From a chance meeting outside a university lecture hall to a beautiful proposal at Gardens by the Bay in Singapore, step inside Catherine and Dominic Gayler’s timeless countryside barn wedding in West Sussex.
Set in the tranquil surrounds of Brookfield Barn, their day unfolded with thoughtful elegance – from hand-stitched favours crafted by the bride’s mother to a lilac-tinged spritz served under soft candlelight. With classic silhouettes, joyful music and the kind of glow only love and great skin can provide, Catherine and Dominic’s wedding was a graceful nod to family, forever, and the beauty of keeping things personal.
The Story So Far
Dominic and I met on our very first day at Bournemouth University. I was standing outside the lecture hall when he came straight over and asked if we could sit together. We’ve been side by side ever since.
Six years later, he proposed on a beautiful bridge at Gardens by the Bay in Singapore. He was so nervous that after I said yes, he accidentally closed the ring box before putting the ring on my finger! The ring is a beautiful pear-shaped diamond with stones on the shoulders – it couldn’t be more perfect.
The Venue
We got married at Brookfield Barn in Horsham. As soon as we visited, we cancelled all our other venue viewings – it was just so perfect. Tucked away in the peaceful West Sussex countryside, the barn overlooks a tranquil lake, surrounded by lush greenery and even a little family of resident ducks and ducklings. It felt calm and intimate, and was the ideal backdrop for our day.
Fashion
I found my dress at Mathilda Rose Bridal Boutique. It was actually my mum who suggested the simple, elegant silhouette. Despite my initial hesitation, the moment I tried it on, I knew it was the one. Mums really do know best.
My shoes and veil were from The Perfect Bridal Company, and my “something blue” was a handmade charm attached to my bouquet. Dominic and his groomsmen wore tuxedos from Moss Bros. They said they felt just like James Bond.
Jewellery
I’ve always worn very minimal jewellery, so I kept things simple on the day. My earrings were a delicate pair from an independent market stall in Covent Garden. My necklace was a gift from Dominic, from Swarovski. For my “something old and borrowed,” I wore a diamond clasp bracelet lent to me by my sister, who wore it on her own wedding day over ten years ago.
Bridal Party
My bridesmaids chose their own dresses from Maya Deluxe, which gave them the freedom to feel comfortable and confident. They looked stunning. Our flower girls wore the sweetest dresses from Monsoon. As a thank you, I gifted my bridesmaids mini skincare bundles from Decree – my go-to brand. They always compliment my skin, so I wanted to share my favourites with them.
Tablescape
We chose banquet-style tables for a relaxed, family-style feel – and they looked amazing. The styling was done by To Have and To Hire, using garlands and soft candlelight. One of the most special touches was our wedding favours. My amazing mum hand-stitched 72 napkins, each embroidered with our guests’ initials. It was such a personal and thoughtful detail.
Food & Drinks
Brookfield Barn catered the entire day and everything was delicious. A particular highlight was the wood-fired pizza served in the evening, which was freshly made and a total crowd-pleaser. Our cocktail of choice was the Lillet Rosé Spritz – light, summery, and a fun alternative to Pimm’s.
Entertainment
I walked down the aisle to “Before You” by Benson Boone and we walked back up to “Here Comes the Sun,” performed live on acoustic guitar by Chris Harper. He was absolutely incredible.
Our first dance was to “Dreams” by Gabriel, performed live by our amazing band, Neon State. The dance itself was choreographed by one of my bridesmaids. It was such a special moment.
Beauty & Wellness
My makeup was done by the brilliant Amy Kennet. I asked for soft glam and she nailed it. My hair was styled by Lorna Vallender and I cried when I saw my Hollywood waves – they were perfect.
In the six months before the wedding, I had monthly detox facials with The Skin Nurse, Sophie Blakey. My hero product was Decree’s SOS Revitalise Eye Mask – it left my under-eyes glowing.
Favourite Wedding Gifts
We didn’t have a wedding gift list. We truly felt that having all our favourite people in one place to celebrate with us was the greatest gift of all.
Honeymoon
Straight after the wedding, we spent a few dreamy days at Retreat East in Suffolk. It was heaven – no phone service, long bike rides, spa treatments, and complete calm.
Our honeymoon is planned for September, and we can’t wait. We’ll be travelling through Southern Italy, visiting Naples, the Amalfi Coast, Capri, and Sardinia.
Advice
- Take a moment. The day goes by in a flash, so carve out five quiet minutes for just the two of you to soak it all in.
- Book the videographer. You’ll be surprised how much you miss on the day, and a video lets you relive it all from a different perspective.
- Let go of the little things. Something might not go exactly to plan and that’s totally normal. Your guests won’t even notice, and you’ll still have the best day of your life.
With Thanks
Bride/Groom: Catherine Gayler @catherine_gayler & Dominic Gayler @domgayler7
Venue & Caterer: Brookfield Barn @brookfieldbarn
Dress: Mathilda Rose @mathilda_rose_bride
Shoes & Veil: The Perfect Bridal Company @perfectbridalco
Bridesmaids: Maya Deluxe @maya_deluxe
Groom outfit: Moss Bros @mossbros
Flower Girls: Monsoon @monsoon
Florist: Hannah Williams @copperandmossbotanics
Wedding Website: Joy @withjoy
Photographer: Katya Browne @katyabrowne_photography
Videographer: Neil Collins @neilcollinsfilms
Stylist & Tableware: To Have & To Hire @tohaveandtohire_events
Entertainment:
Wedding Singer: Chris Harper @chrisharperuk
Band: Neon State from Entertainment Nation @entertainmentnationuk
Makeup: Amy Kennett @kendols_beauty
Hair: Lorna Vallender @lornavallenderbridalhair
Wedding rings: Ernest Jones
Bridesmaid Gifts: Decree Skincare @decreeskincare
Skincare: The Skin Nurse @_theskinnurse_
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