A Neutral-Toned Autumn Castle Wedding: Emily & Simon

A Neutral-Toned Autumn Castle Wedding: Emily & Simon


Today’s autumn real wedding had everything you’d dream of – exquisite style, wonderful personal touches and so much heart. Donegal couple Emily and Simon tied the knot in a fairytale celebration in Markree Castle in Co. Sligo. They have been together 16 years and their big day oozed rustic romance boasting neutral blooms with an autumnal twist and one of the hottest bridesmaid dress colours of 2024. Their ballroom reception was a lavish and gilded affair and they threw a party to remember for their guests with a dancefloor-drawing saxophone and DJ set. Get ready to be whisked on a fairytale journey with the stunning imagery by Art Wedding Photography.

Emily tells us, “We met all the way back in 2007 at a mutual friends house party and were inseparable ever since.” Simon got down on one knee in their hotel room in Dublin and he proposed with a Chupi promise ring. He had a gorgeous treat planned for Emily. “The hotel was right around the corner from the store where he had an appointment booked for the following morning to choose my engagement ring (I always dreamed of an engagement ring from there). That night we went for dinner where Simon had all my family and friends waiting to surprise me. It was the perfect weekend!”

The couple wanted their big day to be as relaxed as possible so that they could soak up every moment, surrounded by their favourite people. “The venue, food and music were top of our list. We made it a priority to not get carried away and stress about the small stuff, everything was kept very simple. Our ceremony was a non-religious civil ceremony that was completely personal to us. It was important to both us for our wedding day to be exactly as we wanted and not to worry about trying to please anyone else.”

Their wedding aesthetic was inspired by their personalities, their style and the autumnal season and the result were stunningly modern and rustic. They fell head over heels in love with Markree Castle. “This was the first and only venue we viewed and as soon as we walked through those doors we knew it was perfect. We loved the fact the venue was entirely ours for the day and night of the wedding, the dinning room is breathtaking and the underground cellar bar and dance area was like having our own nightclub to party the night away.”

They tied the knot on October 19th, 2023, and Emily wanted a simple approach when it came to the décor and floral styling. “My vision for the flowers were neutral with a touch of autumnal tones. The venue itself is so stunning especially the dining room, it really didn’t need much added décor. I would describe the décor as simple candle-lit chic.”

140 of their loved ones joined them for their big day and Emily left everyone enchanted with her co-ord bridal outfit by Lola Varma which comprised of a silk V-neck wrap-style top with voluminous sleeves and a curve-hugging column skirt which she styled with a handmade chapel-length veil, teardrop shape gold earrings, and pale pink slingback heels with sparkling brooches.

Her bridesmaids made a stunning statement in satin brown bridesmaid dresses with asymmetrical necklines while dapper groom Simon wore a velvet blazer in the same rustic hue.

“Our celebrant Lee made sure every part of our ceremony was all about us and what we wanted, from our love stories, to the music, to our readings, and my personal favourite the handfasting. For the handfasting we chose eight of our closest family members and friends to each bring forward a different colour ribbon each with a different meaning.”

“The ribbons were placed over our clasped hands, then tied together and the knot pulled tight by us both. Essentially it’s the symbol of tying the knot and also a beautiful keepsake.” While their favourite ceremony reading was The Giraffe and the Monkey by Daniel Thomson, their favourite song was the one they walked up the aisle to after exchanging vows, an acoustic version of Sam Smith’s hit Latch.

Bride and groom during their autumnal castle wedding

The couple’s ballroom reception exuded Versailles glamour and they skipped tradition when it came to their table plan. “These was no top table, what we meant by no top table was not to have the top table at the top of the room looking down on everyone. We had our top table centered in between all the other tables, which we loved. Everyone was able to casually come and chat to us as they were passing to go to the bar or bathroom etc.”

From the table centrepiece to their elegant tiered cake, fluffy pampas grass played a starring role. They took an untraditional approach to their speeches too. “Instead of speeches we one of the groomsmen did a thank you toast of behalf of us both at the end of dinner which was perfect.”

Emily highlights how the dancefloor was a very popular destination on the night. “The DJ & sax player we had at the end of the night was a huge hit with everyone, the dancefloor was hopping all night long.” Summing up their dream day, she reflects, “Markree Castle is perfect in every way, from the attentiveness, to the food, staff and overall atmosphere. We couldn’t pick one fault, it was truly the most magical day from start to finish.”

As for their advice for those currently planning their wedding, they say stick to what makes you happy as a couple. “Don’t worry about trying to please others. Its your day no one else’s. Try not to worry about the small stuff, honestly no one even notices.”

The newlyweds jetted off to Spain for a mini-moon after their big day. “We went on a four-day trip to Seville and we loved it. The food, the sights it was just fab. Would highly recommend it. We are going to Satorini in Greece on honeymoon in May, we have never been and we are both so excited.”

A huge thank you to Emily, Simon and Art Wedding Photography for sharing this dreamy autumn castle wedding with One Fab Day! You can see even more pictures in the gallery below!

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