Real Weddings: Emily and Simon’s beautiful autumnal wedding

THE DRESS AND THE SUIT

My wedding dress was a two-piece from designer Lola Varma. The top was the Zelia blouse styled with the Delfina skirt, purchased from White Blossom Bridal Boutique in Warrenpoint, Co Down. It was actually the very first dress I tried on, and even though I did try on many other dresses in the boutique that day, I instantly knew it was the one.

Simon’s suit was from Lavin’s Menswear in Ballymote, Co Sligo.

THE CEREMONY

Our ceremony was a non-religious civil ceremony, held in the chapel in Markree Castle, completely personal to us. Our celebrant Lee made sure every part of our ceremony was all about us and what we wanted, from our love stories, to the music, to our readings, and my personal favourite, the hand fasting.

For the hand fasting, we chose eight of our closest family members and friends to each bring forward a different colour ribbon, each with a different meaning. The ribbons were placed over our clasped hands, then tied together, and the knot pulled tight by us both. Essentially, it’s the symbol of tying the knot, and also a beautiful keepsake.

THE RECEPTION

When it came to the reception, there were a couple of things that both of us were sure about. These were to have no speeches and no top table. What we meant by no top table was not to have it at the top of the room looking down on everyone. We had our top table centred in between all the other tables, which we loved. Everyone was able to casually come and chat to us as they were passing to go to the bar or bathroom.

Instead of speeches, one of the groomsmen did a thank-you toast on behalf of us both at the end of dinner, which was perfect. The dining room in Markree Castle is just spectacular.

THE ENTERTAINMENT

For our ceremony and drinks reception, we had the wonderful Garry Doherty, a guy from the same town I grew up in, sing for us. I walked up the aisle to him, singing the acoustic version of Latch by Sam Smith. For the afters, we had another local band from the town I’m from called The Trutones, followed by a DJ and sax player to entertain us into the wee hours (the dance floor was hopping).

We loved the fact that the venue was entirely ours for the day and night of the wedding; the underground cellar bar and dance area was like having our own nightclub to party the night away.

THE DECOR

Our personalities, personal style and the time of year were the inspiration for our wedding aesthetic. Relaxed, modern, autumnal chic. We kept everything very simple, including our decor and flowers. The colours of the bridesmaids’ dresses and Simon’s suit jacket represented the autumnal theme perfectly. My vision for the flowers was neutral with a touch of autumnal tones.

For the ceremony, I kept it very simple with one dried floral arrangement with autumnal tones from Twig and Stem, centred on the altar. I then added lots of clear glass lanterns with pillar candles. Both the floral centrepiece and candles were then used as a beautiful centrepiece for the top table at the reception. I also added personalised vellum wraps from Etsy to the napkins at each place setting. The venue itself is so stunning, especially the dining room; it really didn’t need much added decor.

THEIR TOP TIPS

Stick to what makes you happy as a couple, don’t worry about trying to please others. It’s your day, no one else’s. Soak up every moment as much as you can and try not to worry about the small stuff. Honestly, no one even notices.

THEY WISH THEY HAD

Honestly, we wouldn’t change a thing!