Chic by the Sea
Megan and Simon chose a relaxed family wedding with beautiful shabby chic decor for their summer wedding in Hugh McCann’s, Newcastle.
Belfast based accountant, Megan, first met her husband, Simon, an electrician, on the Rathmore School ski trip when they were both teenagers. At the time they were seeing other people but soon discovered they had a better laugh together and the rest as they say is history! After years of growing up together and sharing special travel memories, Simon decided that the time was right and he had to propose marriage. “Simon proposed during a weekend in Lexslip, County Kildare. We went for a big long walk around a beautiful nature trail. He was waiting on the perfect moment but said there were always people around and he never got the opportunity! So we walked for miles and by the time he got his moment we were back in the hotel grounds. Regardless, it was amazing!” said Megan. The couple took their time and enjoyed their engagement and engagement parties before beginning to plan their wedding day a year later. Once they did begin the planning process, again they took their time choosing suppliers and elements of the day that they loved. As the planning progressed, a sweet shabby chic theme began to appear and Megan chose soft rose gold sequin dresses for her two bridesmaids to add a touch of sparkle to the occasion.
On her wedding day on Thursday 10th August 2017, Megan travelled to the ceremony at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church in Dunmurry in a modern Range Rover with her father. She wore an elegant A-line gown that featured a sparkling V-neck detail and sweet cap sleeves. “I found my wedding dress in the first shop we visited, Wedded Bliss in Portglenone. My mummy and bridesmaids wanted a few more Saturdays out so we went to a few more shops just to make sure the dress was the one!” explained Megan. Her floral bouquets were pale pink and ivory roses and she completed her bridal look with a soft up-style and long flowing tulle veil.
Simon and his groom’s party wore modern navy three-piece suits, brown brogues and Liberty print floral ties.Following their beautiful ceremony, Megan and Simon, along with their wedding guests, travelled to the striking Hugh McCann’s wedding venue in Newcastle. Here Megan’s shabby chic theme greeted them with handmade table centres of wine bottles and jars tied with rustic twine, buttons and ribbons and filled with seasonal flowers. To add a personal touch to the setting, Megan used childhood photos of both Simon and herself for each table number. “The day was perfect, the staff at Hugh McCann’s couldn’t have done enough for us and it all ran very smoothly. A wasp did get stuck up my dress during the photos and sting me twice but nothing a wee glass of bubbly didn’t soothe!” added Megan. “My highlight of the day was the speeches, I really enjoyed them. They had us crying and laughing all in the same breath. I know Simon hadn’t done a lot of prep for his so I was a little worried, but he smashed it and I was buzzing for him. To complete the celebrations, Megan and Simon chose to host a BBQ in the Secret Garden of Hugh McCann’s the following day. “The quirky little walled garden was a great setting and it was as much fun as the wedding day. We had arranged for a singer, Tiernan Heffron, to come and play for a couple of hours in the afternoon – he was brilliant and ended up staying all night,” she added.
As both Megan and Simon are keen travellers they headed to Secrets, the Vine resort in Cancun, Mexico to celebrate their marriage and relax after all the planning. Looking back on her day, Megan’s advice for wedding planning brides is to not sweat the small stuff! “Guests aren’t going to enjoy their day any less if the centerpieces on the tables aren’t perfect! We were very relaxed in the wedding planning and this continued during the wedding day. There’s no point in worrying, just enjoy every minute. I would also say that the day goes so fast and, if possible, have another party the day after to keep the celebrations going.”
Inside information
Ceremony: Our Lady Queen of Peace Church
Reception: Hugh McCann’s
Wedding Dress: Wedded Bliss
Make-up Artist : Shona Kennedy
Rings: D&K The Jewellers
Groomswear: Collars and Ties
Videographer: Video Magic
DJ/band/other entertainment: The Just Adam Band and Tiernan Heffron
Transport : Unity Wedding Cars
Photographer: Hollybrook Photography