From a statement cake to a dreamy colour palette and foliage galore, we’re loving everything about Carrie & Marc’s fairytale day!
Ever heard of the saying ‘good things come to those who wait?’ Well, today’s real life wedding couple prove this theory to be true as Carrie and Marc from Portadown met at a wedding (what are the odds!) back in 2018 when they fell head over heels for each other.
Fast forward to October 8th 2021, they have now celebrated their own magical day at Castle Leslie which included everything from a statement cake, an elegant marquee and stunning décor. So let’s take a closer look at their day…
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HOW THEY MET
Carrie and Marc met in the most ironic way – at a wedding! It was 2018 when Marc and Carrie were celebrating their friend’s day when Marc confidently asked Carrie for a dance.
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Carrie says: “I was taken back by his confidence, Marc came straight up to me, grabbed my hand and said ‘can I have this dance?’ I just got lost in his brown eyes and danced all night with him – you don’t see that anymore. There was no cheesy chat up lines, the old-fashioned way is the best way!
“After dancing all night to Elton John and some flirtatious banter, we exchanged numbers and arranged to go on a date the following weekend. He messaged me everyday and I guess the rest is history! We couldn’t believe we were both single in our 30s – it just goes to show you, don’t settle in life. It’s worth the wait.”
THE PROPOSAL
Even though they had only been together for 1 year, Marc and Carrie knew they found the one. Marc made things official with a romantic proposal at The Fitzwilliam Hotel.
“We got engaged 1st November 2019 and I was totally taken back by Marc’s proposal,” Carrie says. “It was so romantic and I loved the fact it was just the two of us in that moment. After dinner in the Chubby Cherub, He said to head back up to the room for drinks – I opened the door and just froze.
“I thought I walked into the wrong room! There was rose petals on the ground leading me towards the main room, the wall had balloons spelling out ‘Will You Marry Me?’ I turned around to Marc on one knee with the ring! I just cried and was so taken back, but burst out a ‘YES!'”
THE PLANNING PROCESS
Carrie and Marc wasted no time getting stuck into wedding planning! They planned a beautiful church wedding followed by a stylish castle reception. When picking a venue, they considered Galgorm and Cabra Castle before deciding on Castle Leslie for their dream day.
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“Annaghmore Church was a must! My Mum and Dad got married there and there is a lot of family connections on both sides. Also, nothing compared to Castle Leslie – it is a feature on its own. I always wanted to get married down South in a Castle, but I didn’t want guests to have to travel too far either.
“I done a lot of planning during lockdown and we tried to stay positive that our original on May 7th would go ahead, but we knew this may not be the case. Luckily, all our vendors were fantastic and we’re able to do our new date on October 8th. Apart from one or two, but like I always say things happen for a reason and everything was definitely worth the wait.
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“There were still restrictions in place such as reduced numbers, music stopping at certain times and no evening guests allowed, but we were just relieved that we were able to finally get married. We were on cloud nine dancing away – I don’t think we stopped smiling all day!”
CAPTURING THE DAY
“Julie at Treasure and Heart Photography captured our day and we were delighted with our pictures!” Carrie continues. “She sent us previews straight away which were fantastic and so lovely to get the next day.
“The grounds at Castle Leslie were unreal for taking photographs – there was the lake at the boathouse, and the unique vine tree which all give beautiful lighting.
“Julie was amazing on the day. We had such great craic and felt so comfortable while she worked her magic – nothing was too posed or cheesy. It is so important to have that connection with someone on such an important day, we will definitely be working with Julie and the team again in the future.
“Rik at ER Films was also fabulous! You didn’t even know he was there half the time. He used a drone as well which captured some great footage of the castle.”
WEDDING WARDROBE
Carrie looked like a real life princess in a stunning ballgown by Aire Barcelona from Orchid Bridal Studio in Portadown.
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“It was the first and only shop I went into – it was literally made for me!” She says. “I always knew I would have lace but I didn’t think It would be this style of dress due to my curvy figure, but when I tried it on it took my breath away.
“I got that bride feeling instantly and it was magical. I completed the look with a long veil and a tiara all from Orchid Bridal – Neil was fantastic!
Marc also looked sharp in a black tuxedo with the groomsmen wearing matching numbers from Statement Menswear in Portadown. The page boys wore black braces from Etsy with shirts and trousers from Marks and Spencer’s. The bridesmaids wore sage green dresses from Perfect Day in Lurgan.
FAVOURITE MOMENTS
After having such a special and sentimental day, Carrie and Marc found it difficult to narrow down just one favorite moment.
“I honestly couldn’t pick a favourite moment as the whole day was just perfect,” Carrie shares. “But we did get a laugh in the church which helped calmed the nerves – we were saying our vows when the minister asked me for a kiss! Marc called him a chancer and I just burst into laughter – the whole congregation did!
“We can both agree our first dance was amazing! It truly is an amazing feeling to marry your best friend and I can’t wait to see where this journey will take us.”
Marc adds: “I also loved seeing Tommy and Dave, the wee page boys, walk up the aisle and the undercover singer was a great surprise! He lifted the roof singing Sweet Caroline. Carrie done an amazing job with the wedding and didn’t let it phase her once.”
WEDDING ADVICE
For all the brides and grooms busy planning their perfect day, we know how stressful it can be – so let’s hear some wise words of advice from Carrie and Marc.
“We would change nothing about our day – the pandemic was beyond our control and switching date to October worked out better for us,” Carrie says. “So don’t panic too much, what’s meant to be will be!
“On the day nobody cares about the font on the menu cards! Try and relax, time moves super quick on the day – it’s about you and your partner, no one else.
“Also, research, research, research! When you find something you like, don’t commit straight away – research more to see where or how you can make it cheaper. Don’t rule an idea out just on the price, I bet you can find a way to make it work.”
DREAM WEDDING TEAM
- Ceremony – Annaghmore Church
- Reception – Castle Leslie
- Photography – Treasure and Heart Photography & Keri-Leigh Kearney
- Videographer – ER Films
- Makeup – Carla Bailie
- Hair – Samantha at Peter Marks Salon, Portadown
- Cake – Emma Grace Kitchens
- Ceremony Music – Clara Wilson Harpist
- Reception Music – Raguire and the Manouche Boys
- Evening Entertainment – Camaflouge (Singing Garda)
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