Jul 02 2024
We love keeping in touch with our Larchfield Estate couples (and a good love story!) and often welcome couples back to stay in our overnight accommodation . It was wonderful to catch up with Kevin and Sarah chatting about their story, how they met, their most memorable first date, the proposal through to wedding planning and their top tips for other couples!
Sarah and Kevin's' love story started when they met through work, and after a sneaky kiss one evening, they soon became inseparable. Working in the hospitality industry themselves, finding time to spend together was often difficult, and it was a little while before their first date – which also remains one of their most memorable. A romantic dinner at Holohan’s at the Barge Belfast, a place which remains dear to the couple.
After a year, it became clear that the couple were very much meant to be together, and in Kevin’s own words ‘when you know it’s time, you know it’s time!’. He planned a surprise proposal during a family getaway to cottages in Newcastle Co. Down. He had Sarah’s mum, dad and sister in on the plans, helping to coordinate and organise so that everything went smoothly!
‘I had pictures from our year together all in frames, we had them from the front door with a post it note with an arrow on it directing Sarah around the house… when she got to the final photograph it was faced down on the kitchen table and there was no photograph in it – so that empty frame was for our engagement photo or our wedding photo… Sarah turned around and I had the ring…’, Sarah comically asked ‘are you not going to get down on one knee!?’. Of course, he obliged and popped the question! The newly engaged couple took some time together to look back through the photographs, before heading back to join the rest of the family, celebrating with champagne, board games and pizza (sounds like our perfect way to celebrate!).
With both having experience in the hospitality industry, Sarah and Kevin embarked upon their wedding planning with clear ideas in mind of what they wanted - a day with family and friends with the ability to have their own personal touches was key. The flexibility and 'genuine enthusiasm' offered by the wedding co-ordinating team at Larchfield Estate alongside exclusive use with one wedding per day was perfect - and all in stunning traditional heritage surroundings. Sarah says they genuinely felt from the moment they booked they didn't need to do anything! (*and we now offer a Stress Less Package for your venue, catering, decor and wine if you would like us to co-ordinate take these elements for you*) We hope you enjoy the short video below, with Sarah & Kevin chatting more about their Larchfield journey…
We had plenty of laughs recording this video with Sarah and Kevin, and a few tears at one particular moment… Keep an eye out for Kevin’s absolute golden top tip! A HUGE thank you goes to the Dorans for taking the time to chat, and we hope you had a wonderful trip down memory lane staying at Larchfield Estate in the Romantic Rose Cottage again.
The couple exchanged vows then had stunning photos in the beautiful walled gardens. Advice - 'Be relaxed and enjoy it. It genuinely flies by - don't forget to enjoy it and each other!' Their reception featured a live band, delicious local cuisine, and of course heartfelt speeches.
'Turn around at see the one you love coming down the aisle - the feeling you get - there is no feeling like it!' So many special moments in a day full of memories to last a life time.
Share your love story and contact Larchfield Estate to plan your dream wedding.
Here’s to many happy and fun filled years together, and many more photographs!
