Late autumn in Firle can go either way. On Milly and Chris’ wedding day it went all in. Cold, dark skies and rain that came down properly, not politely. Buckets of it. And yet none of that really defined the day.
Preparations began at Blue Doors Barn, while Chris got ready just up the road at The Ram Inn. Then everyone gathered at St Peter’s Church. It’s a church that suits a grounded, thoughtful couple, and that’s exactly what Milly and Chris are. Calm. Sophisticated. Not showy. The ceremony felt steady and full of feeling, the sort where people are genuinely listening.
From there it was on to the lawns behind Firle Place, where a marquee had been set up for the reception and dancing. It quickly became clear that the marquee was not just aesthetic, it was essential. The rain hammered down for most of the day, drumming on canvas, turning paths slick. But inside, it was warm and relaxed. People settled in. Conversations deepened. Glasses were topped up.
There was a brief break in the weather during drinks, and everyone spilled out into the gardens for canapés while they could. The contrast between heavy sky and the house behind them was striking. We even managed a short set of couple photographs in the rain itself. It was wet, yes, but the light was surprisingly good. Soft and even. Sometimes you just work with what’s there.
What stood out most wasn’t the weather, though. It was the way Milly and Chris handled it. No panic. No frustration. They checked in with each other constantly, small looks and quiet smiles that said, “We’re fine.” When the rain picked up again, they laughed. When the ground got muddy, they adjusted. The day stayed relaxed because they stayed relaxed.
A rain-soaked wedding in Firle, centred around St Peter’s Church and a marquee at Firle Place, that proved atmosphere comes from people, not conditions.
