What started as lockdown dates blossomed into a beautiful love story for Nicola and Caolan, who celebrated their Happy Ever After with a black-tie wedding at The Loft at The Rabbit Hotel in Templepatrick. The day was soft, romantic, and effortlessly elegant, with a pretty blush palette, delicate florals, and thoughtful details that reflected the couple’s personal style. Nicola looked radiant in her Eva Lendal bow gown, complemented by understated accessories and flawless hair and makeup, while the bridal party looked beautiful in coordinating dresses and suits. Every moment of their summer wedding felt intimate and joyful, from the dreamy reception filled with glowing lights to the love shared throughout the day, making it a celebration that was truly theirs. Enjoy all the beauty this gorgeous The Loft Templepatrick wedding day has to offer through stunning imagery captured by their photographer, Alexandra Barfoot.
Nicola is originally from Portglenone, while Caolan hails from Ballymena, where the couple are now based together. Although they grew up in the same town and had always known of each other, it wasn’t until the lockdowns during Covid that they properly connected. With little else to do, they spent their first six months getting to know one another on long walks outdoors, laying the foundations for their relationship.
Caolan proposed at Portstewart Strand, a place filled with special meaning for the couple, as it’s where they went on their first date. Sitting together at the top of a sand dune, the very spot where they shared their first kiss, he popped the question, making the moment all the more personal and romantic.
Once engaged, the couple set about planning a day that felt entirely true to them. Their wedding was all about a simple, classic aesthetic with a timeless quality, something Nicola knew she would love just as much years down the line as she did on the day itself. Elegant and unfussy, it perfectly reflected her personal style and, most importantly, felt just right for them as a couple.
From the very beginning, their priorities were clear. Nicola wanted a glam squad she completely trusted to make her and her bridesmaids feel incredible on the morning, alongside finding the dress, which she describes as absolutely perfect. Add to that great food and an unforgettable party, and they had all the
Finding the right venue was key, and The Loft at The Rabbit Hotel in Templepatrick quickly stood out. As Nicola puts it, “It had the character and warmth that I wanted,” making it the perfect setting for their stylish, joy-filled day. ingredients for what they call the best day ever.
Nicola and Caolan said “I do” on the 19th July, surrounded by 100 of their closest family and friends. Their ceremony took place on site at The Loft Templepatrick, where the high vaulted ceilings and twinkling feature chandeliers created a romantic, intimate atmosphere that welcomed their guests.
Making her way up the aisle, Nicola was accompanied by her bridesmaids, with her two nieces, Zoe and Aria-Rose, stealing hearts as flower girls.
“My best friend did a reading, which was so emotional for me,” Nicola shares. “And having Erin Fullerton sing me down the aisle to Shania Twain’s You’re Still the One was just magical.”
Nicola wowed us with her incredibly elegant bridal look, wearing a stunning gown with bow detail by Eva Lendel from Dream Weddings in Coleraine. She paired her dress with a pearl veil and chic bridal shoes from ASOS and complemented her ensemble with exquisite jewellery from The Dress House, creating a timeless and effortlessly sophisticated look.
She carried a soft and delicate blush-and-cream bouquet by Willow and Twine, while her radiant bridal look was completed by flawless makeup from Laura Kelly at Lulabelle Beauty, and her hair was styled to perfection by Danielle McAlonan from Golden Salon in Galgorm, adding the perfect finishing touches to her elegant ensemble.
The bridesmaids looked beautiful in the softest pink Coast dresses, paired with stylish shoes from ASOS, creating a cohesive and elegant look alongside the bride.
The groom looked effortlessly sharp in a black-tie suit from Hire Class NI, keeping things simple with no accessories—he’s a man of minimal fuss the bride tells One Fab Day! The groomsmen also wore classic suits from Hire Class NI, perfectly complementing the bridal party.
Once the “I dos” were exchanged, and portraits were captured, the couple once again joined their guests for a reception in the venue’s dreamy loft space, filled with twinkling lights and lush foliage. A welcoming sign by the entrance was created by Courtney Edgar Designs, while the beautiful cake was crafted by Lou’s Little Cakes, and guests were serenaded by the talented Tiernan Heffron.
When asked what advice they would give to other couples planning their big day, they said, “Stick to your personal style and don’t focus too much on what’s on trend and popular in the moment.” We love that!
For their first dance, the couple shared a romantic moment on the floor to Kodaline’s The One, making it a truly unforgettable start to their celebrations.
After their The Loft at The Rabbit Hotel in Templepatrick wedding celebration, the newlyweds enjoyed a cruise around the Mediterranean for their honeymoon, saying, “I would definitely recommend it. It was the perfect mix of relaxation and royal treatment on board the ship.”
We want to thank Caolan & Nicola for letting us share their gorgeous day and we wish them every happiness for the future. A special thanks to Alexandra Barfoot for capturing the magic of their The Loft Templepatrick wedding so beautifully. Head to the full gallery to see more of this stunning wedding.
Planning your own summer bash? Check out more Real Weddings and get inspired here.
