Are you looking for inspiration to pull off an up-scale, laid-back, whimsical wedding in the woods? Every so often, a wedding comes along that we truly wish we were invited to (actually, we wish that about all of our Real Weddings!). For this one though, the atmosphere and breathtaking surroundings really hooked us. Today's Real Wedding takes us to the beautiful Northern Ireland woodlands, for Claire and Brian's tipi wedding, full of style and enchanting charm. Captured by Gillian Higgins, we urge you to get your Pinterest board at the ready!

Six weeks before their original wedding date, like many couples, Brian and Claire decided to postpone their wedding - due to the C word we refuse to now say. Instead, they united in marriage alongside their wonderful parents in the registry office. "It was such a special day and we feel so privileged and lucky to have shared it with our parents, we will always treasure it. However it was very important to us to celebrate with our siblings, wider family, and friends and we very fortunately moved everything to the July 2021, being able to keep most of our suppliers," says Claire.

The groomsmen looked super stylish in their Maggie 1866 luxurious jackets! They opted for a mix and match trend, showcasing a fresh and versatile attire.

Brian and Claire first met through a mutual friend after they both returned home after living abroad. Two years later, Brian asked Claire to be his forever love. "We got engaged in Sliabh Liag in Co. Donegal in September 2019 halfway up the mountain.  We were both quite unwell that weekend, so halfway up was as far as Brian could get me!" laughs Claire.

The idyllic setting of Finnebrogue Woods won the hearts of Claire and Brian - and ours too! A secluded alternative venue, nestled amongst the trees and surrounded by the mystical lake. Somewhere special in the captivating woodlands, holds the cozy tipi's that are ideal for intimate ceremonies and receptions. "We both love the outdoors and Finnebrogue had it all for us. We loved the setting, that it was halfway between both our homes meaning that we could have the flexibility to choose our suppliers," they said.

The outdoorsy couple opted for a fitting sand ceremony - a tradition in which a couple pours sand from separate vessels into a unified one. It represents the joining of two individuals and the creation of a new union.

A special element that made their wedding personal was having Brian's younger brother as his best man. The groom's father also prepared a personal poem that was read out during the ceremony. "Our friend Clare (who introduced us) read a poem in Irish for us, An Grá by Colm Breathnach. It’s beautiful, all about love and the home is a comforting, familiar place. We knew it was for us as soon as we read it," said Claire. Another personal memory was having their humanist celebrant attend both weddings. She even helped them write their vows, making it extremely personal.

The perfect combination of sweet and savoury! Wedding cheese cakes are such a unique and alternative drool-worthy idea to have alongside your sweet treat.

The style of the unique tipi wedding was faultless. Naked trestle tables, wooden cross-back chairs, simple floral vases, and Ruscus garlands created a charmingly laid-back atmosphere. The same feel is reflected outdoors with rustic games, flowing champagne, and even 'Brian's dad's homemade cider!' Claire and Brian chose to have their first dance lakeside amongst their friends and family who they were unable to see for over 18 months due to the pandemic. How enchanting!

Claire's choice of style is out-and-out breathtaking. Between her black Manolo Blahniks and her majestic wild-flower crown, our eyes simply cannot keep up. Her bohemian skirt is paired with a chic cowl-back top. She finishes off the look with a blossoming bouquet bursting with Eskimo roses with a celestial draping ribbon. Her bridesmaids wowed in black chiffon marrying the look with soft curls and fresh flower headpieces.

Well, if this isn't a real-life scene from The Notebook! The newlyweds took some time alone as they paddle their way into married life. Claire describes their day as 'just happiness', she explains: "It was just the best feeling to see everyone you love and to be able to share our day with them. We feel so lucky to have had our two wedding days the way we did. One, a very intimate day with just our parents (who is lucky enough to get that?) and then a wider celebration and service, which went exactly as planned, with our family and friends."

Brian's bespoke three-piece suit was earthy and elegant. The Irish wool suites are contemporary and traditional and the perfect choice for their wedding surroundings. His groomsmen selected the same style fabric in a complementing brown shade and matching bowties.

Dancing under the stars! The newlyweds concluded their evening with sparklers, dancing and we assume an endless amount of cake!

Thank you kindly to Claire and Brian for sharing your special day with us all. A special thank you to Gillian Higgins Photography for capturing such magical images for us to enjoy. There are even more to peruse in the gallery below.

Looking for more inspiration? Why not check out more of our Real Weddings to feast your appetite!