Lee and Suzanne prove that wedding venues come in all shapes and sizes in today's real wedding as the pair chose to say their 'I dos' in Suzanne's grandparents' back garden.  Our old pal Covid interrupted their plans but the couple were determined to make their vows to one another, with a pared down celebration, and the perfect location was just on the doorstep. The couple chose to create a very personal atmosphere for their wedding and keep the vibe relaxed and casual, but they didn't skimp on the glamour and gorgeous - it was most definitely a wedding! The resulting day was as unique and special as it was spectacular. Thankfully for us, Adam and Grace Photography were present on the day to capture it all and we know you'll love it as much as we do!

Lee and Suzanne met on a blind date on a TV show - yep, that's their meet-cute. "Our meeting was so 21st century," Suzanne joked. "Cue Lee and I being added into a WhatsApp group and eventually planning a coffee date. We were hooked!"

And if their first meeting was something for TV, the proposal was like something straight from a movie. "We were on a trip away to Donegal," Suzanne told us. "Lee organised a surprise picnic on Malin Head - it was stunning. It started to rain and he asked me to marry him."

When it came to finding a venue, this couple had the sights set on somewhere close to home. "The gardens that were created by my grandparents at what was their family home," Suzanne gushed. "We may be biased, but it is absolutely beautiful and perfect for a wedding." 

With the wedding pared back to the most important elements, with just their very closest present, they wanted to make the atmosphere as casual and relaxed as possible. So they tailored everything to ensure that's how they and their guests felt, "We planned a later ceremony due to the more casual nature of our wedding day," the bride told us. "I got ready in our family home in Ballymena with my two sisters and best friend, however, one of my bridesmaids from Scotland couldn't make it over. My aunt came and picked us up and brought us to Glenariff.

The couple created a ceremony that was a real blend of their beliefs and wants. "We planned an outdoor ceremony with my minister taking the service and Lee's pastor giving a message," Suzanne explained. "One of the best men sang during the service and a bridesmaid read. Afterward, we had some drinks, took photos, and relaxed before the meal. We all changed into more relaxed clothes and we had food from Jane's Kitchen for our meal. There were a few short speeches, the cake and then dessert."

Lee and Suzanne, like many others, are hoping to have another day to celebrate with their wider friends and family in Gracehall later this year if restrictions allow but their wedding day was everything they had hoped. "Being able to share our wedding day with our nearest and dearest after everything which has happened so far was truly special for both of us!"

A moment of appreciation for these ladies please. What a look! Totally gorgeous - those bridesmaid dresses are divine.

"The most important thing is that you and your fiancé are actually getting married," is this couple's advice. "There will always be some things that change or don't go your way but keep focused on the most important part, you are getting married and spending time with your family and friends." 

Thanks so much to today's couple Lee and Suzanne for sharing their special back garden wedding with us and to Adam and Grace Photography for capturing it all.