I have been so fortunate with the weddings that I have been involved in.
I’ve had some beautiful venues to work with, the flowers have always been stunning and, it has to be said, that all my couples have been genuinely lovely people!
When I met up with Nichola & Ryan for their consultation, I knew instantly that this was a wedding that I was again going to feel so fortunate to be a part of.
I remember sitting in Starbucks getting to know them, listening to all their plans and being so excited.
“Pinterest was a God send. Music was always going to be a major part in our day but as the planning progressed the wedding started to take on an Art Deco theme. We wanted the whole day to be like really good party that we would like to go to with all our friends and family”
I arrived at Nichola’s mum’s house on that sunny Friday morning and could hear the laughter from outside. Everyone was in the best form. Two bridesmaids were in the process of getting their hair done along with Nichola while Mum & Granny welcomed me in, offering me tea and a croissant from their breakfast tea party. There were party banners, matching mugs and everyone was wearing a beautiful robe with “bridesmaid” or ”flower girl” embroidered on the back.
Once the dresses were all zipped up and the champagne was all gone, a loud *beep beep* was heard outside. Sitting beside my little fiat 500 was a large cream campervan! All my Pinterest dreams were coming true!
Nichola & Ryan’s wedding ceremony was held in Kiltonga Hall in Newtownards – the most beautiful, most picturesque place. I had drove past it a few times and always admired it, so I was very excited to actually see inside.
“We were recommended Kiltonga Hall by a friend. We wanted the look of a church without the religious service. It was a beautiful hall, a blank canvas that we could decorate exactly the way we wanted”
For any couples going to book me for their weddings, I’ll let you know now – I’m a crier. I will 100% tear up during your first dance and will always have a happy tear during the ceremony. So when Nichola walked down the aisle to “For lovers” by Jake Fior ft Peter Doherty, I was emosh. I had never heard this song before but it is now one of my favourites. And if this song wasn’t enough, next thing Nichola’s brother started to play “You’ve got a friend in me” on guitar – well, I was just happy I had decided to wear water proof mascara that day!
After the ceremony, Nichola & Ryan exited Kiltonga hall to all their guests sprinkling flower confetti over them; the confetti had been wrapped in music sheets and placed into the basket of an old bicycle – these little music details were everywhere…and I loved it! Pulled up outside the hall, to everyone’s amazement, was a bright red, double-decker bus to bring everyone to the reception venue.
This is the fun bit.
If you are planning a music themed wedding there is only one venue to complete your day – The Empire, Belfast.
“We both love music and have been to the Empire for gigs but didn’t realise that it could be hired for a wedding reception. As soon as we found this out, nothing else would compare!”
The guests were welcomed to the amazing Empire Music Hall with canapés and a saxophone player. The room had been decorated with a beautiful vintage record player and custom records featuring some of Nichola & Ryan’s favourite bands and singers – many they had also seen live.
With friends & family occupied, I took the new Mr & Mrs Wilson on a walk around Belfast. We pulled up outside the Merchant Hotel and applause erupted as Nichola & Ryan exited the camper van. We spent the next half hour or so exploring, admiring graffiti art and stopping for every old lady and tourist that wanted to congratulate the newlyweds.
After reminiscing about this Pinterest dream of a wedding, I asked Nichola & Ryan if there was anything they would change about their day if given the chance and also what advice the would offer to a couple planning there big day:
“We’d probably change the first dance song. It was a song we both loved, but it went on for a long time and we hadn’t practiced, so we would probably choose something a bit shorter!
It’s your day. Do it the way that you want to do it and don’t worry about pleasing others. Enjoy the planning process and don’t stress over it!”
Vendors:
Wedding dress – The Wedding Box, Newtownards
Bridesmaid dresses – Monsoon
Flowers - Arranged by Nichola's friend and Bridesmaid, Rachel
Makeup – Makeup by Keri
Suits – Focus Menswear, Bangor
Ties, Dickie bows & pocket squares – Mrs Bow Tie
Cake – The Sculptural Cake Company
Campervan – Logybear Campervan Hire
Double-decker bus – Allen’s Tours