Firle Place, East Sussex
Firle Place takes you by surprise. From the main road between Eastbourne and Lewes, this grand manor house is so tucked away amongst the hills of the South Downs not even a chimney can be seen. The long driveway, that meanders between fields of grazing sheep, slowly brings your focus from the rolling downs to the elegant Georgian facade of the imposing period house. This is a masterclass in how to make an impression!
At Firle Place, you have so many options for a memorable celebration. Parts of the original Manor House are now available for ceremonies and celebrations. Many couples choose the wonderfully intimate and enclosed (but not covered) courtyard to the east of the property to exchange vows. This delightful space is a quiet leafy haven, perfect for the most private and intimate part for the wedding day.
For the reception, the Riding School provides a weatherproof option, with high ceilings and an open, airily feel to the room. This beautiful setting can seat a couple of hundred guests and is easily transformed in the evening for dancing the night away. This space is wonderfully flexible in terms of wedding florals. The Riding School is an impressive blank canvas and offers the opportunity for couples to express their ideas, personalities, and shared experiences.
As an artist it is one of my strengths to interpret your words and ideas into cohesive designs. Often, clients will approach with what they consider a confused mess of jumbled ideas, inspiration pieces, and important memories. I find it so enjoyable and a real privilege to use flowers to pull many ideas into happy, visually engaging designs.
Flowers hold such power. And they are the perfect medium for modern couples who are interested in creating a modern celebration of their love. More and more, couples are looking for ways to personalise their wedding day and join families and friends in a celebration where each member has agency and choice. The traditional wedding ceremony has been pulled into the 21st century, and modern floristry (and an open minded florist) can really use flowers, foliage and other media to help shape the visual impression of the day.
Your wedding is a massive opportunity. An opportunity to CREATE. To be seen, understood, supported and celebrated by your very dearest friends and family. Allowing floral art into your day is a moment of spectacular visual display; you can let your imagination run wild and free, no colour palette is too fractured or inspiration piece too disparate.
If you’re not sure where to begin with planning your wedding flowers then get in touch! I love helping couples discover their vision using flowers and floristry to transform their plans and ideas into stunning visual displays. Flowers have so much power, and good design can unify many seemingly in-cohesive thoughts and ideas. Use the contact page or send me an email rachel@themirrorandtheveil.co.uk
With many thanks to Emily Rose Hamilton for all the wonderful photos in this blog post.