A NI couple have shared a look into their 'boho and chilled' wedding day.
Templepatrick woman Ruth Kirkpatrick (26) and husband Johnston (23) from Parkgate, Co Antrim had their big day on July 8, 2022.
In our weekly feature Inside My Wedding, couples are delving into their special day to give bride and grooms-to-be some top tips.
Read more: Inside My Wedding: NI couple's "incredible" big day
The pair had their ceremony inside Mussenden Temple with tea, coffee, scones and photos outside for a few hours. Afterwards, they had a beautiful reception in tipis beside Dunluce Castle.
The primary school teacher and builder met through friends over eight years ago and got engaged at Glenveagh National Park, Co Donegal on October 28, 2021!
Ruth has told Be all about their special day.
Tell us all about your wedding day!
Our wedding day was super special to us. A day filled with lots of love, laughter, fun, family and friends. We wanted our day to be really enjoyable for our guests and for us - which thankfully it was. It was a chilled, outdoor wedding centred around simplicity and the natural elements of the North Coast. We loved our coastal background.
How did you begin planning your wedding?
Wow! Good question! Where did we begin? Our first step was trying to find a North Coast farmer who would rent a field to us. Once we got a field, we organised a date with Mussenden Temple for our ceremony and from there, we tried to book aspects such as tipis, caterers and photographers!
How did you decide on your venue?
Johnston and I always knew that we both wanted to get married somewhere that meant a lot to us. The North Coast has always been our favourite place to spend time together. It is where our love began and continues to grow. We always talked about getting married at Mussenden Temple and wanted to make this dream come true!
Tell us all about your wedding dress, bridesmaid dresses & suits!
Aw I absolutely ADORED the whole wedding dress experience. Initially, I was super nervous but I couldn’t have enjoyed it more. I went with my mum each time and we really enjoyed it. It is such a special time for a mother and daughter. My mum was so emotional and such an incredible help! We made such memories. A lot of hilarious memories as I tried on all styles of dresses - colours, styles and sizes. I didn’t know what type of dress I wanted, so I made sure to try on anything and everything!
What was the best part in the build-up to your day?
I feel the best part of the whole build up to the day, was bringing our families together and seeing them get to know each other better. It was amazing - the relationships and bonds made. Johnston and I’s excitement was also one of the best parts.
What was the best moment of your day and your other favourite parts?
Ohhh, this is tricky! I feel the best moment of our day was the wedding ceremony and saying our vows. This felt so surreal, yet so warm and tingly!
What would you tell other bride and grooms to plan first & what are your top tips?
I’d encourage all brides to book their seamstresses as soon as possible as I found it hard to get an appointment for my date. Other than this, I’d say book all the main things (venue, caterers, florist, dress, suits, photographer) first and this will take such a weight off your shoulders! Grooms/groom party - make sure to try on your suits before the wedding day.
What were the hardest parts to plan?
I’d say the hardest parts for us to plan were numbers and the weather. Our venues were small and very dependent upon the weather. We can’t control the weather and had to stop ourselves from worrying about it. In regards to numbers, we were restricted to 70 and we found this difficult to stick to. Invite those who mean the most to you and don’t worry!
Did you have a theme?
The main theme of our wedding was boho - outdoorsy, chilled and intimate.
Would you do anything different?
I wouldn’t change a thing! The best advice that I received and tried to remember throughout the whole process was worry less and remember your love and marriage is all that matters! It is ONE day out of the rest of your lives together! A day that will go so fast that you’ll not believe it until it’s over. Enjoy it and take it all in. Spend time with your HUSBAND and all your family and friends!
Take every opportunity to enjoy your engagement, wedding day and marriage. Make memories and appreciate the little things.
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Do you want to tell us all about your wedding day? Email be@belfastlive.co.uk for your chance to be featured.
