Co. Down couple Laura and Chris organised a beautiful day, which made the most of the outdoor space at their gorgeous wedding venue.
How did you both meet?
‘Chris and I met on Tinder in March 2018. I hadn’t been single long so honestly set up a profile for a laugh. His height and previous travels caught my eye and the rest is history! We both love an adventure and the road less travelled,’ cooments Laura.
‘Chris planned each of our first few dates as surprises, they ranged from dinner and cocktails to walks with Llamas and ice skating. We went on a banger rally from Belfast to Africa in a £400 car a few months after meeting. It was far from a romantic or luxurious experience, but we both had an absolute ball and both knew then that the relationship was going the distance – excuse the pun! Chris’ romance and attention to detail hasn’t wavered in the six years we’ve been together. I feel very lucky!’
Tell us about the proposal?
‘Poor Chris had planned a beautiful trip to Venice over the anniversary of when we first met. Unfortunately March 2020 had different plans for all of us so the trip got cancelled and rescheduled a few times. Six months later, having asked my dad for my dad’s approval back in March, my dad asked Chris had he changed his mind! Thankfully he hadn’t and in September 2020 we managed to get away to Gocek, Turkey to the most beautiful seaside town. Chris popped the question one evening after dinner.’
How did you find the planning process?
‘We started planning quite quickly as we realised that there was very little availability for the venues and vendors that we loved due to Covid. The planning went well, but it’s so hard not to get carried away! We made a list of non-negotiables for how we wanted the day to feel/look and went from there.’
Where did you get married?
‘We got married and had our reception at Tullyveery House. We had viewed a few venues and couldn’t explain why none of them felt right until we arrived at Tullyveery. The whole place just has the most beautiful, relaxing atmosphere and Charlie and the rest of the team are incredible.
‘We got married on the front lawn and had most of our reception outside also. Despite weather warnings about rain all day, we had the most beautiful weather.’
Who captured your day?
Leanne Magill from Magills Film & Photography was our photographer. Leanne is from my hometown of Kilkeel and did a fabulous job with our pictures. She made us feel really comfortable and wasn’t scared to wrangle people together for pictures, which is such a skill.’
What did you wear?
‘When choosing my dress I wanted something a little bit different, but still classic. I fell for Gwen by Eva Lendel and had it slightly customised. I just loved it. Two years later and I think I’d still choose it!
‘For the bridesmaids I wanted something that they would feel comfortable in all day and something that would fit the garden party vibe of the day. We chose sage green dresses from TH&TH and the girls looked stunning. They accessorised with jewellery from my own brand Monday’s Child.
‘For the groomsmen we went for classic black tuxes. Chris has never shied away from standing out, so he went for a custom ivory jacket from Suitor Brothers.’
What was your favourite moment from the day?
‘Our vows were such a special moment for both of us. Our celebrant Steve Ames knocked it out of the park and made our ceremony so memorable. It was incredible to share the moment with our family and friends.
‘Chris surprised me by booking Bjorn Identity and I had no idea until they walked out. I nearly collapsed in shock! Anyone that knows me knows I’m a massive ABBA fan and ending the night with ‘Thanks You For The Music’ was just the cherry on top!’
Do you have any advice to share?
‘Don’t overthink it! You don’t need favours and it doesn’t matter what shade your cake is. As hard as it is to keep perspective, it really is only one day and as long as you have food, music and your nearest and dearest around you there’s not much else you need.’
Laura & Chris’ Dream Team
Photography: Leanne Magill;
Venue: Tullyveery House;
Celebrant: Steve Ames;
Bands: Cash Returns & Bjorn Identity;
Hair: Alanda at Patrick Murphy Hairdressing;
Make-up: Julie Quinn;
Wedding Dress: Eva Lendel from Dream Weddings Bridal;
Wedding Cake: Mourne Brownies;
Bridesmaids Dresses: TH&TH;
Groom’s Suit: Suitor Brothers;
Jewellery: Monday’s Child https://www.mondays-child.uk/
