Tying the knot is looking a little different these days due to the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, but so many couples are knocking it out of the park with their covid-friendly celebrations just like today's real wedding couple Aimee and Richard. After waiting months to say 'I Do' and being forced to pivot their plans on multiple occasions, they put together the loveliest wedding day at Campbell College in Belfast, which was all about chic boho glamour and relaxed summer vibes. Choosing the gorgeous historic spot as the venue for both their ceremony and reception was not only a beautiful venue choice, it had lots of special meaning for the couple. Photographer Alexandra Barfoot Photography was on hand to capture their beautiful, romantic day and we're delighted to share it with you today.
So, first things first, how did this lovely pair two get together? Aimee fills us in, "Richard and I met when I used to work in finance as a lawyer, he is an accountant. My old boss knew Richard very well and he was always invited to my work events. He found out I also baked cakes and as a big cake lover (who isn't?!) quickly asked me out for drinks. We never really left each others' side after that night and moved in together within months."
Richard popped the question during a weekend away to Powerscourt Hotel Kildare."Richard told me I looked really stressed one week in November and that we were going somewhere to unwind that weekend. The Saturday came and we got in the car, only to arrive at the amazing Powerscourt Hotel. Richard is not one to lose his voice, always having lots to say (!) but when we got to the hotel, he became more and more stressed and quiet. We checked into our room and it was so large I started to suspect something. We went to lunch and barely spoke the whole time. I thought this was weird for him. Suddenly he declared that we must go for a walk in the gardens and that I have to down my Prosecco - right now. We made it to the beautiful gardens next to the hotel and once we got to a very secluded dark corner, he dropped down on one knee with a stunning ring. I was absolutely mortified that anyone might see and look at us and told him to get up where we went to a bench and then took it all in together. It was such an overwhelming and exciting moment when you know your life is going to change massively for the better."
I can't go any further without talking about our stylish bride. Aimee's beautiful dress is Alexandra Grecco which she found through Ivory & Pearl Bridal Boutique. An absolute showstopper with a delicate pearl cape detail.
How chic are the stationery pieces Aimee's mum made? "She is a wizz at calligraphy and we just opted for plain cream with black script writing for a timeless look."
When it came to picking the venue, Aimee tells us there was only one, "Richard went to Campbell College Belfast, and always wanted to get married in this beautiful red brick building, filled with history of its past pupils, remembrances of war heroes over the walls who attended the school, and his own memories of growing up. We never wanted a typical hotel wedding so this laid back and unique venue was perfect for us. It meant we could set our own style and have the party the way we wanted. It is right in the heart of Belfast and a couple of minutes from our house. This was important to us as we really didn't want our guests to have to travel far, or spend money staying overnight at our wedding."
Isn't this what weddings are all about? Just look at those happy smiles!
Campbell College Belfast is an epic architectural space, perfect for some romantic moments as newlyweds (aka a few sneaky kisses!).
The most important thing for Aimee and Richard, having been through lockdown, was that they could manage to get married, and "treating our friends and family to a special and relaxed day", essential after those long weeks of being away from one another.
The couple managed to get married in the balmy summer period just after lockdown, so they were able to take advantage of the glorious weather and enjoy a lot of their wedding outside. The couple even describe their day as, "relaxed fun in the sun". "Everyone was catching up with friends post-lockdown and having lots of bubbles on the front lawn of Campbell. There was a lovely buzz."
One of the most amazing elements of Aimee and Richard's special day was the cake. It was no surprise to their guests though, as Aimee is the super talented cake designer behind Little Lark Cakes."As the bride, making my own cake was very special to me especially after setting up my own cake business full time a few years ago. I followed in the footsteps of my mum and gran who both made their own wedding cakes too. Of course the Groom dictated the flavours, he had to had red velvet, or else!!"
Aimee and Richard headed off to Italy for their honeymoon, the lucky things... "We spent 4 nights in a beautiful hotel Le Agavi which overlooks Positano on the Amalfi Coast. We then moved to another stunning hotel L'Ambasciatori in Sorrento. The Amalfi Coast is incredible for honeymooning. The sun, food and wine are spectacular. Both hotels were immaculate with outstanding service and we felt extremely safe travelling to Italy, during the pandemic. We were totally relaxed spending 2 weeks in Italy, after a lot of Covid wedding changes!"
Aimee has some great, very grounded advice for couples planning at the moment... "The best outfit you will ever have for the day is your smile from ear to ear. Be happy, enjoy it, everyone is there to support you and celebrate your day. Your guests don't worry about the small things or details you think you have to spend hours and months planning, they just care that you are choosing to spend your lives together and that you are having a blast doing so."
This is where we thank Aimee and Richard for sharing their special day with us. Thanks also to Alexandra Barfoot Photography for capturing the day so beautifully.
This wedding was held in Northern Ireland, where the covid-19 restrictions were quite different to those in the Republic at that time, just something to note.
