Some weddings stand out not just because of the venue or the views, but because of the people — and Joey & Vanessa’s wedding at Danby Castle was unapologetically them in every possible way.
Joey and Vanessa are based in Munich, Germany, so planning a wedding in the UK was always going to come with its challenges. From the very beginning, we made sure those distances never felt like a barrier. We spent time on video calls, talking through their vision, their priorities, and what really mattered to them. It was important that we were completely aligned — not just on photography, but on how the day should feel.
From Whitby to the Wedding Day
Before the wedding, we met up for a pre-wedding shoot in Whitby in December 2024. Despite the winter chill, it was such a lovely day getting to know them properly and giving them a chance to experience how I work behind the camera.
They were total naturals — no posing, no pressure, just the two of them being themselves. Those sessions are always about building trust and confidence, and by the end of it, everything felt relaxed and effortless. It meant that when the wedding day arrived, there was no awkwardness — just familiarity and comfort.
A Celebration That Brought Everyone Together
Fast forward to 28th August 2025, and Danby Castle became the meeting point for friends and family from all over the world. Some guests were local to the area, while others had travelled internationally to be there — and you could feel how meaningful it was to have everyone together in one place.
Danby Castle was the perfect backdrop for their day. Set high in the North York Moors, surrounded by sweeping countryside and historic stonework, it gave their wedding a sense of place that felt both grounded and dramatic. The venue’s character matched Joey and Vanessa perfectly — relaxed, a little unconventional, and full of personality.
A Wedding That Felt True to Them
Their ceremony was heartfelt and honest, filled with emotion and quiet smiles rather than formality. Afterwards, guests spilled out into the grounds, soaking in the views, sharing stories, and enjoying a day that felt more like a gathering of loved ones than a traditional wedding timetable.
As the celebrations continued inside the barn, laughter filled the space. The speeches were personal, funny, and emotional in equal measure — the kind that tells you just how loved a couple is. As the light softened across the moors, we took some time for portraits that felt natural and unforced, framed by the landscape that had drawn them to Danby Castle in the first place.
Why Danby Castle Was the Perfect Choice
Danby Castle is a venue that allows couples to do things their own way. With its historic setting, moorland views, and relaxed layout, it never feels restrictive — instead, it gives you the space to create a day that feels truly personal. For Joey and Vanessa, it offered the perfect blend of intimacy, scenery, and character.
Their wedding wasn’t about tradition for tradition’s sake. It was about bringing together the people they love most, celebrating across cultures and distances, and doing it in a way that felt honest and real.
Being part of their journey — from video calls across countries, to a winter shoot in Whitby, to their wedding day in the North York Moors — was an absolute pleasure. Joey & Vanessa’s wedding is a reminder that the best celebrations are the ones that stay true to who you are.
