.png)
Angelina & James’ Elegant Summer Wedding at Highley Manor
A Real Wedding Story by Matt Ryle Photography
Highley Manor is one of those classic Sussex wedding venues that seems to glow in any weather — but on Angelina and James’ wedding day, it felt like the whole estate exhaled just to welcome them. Warm sunshine across the lawns, blue skies stretching over the rolling Mid Sussex countryside, and the iconic A‑frame ceremony structure standing ready on the terrace. It was the perfect setting for one of the most glamorous, kind‑hearted couples we’ve ever had the joy of working with.
Angelina and James are that rare mix — effortlessly stylish, movie‑scene glamorous, yet genuinely gentle souls who make everyone around them feel seen, appreciated and comfortable. Their wedding at Highley Manor reflected exactly that: elegant, emotional, full of joy, and beautifully human.
A Morning Filled With Emotion (and Horsepower)
While Bella joined Angelina and her bridesmaids for bridal prep, I spent the morning with James and the boys. And James made an entrance in fitting style: pulling up to Highley Manor in his second love — a pristine, meticulously cared‑for BMW M3. It purred into the driveway like it had its own part to play in the day.
It quickly became clear that James and his mates are serious car enthusiasts. The M3 wasn’t just a vehicle; it was a little piece of personality, pride and passion rolled into one — a detail that felt so true to James.
Inside, the atmosphere shifted from playful to quietly emotional. James received a heartfelt handwritten letter from Angelina, and as he read it aloud, you could feel the room still. His friends tried to blink away the tears… and mostly failed. It was one of those moments where the world shrinks down to just two people, even when they’re in separate rooms.
Bridal Prep With Angelina & the Girls
Meanwhile, upstairs in the bridal suite, Bella captured the calm glow of Angelina’s morning. She’s naturally photogenic — but more than that, she radiates this soft, steady elegance. Surrounded by her closest friends, the atmosphere was filled with laughter, little nerves, sparkle‑laden details and the magic of anticipation.
Highley Manor’s large windows let in the most gorgeous natural light — perfect for those intimate, timeless bridal prep images you’re known for.
A Perfect Ceremony Under Highley Manor’s Iconic A‑Frame
Highley Manor’s outdoor ceremony space is one of the most recognisable in Sussex — that beautiful timber A‑frame overlooking wide lawns and countryside views. On this particular summer’s day, it looked even more striking against a cloudless blue sky.
Guests gathered beneath the open structure, sunlight warming the wooden beams, while the soft breeze moved through the long grass beyond. When Angelina stepped out onto the terrace, the whole space seemed to pause. It was a moment so serene and cinematic it could have been lifted straight from a film.
Their ceremony was heartfelt and elegant, full of quiet smiles, gentle glances and emotion that felt both intimate and unmistakably “them.”
Golden Afternoon Fun — Indoor & Out
After the ceremony, the celebrations flowed seamlessly across the house and grounds. Highley Manor is brilliant for this — guests can wander, mingle, and explore without ever feeling scattered.
There were drinks on the lawns, laughter rising from the terraces, groups of friends catching up in pockets of sunshine, and plenty of spontaneous moments between Angelina and James that made for beautiful documentary‑style imagery.
Inside, the reception setup was warm and welcoming, perfectly styled to match the couple’s effortlessly chic aesthetic. Glam, but not flashy. Elegant, but still grounded in genuine connection.
A Dancefloor to Remember
If the daytime was soft and thoughtful, the evening was explosively joyful. Once the music began, any sense of formality melted away. The dancefloor filled immediately — and stayed full.
I mean properly full.
Angelina and James’ friends brought the energy: real moves, real rhythm, real joy. The kind of dancing where people forget they’re being photographed (which always makes the best photos). Laughter echoed through the manor’s historic rooms, and the night unfolded in that beautiful blur only a brilliant wedding evening can create.
A Couple Who Made the Day
There’s something truly special about photographing a couple like Angelina and James. Yes, they look like they belong on the pages of a magazine — but their warmth, generosity, and gentle kindness are what made the day unforgettable.
They created a wedding full of heart and elegance, surrounded by people who clearly adore them.
Highley Manor was the perfect backdrop, but they were the story.
Ready to chat to us about your plans at Highley Manor?
*****
OUTSTANDING!
"We had the pleasure of Matt and his wonderful partner Bella document our wedding day.
We paid for the package that included an engagement shoot, the wedding day photos and highlights video.
Matt was fantastic at communicating with us throughout the whole process, ensuring we were happy every step of the way.
Both Matt and Bella were always on time and were the most friendliest, down to earth people we've met.
As a couple, we get nervous in front of the camera and that was something Matt and Bella were aware of. On the wedding day, they instantly made us feel at ease, and to be honest we barely even noticed the cameras taking photos and videos because they were so discreet!
The ability that they have to capture all the beautiful and raw moments of our day, and to be able to relive that moment just by looking at a photo or the video is truly incredible and a skill they both possess! The video was so beautiful and well put together which made us cry so many happy tears!
The professionalism, kindness and genuine excitement that Matt and Bella had for us was truly exceptional, and my husband and I would pick Matt and Bella 1000 times over and over again over anyone else.
They really felt like life long friends of ours and we can't believe how incredibly lucky we have been with the most amazing experience they created for us.
To Matt and Bella, you are outstanding. You exceeded all of our expectations and honestly went above and beyond! The most genuine people we've had the pleasure to meet. We cannot thank you enough for the beautiful content you've created for us. Anyone that books with you are not only going to be blown away, but are so lucky! ❤️"