Hollie & Jacob’s Wedding at Chapel Barn, Bolney

July 25, 2026

Real Wedding, Weddings

A Chapel Barn Wedding That Felt Like Home

The only way I can describe Hollie & Jacob’s wedding at Chapel Barn in Bolney, is…home.

You know when you’re with your kind of people in a place that feels so relaxed and welcoming. Like a big, warm hug. They both got ready in the morning with their families, Jacob with his two brothers and Hollie with her parents, sisters and aunt.

“She struck the perfect balance – capturing all the special moments while being almost completely ‘unseen’ during the ceremony.”

Grinning From the Edge of the Church

When they finally were reunited at the Holy Trinity Church in Cuckfield, they couldn’t stop ‘Cheshire cat’ grinning at each other. The thing is, when I’m watching other people grin, it makes me do the same without realising it…so I’m also there at the edge of the church grinning away!

This is the couple that told me in their video call when we first spoke that they aren’t into too much PDA and want their photos to be super relaxed and not posed.

Firstly, yes I can certainly do that…that is my thing. But secondly, when you are getting married, all the emotions take over and you can’t hide from it. Especially when you are surrounded by all the people that love you most and who are so happy to be there celebrating your love.

Bride walking down the aisle with her father, holding a wild white bouquet, at Holy Trinity Church, Cuckfield, Sussex

Bride and groom sharing their first kiss as a married couple during the ceremony at Holy Trinity Church, Cuckfield, Sussex

A Barn That Lets You Make It Your Own

Chapel Barn in Bolney where Jacob and Hollie had their wedding reception is nothing short of magical.

From the Grade II listed barn itself with its beautiful oak beams to the lake that is hidden away and you are whisked off to for sunset photos. Karen & Paul, who own the venue, are the perfect hosts making everyone feel incredibly welcome and nothing was too much trouble.

If you are looking for a beautiful, rustic (but clean!) barn venue that is full of character and comes as a blank canvas, this truly is the best one I have come across in Sussex. You can really make it your own and create something unique to you.

“She has such a beautiful eye for light. We couldn’t have asked for a better photographer.”

From Lawn Drinks to a Sunset by the Lake

When the guests arrived at Chapel Barn following a beautiful ceremony in Cuckfield, they had drinks and canapes on the lawn.

Once Hollie & Jacob had spent a little while with their friends and family, I took them and a few close family members that they had told me they wanted group photos with to the front of the barn as this had the best, most flattering light, especially as it was a glorious sunny day. But that comes with harsh sunlight, which isn’t the best for portraits, so finding the right location was important.

After a whole group shot in front of the barn, everyone headed inside for speeches and a delicious BBQ dinner by Fire & Brimstone. Tea, coffee and most importantly…cake!…was served in the stretched marquee on the lawn, and then it was time for Hollie & Jacob’s first dance.

Around 8pm whilst their guests were having way too much fun on the dance floor to notice, I sneaked Hollie & Jacob away for a little time together, with me and Paul (Chapel Barn’s owner who drove us) as their third and fourth wheel. We were there for around 20 minutes and made sure we got them back to enjoy the rest of their wedding, dancing the night away with those that matter most to them.

Glazed BBQ canapé skewers served on a wooden board to guests during the drinks reception at Chapel Barn, Sussex

Bride and groom cutting their raspberry-topped wedding cake together inside Chapel Barn, Sussex

The Moment I’ll Always Remember

I think one of the moments I will always remember from Hollie & Jacob’s wedding is Hollie’s speech. In particular the way she spoke about Jacob’s mum, her new mother-in-law. She clearly has so much respect and love for her and as a boy-mum myself, it was so lovely to see.

“She really took the time to understand us as a couple and the kind of photographs we were hoping for.”

Planning Your Own Chapel Barn Wedding?

If you are planning a wedding at Chapel Barn, or anywhere else in Sussex and would love a photographer that not only takes the time to understand the type of photographs you would love, but also fits into your wedding day like another friend there, then come and chat with me!

I would love to hear more about what you have planned for your wedding day and if I could be the right photographer for you.

Click here to find out more about how I work and to download a wedding brochure.