Tipi Wedding in West Sussex - Grace & Jumbo

Grace & Jumbo’s tipi wedding was an absolute triumph and one of my favourites from the whole of 2018. The LoveMug™️ was seriously full for this superb day and, to be honest, at times it overfloweth!

In the morning both Grace & Jumbo got ready at the superb South Lodge in Horsham. Although I’ve shot at South Lodge in the past, this was my first visit to The Bothy Cottage where Grace got ready with her girls and her Mum. I’ve seen brides do some incredible stuff on the morning of a wedding but Grace doing makeup for her wedding party (like a complete pro) before nonchalantly doing her own was right up there. It’s normally a pretty nerve-wracking time but the stillness in Grace’s hands spoke of utter calm. Amazing chill, I doff my cap.

Once everyone was ready, we made the short drive to Shipley for the wedding ceremony. Visiting gorgeous venues and churches is one of the highlights of my job and furthermore it never gets old. St Mary The Virgin is beautifully situated and consequently one of the best.

Grace’s dress, a gorgeous Jane Bourvis number, oozed with antique heritage. I won’t try and describe it, just look at the images and marvel. I don’t believe any of my brides have worn Jane Bourvis before and I very much hope Grace isn’t the last.

There aren’t many people as immediately likeable as Jumbo. He’s one of those guys who is so well-grounded and thoroughly decent that it’s entirely self-evident. Jumbo and Grace have been friends since nursery school but despite having been sweethearts for decades (literally – there are photos of them holding hands aged 5) they remain unmistakably smitten. In church, the emotion was palpable; big hearts, leaky eyes… *sniff*.

Tipi Time

Following the ceremony it was back to Jumbo’s parents’ house in Billingshurst for the reception. There’s always something special about holding a celebration in the place where you grew up and Jumbo & Grace’s tipi wedding did not disappoint. Also, I have to make particular mention of the incredible grub. Wild Sussex, who looked after the catering, produced arguably the tastiest wedding food I have ever eaten. I am literally salivating thinking about it. Wild Sussex specialise in locally sourced produce cooked over open wood fires. Grace & Jumbo had a surf’n’turf vibe going on and all I can say is OH MY DAYS… so good. If you’re on the hunt for some really remarkable wedding food, I’d highly recommend these guys.

I think I could wax lyrical about this incredible tipi wedding for hours, but frankly, you’re probably here for the photographs. Most importantly, my thanks to Grace & Jumbo for having me, it was a blast! Finally, if you’re interested in all the suppliers, you’ll find the details at the bottom of this post.

Find Out More

Considering booking me for your own tipi wedding photography as a result of what you’ve seen? First of all check out my portfolio and consider getting in touch.

Want to see another similarly awesome tent wedding? Why not check out Emily & Ed’s splendid Sperry Wedding at Buckhurst Park or Katie & Nick’s tipi wedding at The Secret Walled Garden. Fancy a total contrast? Ali & Nic’s Ramster Hall wedding will certainly fit the bill.

Tipi Wedding – Suppliers

• Wedding Photography – Tony Hart Photo
• Church – St Mary the Virgin, Shipley
• Wedding Venue – Groom’s Parents’ Home
• Wedding Tipi Tent – Beautiful World Tents
• Getting Ready – South Lodge Hotel
• Dress – Jane Bourvis
• Shoes – L.K. Bennett
• Makeup – The Bride!
• Hair – Debbie Morris
• Bridesmaid Dresses – ASOS
• Groom’s Suit – Ede & Ravenscroft
• Catering – Wild Sussex
• Florist – Bride’s Mum & Erica’s Horsham
• Reception Music – Blush Acoustic
• Band – Monkey Selfie
• Videography – Ray McShane Films
• Car – Family Friend
• Stationery – Homemade
• Rings – Quality Diamonds
• Cake – Groom’s Mum