A Beachside Romance Blooms at Selden Barns: Emma & Sean’s Spring Wedding
Photography by Mark O’Brien Photography
When Emma and Sean’s Red Setter, Delboy, joined them for a New Year’s Day beach walk in Ferring, little did Emma know that their stroll at low tide would end with a proposal that perfectly captured their love of the seaside. Fast forward to April, and this wonderful couple brought their beachy, springtime romance to life in the beautiful barns and gardens of Selden Barns.
Finding Their Perfect Venue
For Emma and Sean, Selden Barns ticked every box on their wedding wish list. Living less than 10 minutes away, they were drawn to the venue’s versatility and charm from their very first visit.
“We chose Selden Barns as it was perfect for us in so many ways,” Emma shares. “We loved the option of getting married in either the beautiful Ceremony barn or outside in the gardens. Choosing to get married in April meant the weather wasn’t guaranteed, so having a venue that was perfect if the weather was bad but also having wonderful outdoor space if the weather was good was absolutely ideal for us.”
The couple ultimately opted for the ceremony barn, which provided the perfect backdrop for their special day. The generous indoor and outdoor spaces allowed guests to enjoy every corner of the venue, while the accommodation options made it easy for friends and family traveling from afar.
“The wonderful staff we met were all so kind and helpful, which definitely helped us to choose Selden Barns,” Emma adds. “We felt the planning process would be made as smooth as possible – which it absolutely was!”
A Day Filled with Personal Touches
Emma and Sean’s wedding beautifully blended their love of the beach with the fresh, vibrant colors of spring. Their purple and pink color scheme held special meaning, honoring Emma’s grandmother who loved these colors but was unable to attend due to living in a care home with dementia.
“She sadly passed away just over a month after our wedding,” Emma reflects, “although we were lucky enough to be able to show her photos from the day before she passed, which was a blessing.”
Emma looked stunning in an ivory Anna Sorrano Magdalena dress from Wed2b – a floor-length gown embellished with sequin embroidered flowers, featuring a sweetheart neckline, delicate flowery straps, and the all-important detail: pockets! Sean complemented her perfectly in a grey three-piece suit from Moss Bros.
The couple’s creative touches were evident throughout the day. Emma handmade the floral arrangements using artificial flowers and designed beautiful stationery using Canva, adding that personal touch that made their celebration uniquely theirs.
Unforgettable Moments
Ask Emma about her favorite moment, and she’ll tell you there were simply too many to choose just one. “It was very special the moment we said our ‘I dos’ and were pronounced as husband and wife,” she recalls.
The speeches brought tears and laughter in equal measure, with Emma and Sean both taking the microphone, alongside moving words from Emma’s father Dave and best man Damon.
And then there was Delboy, their beloved Red Setter who had witnessed Sean’s proposal. “We had our dog Delboy join us for some photos after the ceremony, and he decided to sit down on Emma’s dress and not move!” Emma laughs.
But perhaps the biggest surprise of the day came when Emma revealed her secret – a Trotters Independent Traders van for photos. “Sean loved it and we enjoyed having photos with it!” she beams.
Sweet Treats and Laid-Back Vibes
Ren’s Kitchen provided delicious catering, while Next Generation Disco kept everyone dancing into the evening. But it was the ice cream cart that became an unexpected hit.
“We were unsure at first whether it would work asking our guests to get up from their tables with their brownies to head outside for their ice cream and toppings,” Emma admits, “but it really worked perfectly and the guests thought it was unique and fun! Several guests commented how much they enjoyed the brownies and ice cream!”
Throughout the day, Emma and Sean’s relaxed approach set the tone for their celebration. “I think our guests loved the laid back atmosphere – we tried to ensure there wouldn’t be anything stressful through the day, so the fact that we were relaxed and loving it made the guests feel that way too!”
Advice for Future Couples
When asked what wisdom they’d share with other couples planning their Selden Barns wedding, Emma’s advice is clear and heartfelt:
“Do whatever is best for the two of you – it’s so easy to try to please everyone, but it’s your day and more important that you have it how you like it. Those who matter won’t mind and those who mind don’t matter!”
Venue: Selden Barns
Photography: Mark O’Brien Photography
Catering: Ren’s Kitchen
Entertainment: Next Generation Disco