clearly had a strong bond together. Having exclusive access to both our Tudor Barn and Granary for their occasion worked so well and streamlined everything. They invited a total of 69 people to their ceremony, with a further 51 joining them for the evening celebrations.
Charlotte arrived at the Estate at 8:00am and decided to take full advantage of our onsite bridal suite and makeup room. We like to think that this kick starts the day off with some excitement for our brides. It’s all about creating a fun positive vibe, which gives you the perfect opportunity to do just that!
The bride, mums, bridesmaids, as well as any other chosen guests, can have their hair and makeup done here if required. Being on-site also means once she was ready, Charlotte could change and relax as she didn’t need to travel anywhere. Using our fabulous bridal room allows everyone to get ready together and helps to kick-start the day with excitement.
Kieran and his groomsmen arrive an hour or so later and prepared for the day ahead in the Flint Cottage.
The couple’s guests began to arrive at around midday for a 1:00pm ceremony in the wing of our Tudor Barn. All the guests were invited inside and took their seats. Everyone looked fantastic!
Charlotte looked stunning in her gorgeous white bridal gown. She opted for a soft glam look and wore her hair in a beautiful cascading half updo. Charlotte was walked down the aisle by her father, in an emotional moment they will both remember for the rest of their lives. Kieran and his groomsmen all sported their ceremonial uniforms. They all looked remarkably smart and sophisticated.
Our Tudor Barn looked exceptionally good on the day. There was a powerful theme of white and warmth throughout their day. The delicate flowers hung from the rustic support beams were complemented perfectly by the golden light produced by the “better together” signage. This created an almost heavenly look to their ceremony, which complemented the couple perfectly.
After the ceremony, the couple and their guests were invited outside onto our patio area for a selection of canapes and drinks! During this time the photographer, Darren Buss of DB Photography captured some wonderful images. Once the group pictures were completed the couples had the chance to slip away and participate in a private photoshoot on the grounds.
They took full advantage of all the picturesque views and beautiful spots the Estate has a wealth of. Their photos came out wonderfully, and we hope the couple will use them to look back on their day fondly.
The Granary Barn was swiftly filled with preparation for the wedding breakfast. The barn was beautifully decorated. The couple had a wonderful white and pink theme running throughout their day so it was only right this was continued in the decor. A stunning assortment of floral arrangements graced each table, enhancing the overall look and feel of the event. This paired with the tasteful choice of warm natural lighting created a wonderful dining atmosphere.
Charlotte and Kieran thought their day would run more smoothly if the speeches were performed before the food was brought out. Enjoying the speeches before the food was served ensured that everyone could realx, sit and enjoy them together. A collection of heartfelt speeches were performed by Charlotte’s father, Kieran and his best man.
The food, prepared by our in-house catering team was delicious and the guests enjoyed a sumptuous meal consisting of the following:
Smoked Chicken and Wild Mushrooms
In a creamy pinot grigio sauce, served in a filo basket, crispy leeks
Mixed Grill
Fillet of Beef, crispy Lamb shoulder, Sausage, caramelised mash, green beans, cherry vine tomato and red wine jus served separately in jugs on the table
Hot chocolate Fondant
Salted caramel ice cream, creme anglaise
The couple had also arranged a visit from the Singing Waiters, who began their performance as the last table was served with dessert. Guests couldn’t help but be drawn into the captivating performance. Their ability to engage with the audience and create a fabulous atmosphere added an extra layer of magic to the already unforgettable evening.
As the sun began to set on the venue, everyone was invited back into the Tudor Barn for the evening reception. The couple cut their wedding cake and romantically followed it with their first dance. The couple’s chosen DJ was prepared with a catalogue of songs ready to keep the celebrations going deep into the night.
To keep their guests happy, an evening buffet consisting of cheese boards and jacket potatoes was served. Judging by the expressions on everyone’s faces, it was a welcome addition to the evening.
As the DJ wrapped up the celebrations, the couple said their final thanks and farewells to their guests. Together, they then made the short walk to the Goat Shed, their luxury onsite accommodation for the night. This perfectly rounded off a hugely successful day and once again avoided any unnecessary travel.
If you want to create a memorable wedding day, Blackstock Country Estate’s skilled wedding planners and coordinators can assist you every step of the way. Our team brings a wealth of experience and a passion for creating dream weddings.
Contact us today to start planning your dream wedding, perhaps download our brochure or book a private viewing of the Estate.
