A stunning real wedding in Crawfordsburn, Northern Ireland filled with sunshine and sparkle.
WHERE: The Old Inn, Crawfordsburn, Northern Ireland
WHEN: July 2008
PHOTOGRAPHER: Mark Allen
How they met
Claire met Kevin on his first night out in Northern Ireland after moving to Belfast from England. She was attracted to him by his wild and abandoned dancing!
The proposal
The couple made a mutual decision to get married and chose Claire’s engagement ring together.
The bride’s real wedding outfit
After a few mistakes buying dresses over the internet, Claire found the perfect gown to suit her figure at The Wedding Box in Newtownards. A Sophia Tolli gown in the corner of the shop caught her eye and as soon as she tried on ‘Vivian’, she knew it was the one! The satin, A-line style looked elegant and the beaded neckline and underskirt were beautifully detailed. Her hair was styled with extension and pearl grips and her accessories were all internet bargains.
“I switched off my phone the day before, so i was completely calm on the day!”
The groom’s outfit
Kevin hired his black suit from Linleys of Bangor, who gave the couple a great service. He wore it with an ivory waistcoat and cravat.
The bridesmaids
Wore latte-coloured satin dresses with champagne sashes, from David’s Bridal in the USA. Claire’s mum wore a co-coordinating outfit, also ordered from the US. The older bridesmaids had floral corsages and the younger ones carried ivory baskets of rose petals – a perfect combination for any real wedding.
The flowers
The bouquets included cream roses with diamanté details, all created by Linda Leatham in Newtownards.
The ceremony
The marriage service was light – hearted and reflected the couple’s personalities. They also had a unity candle ceremony and handed out bubbles for guests to blow around them as they left the church.
The reception
The whole day took place at The Old Inn in Crawfordsburn. Simple decorations of lanterns, bubbles, and favours of scented bath bombs and lottery scratch cards were placed on tables. A fairylight curtain from Dumdumdedum created a magical atmosphere.
The real wedding cake
Claire and Kevin chose a stack of chocolate cupcakes and a topper from claytoppers. A chocolate fountain from the chocolateer was a big hit with guests.
The music
Fiddler Adam opened the celebrations, playing their first dance number.
The theme
Was a colour scheme of pink and chocolate brown, inspired by the stationery from Millie and Me.
The honeymoon
Was a week at a five – start hotel in Malta.
