Updated 31 March 2021
Mary is a Portmagic girl like myself, so when she contacted me to say that she was planning a Portrush wedding and wanted me to photograph it, I was over the moon, but I could never have anticipated how fun it would be. Mary and Joe stayed true to themselves, threw the rulebook out the window and made their wedding truly personal. From a bride’s speech, a buffet meal, the styling…it was everything a wedding should be…the best craic and full of so much love and laughter.
Second photographer: Christin Martin
Videographer: Tony – We.Are.Soulful
Venues: Arcadia and Portrush Town Hall
Cake: North Coast Cake Design
Brides Dress: Lace & Co bridal Boutique
Flowers: Occasions Floral Design
Chairs & Linen: Swift Wedding Services
Band: The Manouche Boys
Catering: Castaway
Hair & Makeup: Luna Hair and Beauty
Walking to a NI wedding
Despite it being March, the weather played ball to allow the bride and groom to walk to their ceremony venue, Portrush’s beautiful Arcadia. I love this place. It’s full of natural light and those views! It is such an incredible spot to say your vows and was the perfect distance from Mary’s home to allow her legendary Daddy to sing a good few tunes as they walked.
Top tips for photos on the morning of your wedding
- Have the little details sitting out before your photographer gets there.
- Don’t give gifts until your wedding photographer arrives.
- Save time for a first look. Whether it’s your mum, dad, both like Mary did, or your bridesmaids. Those moments are priceless.
A Personal Portrush Ceremony
The Arcadia was the perfect backdrop for a personal intimate wedding ceremony. With two carefully chosen readings and the most epic first kiss celebration, this ceremony was definitely memorable. Afterwards we did a gorgeous confetti run with some eco friendly flower confetti. Get yours from Dollz Confetti.
The Best Blogs To Find Wedding Readings
- Junebug Weddings has a great blog on Unexpected Wedding Readings
- Rock My Wedding has the most beautiful selection of wedding readings.
- Confetti has a great selection for modern couples
- One Fab Day has an exhaustive list.
- Pinterest. Can you ever go wrong? Check out my board dedicated to readings and vows.
Portrush Locations
The best part of getting married in Portrush? The multiple locations right on your doorstep. We headed through the town as we made our way to the Harbour Bar for a quick pint before some fun with smoke bombs at the harbour wall. I had to make sure to check with my own fiance about which colour smokebombs we could use so as not to cause a lifeboat call.
Portrush Town Hall Wedding Reception
Then it was back to Portrush Town Hall, which Mary had styled to perfection. It’s such an iconic building with so much character, and was the ideal venue for the relaxed type of wedding this was. With a drinks reception and some live music for the guests as they waited for speeches, there were lovely moments for myself and Christin to capture. This is why I don’t like to keep my couples away from their drinks reception for too long, because these moments are what they will want to remember.
For me, one of the most memorable parts of this wedding was the speeches. From Mary & Joe’s iconic unveiling on the stage to the constant flow of tears from everyone in the room (myself included) at each of the speeches. There was every emotion possible, it was incredible.
The Messy Cake Cut
After an epic buffet style meal by Castaway Catering, it was time for cake. Of course, these two legends couldn’t do a traditional cake cute – it got messy and epic!
Dancing The Night Away
Finally it was time for dancing and there was never any doubt that the dancefloor would be full from the first second. It was a party of epic proportions, fitting for the most amazing bride and groom.
I really mean it when I say that this wedding was an absolute joy. As I’m planning my own wedding at the moment, this wedding is at the forefront of my mind as everything I wish mine will be. It was so fun, so relaxed and full of so many incredible moments. Most importantly, it was all about the couple.
If you’re planning a day like this and are looking for a Portrush wedding photographer, I’d love to capture it, please get in touch. Lx