Badgley Mischka Deco Drama For a Timeless Castle Wedding in Northern Ireland

We’re heading to Co. Monaghan today and an absolutely incredible castle venue, which manages to be both spectacular yet homely and inviting all at once. It’s just perfect for the chic and timeless autumn wedding I have the joy of sharing with you. Against this stunning backdrop there are lots of details to delight over – a glamorous gown, a soft and romantic colour palette of ivory and blush pink, gorgeous food and a lovely couple clearly having the time of their lives!

Caoimhe, an office administrator and Michael, a farmer, celebrated their marriage on the 27 October 2017 in a church ceremony followed by a reception at Castle Leslie in the wonderful Irish countryside.

“I just picked what I liked and what I thought was in keeping with the overall look of the day and venue. Classy and nothing too fussy.”

Videography by Zsolt Barabas

https://vimeo.com/240392328

The couple’s decision to book a videographer was a last minute one, but the outcome was so beautiful, they were very glad they did. Zsolt Barabas came recommended by their photographer and really captured the essence and feel of their day.

Photography by Sarah Fyffe Photography

Photographer Sarah Fyffe was in her element in the soft and golden autumn light, and the resulting images have a romantic, dreamlike quality.

“Sarah had been the photographer at my brother’s wedding 3 years previous to mine and I loved the style of her pictures and the way she was so quick and efficient. I really wanted to capture the moments of the day but I also wanted to be in the moment with my guests. Sarah puts everyone at ease and gets the balance right; you will get the pictures that you want and be able to enjoy the day with your guests as well.” On her feet, Caoimhe wore silver and white ‘Fern’ courts from LK Bennett, and for jewellery, diamond stud earrings from her mother. Everything was complete with a spritz of Jo Malone’s Wood Sage and Sea Salt fragrance.

“For me the morning of the wedding getting ready with my family was a highlight as it was so relaxed and everyone was on such a high.”

What a showstopping gown Caoimhe chose – the ‘Angel’ by Badgley Mischka, which she purchased from Petticoat Lane Bridal Boutique. I adore its dramatic and glamorous art deco style, with a detachable tulle cape and amazing embellishment, which caught the light to beautiful, sparkling effect.

“I had been to a lot of shops but I hadn’t really tried on a lot of dresses. I wasn’t 100% sure what I wanted but I knew what I didn’t want, and with 8 months until the wedding panic was starting to set in! I really wanted something that was classic but with a bit of a twist. I wasn’t expecting to find my dress the day I did but once I tried in on I knew it was what I was looking for.”

[JP-VIDEO]

“I felt very comfortable in it. It had that something a bit different with the embellished cape and it was very much my style (which everyone agreed on the day). It was glam but not fussy or frilly. I loved that it covered my arms which was something I wanted but that it didn’t have sleeves. Once I tried it on the decision was made!”

Grace from salon Petra’s House of Colour styled Caoimhe’s hair into a stylish chignon, which was crowned with a custom headpiece in neutral shades from Gibson Bespoke. The whole look, together with elegant make-up from Nadine McLaughlin was graceful and timeless.

Michael looked smart in a navy blue checked suit with a contrasting grey scoop-front waistcoat from Statement Menswear in Portadown.

He wore Barker shoes and a slim blue polka dot tie, both purchased from Tom Morrow, as well as a lovely pocket watch to complete his outfit.

“We lived close to each other and are the same age so we have known each other for a long time, but it was only in 2011 that we started going out and we have been together ever since. Michael popped the question on a night away in the Merchant Hotel in Belfast in August 2016 and our wedding was set for 27th October 2017 as I have always wanted to get married in autumn- so we didn’t have too long to wait!”

Florist David McConkey created a simple yet stunning bouquet of ivory roses for Caoimhe – proof that a single type of flower can be used to great effect. The bridesmaids and flower girls likewise carried neat bouquets of roses, accented with gypsophila.

“David had been the florist for my brother’s wedding so I was familiar with his work and wasted no time booked him for my wedding. He immediately got my vision for what I wanted and has amazing attention to detail in his work. He takes all elements into consideration and he surpassed my expectations.”

The bridesmaids wore stylish dresses with clean, simple lines in blush pink, which were made for them by a local designer (no details provided). They wore matching Badgley Mischka latte-hued shoes and crystal drop earrings and bangles from Ted Baker. Together with their matching hairstyles they were the picture of classic elegance.

I Do Weddings Cars chauffeured Caoimhe and her father to the church, and they walked down the aisle together to the song A Thousand Years by Christina Perri sung by Karl McGuckin with a piano and cello accompaniment.

“Walking up the aisle was one of my most memorable moments because it was probably the only time I was nervous. Walking into the chapel and seeing everything and all our family and friends was overwhelming, but when I got to the top of the aisle and saw Michael all my nerves disappeared.”

The ceremony was celebrated by a Catholic priest who was also a family friend, and their first reading was Ruth 1: 16-17. For their second reading, the couple chose the first letter from St. Paul to the Colossians, and for the Gospel reading, John 2:1-11 – the wedding at Cana.

Their service also included bidding prayers, which were personal to their families, loved ones and special intentions, and a lovely Communion reflection.

“These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow and forever. These are the hands that will work alongside yours as together you build your future.”

“These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch will comfort you like no other. These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief temporarily comes your way. These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes, tears of sorrow and tears of joy…”

 

Caoimhe and Michael exchanged rings, too, which they purchased from the same place that Caoimhe had chosen her engagement ring – Lunn’s in Belfast.

After the ceremony it was over to the beautiful Castle Leslie for a drinks reception, where guests were kept entertained by the Bentley Boys whilst enjoying delicious canapes from the team at venue.

Inside the castle’s marquee pavilion, the look was glamorous monochrome with accents of gold, with candelabra and dramatic floral arrangements in gold vases by David McConkey.

Catherine chairs were hired from SBD Events, and the pavilion’s draped ceiling canopy was decorated with twinkling fairy lights from Event Planners NI. The gold framed seating plan and personalised menus were provided by Castle Leslie, and instead of favours, the couple left a note on each table explaining that a donation had been made to a charity close to their hearts.

“The weather was one of the real highlights of the day as it was warm and sunny and it was lovely to see all our guests standing outside enjoying themselves while we were busy getting our photographs taken. Knowing that everyone is there to celebrate with you both is a very special feeling.”

“I can honestly say there is nothing I would change! Of course there are minor things that happen (forgetting to bring the flower girl’s bouquet to the chapel for example) but this is all part of it! Everything went more smoothly than I could ever have imagined it would.”

Following the wedding breakfast, there was also cake, a gorgeous four tier creation decorated with icing flowers and diamante, made by Joyce at The Loft.

“I just went for something simple and classic and took advice from Joyce on what flavours of cake to go for. I had traditional fruit cake and sponge for after the meal, and also tray bake type layers that were served with the evening buffet.”

For their first dance as a married couple, Caoimhe and Michael chose I Won’t Give Up by Jason Mraz, and there followed a night of wonderful entertainment, with the Bentley Boys back with a six-piece brass band followed by a DJ.

Words of Wedded Wisdom

“Be organised! The last few weeks before a wedding are stressful enough without unnecessary chaos! Stay true to what you want and don’t listen too much to other people’s opinions, it is your big day and you want it to reflect your personal style.”

“Be in the moment and enjoy the day you have put so much time and effort into as it’s over so quickly! Stay calm, it really will all fall into place in the end!”

Caoimhe and Michael, huge thanks and congratulations. What an elegant day, and how thrilled you both look! Many thanks also go to the combined talents of Sarah Fyffe and Zsolt Barabas for their enchanting, light-filled images and film. You can view more of Sarah’s work on Love My Dress right here, and more Badgley Mischka brides and weddings here.

Until next time, dear readers!

With love,

Laura