Surprise Alpacas were the Perfect Wedding Guests for these Fun Brides!

This is Kelly & Mickie’s Story

When I first met Kelly and Mickie, they were starting to plan their wedding but had yet to find their perfect venue. They were thinking probably a barn, something rustic with farmland and countryside. Anything resembling a hotel was out, as was a venue that was something of a wedding conveyor belt. Well, they picked the right person to ask! Having captured weddings at most of Sussex’s beautiful barns, I was able to give them a quick run down of each, the setting, the people, the atmosphere, the pros and any potential cons that wouldn’t meet their exacting brief.

Oh, and priority number one, it had to be able to accommodate a mini herd of Alpacas! The brides are alpaca mad, with ambitions to one day run their own alpaca farm. So these gorgeous animals absolutely had to be a key feature of their special day.

Kelly and Mickie made notes on my venue low-down, and I was over the moon when they came back to me some three months later saying they’d booked one of my shortlist favourites, Bartholomew Barn. And even happier when they confirmed that they’d love me to be their wedding photographer!

Documenting both of the brides’ morning preparations was important, and with Mickie getting ready at the barn, and Kelly at a BnB some ten minutes’ drive away, we decided a second photographer would be needed. In the event, the brides to be opted for the second shooter to cover the ceremony and cocktail hour too. Which gave me the perfect opportunity to capture lots of alpaca candids, while my second, Stephanie, took charge of the family portraits. If you’ve read any of my website so far, you’ll know I’m not a huge fan of lining people up, but happily (weirdly?!), Stephanie prefers group photos to alpacas, so we made a great team!

The ceremony began with the sizeable bridal party making their way up the aisle – Kelly’s six bridesmaids, Mickie’s two bestwomen and three ‘bridesmen’, plus a flower girl and page boy. From her unique vantage point at the back of the barn, Stephanie was able to capture some lovely expressions between Mickie and her Dad before they walked up the aisle together, and I was ready to capture Kelly’s tearful emotion as Mickie joined her with the registrars. Throughout the ceremony, there were plenty of emotional moments to capture as the two brides laughed and cried on becoming wife and wife.

After the ceremony, we headed out onto Bartholomew Barn’s beautiful fields. With drinks and canapés flowing, I happily snapped away, knowing that at any minute, there would be some fantastic expressions to capture as the alpacas made their appearance. The brides had kept the alpacas secret from everyone except me, Stephanie and Martin, the lovely videographer from I Do Productions. You can see the moment of the great reveal on the photo below!

What with the alpacas, a giant Jenga, and Connect 4, there was plenty of entertainment to keep their 60 or so guests amused, and I had a fantastic time telling all the little stories of human (and animal) interaction.

I was so happy for Kelly and Mickie that they had their perfect wedding, and hope you’ve enjoyed this little glimpse into their emotional, alpaca-filled celebrations.

Since writing this story, Bartholomew Barn is sadly no longer operating as a wedding venue. But if you’re looking for a beautiful Barn in West Sussex, you’re spoilt for choice! Check out Fitzleroi Barn, Farbridge or Long Furlong Barn for starters!

Jenny x