Clare, the bride-to-be, had a unique vision for her special day. She centered her décor around black and white stripy tablecloths, a bold choice that wasn’t easily sourced from America. Her determination paid off as these tones became the foundation of the wedding’s aesthetic. The ceremony took place at Drenagh Estate in Northern Ireland on June 9th, 2018. Following the nuptials, guests celebrated in a stunning monochrome marquee, where Clare’s design expertise shone. The talented Honey and the Moon Photography captured the breathtaking moments you’re about to witness. Karolyn and Jess generously shared these images with us. With fashion that’s just as impressive, from Paul’s dashing bow tie and braces to the glamorous gold bridesmaid dresses and Clare’s exquisite altered ASOS gown, there’s no shortage of inspiration. Take a moment to appreciate the beauty and joy that fills every frame.
The Proposal
Paul’s proposal was a masterclass in romance and personalization. The morning of April 30th, 2016, will forever be etched in my memory as the day I got engaged to the love of my life. What made it even more special was that it coincided with my mom’s birthday. Little did I know that Paul had been planning a surprise proposal for me, and he cleverly disguised it as a normal Saturday morning. My friend Emma was also in on the secret, which is why she stayed over at our place that night to ensure I made it home relatively early. The next morning, Paul woke me up to tell me that Emma would be joining him at work, and I didn’t suspect a thing. As we chatted about mundane things like my new dog tag for Peppermint, he suddenly appeared with the most stunning ring and asked me to marry him. I was initially disoriented from the previous night’s activities, but as the reality sunk in, I felt an overwhelming sense of excitement and joy. The fact that Paul included our beloved dog in the proposal made it even more meaningful and personal. To this day, I still have the dog tag attached to my car keys, a constant reminder of that unforgettable moment. It was a shock, but one that left me feeling elated and grateful for the sneaky way Paul orchestrated our engagement celebration.
The Vision
We’re aficionados of sleek and timeless design, drawn to black and white’s classic appeal that never goes out of style. Our home, a harmonious blend of these colours with subtle nuances of grey, reflects our taste for understated elegance. We also longed to bring the outdoors in, incorporating lush greenery throughout. For us, the venue was crucial – we sought a clean slate with minimal design to allow for bold styling and décor that would make a lasting impression.
Our vision was clear: we wanted our guests to leave feeling like they’d experienced an unforgettable day, with a relaxed ambiance at its core. As a designer myself, I knew I could bring my creative vision to life through custom stationery and other design elements.
The Planning Process
As soon as we got engaged, our planning process kicked into high gear. We were determined to stay ahead of the curve and avoid last-minute stress. Within two weeks of saying ‘yes’, we had finalized our guest list, secured our venue and church, and begun to visualize what we wanted our special day to be. From the outset, we prioritized researching and budgeting for all aspects of the wedding, including music, flowers, and decor. By being proactive in booking vendors and planning details, I was able to focus on designing and crafting many of the wedding elements myself, giving me a sense of control and calm in the lead-up to the big day.
Budget
To plan their dream wedding, my partner and I took a proactive approach by estimating the total cost of our big day from the outset. We obtained quotes from suppliers and used our expected guest count as a basis for our calculations. By doing so, we were able to break down the overall expenditure into manageable monthly chunks, which we diligently set aside. This strategy not only helped us stay on track with our savings but also allowed us to make adjustments as needed if any additional expenses arose. For instance, if we decided to add a new element to our wedding plans, we would simply adjust our monthly contributions accordingly.
The Venue
Your Outfits & Accessories
When it came to my wedding dress, I didn’t let it consume me. Every bride is stunning in their gown, and for me, the dress didn’t define the entire experience. Initially, I fell in love with a design from ASOS, but it needed some tweaks to flatter my figure. I took the dress to Belfast City Centre’s Mary Rose McGrath, an incredible designer, who reimagined the dress with more structure, lace trims, and golden embellishments that matched our wedding décor’s pops of gold. Since we had a June wedding and hoped for warm weather, comfort was key – I wanted to dance freely without feeling restricted by my attire. For the evening, I wore a second, lighter dress from ASOS at £150, which I adored. To ensure all-day comfort, I opted for New Look’s gold flat sandals, and it proved to be an excellent decision.
Beauty
The stunning hairstyles showcased on all the models were the handiwork of Hair by Sam & Co, a renowned salon located in the heart of Belfast City Centre. Meanwhile, the flawless makeup looks were expertly applied by Lilybee, also known as Debbie McKernon, adding a touch of elegance to each face.
Groomsmen
For our summer wedding, we opted for a more relaxed vibe, which led us to choose lighter attire for the men. We decided on black trousers with white shirts, black bow ties, and traditional braces for the groomsmen, while Paul stood out in black trousers, a crisp white shirt, and striped braces and bow tie combo that matched his personality perfectly. To add an extra touch of elegance, we had Paul’s mum swap the standard buttons on the shirts for sleek black satin ones. We shopped at Topman for the trousers, New Look for the unique braces, Next for the elegant shirts, and ASOS for all the stylish shoes.
Bridesmaids
From the onset, I had envisioned my bridesmaid in a stunning gold or champagne hue. Fortunately, Emma, one of my trusted bridesmaids, stumbled upon a gorgeous gold dress from Debenhams’ debut collection. This discovery not only met our criteria for lightness and comfort but also allowed some of the girls to envision wearing their dresses again at future formal events. In terms of footwear, I opted for a more relaxed approach by allowing each of them to choose their own shoes. Some preferred heels, while others didn’t, and I prioritized everyone’s comfort above all else.
The Flowers
The Cake
The couple’s big day was made even more special thanks to a generous offer from the groom’s aunt, who kindly took on the task of crafting their beautiful and delicious wedding cake.
The Details & Décor
We kicked off our planning by meeting with Victoria from The Wedding Room to discuss my vision. I’d been researching online and had fallen in love with black and white striped tablecloths from the US – a challenge, since they didn’t ship to the UK. I ended up having them shipped to my uncle’s address in the States for him to forward to me. This became the central theme of our wedding planning. Victoria was instrumental in helping us bring this vision to life, taking stress away from us and ensuring that every detail aligned with our desires. When we walked into the marquee on the big day, we were blown away by the décor – it was as if our dream had been perfectly executed.One personal touch I wanted to add was customized guest place names featuring individual messages. For instance, ‘Nice dress Lucy’ and ‘Loving the suit Ciaran.’ This added a unique element to the guests’ experience, allowing us to connect with them on a more meaningful level. To take it a step further, we included illustrated animal characters that tied in with the food options.Instead of traditional wedding favors that might be forgotten, I wanted our guests to leave with something truly special. We decided on a raffle, giving away restaurant vouchers for top spots in Belfast. To make it even more memorable, we designed custom menus for each guest and created raffle tickets featuring gold foil typography tied with black and white ribbon. During Paul’s speech, we randomly drew out five numbers that corresponded to guests – the reactions were electric.I also wanted to add a personal touch to our wedding décor. I commissioned a wooden sign bearing our last name, ‘Faloons,’ and gave it a golden makeover before hanging it behind us at the top table. For the table plan, I created a design that mirrored our wedding invites, using a light-hearted, quirky font and playful illustrations that carried throughout the entire celebration.To further enhance the experience, I developed several Snapchat filters for various locations and times of day. It was amazing to see everyone having fun with them!
Your Photographer
The Honeymoon
We’d long been fascinated by the notion of swimming alongside pigs in the Bahamas’ Exuma Islands, and our 10-day stay at Sandals Royal Bahamian provided the perfect opportunity to tick this unique experience off our bucket list. The moment we stepped into the crystal-clear waters, we were met with an unforgettable encounter: a group of playful pigs frolicking just beneath the surface. As we waded through the turquoise shallows, these curious creatures swam alongside us, their snouts poking out of the water to investigate this peculiar invasion of their domain.
Memorable Moments
What stands out most in my memory of our special day is the infectious laughter and carefree atmosphere that filled the air. It was as if time stood still, and all that mattered was the joy and love shared among us. The warmth and light-heartedness of the occasion have left a lasting impression on me, and I feel grateful to have experienced it.
Advice For Other Couples
Our suggestion is to prioritize what’s truly important to you. If there’s something you’ve always wanted, but can’t afford, don’t stress about it. Instead, focus on the little things that will make a big impact. We had our fair share of grand ideas and extravagant plans, but ultimately, they didn’t matter. What mattered was the love, laughter, and memories we created with our loved ones. And when you look back on the day, those are the moments that truly stand out. The details may fade away, but the joy and connection you felt will remain.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
As we relive the enchanting wedding of Clare and Paul, it’s impossible not to be captivated by the perfect blend of romance, style, and whimsy that defined their special day. Behind the lens was photographer Honey and the Moon Photography, whose artistic eye captured every moment with precision. The picturesque venue, Drenagh House, set the tone for an unforgettable celebration. With meticulous attention to detail, Mary Rose McGrath worked her magic on dress alterations, ensuring Clare looked absolutely stunning in her ASOS gown. Meanwhile, The Wedding Room brought their unique flair to wedding styling, transforming the space into a true fairytale setting. As the night unfolded, El Dude Brothers got everyone moving with infectious energy on the Starlight Dance Floor, courtesy of Vertu Events. Paul and his groomsmen looked dapper in their Topman trousers, while Clare’s bridesmaids dazzled in Debut dresses. It was truly a day to remember, and we’re honored to have shared it with Clare and Paul. Rachel x