There’s nothing quite like a wedding that perfectly captures a couple’s unique personality, and Simon and Bethany’s big day is the perfect example. The summer ceremony was followed by a reception at Tullyveery House in Ireland, where friends and family came together to celebrate the union of these two lovely individuals. What really stood out about this special day was the way Simon and Bethany incorporated personal touches throughout – from handmade decorations to vintage-inspired flair. It’s clear that they wanted their celebration to feel truly one-of-a-kind. As a doctor and nurse, respectively, the couple even added some playful medical twists to their decor, like adorable centrepieces that are sure to make you smile. With stunning outfits, gorgeous florals, and an atmosphere filled with love and joy, it’s no wonder this wedding was such a happy celebration.
Tullyveery House Wedding
The Proposal
On September 2nd, 2018, Simon took me to the Slieve Donard Hotel for Sunday dinner, a move that would culminate in a romantic proposal. Five years prior, he had already expressed his affection for me in Newcastle car park, but hadn’t considered it an ideal setting for popping the question. Following our meal, we embarked on a stroll across the Murlough sand dunes, where Simon’s normally laid-back demeanor was replaced by an air of anticipation. As we followed a specific path he had recommended, I began to sense that something was amiss. The final ascent led me to a breathtaking display of photographs, candles, and a hand-painted wooden slice bearing the question ‘Will you marry me?’ – a moment that would later serve as inspiration for our wedding décor when planning got underway.
The Vision
We set out to craft a day that was an authentic reflection of our unique personalities. As Simon is a doctor and I’m a nurse, we wanted to infuse the day with a playful vintage medical theme, drawing inspiration from our shared affinity for the peculiar and offbeat.
The Planning Process
As soon as the engagement ring was placed on her finger, we began mapping out our dream wedding. Our shared passion for art and DIY projects made it a no-brainer that we wanted to take an active role in planning every aspect of the celebration. The brainstorming sessions were a blast, with Pinterest boards serving as our virtual scrapbook. Despite our demanding work schedules – which included shift work – we made time for wedding planning, savoring every moment of the process.
Budget
In an effort to make the celebration more personal and cost-effective, we took on the task of designing and executing the decorations ourselves. This not only allowed us to allocate funds more efficiently but also resulted in a treasure trove of unique mementos from the special day.
The Venue
Before we got engaged, my partner and I embarked on a discreet search for the perfect wedding venue. Our second visit to Tullyveery House in Killyleagh turned out to be the one that won our hearts. We were looking for somewhere secluded, where we could share our special day with only our closest friends and family. The picturesque scenery overlooking the Mourne Mountains, complete with sheep grazing in the fields, had a familiar charm to it. It was as if we’d stumbled upon a little slice of home, hidden away from the rest of the world.
Your Outfits & Accessories
When it came time for me to choose my wedding dress, my mum initially had to talk me out of making my own – she was determined to take me shopping instead! I’d seen a dress I loved a few months prior to getting engaged and assumed there would be plenty more like it. But after trying on around 60 options, I finally returned to the store where I first spotted it: Perfect Day. Once I had it on, I knew it was meant to be. I also wanted to add my own personal touch by incorporating beads onto the back of the dress – a unique feature that made me feel extra special. On the other hand, Simon’s suit came from Statement Menswear in Portadown. After I tried (and failed) to convince him to go for a bold burgundy hue, we settled on a stylish combination of navy and tan that perfectly complemented our vintage-inspired aesthetic.
The Readings & Music
In a meaningful fusion of faith and love, our wedding ceremony took place at Bethany’s church, Kilkeel Baptist Tabernacle, where we shared our vows with God as the central focus. As Christian partners, it was essential to us that our special day be infused with spiritual significance. My pastor skillfully guided the vow exchange, while Simon’s minister delivered a heartfelt sermon. We carefully selected our cherished hymns and Bible verses to underscore the ceremony’s emotional impact. Friends and family played an integral role by contributing readings, instrumental performances, and soulful singing as we signed our register. The service became an unforgettable highlight of our wedding day, imbuing it with a deeper sense of purpose and joy.
The Flowers
Elizabeth Bell, a dear family friend and former florist based in Annalong, brought her expertise to our special day. Having retired from professional floristry, she now focuses on creating bespoke arrangements for friends and family events, including weddings. We were thoroughly delighted with the stunning flowers she crafted for us, which harmoniously complemented our vintage-inspired theme and aesthetic.
The Cake
For the esteemed Hollie Berrie Cakes in Scarva, we embarked on a creative journey with an open-ended brief: ‘go wild and do what you like.’ We entrusted her with our signature colour scheme as a starting point, allowing her to weave her magic into three extraordinary cakes that not only pleased the eyes but also delighted the taste buds.
Your Photographer
When selecting photographers for our wedding, I was fortunate to have Simon’s guidance. He had always been a fan of Adam and Grace’s work, and after convincing me to do an engagement shoot, they made the experience surprisingly stress-free. Their calm and collected demeanor on the day of the shoot put us at ease, and we didn’t even realize how many photos were being taken because of their professionalism.
The Details & Décor
With an abundance of creative energy, Simon brought our order of the day board to life by meticulously drawing each element. He also lent his artistic touch to painting the photo board. Meanwhile, I dedicated my time to crafting the bunting and favors, while we both rolled up our sleeves to hand-paint all our signage together. Our dads took on a major role as well, expertly cutting down trees to create the wooden signs that added a natural charm to our wedding decor. And in a delightful surprise, my mum decided to showcase her knitting skills by creating cozy attire for the entire wedding party! While we might have gotten a bit carried away with the details, it was an absolute joy to bring all these creative elements together and make them our own.
Beauty
The talented Claire McKinney from Lisburn crafted the stunning makeup look, while the skilled team at KN Hair in Kilkeel were responsible for the impressive hairstyles, both contributing to the overall aesthetic perfection.
Groomsmen
The boys’ attire was perfectly coordinated with Simon’s vintage-inspired look from Statement Menswear in Portadown, creating a stylish and cohesive ensemble.
Bridesmaids
For our wedding party, we selected the talented team at Perfect Day, Lurgan. Their attention to detail was impressive, as they ensured that the bridesmaids’ attire harmoniously complemented the overall color palette and intricate beading on my own gown, creating a cohesive and stylish look.
The Honeymoon
After having to rebook our honeymoon due to the bombings in Sri Lanka, we found that the experience wasn’t too arduous. Clubworld Travel in Banbridge demonstrated exceptional professionalism when rearranging the entire trip to accommodate the changed circumstances. Instead of heading to Sri Lanka, we spent a week exploring Cape Town in South Africa and went on an unforgettable safari adventure, followed by a relaxing week in Mauritius. Despite the initial setback, our honeymoon turned out to be an incredible experience that we would highly recommend.
Memorable Moments
As we journeyed from the church to the venue, the rain persisted for an entire hour, casting a damp spell over our afternoon plans. Initially, we had envisioned garden games and a refreshing drinks reception, but we hadn’t discussed what to do in case of inclement weather. Fortunately, after capturing a few wet photographs, the sun burst forth, illuminating our day with warmth and vibrancy. We spent the afternoon engaged in merrymaking, with guests enthusiastically flinging inflatable pigs around and showcasing some rather unorthodox dance moves later on. What struck us most was the effortless camaraderie among our loved ones, who all seemed to gel like one big, happy family. Our day far exceeded our expectations, and we cherished every moment of it, as everyone commended the love and effort we had invested in making it uniquely ours.
The culinary highlight of our celebration was undoubtedly Jane’s Kitchen, whose delectable offerings left an indelible mark on our taste buds. Their professionalism shone through from start to finish; the service was impeccable, and the pièce de résistance – a lavish pudding bar – left us in awe. Jane’s menu was nothing short of extraordinary, a true culinary masterpiece.
Advice For Other Couples
It’s essential to prioritize personal freedom on your special day, rather than feeling pressured by others. Allow yourself to create the perfect celebration, tailored to your unique style and preferences. As we celebrate the love of Simon and Bethany, it’s a beautiful reminder that every wedding should be a true reflection of the couple’s personality and love story.
Their big day was made even more special thanks to the talented team involved: Photographer Adam and Grace, Venue Tullyveery House, Catering Jane’s Kitchen, Ceremony Venue Kilkeel Baptist Tabernacle, Wedding Dress Designer Ronald Joyce, Dress Accessories & Bridesmaid Dresses Perfect Day, Groomswear Statement Menswear, Florist Elizabeth Bell, Cake Maker Hollie Berrie Cakes, Stationery Printit, Appleby Trust, Hair KN Hair, Makeup Claire McKinney, and Rings H. Samuel.
We’re thrilled to have been a part of Simon and Bethany’s journey, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for this lovely couple.