A lovely blog from my Senior Associate Laura. . . 

"When I arrived at High Billingshurst Farm, a collection of beautifully converted barns tucked deep in the Surrey Hills, the sky was heavy with cloud. The rolling hills were looking ominous with that “is it about to pour?” feeling. It all looked a little grim, but I knew from experience that magic often hides in days like these.

My first stop was Stable Cottage, the onsite accommodation, where Liv and her tribe were in full getting-ready mode - makeup brushes flying, glasses of bubbly clinking, and plenty of snacks to keep everyone going. The photographer was darting around, capturing giggles, quiet moments, and all the joyful chaos that comes with bridal prep.

Then it was over to the ceremony space - a rustic barn, beautifully lit, with ivy and other greenery adorning the walls and door arches. I set out my props, double-checked the setup, and then took a quiet moment in my car with a sandwich, to do a final review of the script, whilst a passing shower fell on the venue. The timing was on our side!

By the time James and his groomsmen arrived, the clouds had lifted, and the afternoon sun spilled over the fields. Guests started gathering, enjoying the sweeping views across the hills, before it was time to gather in the ceremony space, ready to set the scene for the day of celebration with plenty of love and laughter.

Both Liv and James were relaxed and ready for what lay ahead. James’s nerves, though, made a brief appearance when he took his place at the front, glancing out at a sea of smiling faces - but he handled it like a pro.

From the moment the music began, the atmosphere was pure joy. Liv and James’s relationship is deeply rooted in friendship and partnership, and every part of their ceremony reflected that. When I invited their parents to offer their support and encouragement, it was a quiet but powerful moment that had a few eyes glistening.

Then came the laughter. The “reading lottery” was a hit—the guest whose name was drawn turned out to be an absolute star, earning proper belly laughs from everyone. Liv and James clearly have a wonderful group of friends and family.

I shared their love story, from that first dog walk, followed immediately the next day, with a Valentine’s Day Zoom date, right through to the romantic balcony proposal on holiday as the sun went down. The story had everyone smiling - and a few secretly wiping away happy tears.

When their mums brought the rings to the front for the exchange, each paused to hug their child before passing the rings across. It was a simple, beautiful gesture that captured the heart of family connection. When I had the privilege of pronouncing them husband and wife, the barn erupted in cheers loud enough to make the rafters shake.

As if on cue, the clouds rolled away completely, bathing the courtyards in golden autumn sunshine just in time for the confetti shot. Guests poured out into the light, laughing and celebrating before heading into the barns for dinner and dancing.

Liv and James had added some lovely personal touches for their guests - an abstract art piece everyone could contribute to and a recipe book acting as their guestbook, ready to be filled with love, laughter, and maybe a few questionable culinary tips.

It was the perfect ending to a day that began under grey skies and ended glowing with warmth, love, and laughter - a true reflection of Liv and James themselves.

Liv and James, thank you for trusting me with such a joyful, heartfelt celebration. From that first chat about your story to the moment you walked back down the aisle as newlyweds, it was clear that what you share is a genuine partnership - easy laughter, deep friendship, and real love.

Your day was a beautiful mix of laughter and sincerity, sunshine and sentiment, and I couldn’t have been happier to play a small part in it. Here’s to many more adventures, dog walks, and balcony sunsets together.

With love,

Laura

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