We often tell couples that an outdoor wedding in Ireland during autumn is absolutely possible. We have even done an outdoor ceremony in the middle of a mild winter and everyone survived without frostbite. So when Eimear and Connor said they were not only having their ceremony outside, but most of the reception and the speeches too, we were delighted. Ambition and optimism are a beautiful combination.
Ballyscullion Park in Bellaghy is one of those places where you genuinely want to stay outdoors for as long as the weather will allow. Eimear and Connor chose a woodland ceremony beside the Palace ruins. Autumn really is the most romantic time for a woodland wedding. The trees are just starting to show off with their colours and the whole place feels warm even when the temperature says otherwise.
After the ceremony they led everyone along the forest path to the walled gardens where tea, beer, prosecco and many bags of crisps were waiting. We overstate how wonderful an idea it is to have crisps at your wedding.
As the sun began to dip, the fire pits were lit and everyone gathered around for the speeches. Taking the formality out of speeches does wonders for nerves and standing around a crackling fire makes everything feel relaxed and oddly magical. It had a cosy Halloween vibe that made us secretly wish someone would start roasting marshmallows and telling ghost stories.
Eimear and Connor showed exactly how beautiful an autumn wedding in Ireland can be. Outdoor ceremonies, woodland walks, walled gardens and fire lit speeches - the whole day felt like a big warm blanket
