Julie + John | Lower Damgate Farm

Julie and John’s Colourful Disco Wedding at Lower Damgate Farm

Julie and John’s wedding at Lower Damgate Farm near Ilam was filled with love, laughter, and a true celebration of their passion for music and dancing. When I arrived at this stunning countryside venue, it was clear that every detail had been meticulously planned to reflect their vibrant personalities.

Morning Preparations

The day began with Julie and John getting ready at Lower Damgate Farm. Julie and her bridal party were getting ready in one of the barns while John and their little boy, Ronnie, got ready in the cosy log cabin. Early on, I captured the beauty of the location, the rolling hills setting the perfect backdrop for this joyful celebration.

Julie had thoughtfully assembled a keepsake box filled with wedding details she wanted to be photographed. I took these items to the main barn, where the reception would later take place, to showcase them against the vibrant disco-themed décor. The reception space was a kaleidoscope of colour—a nod to Julie and John’s shared love of music and dancing, which brought them together in the first place.

Meanwhile, a heartwarming moment unfolded in the log cabin as Ronnie helped John prepare, enthusiastically applying hair wax (albeit mainly to the centre of John’s head). It was adorable and set the tone for the family-centred day ahead.

The Ceremony at Ilam Hall

After bridal prep, Julie stunned in her dress as she shared an emotional first look with her parents in the courtyard. She hopped into a vintage VW split-screen minibus by Love Bus in The Peaks, making the short, vintage trip to Ilam Hall.

The ceremony took place at the Church of The Holy Cross, nestled within the picturesque grounds of Ilam Hall. The friendly vicar brought a warm, personal touch to the service, and Julie and John were radiant as they exchanged vows, joined by their little superstar, Ronnie. The ceremony was beautiful, heartfelt, and perfect.

Afterwards, the newlyweds exited a colourful confetti tunnel, their guests cheering and laughing as they celebrated. We stayed on the grass for a few family photos before I took Julie and John around the grounds for some relaxed couple portraits. The lush greenery and timeless beauty of Ilam provided the perfect backdrop for these moments.

Back to Lower Damgate Farm

The journey back to Lower Damgate Farm in the VW camper van wasn’t without drama, as John managed to choke on some fizz! Thankfully, no grooms were harmed, and the couple were greeted with cheers upon arrival. Guests enjoyed flowing drinks, delicious canapés, and the warm, welcoming atmosphere of the barn and courtyard.

The speeches were a highlight of the day, delivered against the backdrop of the colourful disco-themed reception space. There was endless laughter, a few emotional tears, and some brilliant interjections from Ronnie, and there was even a birthday cake celebration for one of the guests. A caricature artist entertained the guests between speeches, adding a fun and personal touch to the celebration.

Alpacas, Sunset, and Billy the Goat

After dinner, Julie and John took a break to feed the farm’s alpacas, joined by some of the children. While the alpacas were fun (albeit uniquely scented), my unexpected challenge came later while trying to capture sunset portraits. One particularly spirited goat, aptly nicknamed Billy, seemed determined to knock me over. Balancing a camera while holding off an ambitious goat is not in my usual job description, but it made for a memorable moment! We even got one of the goats nibbling Julie’s dress. It all added to the fun.

With the golden light fading, we captured some stunning couple shots before heading back to the barn for the evening fun.

Dancing, Disco, and Curry

The evening was a proper party, with dancing, disco music, and a delicious curry spread that nodded to Julie and John’s Birmingham roots. The atmosphere was electric, with guests letting loose and celebrating under the vibrant lights of the disco-themed barn. Julie and John were in their element, surrounded by their loved ones and soaking up every moment of their perfect day.

From our first Zoom call, I knew Julie and John’s wedding would be unique. The love they share, the joy they bring to those around them, and their passion for life are evident in every detail. It was an honour to document their colourful, fun-filled wedding, especially since John is a lecturer in Photography and a photographer himself. It’s a day I won’t soon forget.

Thank you, Julie and John, for letting me be part of your story. Here’s to a lifetime of music, dancing, and love!

Anyway enough from me, have a watch of their photo highlights video below or you can always scroll through the images underneath. Enjoy.

Suppliers…

If you were a supplier and need to use any of the images please get in touch with me for the high-res versions.