Say hello to Hayley and Gary! They tied the knot in a romantic summer’s day wedding. The dusky pink and white details shone throughout their decor, flowers and attire.
Couple: Hayley & Gary
Engagement length: 3 years
Wedding date: 2023-06-24
Wedding location: Cavan Crystal Hotel
Photographer and Videographer: Peter Bell Wedding Photography
These two love birds met at Gary’s cousin’s 21st birthday party. Hayley knew Gary’s sister, Sinead for about 10 years. She’d heard about Sinead’s brother but had never met him until that night, and they just clicked!
“We had planned a family trip to Disneyland Paris for the little ones. He had planned to propose at the Eiffel Tower, but then covid hit. So it was my 30th birthday that June and he threw me a surprise garden party with our family and friends. I was shocked they pulled it off. So everyone is having a lovely time and then it was time to do the cake. Before I knew it Gary was on one knee holding a cake with a ring box. It said ‘will you marry me’. I would’ve loved the Eiffel Tower but having the ones we loved there at such a crazy time in the world meant so much.”
They chose dusky pink and white for their wedding! As it was summer, they really wanted to lean into the summer theme. They incorporated sweet details like the love heart fans and sunglasses, which came in handy on such a sunny day.
Hayley says, “The hotel was perfect for my theme as the reception drinks area is so open and bright and the dinner room has beautiful crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, which matched our welcome mirror and seating plan as they were mirrored and had some dusky pink and white flowers for decoration.”
Hayley is quite petite and didn’t want her dress to overtake her, so she chose a fitted dress with a long train and veil to match. Her second dress was shorter, with a big bow on the back – perfect for a hot summer’s evening!
Gary wore a four piece suit with a beige fitted coat, matching tie and navy fitted trousers. He had silver cuff links and a personalised pocket watch.
The bridesmaids wore a one shoulder dusky pink dress with gold heels and accessories. Their bouquets were white. The flower girl (their daughter) wore an ivory dress with a little bow at the front.
All the groomsmen wore navy suits with a dusky pink tie and brown shoes. Their son, the page boy, wore a navy suit and cream bow tie to match his dad’s.
“Our ceremony was beautiful. My sister gave me away as my dad is no longer with us, so this was a special moment. Our son pulled our youngest daughter up the aisle in a wagon which was so cute. Then he and our oldest daughter tied the ribbon together to tie our marriage forever. To have so many people who mean so much to us be part of our day meant a lot to us both.”
From the moment they walked into Cavan Crystal Hotel, they knew it was the one! They loved the modern vibe, bright and airy feel, and rave about the food!
“They have gardens with a playground which was great for our young guests and always a room just before the dinner reception were they could be entertained also throughout the day. We had some bits brought in from different suppliers which really fit in with the hotel. It was a magical day and we’re so grateful to the staff in the hotel who couldn’t do enough for us.”
Their wedding photos and video were beautifully created by Peter Bell, alongside his wife and son. They had seen Peter’s work at two weddings before theirs!
“They were so professional. After a quick look around the hotel Peter knew where to get all the best photos. The hotel does have its own private gardens so we didn’t have a far journey. Peter and his family are so nice and helped us feel at ease when taking our photos which turned out amazing and I’m so glad to have so we can look back on of our day. The day goes so fast so it’s lovely to have a video and see all the things you didn’t see from your big day.”
Their evening entertainment was provided by DJ and Sax, including a bongo set! They had everyone on the dance floor with a mix of music.
For the drinks reception, they had two singers who performed Irish trad music to get everyone going.
They gave their guests love heart sweets and a key bottle opener as wedding favours. They also had colouring packs for the kids.
After dinner, they had a sweets table and selfie mirror, which was great fun for everyone.
Hayley’s favourite moment from the Big Day:
“My favourite part of my wedding day was walking to see Gary waiting for me. The minute our eyes met for that moment it felt like there was no-one else in the room.”
Hayley gives some very simple, yet profound wedding day advice for other couples:
“Enjoy the day, everything goes so fast.”
Recommended suppliers
Venue: Cavan Crystal Hotel
Photographer and Videographer: Peter Bell Wedding Photography
Band and DJ: DJ & Sax
Suits: Suits You
Other suppliers
Hair and makeup: Aoife Troy | Male grooming: Wayne Kenny | Dress: Bridal Outlet | Bridesmaids: Asos | Celebrant/solemniser: Anne Colton | Flowers: Bouquets to Banquets