Catherine and Connel’s Rustic Riverdale Barn Wedding

Catherine and Connel are such a loving, laidback couple who planned their wedding in a matter of months. Their wedding was so unique and completely centred on the two of them – it was lovely to be part of their celebration.

When I arrived at Catherine’s house, rain was pelting down outside but everyone was excited and relaxed about the day ahead. I got all the details shots while Catherine was in the makeup chair and her sister was doing everyone’s hair. 

I travelled across Belfast to get a few shots of Connel and his groomsmen getting ready. After getting into their suits, the guys shared a shot before we got some photos outside in the rain. 

Your wedding morning is the perfect time to get some beautiful shots of everyone enjoying the moment and having fun. When I headed back to Catherine’s house, it was still abuzz with excitement. It’s also really important to get photos with your furry friends on your wedding morning, so we were able to coax Smudge out of hiding with some treats!

Catherine got her wedding dress on Vinted (how stunning is it?!). We had spied a beautiful window at the top of the staircase which allowed for some awesome bridal portraits. Once Catherine’s dad arrived, we did a first look with him at the bottom of the stairs. Their reaction to seeing each other is so beautiful – these are the moments that you’ll treasure forever. Whenever you’re finalising your wedding day timeline, make sure to carve out time for this. 

We headed to Riverdale Barn where we caught up with Connel. Riverdale Barn is a beautiful, rustic wedding venue just outside Aghalee. The warm, rustic tones of the barn were the perfect setting for Catherine and Connel’s wedding. 

Catherine and Connel wanted to do a first look before the ceremony. While this is considered to be a more American tradition, it’s a beautiful way for you to spend a moment together before the ceremony. If you’re nervous about all the attention of walking down the aisle, seeing each other beforehand is a perfect way to calm any nerves. 

Thankfully, the weather had dried up so we did the first look in the beautiful autumnal setting of the forest to give as much privacy as possible. I think Connel’s reaction says it all!

Their humanist, unplugged ceremony was beautifully officiated by Natalie. Catherine and Connel thanked their parents and grandparents for all their guidance before Natalie told their love story. The ceremony was so centred on the two of them and they laughed throughout it all. Before saying their own vows, they tied the knot and then enjoyed their first drink while they signed the registrar.

After the ceremony, they enjoyed some sweet treats with their guests before getting some photos with their gorgeous labradoodle, Luna, who had made the journey to Riverdale!

We got some bridal party snaps by the water, barn and swing. We had so much fun getting these photos – the bridesmaids and groomsmen were so relaxed and up for the craic. Some of my favourites are the guys by the barn – no awkward posing here! Also, how gorgeous are the bridesmaids dresses?

While the bridal party rounded up the family members, we got some beautiful shots of Catherine and Connel in the gorgeous afternoon light. 

After family photos were finished, we got some photos of the decor before the speeches started. To ensure that everyone was more relaxed, the speeches were held in the bar area. The open area allowed more opportunity to get some awesome reaction shots. Catherine herself made a speech – I love when brides give a speech!

After speeches, they sat down for their vegan meal. Once this had finished, we cut the cake before getting some sunset photos. 

All that was left to do was party the night away. After Catherine and Connel had their first dance, everyone was on the floor! What an amazing wedding day at a beautiful rustic barn wedding venue with some awesome suppliers:

Hair – Jolo’s Hairdressing

Makeup – Connie McGrath

Video – Richie Ashwin

Dress – Blush Fashion

Suits – Freddie Hatchet

Celebrant – Natalie Miller

Cake – Truffleupagus Vegan Yums

I can’t really put into words how much we love our wedding pictures. Christine captured our whole day so beautifully and made us both feel relaxed the entire time. Our pictures are incredible and our guest love the ones of them too. Our engagement shoot was the perfect way to get to know Christine and help us relax in from of the camera on the big dag. Communication was always easy with Christine and nothing was ever too much bother. On the day of the wedding she made all our guests and family feel comfortable and managed to get through our massive list of family pictures with a huge smile on her face. Do not hesitate to book Christine to capture your wedding – you won’t be disappointed.