If effortless chic was a mood board, it would be today's incredible real wedding. For Belfast couple Melissa and Patrick the ingredients for pure happiness on their wedding day was good wine, delicious food and a killer soundtrack. They didn't have a master plan for their aesthetic, their understated, modern fun, and all round breathtaking celebration came to life organically.
With a monochrome palette featuring romantic splashes of colour, a pared-back vibe, and an epically chic bridal look, style infused every moment of their spring nuptials in the heart of Belfast city. With their ceremony in the peaceful Sea Holly Gallery to their reception in the industrial chic Waterman House right next door, your Pinterest board will be packed with stunning ideas by the time you're finished. Their wedding photos by Adam & Grace are absolutely brimming with editorial elegance, you will be swooning to no end.
Both hailing from Belfast, Melissa fills us in on their love story, "I always knew of Paddy in school, he was two years above me and I have to admit I always thought he was pretty cool. I’ll never forget being at a house party when I was about 17 years old, I went in through the front door and went straight to the kitchen without checking who was in the front living room. When I was leaving the party to go home later that night I popped my head into the living room to find Paddy had been there the whole time. I remember sitting in the taxi on the way home feeling so disappointed I didn’t spend any time with him and to be honest that feeling stuck with me!"
Monochrome magic from the bridal party!
Patrick popped the question on the hottest day of the year while they were in Howth on the Cliff Walk. Talk about a memorable way to celebrate eight years of living in Dublin before they moved back to Belfast! "Running down Howth Hill to get to King Sitric restaurant where we had some champers and prawns in the sun is one of the happiest memories of my life. My mum and dad met us in Dublin that evening and involving them in our special day meant so much to me and it really warmed my heart that Paddy knew that I’d love to have them there."
They held their ceremony at Sea Holly Gallery in the heart of Belfast's Cathedral Quarter. Tranquil, full of light and boasting thought-provoking artwork from well-established and emerging artists, it was a stunning setting for the couple to exchange vows.
Wow! Melissa exuded cool girl bridal glamour with her Vivienne Westwood short wedding dress featuring a corseted bodice, an asymmetrical skirt and a mini train. She accessorised exquisitely with an elbow-length veil, Kurt Geiger floral lace heels and her 'something borrowed' was her heirloom jewellery.
Melissa's most cherished moment from her wedding day came before she made her ceremony entrance. "To keep me hidden before walking down the Sea Holly aisle, I took the fire escape where Patrick had left handwritten notes for me along every step. I honestly can't explain the feeling, but I felt like I was floating. It felt like a moment straight out of a movie."
The couple were overjoyed to be able to hold their ceremony at the gallery which is located above The Orpheus and The Harp Bar. "It is a truly special place. We were particularly touched to learn the gallery's floorboards were repurposed from the old Orpheus Ballroom, where our grandparents once danced! Lindsey Kirk, the gallery manager, was an absolute dream to work with – so thoughtful, genuine, and clearly dedicated to making our day amazing, which it truly was. As an added bonus, artist Shauna Fox was exhibiting that day, showcasing art representing all of Belfast. Seeing our favourite spots hanging on the walls made the day even more personal and memorable."
An absolutely adorable moment of the ceremony came as Melissa's six-year-old nephew gave a wonderful reading of Oh, the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss.
Creating the perfect chilled-out atmosphere was essential for Melissa and Patrick. "We didn't want a day filled with obligations or a 'to-do list'—just a relaxed celebration focused on us and the people we love."
Their reception venue, Waterman House, was right next door. Once a Belfast bonded warehouse for Bushmills whiskey, the restaurant, cookery school and events space offers the perfect venue for a truly great event in the city. "It felt like pure serendipity; it truly couldn't have been more ideal, " Melissa reflects.
The newlyweds enjoyed a photoshoot through the city streets looking as chic as could be while they did so.
She sheds more light on the vibe of their celebration, "We wanted our wedding day to be a true reflection of that joy, celebrating in a way that felt completely casual and understated."
It was the indoor-outdoor flow of Waterman House that deemed it 'the one'. "The 'Big Room' boasted a fantastic stripped-back aesthetic, and those high ceilings made the space feel wonderfully relaxed and
open. We can't speak highly enough of Events Manager Laura McGeough and her team; they were simply outstanding in their helpfulness and dedication."
They opted for a wedding cake du jour, a vintage-inspired Lambeth buttercream confection dotted with cherries.
A Solace London bridesmaids dress with an asymmetrical cut-out neckline, paired with Alaïa heels, and timeless tuxes from Bogart in Belfast, talk about an uber-stylish wedding party!
The bride created their stationery and disco balls and baby's breath flower clouds hung from the ceilings of the industrial-style reception space.
Their first dance was to Until I Found You by Stephen Sanchez featuring Em Beihold. Her top wedding top? "Dance all night, it’s just one big party at the end of the day!"
After their fun-filled Day Two, Melissa and Patrick headed to Rome. They tell us it was perfect with lots of red wine, pasta and sunshine. Sounds so dreamy!
Congratulations on your uber-dreamy day Melissa and Patrick. A huge thanks to our fabulous couple and to Adam & Grace for allowing us to share this chic city celebration with One Fab Day!
Check out more Real Weddings and get inspired!
