I met Niall in Secondary School, and we started dating soon after. We moved in together in 2016, bought our first house in 2017 and spent a 18months renovating it.
Niall proposed on December 30th, 2018, on the top of a mountain in Glaslough, Co. Wicklow. We had decided to go on a hike as a little pit stop, on the way to a romantic weekend stay at Powerscourt Hotel. It was the most incredible winter morning, and the location was breath-taking. As we reached the top of the mountain, overlooking the two lakes, Niall gave me the shock of my life and bent down on one knee and proposed. I was so shocked and surprised that I nearly needed assistance to get back down the mountain.
Originally, we had planned a summer wedding in the stunning Castle Leslie Estate. However, COVID had other ideas. We postponed our wedding to the following December, which was the complete opposite to what we had originally planned. But it worked out for the best.
Castle Leslie was such an incredible venue and decorated for Christmas it was truly spectacular. It felt so inviting and magical. We said it ended up being a blessing in disguise!
I had no idea what style of dress would suit me, but I knew I wanted something romantic and timeless. I tired on 6 dresses in one shop and felt a little disappointed. It was the second dress, Creative Ideas Bridal store in Co. Armagh, where I found the perfect dress. I chose the stunning Diletta. When I came out to show everybody, they all fell in love with the dress. It really was such a special moment; I think we all shed a tear.
Diletta was a romantic A-line wedding dress with beaded lace applique shoulder straps and an illusion bodice, which I loved. I thought that the gentle V-neckline felt feminine and timeless. I also adored the lace, tulle, and organza skirt which gorgeous, beaded detail.
I also loved the low plunging V-shaped open back and a sweeping train, which made me feel like a princess bride and really completed the look.
I bought it from Creative Ideas Bridal Store Co. Armagh. The ladies were amazing. I felt instantly so special. Even though I had my mind made up on the second dress I had tried on, the girls made sure I kept trying on different styles so that I could be 100%. I think this is important because it gave me great peace of mind that I had definitely chosen the right dress.
The day itself ran perfectly with the help of Eugene our co-ordinator and all the Castle Leslie team on the day. Eugene and all the staff of Castle Leslie and all our vendors went above and beyond for us, and we can’t thank them enough!
It has been very hard to choose one favourite bit, due to there being so many. But I think after the last two years with COVID we were just so happy and grateful to be having our day. if I had to pick one, it was dancing the night away to live music with our nearest and dearest.
My little bit ofadvice would have to be to give one of your bridesmaids your phone for the day to take photos. It is so lovely to look back on photos and videos on your own phone the day after.
Special thanks to out photographer Donal Doherty Photography