All images by Natalie Holt.
Amy and Charlotte’s spring barn wedding at Blackstock Country Estate was a heartfelt celebration filled with personal touches, joyful moments, and the unmistakable beauty of the Sussex countryside. Held on a sunny May Saturday in 2024, their day reflected everything that makes a barn wedding at Blackstock Country Estate so inviting – relaxed elegance, incredible food, and unforgettable scenery.
The day began at 9:00 am in the peaceful Bridal Suite, giving Amy and Charlotte time to enjoy a quiet morning surrounded by loved ones. Hair and makeup were handled by Nikki and Stacey, who helped create a soft, natural look perfect for a springtime celebration. With ample space and natural light, the Bridal Suite at Blackstock Country Estate offered the ideal setting to prepare, reflect, and take a breath before the festivities began. This calm, grounded start set the tone for the rest of their beautifully curated spring barn wedding.
Before guests arrived, Amy and Charlotte had a private moment together to view the ceremony setup in The Tudor Barn. This allowed them to feel connected and confident as the day unfolded and ensured everything felt just right before the celebrations began.
At 1:00 pm, guests began to arrive at the venue and were welcomed with gentle background music and the soft chatter of anticipation. The bar opened, adding a celebratory feel to the early afternoon, while final touches were put in place. By 2:00 pm, the ceremony began inside The Tudor Barn – a space full of rustic charm, original timber beams, and romantic lighting. It was the perfect backdrop for such a meaningful occasion.
The ceremony was made all the more special by the thoughtful planning that went into it. A designated space at the back of the barn ensured that Amy’s brother, a wheelchair user, and his carers could attend in comfort. Blackstock Country Estate’s attention to detail ensured that everyone felt included, making the start of this spring barn wedding feel both intimate and inclusive.
Once the ceremony concluded, guests made their way into the courtyard for the drinks reception, where prosecco, bottled beers, and orange juice were served. Live bagpipes added a burst of personality and tradition, creating a lively atmosphere that perfectly suited the spring setting.
At 2:45 pm, trays of delicious canapés were served, including chicken satay skewers, vegetarian quesadillas, and baby mozzarella with sunblushed tomatoes. The couple had a selection of canapés set aside for them to enjoy before stepping away for photographs. Photographer Natalie captured a series of stunning images across the estate grounds. The Blackstock buggy allowed the couple to travel effortlessly to the most scenic spots, with the Sussex landscape providing a dreamy setting for every shot. It was countryside romance at its finest, everything you’d hope for in a spring barn wedding.
By 4:00 pm, guests were invited into The Granary Barn to be seated for the wedding breakfast. The newlyweds were welcomed into the room with enthusiastic applause, followed by a short and heartfelt speech by Charlotte. This personal touch created a sense of warmth and connection, reminding everyone why they were there, to celebrate love.
The three-course menu was beautifully curated to cater to all preferences. Starters included Scottish smoked salmon with celeriac remoulade, or wild mushroom risotto with white truffle oil for vegetarian guests. For the main course, guests chose between a slow-roasted pork belly with mustard mash and crackling, or a roasted butternut and chickpea lattice. Dessert brought a touch of indulgence with a warm sticky toffee pudding and vanilla ice cream. With options available for vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, and allergy-conscious guests, the catering team ensured no detail was overlooked. These thoughtful accommodations are just one of the reasons couples choose Blackstock Country Estate for their spring barn wedding.
As the golden hour approached, an additional 21 evening guests arrived to join the celebrations. The Tudor Barn came alive with music from The Ceilidh Tree, a lively ceilidh band that brought energy and joy to the dance floor. Guests of all ages took part in the dancing, creating an atmosphere of shared happiness and celebration.
At 7:40 pm, Amy and Charlotte cut their wedding cake, and at 7:55 pm they enjoyed their first dance as newlyweds. Later in the evening, a generous burger buffet was served, which went down a treat. One of the final highlights of the evening was a sparkler send-off in the courtyard, with guests gathering under the stars for a magical moment. These are the small, unforgettable touches that make a spring barn wedding at Blackstock Country Estate truly one-of-a-kind.
For many guests, the celebrations didn’t end when the music stopped. Amy and Charlotte had exclusive use of the estate’s on-site accommodation, allowing their friends and family to stay just steps away. With rooms across The Flint Cottage, The Farmhouse, The Tudor Cottage, and The Goat Shed, the estate offered comfort and privacy in equal measure. Breakfast was served the next morning, giving everyone time to reflect on the celebration and enjoy a gentle start to the day.
For more details on accommodation options, visit Sussex Stays.
Amy and Charlotte’s wedding was a beautiful example of how a spring barn wedding can be both deeply personal and effortlessly elegant. With caring coordination, a stunning countryside backdrop, and seamless attention to detail, Blackstock Country Estate delivered a day that will be remembered for years to come.
Book a private viewing or contact our team to begin planning your own spring barn wedding at Blackstock Country Estate.
