Simple, Summer Love: Sarah + Alex's Carriage Rooms at Montalto Wedding

A classic beauty.

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Sarah and Alex picked the elegant Carriage Rooms at Montalto for their sweet and simple summer wedding and they couldn't have chosen a better venue. Flooded with summer sun and with room for guests to lounge or play lawn games outdoors, Sarah and Alex hosted a serene wedding that will put you in the mood for summer. All captured by the always lovely Paula McManus...

Wedding at The Carriage Rooms at Montalto Estate by Paula McManus Photography | onefabday.com

Sarah and Alex originally met aged just 16, but only really became friends about four years later. Sarah recalls..."Upon discovering I played hockey, Alex, who had just started coaching at a ladies hockey club, invited me to come to training. Over the following months we got to know each other as friends both at hockey and bible study. On one occasion, upon hearing that I would be missing dinner to travel straight from work to hockey, Alex offered to cook for me. The next week I made him dinner and soon we found ourselves spending more and more time together (especially over food!) Food was involved again when, during a meal at The Parson’s Nose in Hillsborough, he explained that he had tickets to an upcoming charity ball and, although he would love me to come, I wouldn't be able to go just as his friend. We started going out that night, on the 20th of April 2014."

To propose Alex and Sarah returned to that same restaurant, as Sarah remembers..."Exactly 18 months later, we returned to that same table at The Parson’s Nose for dinner. Afterwards, we got in the car and headed south, though I had no idea where we were going! It was pitch black and raining when we pulled in at the Bloody Bridge outside Newcastle, a favourite spot of mine. However, there was a white lace umbrella and candlelit lantern sitting waiting for us..."

Sarah continues..."After a short walk up the river path, we came to the bridge itself where there was a marque surrounded by candles. It was filled with photos telling the story of our relationship. Leading me by the hand, Alex walked me around the marque chatting through all of our memories. When we reached the end, he got down on one knee and asked if I would marry him. Of course, I said yes! After a few minutes together, two faces appeared out of the dark congratulating us. Alex had asked Timmy and Sharon, our groomsman and bridesmaid, to set it all up. Having spent a few moments with them, we got into the car to go and see my family."

Agreeing that the ceremony was the most important aspect of the day Sarah and Alex put lots of effort in to ensure it was special. Sarah told us..."We wanted the day to be personal to us. So, just as our faith is central in both of our lives, we wanted it to be the focus of our wedding day. Similarly, the importance of relationships with family and friends meant that we wanted to provide them with as many opportunities as possible to socialise and enjoy ours and each other’s company. This was all to be complimented throughout the day with plenty of our favourite food!"

A naturally beautiful bride Sarah kept her look simple with a loose hairstyle by Lynette Murray and a classic lace wedding dress, all complimented by a pink and white peony bouquet. Super pretty!

Sarah and Alex's venue choice also radiated classic beauty - the gorgeous Carriage Rooms at Montalto. Sarah explains what made it perfect for them..."The Carriage Rooms had everything we wanted. A stunning venue with loads of character, plenty of room to spend the whole day there and located an equal distance between our two families. As soon as we visited it, we knew it was going to be our favourite. To top it all off, the staff were exceptional. I really felt that I could trust them with anything. Having such terrific professionals on hand made for a stress free and enjoyable day."

Keeping things simple and elegant, Sarah and Alex had fresh flower wedding favours - and late night snacks in the form of pancakes, macarons and shortbread. Huge congrats to you both and thank you so much for sharing your wedding day with us all!