Join me in celebrating the enchanting Kilmore Country House wedding of David and Clare, which took place on December 16th, 2020, amidst the picturesque backdrop of Northern Ireland. This special day was a masterful blend of festive charm, with subtle nods to Christmas, and an air of intimacy that only a pandemic could bring about. To mitigate the challenges posed by COVID-19, the couple cleverly incorporated thoughtful touches, such as quiz entertainment for their guests (a stroke of genius!) and social distancing signs – a testament to their resourcefulness and style. Amidst the joyous atmosphere, David and Clare themselves stole the show with their impeccable fashion sense. But the true pièce de résistance was the breathtaking decor, featuring dramatic flowers, DIY creations, and whimsical lighting that transported guests to a world of pure wonder. It’s been an absolute pleasure to share these stunning images with you, courtesy of Crazy Happy Love.
Kilmore Country House Wedding
The Proposal
After a decade-long relationship, David proposed to me in our home before we embarked on a week-long adventure in Barcelona. Two furry family members and buying our first house had already taken precedence over other milestones. He got down on one knee beside our curious cat, Thor, who couldn’t resist giving his bottom a few licks as I caught sight of the ring box. David’s choice of a stunning sapphire engagement ring was the perfect complement to an unforgettable celebration that spanned the entire week.
The Vision
Our autumn-themed wedding, originally scheduled for November 7th, was ultimately a fusion of seasonal styles – think cozy autumn tones merged with winter’s snow-kissed magic, all wrapped up in a festive Christmas package. In tribute to my beloved grandmother, we incorporated lush ferns into the decor. To toast our love, we served a signature cocktail featuring Guinness and Prosecco, which delighted our guests at the elegant flute-based drinks reception.
Budget
While a definitive budget figure has not been finalized, our estimates suggest that the project will require an initial investment of approximately £15,000.
The Venue
Nestled in the picturesque Co. Antrim, Kilmore Country House at Waterfoot boasts breathtaking views that will leave you awestruck. The relaxed atmosphere of this stunning venue is perfectly complemented by the warm hospitality of its staff, with a special mention to Oliver, our Wedding Manager, who went above and beyond to ensure our big day was nothing short of exceptional.
Your Outfits
From their first stop, Clare fell for the Savin London dress from Forever Bridal in Belfast. Initially, she visited the store to try on another gown that caught her eye, but it wasn’t quite the perfect fit. It was only when she slipped into the Savin dress that she felt an instant connection. She adored the train and the exceptional quality of the garment.David’s experience was similarly captivating. His first port of call was Suitors in Belfast, where he tried on a suit that left a lasting impression. The quality and unique design of the garment had him hooked from the start. Though he did try on other options, nothing could dislodge the allure of his initial find.
The Ceremony & Music
In my experience as a celebrant, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of music in ceremonies. When it comes to Karen The Celebrant – Humanist’s approach, music plays a vital role, albeit with certain constraints. For instance, during our ceremony, we were fortunate enough to have the talented Ken Haddock on hand to provide an unforgettable soundtrack.
Your Photographer & Filmmaker
In a heartwarming and uplifting video, Carrie Davenport shares her inspiring story of finding ‘crazy happy love’ with Emma Kirker’s accompanying visuals.
The Styling & Decor
The wedding celebrations featured a beautiful blend of flowers and foliage. Willow and Twine’s arrangement included stunning toffee roses, lush ferns, and fragrant eucalyptus, adding a pop of color and texture to the overall aesthetic. The coffee and chocolate orange tiers were accompanied by a delectable cake crafted by Benningtons. To illuminate the space, the venue provided elegant candelabras, while a post box and mirror added a touch of whimsy. A unique guestbook alternative was a vintage record player, which served as a charming way for guests to leave their well-wishes. In addition to these thoughtful touches, DIY elements played a significant role in the wedding’s charm. The couple cleverly used table names that paid tribute to their beloved family cats, while gin bottles and place name baubles added a playful touch. A special nod to the couple’s love of music came in the form of a custom neon sign from Neon Bespoke on Etsy, which hung above the festivities like a beacon of joy. Throughout the celebration, Colin Murphy, a local tattoo artist, cleverly incorporated his artistry with a ‘Til death do us party’ mirror that became a focal point for guests.
The Honeymoon
A mini-moon in the midst of pandemic restrictions turned out to be an unforgettable experience. The two-night stay at the charming Lough Eske in Donegal was followed by a single night’s accommodation at the renowned Bushmills Inn, situated on the stunning North Coast of Northern Ireland. Despite the limitations, this brief getaway proved to be incredibly rejuvenating and left a lasting impression.
Memorable Moments
As I descended the stairs of Kilmore Country House, accompanied by the iconic sounds of Guns N’ Roses’ November Rain, I felt an overwhelming sense of nostalgia and gratitude wash over me. The wedding gift from Clare’s twin sister Janette, Ken Haddock’s soulful rendition, added a layer of emotional depth to this already poignant moment. Our ceremony was a testament to the power of love, with personalized touches that made it truly unique. And then there were the speeches – heartfelt words that left us all in awe. But what truly made this day unforgettable was being reunited with loved ones we’d been apart from for far too long, their smiling faces a reminder that even the longest distances can’t diminish the bonds of family and friendship.
Advice For Other Couples
While lockdown weddings may not have been the original plan, they can still be incredibly enjoyable and memorable experiences. We’re thrilled to share our story with you, as we had an amazing time celebrating our special day despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. One of the highlights was the entertainment provided by Speed Quizing NI, which kept our guests engaged and laughing long after dinner and wine had been served.When it comes to choosing vendors for your big day, it’s essential to select those with whom you genuinely click. For us, this meant working with professionals who were not only skilled in their craft but also warm and welcoming. Our experience was made all the more enjoyable thanks to our talented team of vendors.To our wonderful photographers at Crazy Happy Love, we’re forever grateful for capturing our special moments so beautifully. The same goes for Emma Kirker, whose filmmaking skills ensured that our wedding story will be cherished for years to come. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Kilmore Country House, Willow & Twine, Benningtons Cakes, Savin London, and Forever Bridal Boutique for helping make our day so unforgettable.Of course, no wedding would be complete without the perfect attire, and we’re thrilled with how it all came together. Our stunning bride’s dress was provided by Savin London and Forever Bridal Boutique, while the groom looked dashing in his suit from Suitor Bros. The bridesmaids’ outfits were a lovely combination of ASOS and French Connection, and our flower girl’s blooms were courtesy of Willow & Twine.We’d also like to extend our gratitude to the talented Ken Haddock, who set the tone for our ceremony with his beautiful music. David Waite from Speed Quizing NI kept our guests entertained long after dinner had been served, while Rebecca Duff ensured that our bride looked absolutely radiant on her special day. Michael Crawford from Christopher Stewart Hairdressing worked his magic to make sure our hair was picture-perfect.We’re also grateful for the lovely rings we exchanged, courtesy of Fred J Malcolm and Reaction Jewellery, respectively. And let’s not forget about the stunning earring and bracelet combos provided by My Wishbone and ASOS – they really made our outfits pop!Finally, we’d like to express our heartfelt thanks to GLOW BAR for taking care of our bride’s tan, Terry de Havilland for her exquisite shoe designs, Collar and Tie for the groomsmen’s attire, and ASOS again for the bridesmaids’ accessories. It truly was a team effort, and we’re so grateful to have had such an amazing group of vendors to work with. ❤️