Documentary wedding photography at a Folkington Manor wedding

Folkington Manor (pronounced Fo’ington?), a mid-nineteenth century, grade II listed manor house near Polegate in East Sussex and the backdrop to Lucy and Danny's wedding reception. A wedding reception in a circus big top!

But coverage begins at Lucy's parents' house, down the road, in Eastbourne. Here Lucy got ready with her two bridesmaids, who are also her sisters. The surprise string quartet, in the garden, arranged by Danny, had long gone by the time I was due to arrive. But hair and makeup were in full flow.

Squeezing everyone into Folkington church!

Then off to Folkington Manor, only a few miles away but nose-to-nose traffic. The bride had to beat the A27 close down at 2 pm, as a large wind turbine was set to take over the A27. Meanwhile, at the church, it seemed like a question of how to fit everyone into the very small Sussex church in Folkington? Somehow it happened. Maybe the unusual box pews helped? But a small hiccup, the wedding rings weren't at the church. They had been left in London. Someone was having a very, very stressful journey south, trying to get to the church in time, clutching them. Replacement rings were sorted out amongst the guests and requisitioned. Lucy arrived on time, the service could begin.

The wedding rings arrive!

Marriage ceremony completed...smiles, tears and applause. A punch in the air from Danny (or as his best man called it, a 'black power' salute in a quaint, old Sussex church). Then the real wedding rings arrived. Rewind, do the exchange again. (this time in the right order!).

Circus Big-Top on the lawn at Folkington Manor

After a confetti bombardment outside, Lucy and Danny led the guests in a walk back down the hill to the lawns outside Folkington Manor and to the family big top!

Danny's father and brothers had brought the big top-down from Newcastle - something different to the usual white marquee on the lawn. Come the speeches, it was clear that a background in showbiz helps a groom 'own' his speech. Dancing followed, with the impressive Piano Factor. While outside, a slice of the North - a fish and chip van and some Greggs (that Danny was very excited about).

Here are just a few images from Lucy and Danny's Folkington Manor wedding...

Wedding planning by Something Blue