summer folkerton Mill Wedding

A Romantic outdoor Wedding at Folkerton Mill: Ashlea and Darren’s Unforgettable Day

This was my first time at Folkerton Mill and the moment I wandered up the path I fell in love! Penny the owner was waiting for Ashlea’s arrival and was grinning away equally as excited for the couple. Ashlea and Darren’s wedding at Folkerton Mill was just what you imagine when you think of dream outdoor wedding. As a wedding photographer, I have a particular fondness for outdoor weddings, I love the space, light and freedom of them. However the fact we must be having the wettest wedding season EVER I wondered if we might end up inside. Big NOPE! Not only did the sun shine, but it was one of the hottest days of the summer. It was picture perfect, with the bridesmaids soft pastel gowns, delicate flowers, Ashleas stunning off the shoulder gown and Darrens cool checked suit mixed with constant sunshine and smiles. Set against the unique and beautiful backdrop of Folkerton Mill, with its rustic charm and lush surroundings, the couple’s day was a dream. From the pastel tulle bridesmaid dresses to the peacock roaming freely around the grounds, every detail was thoughtfully curated to reflect their personalities and love for each other. And as though that wasn’t enough for this to become one of my firm favourite venues, I was completely sold when I spotted a kitten in the window within the first 5 minutes!

The Morning: Getting Ready for the Big Day

The day began in such a calm and relaxed way, with Ashlea and her bridesmaids preparing in a cosy cottage 10 minutes from the mill. Ashlea chose pastel tulle dresses for her bridesmaids, each girl having her own color and style which suited them perfectly. These dresses, in delicate shades of sage, pink, blue and lavender, perfectly complemented the look of the venue with the outdoor foliage and stone walls.

As Ashlea slipped into her gown, the room fell silent for a moment – it was one of those times when everyone realises the significance of what’s about to happen. Her dress, a stunning blend of modern design and classic elegance, perfectly captured her personality: graceful, yet with a contemporary twist.

Meanwhile, Darren was getting ready in a nearby mill with his groomsmen. The atmosphere was relaxed and jovial, with Darren’s excitement evident in every smile. His attention to detail was clear, from the polished cufflinks to the perfectly styled hair and very cool checked suit and sunglasses.

The Ceremony: Dappled light under the trees.

Ashlea and Darren chose to have an outdoor ceremony, a decision that paid off beautifully. The day was blessed with clear skies and a gentle breeze, making it the perfect setting for their vows. The ceremony took place on the mill’s lush lawn, with the tranquil sounds of nature providing a serene backdrop.

As Ashlea walked down the aisle, her eyes met Darren’s, and it was clear that this was a moment they had both been waiting for. The couple’s vows were deeply personal, reflecting their journey together and their hopes for the future. It was a ceremony filled with love, laughter, and a few happy tears – exactly the way it should be. Everyone was grinning away, especially when their gaggle of flower girls joined them at the end of their vows with the brilliant humanist Ronit hosting a great service mixed with just the right amount of humor and fun. She made the flower girls day having them join with such an important moment.

One of the highlights of the day was the presence of the peacock, who roamed freely around the venue, much to the delight of the guests.

The reception was held in the beautifully decorated barn, Ashlea’s friend had crafted the floral arrangements, which featured a mix of wildflowers and elegant blooms, perfectly complementing the rustic charm of the mill.

Another standout feature of the day was the personalised cocktails. These cocktails were a hit with the guests and added a fun, personal touch to the celebration.

The Classic Cadillac and a Night to Remember

Ashlea and Darren’s cool styling even continued with their choice of a vintage classic Cadillac as their wedding car, I LOVE classic cars and you can’t beat a Cadillac. I already knew these two were my kind of couple after our first chat but when Shakespears Sister’s “Stay” came on during the ceremony it cemented my love for the both of them, I was grinning from ear to ear as its one of my favorite songs since a child.

As the sun set, the reception continued with the couple’s first dance “Wild Horses” by the Rolling Stones’ (another of my top 5 favorites songs!)

The reception was flawlessly executed, thanks in large part to Penny, the fantastic host and owner of Folkerton Mill. Penny’s passion for making every wedding perfect was evident in the way she spent the entire day ensuring that everything flowed smoothly. From running back and forth to the barn to attending to the table decor, Penny was a true superstar. Her dedication and attention to detail played a significant role in making Ashlea and Darren’s day truly unforgettable.

Ashlea and Darren’s wedding at Folkerton Mill was a celebration of love, family, and friendship. Every detail, from the peacock roaming the grounds to the personalised cocktails and the heartfelt vows, reflected the couple’s unique personalities and their deep connection to each other. It was a day filled with laughter, tears, and unforgettable moments, and I am so grateful to have been a part of it.

Reflecting on Ashlea and Darrens wedding, I am reminded of why I love being a wedding photographer. Every wedding is unique, filled with its own special moments and personal touches.

Folkerton Mill, with its kind hosts and historic charm, was the perfect venue for their celebration. It provided a beautiful and timeless backdrop for their love story. If you are looking for a wedding venue that combines natural beauty with warm charm, Folkerton Mill is an excellent choice.

If you are planning your own wedding and are looking for a photographer to capture the magic of your special day, I would love to hear from you. My goal is to create beautiful, timeless images that you will cherish forever. Get in touch with me, and let’s make your wedding day unforgettable.

SUPPLIERS

Wedding Venue – Folkerton Mill

Humanist – Ronit

Photographer – Roma Elizabeth Photography

Second Shooter – Kev Moulds Photo

Grooms Suit – Moss Bros

Bridal Dress – Unbridled

Flowers – Berries Florist of Skipton

Make Up – Artistry by Ainsley

Hair – Ashleigh Stewart Hair

Video – Every Angle

Cake – Rude Cookies

FAQS ABOUT WEDDINGS AT FOLKERTON MILL

Can we get married outside?

Whether you dream of a riverside garden ceremony, a rustic barn feast, or a festive evening under the stars, Folkerton Mill offers a wide variety of beautiful backdrops, a garden by the burn with wooden bridge and water-wheel, a historic hay barn with exposed beams and original character, a charming courtyard, and even a restored mill-machinery bar.

Does it come decorated?

Folkerton Mill is designed as a blank-canvas space, you can add your own décor, choose your caterer (from a curated list), bring in styling, and make the venue reflect your own vision. The rustic backdrop means minimal extra décor is needed for beautiful wedding imagery.

What’s is Folkerton Mills ethos?

The owners have built Folkerton Mill with respect for its history and the environment. They reuse materials, encourage local sourcing (for example drinks and supplies), compost or recycle waste, and offer eco-conscious touches like natural confetti.

Does Folkerton Mill provide accommodation?

No but the lovely new lanark mill is not far away and has plenty of rooms to get ready in the morning and then return to that evening.

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