Blimey… where do I even begin with these two?
Jon & Joe’s relaxed winter wedding at Brookfield Barn
It was one of those days that just felt good in my bones from start to finish. The kind of wedding where the atmosphere is calm but excited, the light is doing awesome glowy things, and you can tell straight away that you’re about to witness something really rather special.
And honestly? I was chuffed to be part of it.
Genuinely Gorgeous Humans
OK, let me set the scene… a crisp December wedding at Brookfield Barn, bright blue skies (yes, actual blue skies in December), and two quietly spoken, genuinely gorgeous humans who had planned a fabulous wedding that was relaxed, fun and completely true to who they are.
Relaxed ✔️
Fun ✔️
Untraditional ✔️
Full of love ✔️
Beautifully geeky ✔️
How It All Began
Jon & Joe first met online back in 2019 — a queer modern love story sparked, quite fittingly, by tattoos!
Jon told me, “He had a picture of his Joker tattoo… and I was just kind of like, okay, this is something I think I can get on with.”
Joe remembered noticing the tattoos too: “I remember all the tattoos and everything on the profile…”
Their first date involved ice skating, which Joe told me: “There was me being really cocky, went on the ice straight away thinking I could do it — fell straight on my arse.”
The date continued with a cinema trip to see Captain Marvel. Relaxed, fun, and very much the tone their relationship would continue to carry.
Wedding Morning Calm
Ok… on to their day. Despite expecting wedding-day jitters, Joe was looking incredibly calm and relaxed when I arrived on the morning of their wedding. “I’m feeling very calm, very relaxed — not how I was expecting to feel.” He laughed, “I thought I’d be really, really nervous… but I’m actually quite cool as a cucumber.”
And he truly was.
Preparations unfolded gently, with both Jon & Joe getting ready separately on site, surrounded by their favourite humans. The whole morning had that beautifully easy, unhurried energy I adore walking into on a wedding day.
A Perfect Winter Ceremony
For a December wedding at Brookfield Barn in Sussex, the weather absolutely showed off.
Guests gathered inside first, drinks in hand, before drifting outdoors where rugs appeared and excitement quietly bubbled over. There was a lovely sense of anticipation — smiles, laughter, and the unmistakable warmth of friends and family genuinely stoked to be there.
Jon & Joe both made their entrances separately with their wedding parties, and watching them meet at the front was one of those quietly emotional moments that didn’t need embellishment. Just real feeling.
Gaming Theme Magic
Jon & Joe are self-confessed gaming geeks, so it was only fitting that their reception reflected exactly that.
Arcade machines, including brilliant pinball tables, a silent disco, 8-bit video game music and console-themed tables all came together to create a celebration bursting with personality.
Guests absolutely loved it.
It didn’t feel like a novelty theme — it felt like stepping straight into their world, which is always the very best kind of wedding detail.
Golden Hour Winter Portraits
Winter weddings come with that dreamy low sunlight, and Jon & Joe were treated to what felt like a never-ending golden hour.
We wandered across the grounds opposite Brookfield Barn, the two of them relaxed, giggling and completely wrapped up in each other. They had told me beforehand they felt awkward in front of the camera, but you’d never know.
Soft winter light, beautiful reflections bobbing across the lake, and these two just completely enjoying their day.
Silent Disco Madness
Hands down one of the most entertaining parts of the evening.
With headphones on, the dancefloor was bursting with energy. Headphones off, complete silence — apart from guests enthusiastically singing along to entirely different songs on different channels.
Utterly surreal. Utterly brilliant. Bloody hilarious!!
Kind Words
Jon & Joe later wrote to me after receiving their gallery.
“Hey Liza! we’ve just had a look at the gallery and the pictures look amazing. Joe and I just wanted to say thanks again for photographing our wedding. We really valued having you there on the day — you fitted in really well with everyone.”
Messages like this never stop meaning the world. Thanks guys! 🙏
Final Thoughts
Jon & Joe created a wedding that was relaxed, joyful, deeply personal and wonderfully untraditional.
Proof that the best weddings aren’t about following rules — they’re about celebrating exactly who you are.
Vendor Love
Photography: Liza O’Malley Photography
Reception Venue: Brookfield Barn
Celebrant: West Sussex Ceremonies
Florist / Stylist: To Have & To Hire Events
Silent Disco: The Silent Disco Company
Arcade Hire: London Pinball
Venue Services / Marketing: Artemis Venue Services
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