The perfect Sussex garden wedding

Bob & Sarah got married on Friday 10th June 2022 at Field Place Manor House, a beautiful wedding venue near Worthing, West Sussex and recently I asked them a few questions about their wedding preparation and any tips for future brides.

Please tell me about the proposal:

We were on holiday in Turkey, I had no idea that before we went Bob had asked mum and dad for their blessing. We were in a jewellers and I just pointed to a ring. Bob got it for me. His proposal was not the most romantic, but it was so Bob. We stood in the shop and his words were “here you go darling” as he gave me the ring.

What drew you to the venue Field Place and made it your dream wedding?

We were due to marry in Cyprus in 2020 but this was cancelled due to the Covid pandemic a week before we were due to travel out there. We were unsure about travelling during the pandemic so we decided on marrying here. We looked at a few venues but Field Place looked so pretty with the gardens, I was adamant I wanted to marry outside and it was the perfect setting. Also nice and local for the majority or our guests. We found Amanda really approachable and so helpful offering us useful tips along the way.

Did it take you a long time to find your 'perfect venue'?

No. After seeing a couple of venues we loved Field Place

What was the most challenging part of organising your big day?

Personally for me, in the weeks running up to the wedding day it felt like all the suppliers wanted a piece of me. I was juggling work with appointments. Although it felt quite stressful it was exciting at the same time.

How did you know your wedding dress was 'the one'?

My dress was nothing that I thought I would go for. My mum saw it first and showed me, my reaction was no way! After trying on various other dresses the lady in the shop said that she wanted me to try on one more dress. She went and got it and it was the one my mum saw. As soon as I put it on I fell in love with it. I didn’t purchase it that day as I was going away. Whilst I was away the shop went into administration. On my return I went to the shop, most of the racks were empty but my dress was still there on the hanger so I brought it. It was like it was meant to be.

Who supplied the Groom and Groomsmen's suits and was there a particular style you were looking for?

The suits were all purchased from Burtons. We had already decided on blue suits. Bob saw the suits and both the best man and my dad liked them so we went with it.

Did you always want to get married?

Bob had been married before and had said he didn’t want to get married again. I had always said I wouldn’t get married but after 19 years together it just felt right for us both to do it and we are glad we did.

Who provided your wedding flowers and what type of flowers/bouquet did you have?

Our flowers were from Jessica Lila florist in Ferring. I was always keen to use local suppliers. Our flowers were gorgeous and we had so many compliments and they look fantastic in the photos you took. We went for pink and white roses with some eucalyptus. Men had button holes and a corsage was made for mum. Jessica also made our bridesmaids and flower girls bouquets, ceremony flowers and cake topper.

What were your standout moments of the day and memories you'll cherish forever?

The whole day was amazing, we had the best day. So many great memories but a few memories that really stood out was walking down the aisle with my dad, seeing Bob with a tear in his eye as I walked up to him and his son Adam who gave an unexpected speech that was heartfelt and very emotional. His speech was not planned, off the cuff and some many guests shed tears.

Tell me about your first dance, which song did you dance to and why you chose it?

Our song from when we first met was a dance track so we decided to play that once we were married at the end of our ceremony. We finally decided on one of a kind by Ronan Keating and Emilie Sande. No real reason but we could relate to the lyrics.

Do you have any tips for couples planning their wedding day?

Having Amanda from field place was really helpful, she would liaise with suppliers on our behalf if needed and she offered reassurance in the run up to the wedding.

Plan as far as possible in advance so as to ensure any suppliers you want to use have the availability to work with you.

Enjoy the day. It goes so quick.