A Pastel Summer Wedding at Lough Rynn Castle

To see even of Clare & Colin’s beautiful summer wedding here are some highlights from Christopher Ward Films.

From the bride: When Colin and I began to plan our wedding, we agreed that our ideal day would be a fun celebration with good food and good music. Once we had these arranged, we took our time organising everything else and tried not to get stressed in the process. We realised that once we both were there – preferably in some nice clothes! – surrounded by those that meant the most to us, everything else was less important. (That didn’t stop me planning everything thoroughly, but I knew the details weren’t the main priority!)

What did you want in your dress?

I really didn’t know what type of wedding dress I would go for. I went looking with an open mind but it just so happened that the very first dress I tried on was the one! Well… not exactly the one; I ended up changing designers but the simplicity, shape and illusion neckline remained the same.

Even after finding the style I liked straight away, I still continued trying on dresses in all the various different shapes and fabrics, just in case I found something I preferred. However, in my head I was comparing everything to that first dress – and nothing came close – so I knew it was the one for me!

What inspired your day?

We wanted our July wedding to be fun and reflect the summer season – we were lucky the weather was on our side! We decided on a less formal look for the wedding party, pastel colours and loose floral bouquets to complement the relaxed feel we wished the day to have.

As a nod to our travel adventures, our stationery design was loosely based on a travel theme, which we incorporated into our save-the-dates, table plan and table names. However, we didn’t let it constrain us in any way and chose other decorations or accessories as we wished.

We incorporated as many family members and friends into the wedding ceremony as possible, including having our niece and nephew perform some of our music. This, and the fact that we chose each of the readings and songs, we felt made the occasion even more personal.

Our favourite part of the day

As a surprise for our guests we had arranged an ice-cream cart for after the ceremony. We didn’t realise just how popular it would be; we have great photographs of our guests enjoying their cones in the sunshine.

Later on in the evening, when the meal – and, in particular for Colin, the speeches! – were over, both of us really enjoyed our time on the dance-floor. Amidst family and friends we had great fun dancing to the band and DJ right through to the wee hours!

We were lucky enough not to have to forego the bridal suite too soon and to spend a second day at the hotel with our families. It was great to be able to chat about the day’s events and to soak up the atmosphere for that bit longer.

All-in-all, Colin and I couldn’t have asked for more from our day. The preparation was worth it; we had an amazing time and have had lovely compliments from our guests saying the same.