I AM NOTHING WITHOUT YOU
October 09, 2026
Robyn & Mike’s Summer Wedding at Upwaltham Barns, Chichester, West Sussex.
There are some weddings that feel particularly special to photograph, and Robyn & Mike’s day at Upwaltham was certainly one of them. They were married in the beautiful church at Upwaltham, a place with a very special connection with many generations of his family having married there before them.
The intimate ceremony felt incredibly personal, surrounded by close family and friends, before everyone headed back to the barns for a second celebration and blessing. Upwaltham Barns is equally important to Mike. He grew up around the farm surrounded by his brothers and cousins, so there were memories around every corner.
I knew how important it was to capture more than just the wedding itself for Robyn and Mike. I wanted their photographs to tell the story of this incredible location and venues. From the church and the barns, to the fields, courtyard and tucked-away gardens, we made sure to include the places that have shaped so many family memories over the years.
The styling fitted the setting beautifully, with a relaxed country feel and a little twist on tradition. Sky-blue bridesmaids sat alongside the soft greys and blues worn by Mike and the groomsmen, with hints of colour and pattern in their floral ties. Wild meadow flowers brought a wonderful rainbow of colour throughout the day, giving everything that slightly wild, cottage-garden feel.
After their church ceremony, Robyn’s Maid of Honour led a special blessing back at the barns, including a handfasting ceremony. It was a lovely way to bring their wider group of guests into the celebrations and added another personal layer to a day they described so perfectly as “wholesome fun with a traditional twist.”
There was plenty to enjoy during the drinks reception. Guests were treated to cocktails and craft beer from the Tipsy Tuk Tuk, while ice cream and handmade canapés flowed around the courtyard. It was the kind of reception where people could relax, catch up and just enjoy themselves. The natural laughter that was shared in the candid moments shone through in the photographs, capturing the personalities and relationships within this wonderful group of people.
As the day began to wind down, we took a little time for some photographs of the two of them around the farm. The gorgeous evening light over the fields gave us the perfect warm, atmospheric portraits, while the gardens provided a completely different feel as the light slowly disappeared.
Photographing this wedding was particularly meaningful to me. I have known the Upwaltham family since I first started my photography career, and over the years I have had the privilege of watching so many members of the family grow up, celebrate milestones and get married. To now be chosen to photograph Robyn and Mike’s wedding, in a place that has been such a big part of their family history, was a real honour.
