An NI couple has shared an insight into their stunning wedding day at Darver Castle in Co Louth.
Hairdresser Grainne Hughes (31) from Crossmaglen and builder and professional dancer, Shane Berger (40) from Aghagallon had their big day on January 7, 2022 after it was postponed for over a year due to the pandemic.
In Be 's weekly feature Inside My Wedding, couples are delving into their special day to give bride and grooms-to-be some top tips.
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The farming couple met at a Strictly Come Dancing charity fundraiser in 2014 when Grainne was one of the contestants and Shane was the professional dance teacher.
The hairdresser told Be: "Shane was totally different from my normal, an absolute gentleman. He always reminds me the first day he saw me.
"We soon noticed how different we were from each other, but in the best way possible. We both learned something new from each other on every date."
Shane proposed to Grainne by taking one of their lambs to her work with an engagement ring tied around the lambs neck on a red ribbon.
Tell us all about your wedding!
Our wedding day started with a great surprise. There was a blanket of snow which made the scene look like a postcard. Getting ready and even collecting the flowers was an adventure as we were trying to drive on the roads. Pulling up to the castle, I wasn't even fully dressed yet and guests were already arriving. The castle looks amazing in the snow and winter sun. As we got organised, the tractor pulled up to the front to park up and reindeer were unloaded and led into the courtyard to welcome everyone.
We kept the guests warm in the castle before inviting everyone to follow us to the ceremony room. The ceremony room was decorated to perfection, complete with a huge Christmas tree, floral arrangements and lights.
With the guests in place and everyone ready, the bridal party arrived. We waited inside and could hear the preparations at the door. Then the music struck up. Our friend sang the bridal party in as each bridesmaid accompanied by our nieces walked in and took their seats. Our nephews brought in the rings. Then it was time.
In the castle we wanted a very friendly cosy feel, so Darver was perfect. A roaring fire was on and the Christmas décor continued while Darren Day playing the piano helped everyone relax. It was also here by the fire and tree that we decided we wanted the speeches to take place. It was so nice and could have been our front room with everyone gathered around.
The dance floor was busy all night and everyone mixed and partied until we had to stop. We hoped for an intimate family celebration and that's exactly what it was.
How did you begin planning?
Due to Covid, we only got the chance to go to a few wedding fairs to check out some of the amazing vendors. We started by viewing some potential venues. We both just wanted something that we could have a walk in and walk out kind of day - no stress, elegant and timeless.
How did you decide on your venue?
We chose the beautiful Darver Castle as our venue as it stood out so much from the rest, they are genuinely lovely people.
Tell us about your wedding dress, bridesmaid dresses and suits.
I'm a simple girl, I like my wellies and overalls. But for one day and one day only, I wanted to be a princess. We went to La Boda Bridal in Banbridge. The girls are just amazing. I told them my likes and dislikes and I think it was the third or fourth dress my sister Blaithin had picked out that I put on and she smiled and said, "That's the one."
A few weeks later, I took my mum and my sister Michaela to perfect day in Lurgan to look at bridesmaid dresses and again, the third dress was picked with no fuss. It was an off the shoulder, forest green, full length gown. It was exactly what I had been looking for. My other two sisters Aoife and Blaithin, when they got a chance, headed down to the shop to get measurements - they made it that simple for me.
For the suits we went to O'Cathalain Menswear. Peadar was very helpful and had the men dressed immaculately for the day. Shane knew exactly what suit he wanted and it was provided without compromise. I have to say all went with out a glitch when it came to dresses and suits.
What was the best part in the build up to your day?
Honestly, it was very difficult to get to excited about anything, as we had to put our wedding off for a whole year due to Covid. All was closed down again in December 2021 so Shane rebooked it for January 7, 22. And to be very honest, it was difficult to get to excited in case the same happened. We had to keep smiling and hoping for the best.
What was the best moment of your day and your other favourite parts?
The best moment, I'm sure most brides say it, but it was walking down the aisle with daddy and seeing Shane's face. Priceless.
The boys had bets if Shane would shed a tear... how could he not?
I'm not one to follow rules, so I made a little change to the father-daughter dance. After a few minutes, I took my mum out to 'Mama' by the Spice Girls, because let's face it - she put up with me back in the day.
Shane had also got me a little locket with a picture of my granddad Mick. He was my everything and it was amazing to have him with me in my own special way. He got to walk me down the aisle with daddy.
What would you tell other bride and grooms to plan first & what are your top tips?
My top tip is to relax. If you can't fix it, forget about it. Don't waste time on something you have no control over and enjoy the build up as best as you can. I promise on the day, you won't even think about that wee problem you thought was the end of the world. Enjoy your day and take it all in. If people want to see you, they will meet you on the dance floor or at the bar.
The most important thing to Shane and I was our families - as long as they were there. That's honestly all that mattered. Do not stress or get worked up over something that's not in your control or something that someone else wants! It's your day!
On the day of your wedding, take a minute just the both of you to look around. I was given this advice. To see the smiles on everyone's faces getting to mingle again was heart-warming and honestly made both of our days.
What were the hardest parts to plan? Did you come across any difficulties?
I really did take it as it came, which surprised me as I normally get a little overwhelmed. Thankfully I just enjoyed the journey. I had a few difficulties the week of the wedding. Covid really kicked in as my nail technician, make up artist and then my florist all caught it... but our community is so supportive when it comes to helping people in times of need.
Did you have a theme?
We didn't really have a theme as such. The Darver Castle décor was just amazing with lace table cloths and gorgeous Chiavari chairs. The stone work in the building gave it great character. We got married just after Christmas and they kindly kept up the decorations for us.
Our vibe was just to have happiness and be grateful for all we had with our family and friends who could share our day with us... that we had waited what felt like eternity to have.
Would you do anything different or wish there was anything you didn't worry about?
Only thing I would wish for was that Covid never happened. Wishful thinking I know. But I believe everything happens for a reason as our smaller wedding was even more intimate and beautiful than we could ever had wished for. I wouldn't change a thing.
How did Covid change your plans?
The restrictions were mind blowing at times. We had booked for January 2021 and postponed to January 2022. The week before the wedding, the cases started to rise and Shane asked did I want to postpone again. I said: "No not a chance, if I don't do it now, I never will." The poor girls that were meant to do our nails, makeup and flowers had all caught Covid the week of it, but they all got me sorted with other girls. It all worked out. It was out of our control, so there was no point stressing over it.
All photos by Bradley Henderson Photography, @bradleyhendersonphoto.
Do you want to tell us all about your wedding day? Email be@belfastlive.co.uk to be featured!
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