A Winter Wonderland Wedding at Selden Barns
When two hearts find each other through a simple swipe, sometimes the universe has something magical in store. This is the beautiful story of a couple whose love blossomed from a Tinder match in 2018 into a breathtaking winter wonderland celebration at Selden Barns.
The Love Story
Their journey began like so many modern love stories – with a swipe right on Tinder back in 2018. What started as a digital connection quickly grew into something deeper, a partnership built on shared laughter, dreams, and the kind of love that makes you believe in fairy tales.
The proposal came on the most magical day of the year – Christmas Day 2021. After exchanging presents at her mum’s house, surrounded by the warmth and joy of family, he asked her to stand up. What followed was a moment she’ll treasure forever: a proposal accompanied by a beautifully thoughtful ‘fiancée’ Christmas card. It was the perfect blend of romance and their signature style – heartfelt, personal, and utterly unforgettable.
About Selden Barns
Nestled in the picturesque Sussex countryside near Worthing, Selden Barns is a stunning barn wedding venue that perfectly balances rustic charm with elegant sophistication. This beautifully restored 18th-century Sussex barn has been lovingly transformed into one of the South East’s most sought-after wedding destinations, offering couples the countryside retreat of their dreams.
The main barn provides a stunning ceremony and reception space, where natural light floods through large windows, casting a warm glow that photographs beautifully in any season. For winter weddings, the venue transforms into an intimate haven, with the rustic architecture providing the perfect canvas for twinkling fairy lights and seasonal decorations.
What sets Selden Barns apart is its commitment to providing couples with an exclusive, stress-free experience. The venue offers on-site accommodation in beautifully appointed lodges and shepherd’s huts, meaning the bridal party and closest guests can wake up on the wedding morning already at the venue. The grounds feature manicured gardens, romantic outdoor spaces perfect for photographs, and a charming courtyard that adds to the venue’s undeniable appeal.
The dedicated team at Selden Barns has earned a reputation for exceptional service and attention to detail, guiding couples through every step of their wedding planning journey. From the moment you step through the gates, you’re treated like family – something this couple experienced firsthand and valued deeply.
Why They Chose Selden Barns
For this couple, the decision to marry at Selden Barns was an easy one. From their very first visit, they were captivated by the venue’s natural beauty and immediately felt at home with the welcoming staff. “We loved the staff at Selden and loved how gorgeous the venue was,” the couple shared. “Having on-site accommodation was a bonus.”
Their favourite aspect? The venue’s inherent beauty. “How beautiful the venue was before adding any extras,” they explained. This is the magic of Selden Barns – it needs no elaborate decoration to take your breath away. The rustic elegance speaks for itself, allowing couples to create their dream wedding without overwhelming embellishment.
The Wedding Style
Embracing a rustic aesthetic with a dreamy winter wonderland theme, the couple created a celebration that was both enchanting and deeply personal. Their chosen colour scheme of sky blue wove throughout the day, complementing Selden Barns’ natural tones and creating an ethereal winter atmosphere.
The rustic theme celebrated the barn’s original character – natural textures providing the perfect foundation for their winter vision. Touches of frost-inspired elegance and seasonal flourishes transformed the space into a magical wonderland, while still allowing the venue’s innate beauty to shine through.
Wedding Fashion
The Bride
The bride was a vision in her Justin Alexander gown, sourced from Brides of Southampton. The stunning A-line silhouette was adorned with sparkling sequins that caught the light with every movement, creating a magical, almost ethereal effect as she walked down the aisle.
The Groom
The groom looked dapper in his Moss Bros suit, striking the perfect balance between sophisticated and approachable. His ensemble complemented the rustic-elegant atmosphere while ensuring he was the ideal partner to his sparkling bride.
The Dream Team of Suppliers
Behind every magical wedding is a team of talented professionals, and this couple assembled an exceptional group of Sussex-based suppliers who brought their vision to life.
Photography
Amber Towers of Panda Creative Weddings, captured every precious moment, from the anticipation of getting ready to the joyous celebrations on the dance floor.
Catering
REN’s Kitchen delighted guests with exceptional cuisine, creating a menu that matched the celebration’s warmth and elegance.
Florals
Village Florist Lancing created stunning arrangements that enhanced the winter wonderland theme while complementing the venue’s rustic charm.
Entertainment
Andy from Sound Division DJ kept the party going all night, ensuring the dance floor was never empty.
The Memorable Moments
Every wedding has moments that stay with you forever, and this celebration was filled with them.
The ceremony stood out as the most emotional part of the day – that sacred moment when two people commit their lives to each other, surrounded by everyone they love. There’s something particularly special about exchanging vows in a venue as beautiful as Selden Barns, where the historic surroundings seem to hold centuries of love stories within their walls.
One of the day’s most touching surprises was the first reveal with the page boys. These little ones, dressed impeccably and bursting with excitement, added an extra layer of joy and family connection to the celebration.
When asked about their favourite part of the day, the couple didn’t hesitate: “Partying with all our guests and celebrating with everyone.” And there was laughter too – their attempt at cutting the cake, which refused to cooperate and wouldn’t cut straight, became a moment of genuine hilarity that their guests still talk about.
Guests particularly noted the couple’s incredible attention to detail throughout the day, proof that when you pour your heart into planning, it shows in every element.
Advice for Future Couples
When asked what wisdom they’d share with couples planning their own wedding, their advice was refreshingly honest: “Take your time and if it’s not perfect, don’t do it.” This simple philosophy guided their planning and resulted in a day that was authentically them.
Their top planning tip? “We’re so glad we did a party vibe entrance.” Making your grand entrance as newlyweds a high-energy, celebratory moment sets the tone for the entire reception and gets everyone in the mood to celebrate your love.
A Perfect Winter’s Day
From a Christmas Day proposal to a winter wonderland wedding at Selden Barns, this couple’s journey proves that the best love stories are the ones that feel both magical and completely natural. Their rustic celebration, dressed in sky blue and filled with sparkle, created memories that will last a lifetime.
If you’re dreaming of your own Selden Barns wedding, let this beautiful day inspire you. Whether you envision a winter wonderland like this couple or a summer garden party, this stunning Sussex venue provides the perfect canvas for your love story.
WEDDING SUPPLIERS
Photography
Panda Creative Photography
@pandacreativeweddings
Catering
REN’s Kitchen
@renskitchen
Florals
@villagefloristlancing
Entertainment
Sound Division DJ