Good morning missies! Todays gorgeous bride, Samantha has let us in on a little secret for stress-free wedding planning – delegate! Her two day wedding to David this past June was held at the stunning, Oakfield Park, Raphoe and was captured by Pure Purple Studios.
Samantha and David’s sisters were best friends growing up so their relationship developed from a long running friendship, although they did know pretty quickly after getting together that they were right for each other.
“We took our time and actually did everything backwards! We got engaged then moved in together, had a baby and finally then got married!” said Sam.
Their engagement was during a holiday in Puglia, Italy and was very sweet and romantic!
“I should have known something was up when David was particularly attached to his bag during the travel. They have a code word when a ring goes through security to let staff know not to pull everything out in front of the partner – ‘Valentine.’ Although I didn’t know this at the time. David proposed at sunset on our last evening on the balcony of Villa Elia. It was very romantic! However, it was supposed to have been the previous evening and he’d made all the plans, talked to my Dad and built up his courage only for me to go shopping with my sister!” explained Sam.
With a wedding to plan Sam and David decided to delegate tasks out to friends and family, playing on their strengths, she even let her bridesmaids choose their own dresses! They booked Oakfield Park for both their ceremony and reception and hired a marquee and all the things needed to give guests a comfortable time; from toilets to floors, table and chairs, everything was hired for the day!
“We selected all of our suppliers through word of mouth and by attending wedding fairs. We did this very much in advance of the wedding so everything was chosen in plenty of time. There was no pressure and it was really enjoyable!” said Sam.
“The day was brilliant! The speeches were excellent, the whole room laughed and cried, especially me! My Dad’s speech has to have been the best Father of the Bride speech, ever! The bright sunshine throughout the day also made it even more perfect. Apparently it rained all over the country, except in Raphoe!” said Sam.
The following day the celebrations continued with food from the Yellow Door, music, a Punch and Judy shoe, sweetie cart, games, train rides, face painting and ice cream!
Advice for other couples
Delegate! If you have people you can trust to do things, then let them! It will not only take the pressure off, but it will also add surprises on the day. If you take on absolutely everything you could easily become stressed!
Wedding Suppliers
Venue: Oakfield Park, Raphoe.
Photographer: Pure Purple Studios, Donegal.
Marquee: North Down Marquees, Carryduff.
Caterers: Yellow Door, Portadown.
Wedding dress: Juliet Poyser, London.
Cake: Cake Love by Adriani Dennis, Burt.
Flowers: Alcorns, Letterkenny.
Entertainment: Soul Purpose & Jason McGilligan and the Hot Country Band
