A newlywed couple have shared a look inside their beautiful wedding day at Orange Tree House.
Elaine O’Neill from Coalisland, Co Tyrone, and husband Qunmber O’Ehsan from Manchester, had their special day in Greyabbey on March 4, 2023.
In our weekly feature Inside My Wedding, couples are delving into their big day to give bride and grooms-to-be some top tips.
Read more: Inside US couple’s ‘fairytale’ wedding day in Northern Ireland
The pair, who live in Manchester, got engaged on August 22, 2022 at Foxborough Bubble Den in Co Antrim.
Elaine has told Be all on their big day!
Walking down the aisle(Image: Elizabeth Naomi Photography)
Tell us all about your wedding day!
I wanted the wedding venue to be stylish and unique and to have the flexibility to put our stamp on it. I didn’t want to go down the usual hotel route. Orange Tree House was the perfect setting for this.
How did you begin planning?
I started the search for [a] venue straight away followed closely by my dress. With the short time we had to plan the wedding, I knew I needed to secure the dress pretty quick.
The ceremony(Image: Elizabeth Naomi Photography)
How did you decide on your venue?
Orange Tree House was the only venue we visited. With us both living in Manchester, we didn’t have time to see them all. The feel of Orange Tree ticked all our boxes and [we] loved the setting of the venue. The original building made it a big yes from me.
Michael at Orange Tree House was amazing. He greeted me when I turned up [on the wedding day] and made me feel at ease. He was the last person to wave us off at the end of the night
He was there for us throughout the day and it was seamless. The service by everyone at Orange Tree was 10/10.
Bride and groom(Image: Elizabeth Naomi Photography)
Tell us about your wedding dress and your husband’s suit.
I was after something that was elegant and simple. With the time of year, I knew I wanted a sleeve detail.
I fell upon many designers and came back to Eva Lendel every time. I could have picked any of her dresses.
I set my heart on Desiree for the deep V front and sleeve details. The silhouette suited me and I went for it.
[Qunmber’s suit was] bespoke from his own tailor.
Elaine and Qunmber(Image: Elizabeth Naomi Photography)
What was the best part in the build up to your day?
Getting home to my family five days before the big day made it exciting and real.
There’s always such a buzz and getting the last few wedding errands done felt good – ready for the day to be here!
The happy couple(Image: Elizabeth Naomi Photography)
What was the best moment of your day and your other favourite parts?
Seeing all our friends and family in one place and how they all mingled and enjoyed each other’s company.
Greeting our guests after our wedding ceremony was really special and a chance to say hello to everyone.
Reception decor(Image: Elizabeth Naomi Photography)
Everybody loved our first dance and asked how many months we had practiced it. The truth is that we had not practiced at all!
My husband held my hand five minutes beforehand and just said: “Look into my eyes and just let me lead for the next three minutes, after that you can go back to being the boss!”
What would you tell other brides and grooms to plan first?
[It] has to be the wedding venue first. Followed by photographer and band. All the big things really.
Decor(Image: Elizabeth Naomi Photography)
What were the hardest parts to plan? Did you come across any difficulties?
I wouldn’t say any of it was hard except that sometimes I would see too many inspiration images and wanted to add in more details I didn’t really need – nor would the guests notice or remember after the event!
It’s all about the guests and having the most important people there to enjoy the day!
Speech(Image: Elizabeth Naomi Photography)
Did you have a theme?
I wanted the wedding to be elegant and romantic. Cream roses and minimal detail with lots of candles which my florist helped curate perfectly.
Would you do anything different or wish there was anything you didn’t worry about?
The planning of the wedding is intense… especially doing it in only 5-6months. It always comes together to look effortless.
There was nothing to worry about. The ceremony and reception was just what I wanted.
All photos by: Elizabeth Naomi Photography
Flowers: Flowers by Mee
Makeup: Heather Allen
Hair: Louise Laverty, Studio 31
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