Today’s real wedding couple, Lucy and Ross, envisioned their Magheramorne Estate wedding as a joyful celebration surrounded by the people they love most. What began as a simple coffee date soon blossomed into a beautiful relationship—culminating in a spring wedding day filled with 22-degree sunshine, clear blue skies, and the smooth sounds of jazz on the lawn at the legendary estate. Personal touches, including handwritten notes to each guest, colourful blooms featuring peonies as a nod to their engagement and the bride’s favourite flower, and ceremony music performed by close friends, made their spring Magheramorne Estate wedding truly unforgettable. The atmosphere was relaxed and elegant, perfectly setting the tone before everyone took to the dance floor and celebrated late into the night. Iain Irwin Photography was on hand to capture every little detail, from the quiet moments of morning prep to the magic of the first dance—preserving the love, laughter, and precious moments that filled the day from start to finish.

First things first, let's get to know our lovely couple, Lucy and Ross, a little better. Originally from Belfast and Lisburn, they are now based in Dundonald in Co. Down. The couple first met when Ross was invited by a mutual friend to share at the youth group FourTwelve, where Lucy had been serving for several years. Shortly after, the two enjoyed their first date — a rainy walk around Lady Dixon Park followed by a coffee at Caffè Nero.

What began with coffee soon blossomed into dates, laughter, and a love that grew stronger with time. Then came the proposal. Believing she was simply heading to a family brunch, Lucy was instead surprised by a charming trail of popcorn and cherished photograph that led her to Ross—down on one knee, holding a bouquet of her favourite flowers: peonies.

Such a sweet moment between Lucy and her mum — pass the tissues!

Once engaged, the couple began planning a celebration for 170 of their loved ones, united by a shared vision: to create a day that reflected the joy, gratitude, and love they’ve experienced throughout their journey together. The bride telling, "to have a room filled with people we love and who we also feel so loved by was something we strongly looked forward to on the lead up to the day."

And the perfect venue for their chilled, guest centric celebration? The dreamy Magheramorne Estate, in Larne. A wonderfully historic estate with restored Grade B1 listed house and epic views over Larne Lough and the surrounding landscape.

When asked what made it the one for them, Lucy shared that it was the warm and hospitable staff that truly set the venue apart. "Ruth from Magheramorne Estate was so helpful from the beginning & helped us to feel at ease. We loved the beautiful gardens and big drawing rooms to host all of our family & friends."

On a sunny April day, Lucy and Ross tied the knot at Dundonald Elim Church, surrounded by the loved ones closest to their hearts. The ceremony was beautifully led by their celebrants, Dave Dickinson and Davy Hume.

The couple exchanged wedding rings gifted by a family friend, while the ceremony music was performed by their close friends, adding an extra personal and heartfelt touch to the celebration.

We'll never not love an epic confetti shot!

After Lucy and Ross were announced as married, the celebration continued at Magheramorne Estate with a tea and bubbles reception. The soft sounds of jazz filled the air as guests mingled, creating a relaxed and elegant atmosphere to begin the festivities.

Lucy wowed us in her stunning Madi Lane gown, beautifully sourced from Jill Jones bridal boutique. She complemented the dress with chic bridal shoes from ASOS and carefully selected accessories, also from Jill Jones, completing a look that was both elegant and effortlessly stylish. Both Laura Maria, who did the bride's makeup, and Mandys Upstyles, who styled the hair, ensured Lucy was perfectly wedding-ready.

The groom and his groomsmen looked sharp and sophisticated in suits from McCalls in Lisburn paired with sleek shoes from Dune.

The bridesmaids looked effortlessly chic in champagne-toned bridesmaids dresses from Oasis, each featuring a delicate bow detail. Their look was perfectly completed with stylish gold heels from Debenhams. Phoebe, the flower girl, and Owen, the page boy, both looked absolutely adorable in their charming outfits from NEXT.

Florist Velvet Peonies created the most wonderfully colourful blooms for the day, incorporating the bride’s favourite flower, peonies, which also served as a beautiful nod to the couple’s engagement.

Adding an extra-special touch that truly stands out, Lucy and Ross took the time in the lead-up to their wedding to write a short, personal note of encouragement for each of their guests. These notes expressed their deep appreciation for the friendships and the important roles their loved ones have played in their lives over the years. They both look back on this thoughtful gesture fondly, knowing it made their day feel even more special and personal.

After cutting their wedding cake which was lovingly made by family, the newlyweds’ took to the floor for their first dance to Heavenly Light by Wilder Woods which kicked off the after-party, setting the tone for a night full of celebration and joy. The wedding band, Daisy Tunes, kept the dance floor alive and buzzing all night long, ensuring everyone stayed on their feet and the celebration never slowed down.

As for advice for engaged couples? Lucy and Ross advise other couples to be gracious with themselves in the lead-up to the wedding. They recommend taking a few random days of annual leave, if possible, to relax and to also enjoy some time away from all the wedding planning stress.

The newlyweds honeymooned in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, and they couldn’t recommend it enough! With beautiful beaches, glorious sunshine, and the ease of all-inclusive accommodations, it was the perfect getaway to relax and celebrate their new life together.

Congratulations Lucy & Ross! Thank you for letting us take a peek into your dreamy Magheramorne Estate wedding day and a very special thank you to Iain Irwin for the always gorgeous wedding images. You can see more details in the gallery below.

Tying the knot? You'll find so much inspiration in our Irish Real Wedding section!