When Hazel and Alistair walked down the aisle in September 2017 the couple had known each other a long time, as they had first met at playgroup as children. However, it wasn’t until they met each other on a night out when they were 22 that romance flourished. Four years after that fateful night, the pair married in a ceremony at Fintona Presbyterian Church in front of 220 of their closest family and friends. Alistair had proposed in New York in November 2015, overlooking the lake at Central Park, while the couple where in the city to see the Christmas lights and atmosphere. “It was magical!”
Less than two years later Hazel walked up the aisle on her father’s arm, after he surprised her with a horse and carriage to transport them to the church. Wearing a stunning beaded gown by True Bride, Hazel mentions how she came upon her perfect dress. “I spotted the dress on Facebook and fell in love with it. I loved the beadwork and detailing. And I purchased it at Perfect Day in Lurgan.” The beautiful bright pink bridesmaid dresses were sourced online at DIY dresses. “I wanted them to match my wedding dress.” And they fitted perfectly on Hazel’s three bridesmaids, her sister Kyra Crawford, and childhood friends Laura Dowdall and Vanessa Clendinning. Hazel also had a gorgeous flowergirl and she sourced her dress in Monsoon.
Northern Ireland Wedding Photographer Sarah Bryden
Northern Ireland Wedding Photographer Sarah Bryden
Northern Ireland Wedding Photographer Sarah Bryden
Northern Ireland Wedding Photographer Sarah Bryden
Northern Ireland Wedding Photographer Sarah Bryden
Northern Ireland Wedding Photographer Sarah Bryden
Alistair had a Best Man, his childhood best friend Gareth Hawkes, as well as two Groomsmen, Gareth Moffett and Scott Holmes. The couple also opted to have two ushers, Conor Walker, the Groom’s best friend from university and Kyle Crawford, brother of the Bride. The men looked dapper in suits from Red in Cookstown, with matching ties and bow ties, with the colour tying in with the bridesmaids’ dresses. The church and wedding reception at the Manor House Hotel in Enniskillen were dressed with hand picked flowers to reflect their country rustic theme.“As I come from a farming/country background, I wanted to include this in our wedding.”
Before the big day the couple had enjoyed visiting all the possible wedding venues but they found it hard to prioritise their time in the week before the wedding.
But everything went to plan. “It was just as we wanted it to be. It was relaxed and fun and everyone had a great time. It just went too fast. And we stuck to our budget!”
As a special touch the groom and his dad Ivor Barker built and finished the wedding car – a Sunbeam rally car.
“Alistair really enjoyed driving the Sunbeam rally car up to the Manor House Hotel for our first drive as Mr and Mrs Barker.
“Saying our wedding vows was also very special for us both. I really enjoyed heading to the church with my dad in the horse and carriage which he had organised as a surprise.”
The couple wouldn’t change a thing about their big day but they did have this advice for other couples planning their wedding. “Don’t stress and everything will come together on the day!”
Hazel and Alistair then went on a trip of a lifetime to Dubai and Bali which they both loved.
Northern Ireland Wedding Photographer Sarah Bryden
Northern Ireland Wedding Photographer Sarah Bryden
Northern Ireland Wedding Photographer Sarah Bryden
WEDDING SUPPLIERS
Reception location: Manor House Hotel
Wedding Dress: Perfect Day
Groomswear: Red
Make-up by:The Beauty Boutique
Flowers: Howe Flowers
Rings: Cahoons
Transport: Denamona Carriage Hire
Photography: Sarah Bryden Photography
Videography: KD Imaging
Entertainment: Bitz n Pieces
