A castle wedding doesn't always have to be an over-the-top extravagant affair. Sure the connotation of a castle reception is quite grand but the oh-so-stylish Rachel and Cormac did it their way - proof to us all a castle wedding doesn't have to be super formal. With help from family and friends (including Cormac's bestie photographer Joe Laverty of Root and Branch Photography) Rachel and Cormac made Castle Darver their own. Just wait until you lay eyes on Rachel's fabulous bridal style...

Rachel and Cormac grew up down the road from each other and attended the same schools, so they've known each other for as long as each can remember. One day Cormac offered Rachel a lift to rehearsals of a musical they were both involved in, they got to know each other better and romance ensued.

At the time they began to date Cormac was in his 3rd year at University and Rachel was just finishing her A-Levels so the early years were long distance. After her exams Rachel went on to University in Dublin, while Cormac lived in London. Really tormenting themselves Rachel moved to Liverpool after college and Cormac returned to Belfast. Finally in 2010 they moved to London together and lived there, together, for the next 3 years.

During their last few months in London Rachel and Cormac decided to do all those touristy things you just don't get around to doing when you actually live in a place. One of these (for Rachel at least) was afternoon tea in an old, glamorous hotel. Rachel explains the rest.. "So one snowy Sunday Cormac surprised me with a champagne tea at the Dorchester, I thought it was just another tick off the list. The waiter delivered scones and tea and cake and a book of photos Cormac had made, chronicling the ten odd years of our relationship! He got down on one knee at the table and proposed and everyone clapped!". You can see a snippet of Rachel and Cormac's gorgeous afternoon tea inspired engagement shoot in our recent Saturday Selection here.

Having spent years away from home, Cormac and Rachel decided there really was no other option than to get married in their local church in Dungannon. Luckily it's an absolute stunner..

How glam is Rachel's mum? Such a lovely keepsake shot.

The church ceremony was kept traditional with some personal touches in the form of the bright yellow sunflowers and ceremony music performed by close family and friends.

I'm in love with Rachel's hair, makeup and floral crown by Floral Earth, so pretty and very Florence Welch.

Rachel's vintage-esque dress was actually custom-made by Belfast designer Mary Rose McGrath. Rachel hadn't really thought about designing her own gown, but once she met Mary she quickly changed her mind. "I went to her with an idea of what I was after and she absolutely brought it to life for me. I had always thought I would wear a vintage wedding dress, something very old and have it tailored to fit me but when I contacted Mary Rose I knew it would be a once in a lifetime experience to work with her. It was such a treat to have something original made just for me!"

For their reception it was off to Darver Castle, for a relaxed and intimate affair, with a subtle rustic-vintage styling.

To achieve this picture perfect castle wedding Rachel and Cormac accepted lots of help from family and friends, and most importantly planned together to keet things nice and simple. "Do the planning and making together - it is so much fun and you really share a sense of achievement when all your little shared ideas come together on the day. Communicate and share the load and it'll be great! Also - KEEP IT SIMPLE! We tried not to let anything get out of our control and it meant that we were both able to really enjoy the day."

Huge congratulations to you both and thanks so much to Joe Laverty for sharing it with us! To see more of Joe's work head on over to Root & Branch Photography or his Facebook page

The Wedding Details:

• Ceremony: St Patrick's Church Dungannon
• Reception: Darver Castle
• Wedding Dress: Mary Rose McGrath
• Bridesmaids dresses: Ghost
• Shoes: House of Fraser
• Flowers: Floral Earth & Kate's Flowers
• Groomsmen’s suits: Remus Uomo
• Cake: Katie and Keli's Cupcakes
• Cars: I Do wedding cars
• Make Up & Hair: The Powder Room, Beauty Principles
• Reception Music: Paradiso, Johnny Bravo