There was giggling. Then tears. Then more giggling… and that’s much how the whole day went. You couldn’t help get caught up in the emotion of Laura and Ryan’s beautiful and relaxed wedding in Clandeboye Lodge. Not only do they both wear their hearts on their sleeves, their warmth and humour is totally infectious - they’re totally our kind of people and such fun to hang out with.

With morning prep, ceremony and reception all in Clandeboye lodge, it made for a really chilled and stress-free day. That’s something we really love about the venue. Even the weather played ball for a change. After their humanist wedding ceremony in the Blackwood suite (officiated by the lovely Sarah Stewart), they went downstairs and immediately cut their wedding cake so that their guests could stuff themselves with wedding cake, donuts and delicious ice cream. Didn’t we say they’re our kind of people?!?

We loved how, instead of having a bridal party with bridesmaids and groomsmen, they just incorporated their friends and family into the day as much as possible. This meant less time taking photos and more time spent with their guests. We’ll be adding that bit of advice to our wedding tips section! They also insisted that little Suzie, their dog, was involved as much as possible (we’re assuming she was voicing her approval during the ceremony).

After dinner, we all jumped in our car and headed to Crawfordsburn Country park to grab some relaxed sunset photos. And while the sky turned from gold to pink, Laura and Ryan danced, laughed and threw some questionable poses.