We tied the knot!

What an amazing day!

Thank you to everybody who came to celebrate with us. Here are some photos* and some words of reflection for anybody that's interested in a re-cap, or who couldn’t join us in person.

*All the wonderful photos here are by Neal Campbell - check him out @n_ea_l - our friend who came out of wedding photography retirement for this job!


There was definitely a moment in the car on the way to Lagan Meadows where I realised that while getting married ‘picnic style’ in a meadow mightn't have been the craziest plan I've ever had, but it was definitely up there... thankfully it all paid off!

Hands down, my favourite moment was when everybody started to arrive over the hill. Stephen and I were waiting - a lovely moment with just the two of us -  and we saw the flag being waved, and then all our nearest and dearest started to appear in their sunglasses and summer dresses carrying folding chairs and bags. Magic! Music played on Bluetooth speakers, in the distance, people walk their dogs and looked over curiously. The hawthorn trees were in full bloom and the grass was filled with buttercups and dandelions.

Big thanks to our humanist celebrant Lisa Duffy for going along with the madness and providing such wonderful staging and logistical support and advice. Highly recommend a humanist celebrant as her script included lovely stories about us, our relationship and highlighted some beautiful details about the day, including how the corset of my dress was made from parts of my mother's and aunties wedding dresses by local designer Aoife Harvey.

It was by Lisa's suggestion too that we included the ‘ring warming ceremony’ - something that got lots of wonderful feedback and allowed everyone to see you close and personal the wonderful work jeweller Claire Skelton did in remaking (Nanny) Mary's ring for me, and reusing the her gold for Stephen's one.

Beautiful readings were read, vows were made and legal paperwork signed. Once that was done, the picnic blankets came out and we all hung around in the lovely sun to have photos, bubbles (and actual bubbles) in celebration.

Woo!

Married in a Meadow

Back to the City

Next it was off to the Empire for the reception. Having arty friends is great - Cathy and Raquel had done a great job adding in all the finishing touches and setting everything up just so.  The little wedding favour bags on everyone's plate contained wildflower seeds and some sweeties. The seed packets along with numerous other pieces of decor for the day. We're all created with friends on the crafting jam weekend a few weeks previous, you know who all you are and you did amazing! (but special thanks to Lilly for the support). For ambience we had local musician, David Browne Murray playing some acoustic covers on guitar. Catch him regularly in the reporter bar on Saturday nights.

Delicious food
Catering was provided by Max and Gavin of Rebel and Ruse - who can be found in residence at the Criterion Bar at Carlisle Circus. Compliments all around for the food. It was ‘buffet style’ - grab your plate and bring it up to be served. (Sadly I couldn't eat my main because wearing a corset means that although your brain wants finish your plate, your stomach can't fit it) I can confirm I tried everything that was on offer though, and that might also have something to do with it, I should have remembered that the buffet always wins.

Party time.. almost
Meal mostly over and our evening guests begin to arrive. Personally, by this stage I'm about as overstimulated as it's possible to be - what more people I love arriving??! More prosecco!? More joy!? It’s just too exciting. Raquel teaches the willing some swing dancing as some icebreaking 'funtivities'. We had thought about lots of other funtivities, but I'm so glad I didn't include them - we would have been way overscheduled. I don't usually believe in it, but I guess sometimes less is more.

Party time!

Here we go the final stage of an epic day. There’s speeches, cake cutting (which Stephen’s mum made - it was beautiful and delicious!) and a first dance still to go, then the schedule is complete and it’s party time.

We take to the stage for the speeches. Laughs are shared. We learn that Stephen was a fat baby and that everyone thinks I’m great. People are thanked. Tears are shed. Hip-hip horary! Cheers to love, laughter and the adventure ever-after!

DJ Darren of Back Alley Beats is setting up for the party. We get started with the first dance - it’s ‘Nothing for Ye’ by Joshua Burnside because it’s lovely, and about being a in love as a broke artist who enjoys the sesh. Very relatable for some reason. (for those interested here’s a beautiful version of Nothing for Ye filmed by Joe Laverty in Vault Tower Street)

Then it’s Talking Heads ‘this must be the place’ and everyone joins the floor. I have no idea what other songs play but I’m pretty sure I love them all. At some stage I do an outfit change. People keep buying me gin & tonics. My friend Orla bought a giant picture of our cat Mazi and everyone much dance with it (I probably insist this part).

it’s a blur. I’m a whirlwind. The final hour shakes out a weird rag tag mix of mad friends. We love it. What a party!

Of course we are the last ones to leave.

Of course we end up drinking gift champagne in the fancy hotel and get asked to keep it down.

Of course the next day is a big hangover. I guess it no one expected it to be anything else. #worthit

Thanks to everyone who played a part in an amazing day.

xxx

Bonus Content!

Thanks folks for your generous gifts.

Since your still reading maybe you’d like to see some of our favourite cards. From the beautifully simple to the extravagant and handmade. These made us smile.

Spot yours?

Some FAQs

  • No we didn’t change surnames. I’m still McIlgorm, he’s still Seaward.

  • We didn’t do a big honeymoon. We went to Balance Treehouse in South Armagh for 2 nights after the wedding. it was amazing. We are thinking of doing a big holiday next year - got to have something to look forward to.