If I said, French Chateau, shabby chic and romance, it certainly sounds like a pretty perfect wedding to me, so you can imagine my excitement at being able to share just that today on the blog! Irish-American, Colleen married her Belfast born love, Karl during an intimate ceremony in Chateau le Mont in Epinguet and followed with a barn dance that evening. Yes, it is pretty dreamy alright, and Emma May Photography captured every little detail gorgeously!
The couple, who now live in Belfast first met on a night out at Kelly’s Cellars Bar in the city and immediately knew their relationship was something special.
Karl proposed at the top of Cave Hill, a breathtaking location that takes in views over Belfast and the surrounding areas.
“It was on the 27th of July 2012 and Karl took me up for a hike and picnic on Cave Hill. We hiked passed valleys and rivers and found a lovely spot and sat down to eat…then a black horse appeared. He was kinda spoiling the party, so we snuck away and found an even nicer glen, like something out of a fairy tale,” said Colleen.
“Colleen pulled out a bag of Haribo and started putting on the rings, I didn’t know how difficult it was going to be to propose, and this was the perfect opportunity. I had the ring hidden behind me and asked her if she would like one of those rings for real? She laughed and then I asked her to marry me. It took her 10 minutes of stunned silence to reply and she said yes!” explained Karl.
The couple soon began planning with Colleen taking the reins on style and decor. After a little chat they decided to a wedding abroad would be more exciting, and began their search.
“We wanted a rustic, shabby chic wedding, and when we found the Chateau in France it turned into the vintage French theme, which fit perfectly,” added Colleen.
“I collected the candles, candle holders, lanterns and bunting for the decorations. My Mum and sisters helped me buy the flowers and arrange them for the day, as well as the bridesmaid’s bouquets. My Mum did all the catering and made our wedding cake, the wedding really was a DIY family affair. We got lots of great compliments about our day but everyone seemed to especially like our favours. I collected a variety of unique ornate china tea cups as favours for each guest, and everyone received a different teacup. It really fit in with our theme, and got a great response in return,” added Colleen.
Colleen found her wedding gown in Ivory Bridal in Portstewart, it was the first boutique she had visited and the 20th dress of the day! “I was originally going for a princess gown with lots of tulle but then my Mum pulled a Justin Alexander dress and I fell in love with how it fit. It wasn’t anything like what I had been hoping for but it was beautiful,” said Colleen. She carried a handmade antique brooch bouquet which her very talented mum had also made.
“The day went really smoothly, due to the unpredictable showers we decided to have the ceremony indoors. This turned out great since we converted the barn into a ceremony space and it turned into our favourite space, and later used it for the party as a barn-dance,” added Colleen. 
“For me the highlight was seeing Colleen for the first time as she came around the corner on her Fathers arm, I’ll never forget that moment. I think for the both of us it was the ceremony, all the nerves coming together and finally saying our vows. Another highlight was the adventure of getting photographed in the old building behind the Chateau. It was really unusual and Emma made it lots of fun,” said Karl.
Following their beautiful day on French soil the couple headed on a nine city tour of Europe taking in the sights of gorgeous cultural rich cities including Krakow, Budapest, Salzburg and ending in Berlin.
Wedding Suppliers
Venue: Chateau le Mont, Epinguet, France.
Wedding dress: Ivory Bridal, Portstewart.
Bridesmaids dresses: Debenhams.
Groomswear: Remus Uomo.
Photographer: Emma May Photography, Dublin.
