Last July, the sun shone its brightest in Bangor, Northern Ireland for Rachel and Ian's beautiful Clandeboye Lodge wedding. Rustic décor elements and earthy greens filled the characterful 19th-century schoolhouse with love and romance. Wonderfully captured by Sheena T photography, this day was full to the brim with the sweetest touches and one seriously cool wedding car. If rustic-chic tickles your wedding fancy, then this real wedding will give tonnes of inspiration. Pinterest boards at the ready...
A fumbled step in the wrong direction led to a loving future in the right direction for our real wedding couple Ian and Rachel. "Ian and I met in Ollie's which is the nightclub under The Merchant hotel in Belfast. We were both out celebrating Christmas with separate friend groups. I took a few steps backward whilst dancing and stood on Ian's foot in high heels. After I apologised, Ian offered to buy me a drink. We swapped numbers, he texted me the next day and we had our first date for drinks in The Dirty Onion in front of a roaring fire," said Rachel.
The proposal was incredibly sweet. Ian booked a secret staycation for Rachel's birthday and had visited her parents the day before to let them know his plans to propose. "He picked me up that morning, whilst my giggling mum and dad waved us off. We went to Kinbane Castle in Ballycastle where Ian got down on one knee, then we drove onto Slieve Donard in Newcastle for the weekend. I had no idea Ian was going to propose so rang my sister and friends straight away to share the news," says Rachel.
The bridesmaids' dresses were a blushing pastel pink, with a tied bow shoulder detail. The A-line numbers with a tulle overlay skirt showcased a ballerina-esque touch. Rachel added a sentimental and meaningful tradition to the morning of her wedding. She wore her mother's pearl earrings, along with her engagement ring as something old, borrowed, and blue. Gorgeous!
Gasp! Is that a two-piece wedding dress we see? The enchanting tulle skirt and lace bodice were simply breathtaking on Rachel. A modern and refreshing style that we love to see in the ever-changing world of bridal fashion. She added a beautiful full-length veil and silk bow tie to her hair to complete her look. A contemporary princess ready to meet her prince!
Her choice of florals comprised of fluffy seasonal white peonies, mirroring the applique in her bodice. Her bridesmaids' bouquets were bursting with the ever-popular baby's breath also known as gypsophila. The neutral florals continued to sweep through the church and entrance. Hanging ruscus and baby's breath draped off each pew end, whilst two incredible floral pillars framed the church entrance awaiting guests' arrival. The bespoke stationery, that is now proudly displayed as wall art in the couples home, showcased the personal touch infused in the wedding by both Rachel and Ian.
The newlyweds wanted a strong traditional feel to the ceremony and most importantly to be surrounded by their nearest and dearest throughout their Clandeboye Lodge wedding. "We are both very laid back so we knew we wanted a very relaxed atmosphere with no stress. Our niece and nephew walked down the aisle, Ian's cousin Rebecca sang and both our mothers prepared a reading. These personal touches made it extra special. We had to wait two years before we got married due to restrictions; however, we planned the day within five months which was perfect to reduce any stress," said Rachel.
There were many special moments during their special day says the couple. "Ian's sister and husband were unable to attend; however we were able to FaceTime them throughout the day to celebrate with them. Sharing our date with my dad's birthday was special as it felt like a joint celebration. And lastly, our niece handed us a ‘just married’ horseshoe when we exited the cathedral which was another lovely touch," they explained.
The dapper groomsmen looked super-stylish in their blue three-piece suits and leather shoes. The soft colour palette marries perfectly with the blush pink tones. The perfect combination for a summer's day wedding.
The couple got married in an eclectic and unique Clandeboye Lodge in Co. Down. Rachel explains how she knew the 19th-century schoolhouse was the one: "Clandeboye has an additional venue room which opens onto the courtyard. When we saw the room, we knew it was perfect for the intimate setting we wanted pre and post-dinner. We had our drinks reception and evening reception in this room. The interior design is so unique compared to standard hotel wedding venues. Everyone was close by and could mingle indoors or outdoors by the fire pit."
Styled by Ian and Rachel, the décor was rustically gorgeous! Embracing the natural interior and elements, they incorporated the same style to the dining tables. Tall candle cylinder vases sat on rustic wooden slices and were finished with scattered greenery. The same style is reflected to the cake display, where a spectacular naked cake sat on a swinging wooden swing. As restrictions were still in place, the couple creatively kept the party going - safely. "We wanted to do a pub quiz in the evening as restrictions didn’t allow for dancing or live music. The quiz was a huge hit with everyone. The quiz master even handed out five business cards that evening for future weddings!"
Before we draw this lovely wedding to an end, we must seek some words of wisdom from Rachel and Ian. "Take a selfie or two. Enjoy the travel time between your church and venue, we didn’t stop talking the entire journey." Thank you to the newlyweds and Sheena T Photography for sharing their beautiful Clandeboye Lodge wedding with us all today.
Are you thinking of a beautiful Northern Irish wedding? We have a plentiful list of real weddings for inspiration and magical northern venues for you to explore, from Big Impact Small Venues to Amazing Civil Ceremony Spots!
