A trip to Ibiza sparked love for our Scottish groom, Paul, and Irish bride, Michaela. Our real wedding couple along with photographer Sarah Fyffe have treated us to a wedding full of modern elegance, simplicity and all-white everything - including bridesmaids, fluffy bouquets and drool-worthy wedding cake! But wait until you see the groom and his crew - these guys brought serious Scottish style and a whole lot more! Take the high road through this sophisticated real wedding at Drenagh Estate, Co. Derry below!
Out of all of the places to meet, Michaela and Paul first locked eyes on the beautiful island of Ibiza back in August 2015. On the last night of their holiday, serendipity brought them together. They explain: "Having spent the evening talking and learning about each other and our lives, we instantly clicked. We added each other on Facebook before parting ways, and the next morning on the plane home, I was delighted to see Paul had messaged me. We messaged back and forth every day and that October, Paul booked his first trip over to see me in Buncrana!" Their first date wasn’t a typical one, but an evening spent having dinner with Michaela's parents! Luckily, it felt right and everything clicked. After pursuing long distance back and forth between Ireland and Scotland for three years, they decided to take the plunge and purchase their first home in Co. Derry in 2018. Who says a love story can’t happen on the party island of Ibiza? Next up, the ring!
Paul planned to propose in the sunny Italian city of Sorrento back in May 2020, however, we all know what happened around then. It was time for plan B, so the couple planned a day in Ards Forest Park in Donegal for a walk and picnic. Michaela explains: "I was oblivious and just looking forward to a day out of the house! He'd paid my parents a visit the week prior and asked for their blessing. Of course, they were over the moon and the hardest thing was keeping it a secret from me, even for one week! Looking back now I can see Paul was a little jittery and clumsy on the day, the nerves were kicking in, even though I’m sure he knew I would say yes!" They walked along the pathway in Ards Forest and came to a tranquil quiet beach. "I wasn’t fussed about walking down the hill onto the sand, but Paul insisted we go down. There wasn’t a person around and Paul got down on one knee. It was perfect. Just the two of us. Being the planner he is, he had two little glasses and mini prosecco bottles to toast the celebrations as we Facetimed our parents to share the good news!"
Michaela dazzles in a Rime Arodaky gown with playful applique detail. The 3D floral embellishments on her balloon sleeves and thigh-high slit make it flirtatious and fun. She complemented her look with single pearl drop earrings and barely there white bridal shoes, and the most awe-worthy veil which matched the floral embellishments on her gown. Her adorable flower girl was the picture of perfection in a tulle skirted dress and dried flower crown, resembling a real-life princess.
Like most couples, the most important element for Paul and Michaela was celebrating with their nearest and dearest. Which in turn proved to be the most stressful part of the build-up and planning due to the uncertainty around guest numbers. "We are both extremely close to our family and friends, and it was a day to bring both sides together in celebration. It was also really important to us for the wedding to be personal and show our personalities and background - Irish and Scottish," they say.
The groom along with his groomsmen honoured their Scottish heritage and wore a traditional tartan kilt. They paired it with the accompanying accessories - a sporran, ghillie brogues, pocket watches and neutral buttonholes in keeping with the florals for the day.
The ceremony was filled with sentimental touches to both the bride and groom. A piper played a Scottish tune as guests arrived, while the bride's family sang at the chapel, along with musicians who played an abundance of Irish traditional music. Michaela's grandmother and grandfather were also honoured beautifully. The coins that belonged to her grandfather were exchanged during the ceremony, and Michaela wore her grandmother's ring, which was gifted to her by her grandfather just before he passed away. "We were so lucky to have my family provide the music at the ceremony, both our families participated in the mass, and a very close family friend, Fr. Eamon celebrated the marriage. Being an only child, I am extremely close to both my mother and father and they both gave me away," says Michaela.
The gorgeous bridesmaids wore silky smooth silk gowns, with similar style elements to the bride. The pearl-hued dresses showcased V-shaped necklines, detailed flared sleeves and thigh-high slits. The chic colour palette continued into the bouquets which were filled with all-white florals such as roses and orchids, and broken up with taller dried flowers.
Simplisitc, romantic and personal were the three words the couple used to describe the feel of the wedding day. The newlyweds opted for neutral tones, such as crisp white flowers throughout the ceremony florals and venue decor, while the candles introduced a cosy, relaxing ambience.
The venue that stole their hearts was Drenagh House, Co Derry. As the venue was exclusive for the day, it made it really personal to the couple and their loved ones. "We loved that guests could mingle in the main house for the drinks reception while venturing around the various rooms which are all exquisitely decorated, soaking up the atmosphere of the Georgian mansion." Following this, the guests moved on to the marquee for dinner and dancing. The marquee, was the ideal surrounding to continue the celebrations into the night. "The food is phenomenal and the staff couldn’t do enough – making us and our guests feel special and welcomed at all times. We also loved the fact the house had 11 bedrooms, which meant our parents and bridal party could all stay over before sitting down to a banquet breakfast the next day!"
When it comes to advice, super organised bride Michaela says: "Planning can get so stressful so make sure to accept any help offered by family and friends rather than trying to take it all on yourself, whether it’s getting advice on suppliers or simply some help with picking things up/delivering them to the venue in the week leading up to the big day. Also, lists are your best friend! Jot down everything you think of and tick them off as you go, especially the small, finer details in the few months before your wedding, as they’re often the things you can forget - like a nice hanger for your dress, a cake knife, etc. And lastly, but most importantly, enjoy the day itself - it goes by so quickly, make sure to take some quiet moments with your other half to relish it all."
Just look at the Pinterest-worthy wedding cake, wow! To continue the celebrations, the newlyweds jetted off on their honeymoon to Dubai. "It was amazing! We were just so happy to get some winter sun and unwind after all the wedding planning and buzz. There's lots to do, whether you want to lie at the beach and soak up the sun, enjoy the stunning hotels and restaurants, do some sightseeing in Burj Khalifa and EXPO 2020 or have some fun in Atlantis Waterpark – we would definitely recommend, it’s not just for kids!"
A huge thank you to the beautiful bride and groom for allowing us to take a glimpse into their sophisticated wedding day. Thank you to Sarah Fyffe for providing the beautiful album. You can check out more below in the gallery!
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