Halloween weddings don’t have to be limited to dark and gothic themes alone. For Feidhlim and Kaye, a floral-filled Autumn wedding on October 31st, 2019, at Tullylagan House Hotel in Northern Ireland was the perfect blend of seasonal charm and romance. The couple’s big day was a visual masterpiece, with lavish flower arrangements that stole the show. I’m particularly fond of the stunning flower arch and the adorable pumpkins filled with blooms serving as centrepieces. Feidhlim and Kaye themselves looked absolutely resplendent in their lacy gown and check suit attire. Hannah Mckernan did an outstanding job capturing their special moments, and we’re grateful for her contribution to this lovely story.
Autumn Halloween Wedding
The Proposal
It was on March 18th, 2017, that Feidhlim and I embarked on an unforgettable adventure to Dublin for St Patrick’s weekend. What made it even more remarkable was that I was completely unaware of the surprises in store. Our afternoon began with a delightful lunch, followed by a refreshing drink at The Shelbourne Hotel. It was there that Feidhlim suggested we take a stroll around the picturesque St Stephen’s Green, and as we meandered through the lush surroundings, he got down on one knee and proposed to me in the charming bandstand. With tears of joy and shock streaming down my face, I eagerly accepted his proposal, overjoyed by the stunning Tiffany & Co ring that adorned his finger. We simply couldn’t wait to share our wonderful news with our loved ones and friends, and Dublin will forever hold a special place in our hearts.
The Vision
As Feidhlim and I share a passion for Halloween and Autumn, it was only natural that we would choose this time of year to plan something special. With the autumnal atmosphere in mind, we set our sights on celebrating on actual Halloween day itself. Looking back, we’re still beaming with pride over how the day unfolded – it truly was a unique and unforgettable experience.
The Planning Process
As soon as Feidhlim and I got engaged, we transitioned from celebration mode to planning mode. We sat down, shared our visions and discussed the numbers game. With a clear direction in mind, we started exploring potential venues. Tullylagan Country House Hotel stole our hearts during the viewing process, and before long, it was booked solid. When you find ‘the one,’ you know it’s meant to be! With our venue secured, we created a tick list and efficiently wrapped up all arrangements within a couple of months. Once we discovered suppliers we loved, they were promptly booked – knowing that the best ones can be snatched up well in advance. Before long, we had the chapel, celebrant, venue, wedding music, flowers, photography, band, cars, video, beauty, and hair services all taken care of.
The Venue
Your Outfits & Accessories
I remember my wedding dress selection process like it was yesterday. I had two dresses, one from Pronupia Bridal Belfast, designed by Ronald Joyce, which stole the show as soon as I tried it on. It was a stunning champagne colour that perfectly matched my veil, sourced from Etsy. My shoes, courtesy of Jimmy Choo, and bespoke earrings created for me by Black and SIGI jewellery, whom I discovered through Instagram, completed my overall look. The experience of finding those special pieces was truly unforgettable.My evening gown had a vintage charm to it, which I acquired during a weekend getaway in London. Unfortunately, I’ve lost the shop’s name where I purchased it. To add some extra glamour, I wore an embellished headpiece from Orchid Studio Bridal Shop Portadown, which perfectly complemented my dress.Feidhlim’s attire was a dashing combination of pieces. He opted for a three-piece burgundy check suit by House of Cavani, paired with a blush pink tie and white shirt, accompanied by Cavani navy shoes. The finishing touches included rose golf cufflinks from Newbridge Sliverware and a tie pin to match, along with a Hublot watch. To top it all off, Kathryn at The Posy Barn created stunning buttonhole flowers that added the perfect touch to our overall look.
Beauty
The beauty team behind this stunning look included Claire McManus from Rouge & Rollers in Armagh, who worked her magic on the hair. Meanwhile, Laura Gray of LG House of Beauty in Armagh handled the tan, nails, and lashes with ease. Finally, Catherine Flemming, a skilled makeup artist, brought everything together with her expert application.
Groomsmen
In addition to the bride’s attire, the best man, groomsman, brother of the bride, and father of the groom also opted for stylish ensembles from Tux and Tails Dungannon. Their navy three-piece suits were perfectly complemented by blush pink ties, crisp white shirts, and burgundy Cavani shoes that added a touch of sophistication. The finishing touches came in the form of exquisite buttonhole flowers crafted by Kathryn at The Posy Barn, which added a pop of color and elegance to their overall look.
Bridesmaid
My sister Orla played the role of Maid of Honour with distinction, and we discovered her exquisite dress at Petticoat Lane Bridal Hillsborough. The stunning blush pink floor-length gown was designed by Dessy Group, exuding elegance from every angle. To complete her look, she wore shoes from Dune, earrings and a bracelet from Newbridge Silverware, and fresh flowers arranged by Kathryn at The Posy Barn adorned her hair, adding a touch of whimsy to the overall ensemble.
The Readings & Music
Our special day was filled with beautiful music, courtesy of Crannagh Wedding Music. The entrance was particularly memorable, as we walked down the aisle to Pachelbel’s Canon in D – it still gives me goosebumps to this day! We also had a range of other songs throughout the ceremony and reception, including Runaway by The Coors and Run by Snow Patrol during the register signing. As we left the venue, we were treated to ‘Everlasting Love’ by Love Affair, which is a favorite song of both mine and my partner’s. It was lovely to start our new life together with a song that holds such sentimental value for us. If you’re looking for inspiration for your own wedding music or readings, be sure to check out our experiences!
The Flowers
The floral arrangements at my wedding were truly unforgettable, a testament to Kathryn’s exceptional skill as a florist. Many guests commented on the beauty of the flowers, and even looking back at the photos, I’m still blown away by their impact. I had been a fan of Kathryn’s work on social media for some time and was confident that she would create something truly special for my big day. When she arrived at my house with the bouquets, flower girl crowns, and floral hoops, I knew we were in good hands. The personal touch was evident in every arrangement, including a charm picture of my late father, Paddy, which I had attached to my bouquet – it was comforting knowing he was with me on the day. Seeing the flowers outside the chapel for the first time was like seeing my dreams come true – Kathryn’s floral arch was everything I had hoped for and more. Her attention to detail and use of autumnal flowers really made the day, and even now, people still stop me in the street to talk about how breathtaking they were.
The Cake
Your Photographer
From the moment I met Hannah, I knew she was the perfect fit for capturing our special day. Her unique talent and warm personality shone through during our initial meeting, leaving no doubt that we had found the right photographer. With her keen eye for detail, Hannah effortlessly captured every precious moment – from the morning’s laughter and tears to the intimate moments shared with loved ones. As we gazed at our stunning photographs, we couldn’t help but beam with pride. For us, these cherished memories will be treasured forever, a testament to Hannah’s exceptional skill and passion for her craft.
Your Filmmaker
The Details & Décor
As Halloween festivities surrounded us, subtle touches of autumnal flair infused every corner of the venue. The stunning floral arrangements from the Chapel were relocated and artfully placed throughout, exuding a warm, seasonal ambiance. Delightful flower-adorned pumpkins, once used in the ceremony, now served as charming centerpieces alongside lanterns that cast a warm glow on each table. Personalized candles with our names and wedding date added a thoughtful touch to the decor. A grand trick-or-treat station was set up, featuring an assortment of sweet and savory treats for both children and adults in Halloween-themed buckets, accompanied by props acquired from various retailers like Home Bargains, B&M, The Range, and TK Maxx. Table names were cleverly inspired by fireworks, maintaining the spooky-chic theme. Our talented friend Christine brought her artistic flair to life by illustrating the firework-inspired table names and framing them alongside photo frames that sat atop pumpkins, dried pine cones, conkers, and autumn leaves scattered around the venue the night before. To commemorate our special day, we gifted small envelopes containing wildflower seeds as a unique favor for our guests, allowing them to recall our wedding whenever their flowers bloom in future years.
The Honeymoon
After spending five tranquil nights in Venice, our getaway continued with a rejuvenating two-night spa retreat at the Galgorm Resort and Spa in Ballymena, Northern Ireland.
Memorable Moments
The memory of exchanging vows and walking hand-in-hand down the aisle, officially becoming husband and wife, remains etched in my mind as a surreal and euphoric experience. It marked the beginning of our new journey together, filled with endless possibilities and promise.
Advice For Other Couples
When planning your special day, it’s essential to give yourself ample time in advance to secure the most sought-after dates. However, it’s crucial to remember that this is your wedding, not anyone else’s. Prioritize what matters most to both of you and don’t rush into bookings.A huge thank you goes to Hannah Mckernan for capturing the magic, Tullylagan House Hotel for hosting the celebration, and Pronuptia Bridal Belfast for helping the bride look stunning in her Ronald Joyce gown. The bride’s Jimmy Choo shoes, evening headpiece by Orchid Studio, and veil from Etsy all added up to a breathtaking overall aesthetic.The bridesmaids looked radiant in their Petticoat Lane attire, while the groom and his attendants were dashing in their Tux and Tails suits. The beautiful florals and day headpiece were designed by The Posy Barn, with hair styled by Rouge&Rollers and makeup applied by Catherine Flemming MUA.The couple’s love of Halloween was celebrated with cakes from Marks & Spencer and a special contribution from the bride herself. The Professional’s provided the entertainment, while CD Media Productions Portadown captured every moment on film. Little Daisy Crafts designed the stationery and paper products, and Groom Wedding Cars transported the happy couple in style.