Today we have a real flower-power, chilled out boho wedding to ease you into the long Easter weekend - the wedding of Chris and Tori, who celebrated at Larchfield Estate. This wedding is relaxed with a capital R, the happy couple choosing only to incorporate those wedding traditions that meant something to them, and dispensed with unnecessary formalities. Instead they concentrated on creating a beautiful celebration with fun, happiness and a sprinkling of magic as their central themes. Capturing the magic was the job of  photographer Mark Barton whom we have to thank for sharing these lovely images with us.

Tori and Chris aren't one of those 'love at first sight' couples, their relationship was a slow but steady burn... "There’s quite an age gap between us... (He’s 30 and I’m 22!) We go to the same church, and a friendship progressed over many years into something a whole lot deeper. If you asked us both separately, we’d give different dates for the start of our relationship... He thinks we were dating two days before I think we were! A text is not the way to do it boys!"

Magic is something Tori firmly believes in, so the bit of Harry Potter in the wedding decor above is no accident "Chris took me to the Enchanted Gardens in Botanic Gardens, Belfast. Amidst the dancing fairies, and dragons hidden in the bushes and pixies and elves, we sat down on a tree and Chris proposed.

I mentioned that the couple dispensed with unnecessary formality - well dress was one of those elements, Chris is Mr Casual so his choice of wedding wear wasn't exactly traditional"Chris refused to wear anything formal, so he got chinos and a denim shirt in All Saints."

Meanwhile the bride and her bridesmaids travelled in style with the bridesmaids and flower girls arriving in a VW Camper van while Tori and her dad came in a a vintage VW Beetle.

The barn at Larchfield Estate provided the perfect backdrop for their boho celebration. The wooden beams, white washed walls and wrought iron chandeliers offered the basis for a floral woodland wonderland theme created by Blue Moon Events.Tori in her 50s style prom dress and floral crown looks like a little pixie princess coming up the aisle with her proud papa.

After the ceremony the newlyweds went to the greenhouse, full of trees and leafy plants, with a few close friends and family, and said prayers for the next steps in Chris and Tori's  journey, followed by a walk around the enchanted walkways of Larchfield's walled garden as husband and wife.

I think Tori and Chris achieved the vibe they wanted for their big day "We're both a little quirky and very casual. So our wedding needed to reflect that. No extra pomp or fuss... We wanted to enjoy it too! Chris was keen on only following traditions that had meaning or value, not just following them for the sake of tradition."

What made you choose Larchfield estate for the big day... It had enough space for all our guests and it wasn’t a hotel! The setting was gorgeous, both inside and out and it was flexible to achieve everything that we wanted to achieve.

The Fatted Calf provided the catering for Chris and Tori's wedding, instead of a traditional cake they went for tiers of cheese instead, served with crackers during the evening's entertainment, of which there was lots! Instead of the usual Thumbprint tree guestbook, Tori painted a little picture of herself and Chris, emulating the film Up, the thumbprints became a bunch of balloons.

What was a favourite part of your day? The real sense of community, a bunch of people we love, gathered in a rustic style barn, sharing stories, laughing and celebrating.

And after the food, there was a bit of a hooley, the great hall in Larchfield providing the perfect space for set dancing.

What advice would you give to brides and grooms planning their day? "Delegate. Mothers are wonderful things! Pick your battles and stand your ground on things that are really important to you!"

Congratulations to Chris and Tori - hope married life is as magical as you hoped. A big Thank You to Mark Barton Photography for sharing his work with us, make sure to pop over to  www.markbartonphotography.com to see lots more fun and frolics.

The Wedding Details

• Venue: Larchfield Estate
• Photography: Mark Barton Photography
• Wedding Dress:Petticoat Lane
• Bridesmaids dresses: Petticoat Lane
• Shoes: Millars Shoe Store
• Flowers: All Seasons, Dunmurry
• Groomsmen suits: All Saints
• Accessories: Aura Handmade Jewellery

• Decor: Blue Moon Event Design
• Catering: The Fatted Calf
• Cars: Star Cars Hire, Antrim. 
• Hair: Scruples, Banbridge 
• Wedding Bands: Steensons, Belfast / Garvan Traynor 
• Ceremony: Chris McClenaghan
• Reception Music: Nathan Jess / John Agnew and band