A quick honest note before we start: Lineham Farm has since closed its doors for weddings, so this isn’t a “go book this venue” post anymore. I’m keeping it up because I love these photos, and because this kind of relaxed, festival-style day is exactly what I’m here for. If you’re after a wedding with this energy, read on, and let’s talk about finding you a venue that’s still open.
Beer festival vibes, street food, a woodland vow renewal and one of the most laid-back, joyful days I’ve had the pleasure of photographing. Ben and Sarah are about as “my kind of couple” as it gets, so grab a brew and let me show you their day.
The wedding that covid kept moving
Ben and Sarah originally planned to marry in 2020. We all know how that went. They ended up having their legal wedding with their closest family in July 2021 at Hotel du Vin in Harrogate, which I also got to photograph, and it was lovely. But it wasn’t the outdoorsy, beer-festival, street-food-and-music day they’d always pictured. So when they told me they were still going ahead with the big party in 2022, with all their original guests, I was made up for them.
A first look, their way
Because Ben and Sarah were already legally married, they could throw the traditional running order out the window and do things their way, which I always love to see. So they went for a first look before the vow renewal, which gave us a quiet, emotional moment just the two of them before the chaos and the confetti kicked off.
Family, the gardens and a gatecrashing peacock
We grabbed the family group shots while the rest of the guests arrived for drinks and lunch. The grounds gave us loads of variety, and the resident peacock decided he wanted in on a few photos too, as is his right.
A woodland vow renewal
Covid moved their plans around plenty, but I love that Ben and Sarah still got the ceremony they’d always wanted in the end. They had their vow renewal out in the woods, conducted by Sarah’s brother, which made it properly personal, and it was followed by some of the most entertaining speeches I’ve photographed. If you know me, you know I live for a good speech-reaction face, and this lot gave me the full range.
Beer festival fun and the best street food
Then came the confetti, which is one of my favourite things to shoot, and after that the day settled into exactly the relaxed festival groove they’d planned. Street food, drinks flowing, music, people sprawled about enjoying themselves. This is the stuff. No stiff formality, no performing for the camera, just a brilliant day being lived properly.
Party time: dancing, cake and beer pong
We always knew the party would be a good one. Dancing, cake, and yes, beer pong. After everything covid had thrown at them, watching Ben and Sarah finally have the day they’d waited two years for was an absolute privilege. So well deserved, and so much fun to be in the middle of.
The family that books together: Sarah’s sisters’ weddings too
Here’s the bit that means the most to me. Ben and Sarah were the start of something. After their day, I went on to photograph both of Sarah’s sisters’ weddings too. Three sisters, three weddings, one very lucky photographer. That’s the thing I’m proudest of in this job. Not the awards, lovely as they are, but families who trust me enough to keep inviting me back to their biggest days.
If you’d like to see the other two, here they are:
Rachel & Joe’s gorgeous sprong day at Middleton Lodge
Lizzie & Dave’s dreamy destination wedding in the Douro Valley
Want a wedding with this kind of energy?
If you’ve scrolled through this lot and thought “yes, that’s exactly the day I want,” then we’ll get on like a house on fire. Relaxed, fun, a bit different, people over performance. That’s my favourite kind of wedding to photograph. Get in touch and let’s talk about your day.
Your questions answered
Can I still get married at Lineham Farm? Sadly not, the venue has closed for weddings. But if it’s the relaxed, festival-style feel you’re drawn to, there are plenty of brilliant Yorkshire venues that give you the same vibe. I’m always happy to share recommendations, so just ask.
What is a festival-style wedding? It’s a relaxed, outdoorsy celebration that swaps stiff formality for street food, live music, casual seating and a properly fun atmosphere. Think more “best party of your life” than “sit down and behave.”
Do you photograph vow renewals? I do, and I love them. Whether it’s a full renewal like Ben and Sarah’s or a small intimate one, I shoot it exactly the same way I shoot weddings, by staying out of the way and letting the real moments happen.
Do you travel to Leeds and across Yorkshire? Always. I’m based near Wetherby in North Yorkshire, so Leeds and the surrounding area are right on my doorstep.
I want a relaxed, fun wedding. Are you the right photographer for me? If the idea of posing stiffly for hours makes you wince, then yes. My whole approach is built around couples who want to actually enjoy their day. I keep the couple photos quick, I’m great with people who hate being photographed, and the experience I give you is the whole point. Drop me a message and let’s chat.
The supplier team
Photographer @hannahbrookephoto Videographer @vita_wedding_films Hair @catherinefootehair MUA @ginaryan_makeup Dress @scarletpoppybridalboutique
