We are so excited to share today's seriously cool real wedding. When I say cool I mean it, lovebirds Rachael and Stephen are into foraging, making their own jams and chutneys, creating beautiful things from recycled materials, and the groom even brews his own beer! So it's no surprise these cool cats got their creative juices following when it came to planning their big day at The Mill at Ballydugan. If all that wasn't enough Stephen's brother, is one half of the talented Lou's of Blackbox Photography and being the nice brother that he is, he took all the snaps of the day and we're so excited to swoon over all the details. Lets check them out...

Stephen and Rachael have been together for just over eleven years. The lovebirds got together with a little help from a cheeky cupid...What Stephen doesn’t know is that I had my eye on him for a lot longer than he knows about (love at first sight most definitely on my behalf!) However I thought that he was way out of my league so I didn't initially do anything about it. Coincidence struck sometime later when I was with friends and one of them started talking to Stephen, I thought I was dreaming! When he left I couldn’t help but express that I was extremely ‘taken’ by him and so our mutual friend played cupid and placed us in a few situations (which we wouldn’t have thanked him for at the time) so that we could get to know each other and so the dream began!

These doormen are too cute! We can't wait to see Rachael in all her glamour...

Rachael choose a stunning wedding gown with sheer and embroidered details, a gorgeous jewelled belt and just look at that train!

But while Rachael may have seen Stephen coming all those years ago, she certainly didn't have a clue when Stephen decided to pop the question... I didn’t have an inkling that he was thinking about proposing or I may have made it a little easier for him. However, Stephen had been thinking about it, he had already asked my father’s permission,  he had the ring and he planned to take me for a walk to one of our favourite places with the ring attached to my much-loved dog’s collar. However I had different plans. We were going to Belfast for the weekend and so I had booked a hair appointment for myself and Coco (the dog). Stephen seemed keen to go for a walk so while Coco was still in the groomers we had some time to spare so we headed off on a walk along Lough Erne. It was a freezing December day and while we avoided the hail showers I realised there was something ‘amiss’ with Stephen. As we stepped onto the jetty he looked a little nervous and so as the thought was just entering my head he dropped onto one knee and produced the most beautiful ring! I was taken by complete surprise and overwhelmed with tears of joy that I don’t think I was able to answer him for some time later. It could have rained, hailed or snowed and it wouldn’t have mattered! 

Super cool groom Stephen went for casual rustic chic. His tweed waistcoat looks great with his crisp white shirt and cream pants. I'm betting this day is going to be a stylish celebration.

When it came to the venue Rachael and Stephen were on the lookout for a venue that was intimate and informal and that could cater for both a reception and a ceremony. They came across The Mill at Ballydugan by accident and it turned out to be just the right place...We were instantly impressed as we knew it was perfect for our rustic theme and we would be able to put our own stamp on the whole day. The Mill building is naturally beautiful and steeped in history so to get to enjoy this on our special day was amazing!

While Stephen waits anxiously (like all grooms!) Rachael arrived in style to the ceremony...

One of the things the couple liked so much about the venue was that they could have all of the parts of the wedding under one roof, saving travel for themselves but also for their guests. The Mill at Ballydugan has a beautiful ceremony space with exposed wooden beams and brick walls.

Congrats you two, now lets celebrate!

Didn't we tell you that crafty Stephen brewed his own beer? The pair personalised the whole day making sure their guests enjoyed every element! We especially love the effort the newlyweds went to for the outdoor games. The break can sometimes be long between the ceremony and reception and while your off getting your snaps and saying hello to everyone it's nice to make sure your guests are entertained.

Stephen and Rachael took a trip to the sweetest train station to take some portraits - how very romantic!

We wanted somewhere a little different for our photos and were so excited that we would be able to have photos taken nearby at Down Railway Museum. 

Back at The Mill, there are lots of crafty delights at the reception...

Stephen is a joiner by trade, so he put his hand to creating lots of pieces for the day that the couple would be sure to use in their house afterwards. They used recycled materials such as wooden pallets to create signs, a guest cork board, a table plan, skittles and even a cake stand...We wanted to ensure that we would be able to find a use for all the things that we made for our wedding. For instance the heart guest cork board is a colourful addition to our kitchen along with the table plan which we are now using as a message board. This is a wonderful idea - having a reminder in your home of your special day, all year round!

Flowers from peonies (our favourite) to wildflowers were used all around the reception in vintage watering cans to glass jars.

The interior of the reception room is the perfect balance of wooden beams and brick work. Making the rustic additions by Stephen and Rachael look right at home.

Along with the decor, the self-confessed foodies wanted to bring that side of themselves into the day as well. They're keen on searching hedgerows to make their own chutneys and jams, so for their big day, they made elderflower cordial. As an amateur brewer, Stephen also brewed up a batch of elderberry wine and a bottle of pale ale for each of their guests to enjoy! I think Rachael and Stephen got just as much enjoyment out of their treats as their guests did... It was really special being able to share these creations with our guests and we can still hear the ‘pop’ of the swing top bottles!

For the centre pieces, Rachael used potted plants and herbs that she could use in her home aswell after the wedding. Of course joiner Stephen wasn't far behind, he made the table numbers from tree trunks!

The bride wasn't about to be outdone with home-brewed pale ale and cordial. She whipped up a gorgeous multi-tiered Victoria Sponge for their wedding cake. As an homage to Stephen's mushroom foraging, they used little wooden mushrooms as their cake topper!

Rachael and Stephen weren't the only ones chipping in on the day, though. They were gifted lots of things from friends and family that they were able to use on the day...We used china that had been inherited from grandparents and great aunties which was special, as it felt that part of them could be with us and their stories continued. Other close family members had given us special gifts that we were able to use on the day, including crocheted bunting, candles, embroidered hoop and an engraved cheese board which was perfect as we served cheese, fruit, crackers and chutney for the evening buffet. 

Rachael has some sweet advice to give couples planning their weddings...Never forget that it is love that brought you both to this moment in your lives and no matter what type of wedding you plan it is love that really matters. Everything else is just a bonus!

These two foodies took their show on the road for their honeymoon - ten days in Italy with as many wine and food tasting tours as they could manage! Congratulations, Rachael and Stephen! And a big thank you to Louie and Louise of Blackbox Photography for sharing their work with us at One Fab Day! To see more of Blackbox Photography's work check out their website at www.theblackboxblog.com

The Wedding Details

• Ceremony: The Mill at Ballydugan
• Photographer: Blackbox Photography
• Wedding Dress: Blush Bridal
• Bridesmaids dresses: Warehouse
• Shoes: Cruise
• Flowers: Vintage Day Dreams
• Groomsmen suits: Magee of Donegal

• Accessories: Couture Bridal NI
• Cars: Bryansford Bridal
• Stationery: designink
• Make Up & Hair: Rachael Spence
• Wedding Bands: Fred J Malcolm
• Ceremony Music:Arco String Quartet
•  Reception Music: Backbeat