Introduction
Danby Castle is no ordinary wedding venue. Nestled in the heart of North Yorkshire, it offers history, charm, and breathtaking views. However, their old Moonfruit website wasn’t doing it justice. The design felt dated, and the layout didn’t make the most of the venue’s stunning photography.
When they approached us, the brief was clear. They wanted a modern, visually striking website that captured the magic of the venue. It needed to be easy to navigate, mobile-friendly, and built around their incredible collection of wedding images.
The Challenge
The primary challenge was to create a site that reflected Danby Castle’s atmosphere while meeting practical needs. It had to:
- Showcase high-quality images without slowing down performance.
- Offer a smooth experience on desktop, tablet, and mobile.
- Integrate social media feeds from Twitter and Facebook.
- Allow staff to update content easily without technical help.
Balancing aesthetics and functionality was essential. The new site had to look impressive yet remain simple for visitors to explore.
The Approach
We began by reviewing the existing website to identify what worked and what didn’t. From there, we developed a design strategy centred around imagery. Large, full-width photos became the heart of the site, instantly immersing visitors in the venue’s beauty.
To keep navigation intuitive, we used a clean menu structure with clear categories for weddings, events, and booking information. Transitional animations added flow without distracting from the content.
Design and Development
Showcasing Photography
High-resolution images filled the screen while maintaining fast load times. We used optimised file formats and responsive scaling so each photo looked its best on any device.
Mobile-Friendly Experience
The site was designed from the ground up to work on all devices. On mobile, simplified menus and touch-friendly buttons made navigation effortless.
Easy Content Management
We implemented a straightforward content management system, allowing the Danby Castle team to update text, swap photos, and post news without extra training.
Social Media Integration
Twitter and Facebook feeds were embedded directly into the site. This kept visitors up to date with events and allowed the venue’s personality to shine through their social posts.
The Outcome
The finished website transformed Danby Castle’s online presence. Visitors could now explore the venue’s charm through immersive visuals, read about real weddings, and get a feel for the experience before booking a tour.
The modern design worked across all devices, while the easy-to-use backend gave the team complete control over updates. Most importantly, the site captured the romance and uniqueness of Danby Castle in a way the old site never could.
Conclusion
With the new site in place, Danby Castle has a digital platform worthy of its stunning location. The combination of bold imagery, mobile-friendly design, and social integration ensures that couples can connect with the venue both visually and emotionally.
By replacing a dated platform with a fresh, functional design, we helped Danby Castle turn their website into a true reflection of the unforgettable experiences they create.