Steph & Mitch

We chose Cissbury Barns in Findon for our wedding, and it was the perfect venue for our day. The location is absolutely stunning, with views that stretch all the way to the sea, creating a beautiful backdrop for both the ceremony and photographs. The garden at the barn is incredible, offering the perfect space for our reception, and the barn itself is rustic yet elegant, giving us exactly the mix of charm and style we wanted. Everything about the venue felt magical and welcoming — we couldn’t have asked for a better place to celebrate with our friends and family.

We were going for a rustic, relaxed feel with the barn as the centerpiece. Wildflowers helped bring the countryside charm to life, giving the space a natural, vibrant energy. We wanted to combine tradition with fun — starting the day with a church ceremony for a classic, timeless feel, then moving to the barn for a lively and celebratory reception party. Our goal was to make the day feel personal, beautiful, and unforgettable for both us and our guests.

There were so many highlights, it’s hard to choose! Of course, getting married in the church was an incredibly special moment — filled with emotion and love. At the reception, chatting with all our guests, hearing the hilarious speeches, and soaking in the joyful atmosphere was wonderful.

We also loved the sunset photos — the light was perfect, and it was such a serene moment just to take it all in. The hog roast was a big hit, and then dancing until the end of the night really brought everyone together to celebrate. Every detail felt special, and we’ll remember these moments forever.

We found Party Up while browsing Function Central’s roster of Sussex bands, and we were immediately impressed. The band sounded amazing, the reviews were excellent, and being based fairly locally made things convenient.

A live band was really important to us — it was the first time after the pandemic that we could all truly dance and celebrate together, and we wanted everyone on the dance floor. Party Up were absolutely incredible. They played a huge part in making our day perfect and unforgettable.

They even learned a song specially for our first dance and played all our requested favourites from their list. We booked seven band members, including two vocalists — both singers were phenomenal, and the rest of the band were outstanding musicians. The energy, professionalism, and talent they brought made such a difference, and they kept everyone dancing and smiling all night.

Take moments throughout the day to pause and look around — enjoy the flowers, the décor, the band, and just soak in all the special details you’ve worked so hard on. Try to chat to your guests at the reception, but don’t feel guilty if you can’t speak to everyone at length.

Trust in your suppliers — they know what they’re doing and genuinely want your day to be perfect. When you rely on the right team, everything flows more smoothly, leaving you free to enjoy your wedding and create memories that will last a lifetime.