Aoife and Mark's wedding is a symphony of classic romance and subtle touches from bygone days, blending sweet mauve details with lace and love. Their gorgeous romance was beautifully captured by Paula O'Hara and we're delighted to share it with you - this is one to sit back and swoon to.

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A soft Spring day dawned bright and clear for Aoife and Mark, two college sweethearts who tied the knot after many happy years together. Their wedding is a symphony of classic romance and subtle touches from bygone days, blending sweet mauve details with lace and love. Their gorgeous romance was beautifully captured by Paula O'Hara and we're delighted to share it with you all today - this is one to sit back and swoon to.

Aoife and Mark are college sweethearts, but the road to their courtship wasn't super smooth at the very beginning - Aoife's playing hard to get kinda backfired on her a little, but worked out much to everyone's satisfaction in the end... "We met while I was at university in Belfast through my friend Andrea who is Mark's cousin. We were friends for a while and Mark asked me out a few times but I turned him down. In the end I had to ask him out. That is a favourite story of his now - how I was the one to ask him out!"

The roles reversed for the proposal and Mark manned up to the job of popping the question... "Mark booked a holiday for us. (This was his first time to do so I was a little suspicious!) and said we were going to Portugal. We were however going to Paris as I had told Mark years ago when we were first going out that I wanted to get engaged in Paris and he remembered! Mark had to tell me the night before that we were going to Paris to ensure that I could pack the right clothes! He proposed on the balcony of our hotel, it was very relaxed and private."

The general theme was classic and ‘vintage’ and was inspired by my dress. Mark’s suit was very classic, reminiscent of a bygone era. We had photos of our parents’ and grandparents’ weddings and ourselves as children displayed in Darver Castle to connect our day with our pasts. The car, invitations, favours and bridesmaids dresses were all vintage inspired. The flowers resembled the flowers that are found in an old cottage garden.

At last the bride arrived in style, to her waiting entourage, all clad in soft mauve ghost dresses (have you seen them in Arnotts?)

After the ceremony the couple drove the short distance to their reception at Darver Castle, a few precious moments alone that Aoife really treasures as one of her particular memories of the day, "it was probably the only time we had to ourselves to chat and laugh about the day (so far!)." That time is alone is so special, no one can disturb you, and you can take a brief moment to let what has just happened sink in.

Told you you would swoon!!

Swit-swoo Mark!

Darver Castle is close to where Aoife grew up and Aoife’s grandfather was from the area so she felt a connection to the place, a factor that makes choosing your wedding venue much more special. When Mark saw the castle he also loved the idea that it was a little different to a hotel. It has a very relaxed atmosphere. Upon arrival the guests can wander through the castle and the grounds., and before the dinner guests sit in the big country kitchen, the living room and the bar, mingling, chatting and soaking up the atmosphere.

Adding a personal touch was important to Aoife and Mark, so they created a memory table... "There was a table at the reception which had photos of us as a couple, as children with our siblings and of our parent’s and grandparent’s wedding days. The reason for the photos was to acknowledge where we had come from and to connect our day to our pasts. In addition Aoife’s two grandfathers are deceased and by including their wedding day photos their memories were with us on the day."

Judging by the beautiful pictures by photographer Paula O'Hara, Aoife's words of advice for future brides are definitely to be trusted..."Take time to choose your suppliers and enjoy the run-up to the wedding as it is a very exciting and happy time. Most of all relax, everything will work out!"