As Carol-Ann and Kevin live in Australia, but were retuning home for their wedding, I just knew it was going to be a fantastic celebration. A year since their ‘I dos’, Carol-Ann is sharing some words of wisdom with all your happy couples embarking on your wedding planning journey! Check out the highlights from this amazing couple’s big day below.

Carol-Ann, tell us how you met your husband

Kevin and I met at my sister’s wedding. She was actually marrying Kevin’s brother but we didn’t start going out until 4 months after the wedding. Kevin was the best man and I was bridesmaid. Everyone says to me that another wedding always comes from a wedding so I guess they were right!

How did he propose?

We were on holidays in Bali and Kevin proposed in a restaurant when (by coincidence) the band started playing one of our favourite songs. We were in a secluded part of the restaurant which overlooked a stunning water feature and it was just prefect!

When and where did you get married?

We were married on the 14th of June 2014 in my local chapel in Ballincrea, followed by a reception in the Redcastle Hotel, Co. Donegal. It is hard to believe that it was over a year ago!

Why did you choose your wedding venue?

Kevin had actually chosen and booked the venue before he asked me to marry him. He was definitely brave but he just knew I would say yes! The Redcastle Hotel is our local hotel and also boasts the perfect setting! It is just idyllic. I was delighted when Kevin told me he had already booked it. With the hotel sitting on the edge of the River Foyle, when you are in the function room it almost feels like you are  sitting right on the water. The view looking across to the north is amazing.

Carol-Ann, tell us about your stunning dress!

My wedding dress was a mermaid silhouette, completely embellished with sequins, which dazzled! It was figure hugging as far as my knees and then flared into a tulle skirt, with a total of 15 layers. It also had the most beautiful diamond encrusted waistband, which perfectly caught the light.

And what about your bridesmaid dresses?

My bridesmaid dresses were emerald green. As we were working away in Australia I wanted my wedding to show our Irish side. The girls said the dresses were very comfortable with their V-necklines and thick straps ensuring they could dance all night and help me with my dress with no worries.

What type of flowers did you choose and why?

I chose roses as I think they are really pretty and simple but effective. My bouquet was cream and pink while by bridesmaids carried cream roses.

What was the highlight of the day for you?

I cannot say I have one particular highlight. In all honestly the whole day was just perfect. I loved every minute of it and would do it all again. From the minute myself, my mammy and my bridesmaids got up it was just great fun. Once our hair and make up was done we were dancing around the kitchen waiting until it was time to put on our dresses and before I knew it the disco was finishing! It was just amazing. I loved every minute of the day.

What do you love most about your wedding photographs?

I love looking at our wedding photos. I like how they are natural. They are so clear and every detail was captured. Donal was very accommodating! Every request was taken care off and nothing was missed. I found that on the day of the wedding Donal would just snap away and there was no need to pose or stand in a particular way which made myself, Kevin and our bridal party all feel comfortable. I also love looking at the photos of our guests when they are standing outside the chapel and relaxing in the bar before our meal. Everyone that looks at my album just loves it and have nothing but compliments for our photographer.

What piece of advice would you offer other brides?

I would tell all brides to enjoy all the planning and build up to the wedding. I would also advise to not let anything or anyone upset you on the day of wedding enjoy every single second and minute and hour as it is the quickest day ever!

A full gallery of photos from Carol-Ann and Kevin’s wedding can be found here.