Love in Motion: Larchfield Estate Meets The Motorist Collection

Recently Andy La Marche of The Motorist Collection set up his new vintage car business at Think Storage - on the edge of Larchfield Estate. This means that couples at Larchfield have an incredibly opportunity to drive a vintage car to their wedding... be it from when they get ready at the Gate Lodge the night before or simply want to make a camera worthy entrance. In this guest blog we talk to Andy La Marche.

An exclusive interview with Andy on how vintage cars can transform your wedding weekend...

At Larchfield Estate, we believe your wedding journey should be as unforgettable as the destination. It’s about more than a ceremony — it’s the moments before, the way you arrive, and the adventures that follow.

That’s why we’re beyond excited to share our latest collaboration with The Motorist Collection, specialists in self-drive classic cars. Imagine waking up in our romantic Gate Lodge, then stepping into a gleaming Austin Healey 3000 or Morgan 4/4 to glide to your ceremony. After the confetti settles, the road is yours to explore for the rest of the weekend.

We sat down with Andy La Marche, founder of The Motorist Collection, to talk about what makes this collaboration so special.

Andy, we’re thrilled to be working together. Can you tell us what drew you to this partnership?

Andy: Absolutely, for us, it’s about creating unforgettable experiences. At The Motorist Collection, we believe the journey is just as important as the destination. When I first visited Larchfield Estate, I could see how beautifully you’ve blended historic charm with the personal touch couples are looking for. I believe it’s a perfect match for our cars, both bring timeless elegance and a touch of class to life’s big moments. The partnership also provides couples and their guests with a spectacular backdrop for photo opportunities.

Paint us a picture of how this collaboration could look for a couple’s wedding weekend.

Andy: We can create bespoke packages to enhance any wedding weekend. Picture this: The evening before the wedding, you check into the Gate Lodge — it’s cosy, private, and surrounded by the beauty of the estate. You enjoy a peaceful night together, maybe open a bottle of bubbly, and watch the sun set over the gardens.

The next morning, you collect your chosen classic — maybe a British Racing Green Austin Healey or Iris Blue MGA — and take the most beautiful drive through the Larchfield Estate to your ceremony.

Alternatively, if you are staying elsewhere the night before your wedding, we can deliver the car to your chosen location. Enjoy a vintage drive and arrive at Larchfield Estate in style, with car remaining at your wedding for photographs. After the “I do’s”, you don’t have to hand back the keys. You can hit the open road, explore the stunning Northern Irish countryside and really savour those first days of married life.

Larchfield Estate: What makes the cars from The Motorist Collection so perfect for weddings?

Andy: We have a deep-rooted passion for cars and with 15 years of experience in the Automotive industry, we have an eye for detail. Every car in our collection has been hand chosen for its vintage pedigree. They are immaculately maintained and presented in the best condition possible. The cars photograph beautifully, so they’re perfect for those wedding album moments. They can be prepared with roof up or down to suit all weather conditions. The cars can also be supplied with wedding ribbons and picnic hampers, perfect for that mini getaway after a busy wedding. Our Iris Blue MGA is also the perfect way to incorporate your ‘Something Blue’ into your big day.

Larchfield Estate: Any advice for couples thinking about booking both accommodation and a car?

Andy: Check out our website and book early to secure your favourite car. Our website has details on each car within our fleet, alongside several pictures and videos. Think about your wedding colour scheme and the type of car you would like. Are you after an elegant Austin Healey or more muscular Triumph TR6? All our cars come fully insured with mileage allowance - we’ve taken care of the admin so you can enjoy the experience. A fantastic idea for any couples getting married at Larchfield Estate is to return on your one year anniversary, stay at the cottages and have a classic car waiting for you to enjoy during your stay.

Larchfield Estate: We also have Think Storage right next door to the venue — has that been useful for you?

Andy: Most definitely! The Motorist Collection has its premises at Think Storage. The location couldn’t be better, just moments from the Larchfield Estate wedding venue. The Motorist Collection also offers car storage, so whether you’re preserving an heirloom or housing an investment, the purpose-built facility offers discreet, climate-controlled car storage. The two businesses fit very well together, with a recent example being several customers who are moving house, enquiring about storing their house contents with Think Storage and their classic car with us.

We know that for many couples, the wedding isn’t just one day — it’s a chapter in your story. Partnering with The Motorist Collection allows us to offer something truly unique: the calm and romance of a night in the Gate Lodge, followed by the thrill of arriving in a stunning vintage car and continuing your celebration out on the open road. Whether you picture yourselves gliding in with understated elegance or making a dramatic entrance, this collaboration is all about giving you a wedding experience that’s personal, memorable, and filled with magic from start to finish.

📅 Ready to start your journey?
Stay the night at the Gate Lodge at Larchfield Estate. Book here
Choose your dream self-drive classic from The Motorist Collection.
From the aisle to the open road — start your forever in style.

Photo Credits: R Squared Studio