Most of our real wedding couples tell us that music was a top priority for their big day, but few go as far as Nicole and Colin in pumping their day full of sweet and fun musical references! Between their vinyl record-themed stationery, their Led Zeppelin ceremony reading, their music genre-based table plan, and their guitar guest book, this pair created an unmistakably music-centric celebration for their small crew of 70ish guests. The iconic gig venue, Belfast Empire Music Hall, was the location for their effortlessly stylish bash, and Paula Gillespie was tasked with photographing the day. Ready to take a closer look? I know I am!

Nicole and Colin tell us that work brought them together - they first crossed paths because their companies were located in the same building. "We would see each other at lunchtimes or in the lift lobby, and I thought he was pretty handsome," Nicole says. "So, I started to strike up conversations when I saw him, and eventually he asked me out!"

Colin picked a pretty special day to propose - Christmas day! "We had just got home after having drinks with the families, and we started to open our presents to each other - I stay in my Mum's house on Christmas Eve, so we exchange gifts on Christmas night. At the end, Colin was like, ‘There’s one more present here for you,’ and got down on one knee! It was funny because we were half cut, Rancid was playing in the background and I cried when he asked me... before eventually saying yes!"

Nicole's bridal look is so gorgeous! With that classic wedding dress silhouette and the fresh flowers in her hair, she's serving retro glamour.

It goes without saying that music was the couple's number one priority for their wedding. "We walked down the aisle to ‘Mellon Collie and The Infinite Sadness’ by The Smashing Pumpkins and left to ‘Going To California’ by Led Zepplin. Our brother–in-law Simon read the lyrics to ‘Thank You’ by Led Zepplin during the ceremony. Our first dance was DJ's choice between Pearl Jam’s ‘Yellow Ledbetter’ and David Bowie’s ‘Heroes’ and Bowie won!"

Nicole describes the day as, "very chilled out but with a bit of an edge, like ourselves. We didn’t want the wedding to be really formal, that's not our style. We just wanted it to be like a big party! We wanted everyone to feel comfortable and let their hair down, which we all definitely did."

After making it official in Belfast City Hall, Nicole, Colin and their guests hightailed it to the Belfast Empire Music Hall for a rollicking reception. "We have been to The Empire for lots of gigs, and we have never had a bad night in it. Plus, the inside is beautiful! It used to be an old church, so there is lots of character! There are big wooden balconies, a stage with red velvet curtains, and big windows. It’s unique."

This crafty couple made their vinyl record table plan and wedding favours themselves. "The fact that we made lots of our décor and planned everything ourselves made it really special. It was good to see all the blood, sweat and tears pay off."

Nicole's advice to engaged couples is to remember that the small details are just that! "Don't stress about colour matching, invitations, favours, the weather, etc. It’s the fun you have throughout the day that you and everyone remember. Don’t think you need to spend loads to make it the best day of your life."

In lieu of a traditional guest book, the couple asked their guests to sign a special guitar, which Colin had bought for Nicole years before. "Colin is an amazing musician, and had been trying to teach me for years (with not much success!) but we both love the guitar."

Isn't this the most beautiful, personality-filled day? Before we leave you to peruse the full gallery, we've got to thank Nicole and Colin for sharing their wedding with us, and, of course, Paula Gillespie for providing the beautiful imagery for the feature!