Stephanie and David blended a sweet and feminine theme with a rustic brewery reception and it really worked!

By

I mean it when I say Stephanie and David are two cuties in love because it jumps off the page and you will see it too in the snaps by the lovely Paula O'Hara. Not only is the love flowing , the celebration was pretty romantic, starting with an intimate ceremony followed by a whimsical Autumn afternoon sipping drinks on the deck of Hilden Brewery before a rustic dinner reception and a night of dancing - Bliss! The photographs say it all, so let's take a peek...

Sometimes you meet someone and the timing just isn't right, but if it's meant to be they'll come back into your life, well that's what I've learned anyway (and I've heard a lot of love stories let me tell you!) When Stephanie and David met originally they were both in relationships, but a while later, a chance meeting brought them together and this time they were ready. "A few months after initially meeting at a church conference, I met Stephanie out in Belfast one night. We both remembered each other from the previous meeting and instantly got chatting, realizing we had lots in common, and that was the start of it!"

I love a bit of trickery in a proposal and David managed to surprise Stephanie with the sweetest gesture..."We got engaged in one of our favourite places, Stormont buildings. Unknown to me David had gotten up early that morning to do some prep work, taking a trip to Stormont before we met up. When he picked me up he had a secret backpack with him. He told me it was for scouting out some new running routes while at the grounds around the parliament buildings. (Likely story!- Lucy) We arrived at a bench and we both sat down as he produced a book from his bag, which contained photos and other memories of our time together. When I came to the end of the book he asked me to look at the tree where he was standing where he had carved in “Marry Me?” He was down on one knee and asked me to marry him! Through my tears of happiness and shock I said yes!

So with a very sweet proposal in the bag and a wedding to plan, beautiful bride Stephanie wasted no time choosing her beautiful wedding dress. Her elegant and classic gown is from White Rose Bridal at La Boda Bridal. The buttoned back and lace embroidery waist are just gorgeous and Stephanie finished her look with a cute short veil and wore her hair loose.

The palette for their wedding ranged from navy blues and lilacs to deep berry reds mixed with pinks and peachs. You can see how well the combination works with against the bridesmaid's lilac dresses and Stephanie's bouquet, a gorgeous combination of September hues.

The pair had their ceremony at the Holywood Baptist Church in Holywood, Co. Down. The pair had a combination of friends and family involved with readings and prayers keeping the ceremony intimate.

What a stunning setting and a beautiful September afternoon. After their ceremony and official I dos, the pair joined their photographer, Paula O'Hara for a romantic photo shoot. With the mix of the setting sun and love in the air the photographs are breathtaking...

These cheeky chappies looked dapper on the day in navy blue suits and polka dot ties from Ludlow’s.

There was no way these bridesmaids were going to get stood up by the boys, their lilac dresses with lace overlays are beautiful. I love the peplum waist and ribbon sash, a look we haven't quite seen before but really love. Good work girls! If you like these bridesmaid dresses as much as we do they are part of the Noir by Lazaro, JLM couture, range at La Boda Bridal .

Our main priorities were to create a relaxed day where our friends and family could have great memories with us, have fun and mingle without the feel of having to do certain things just because it was a wedding day.

When it came to finding their venue, Stephanie and David knew they wanted a relaxed and rustic vibe and so Hilden Brewery ticked a lot of boxes...We loved the relaxed style of Hilden Brewery and having previously been to a beer festival there knew it would be incredible to host a relaxed day on the decking.

As the Summer was just at an end, and Autumn barely started, the day warm (the lucky ducks!) and a rustic feel. Being able to have their drinks reception outside on the decking was a plus for the couple. They arranged a pianist to play while the sun set so that their guest could mingle and chat away before the dinner reception - Sounds great!

When it came to the decor, Hilden Brewery has a lot of charm and character, but with plenty of scope for the couple to add their own personal touches. From the start Stephanie loved the rustic vibe of the venue and wanted to incorporate the style into her table centerpieces and overall decor, Enter mum. Stephanie's mum along with her sister were a DIY dream team on the day, whipping together burlap table centerpieces, sewing bunting, filling jam jars with flowers and helping bring it all together.

So what advice would Stephanie and David give to couples planning their day?We would advise not to get too stressed out about planning the day and that a wedding can actually be organized quite quickly if needs be. The wedding apps are also useful, a bit cheesy but they helped us with timings of getting things organized. To have faith that your ideas for colour schemes and décor will look good on the day and to delegate wee jobs on the actual day so you are care free and can enjoy spending time with your friends and family as husband and wife!

A big congratulations to Stephanie and David on their rustic charm celebration.

Of course a big Thank You goes to Paula O'Hara for sharing her work with us at One Fab Day. To see more of Paula's work pop over to www.paulaohara.com.

The Details

Ceremony: Holywood Baptist Church, Holywood, Co. Down
Reception: Hilden Brewery
Photography: Paula O'Hara
Wedding Dress, Veil & Shoes: White Rose Bridal at La Boda Bridal
Bridesmaids dresses & Shoes: Noir by Lazaro, JLM couture, at La Boda Bridal and Barratts Shoes Ludlow’s
Flowers: Flowers Of Elegance, Belfast
Groomsmen’s suits: Ludlow’s
Bridesmaids Accessories: Anthropologie & Stella & Dot
Bride's Accessories: Fred J Malcolm & Hair Bow from ASOS