Hillmount House Wedding

Hidden away in the Glens of Antrim, overlooking the ocean, sits the astonishing Hillmount House; a luxurious Georgian house, stable block and coach house. Nestled on the outskirts of Larne on the road to Glenarm, what appears unassuming from the roadside opens up to the most beautiful stately home, perched atop a hill with views over the Atlantic Ocean.

When Connie and Adam first informed me that their wedding venue was Hillmount House, I could barely hide my excitement - they had hired this venue for a weekend ‘House Party’ wedding - A new and exciting way to celebrate two people coming together to tie the knot, where the bridal party come together and spend two nights in the house!

Connie and Adam chose to have a DIY wedding meaning all the decor, flowers and gin-bottles-come-colourful-lanterns were made in house, from scratch. DIY weddings are the perfect way to add a personal touch to a wedding and can also be a way to keep the cost down. What impressed me most about this idea was Connie’s commitment to ensuring that there was only the very minimal amount of waste from their day. This include only printing the minimum required Order of Service pamphlets and ensuring that anything which could be recycled, could be recycled.

To view photographs from Connie and Adam’s pre-wedding photoshoot/’Get to Know You’ Session, click Here!

THE WEDDING

With most weddings I shoot, the day started with prep for the bride and the groom. One of the amazing aspects of a ‘House Party Wedding’ is that both the bridal party and the groom and groomsmen were all under one roof, meaning that I was able to get all of the getting ready shots that in one place; moving seamlessly from the girls to the guys (who decided that a lie in was required after the previous nights antics!). Morning prep is one of my favourite times to shoot; the excitement, the anticipation and the nerves make for some of the most wonderful, candid photographs, that helps set the scene for the entire day, 

Bridal prep for this wedding was so incredibly relaxed; no stress, no rushing just smiles, gasps and laughter. Also, let’s face it; no bridal prep is complete without bubbles flowing and the amazing staff at Hillmount House were on hand to provide just that!

Hair and makeup done, champagne poured and good times had, it was time to leave the girls and wander to the other side of the stately home to catch up with the boys, who were well on their way to getting ready. In all my time as a wedding photographer, I have never seen a more relaxed group of guys before a wedding.- if there were nerves, they certainly weren’t on show; or perhaps thats what they wanted everyone to think! Photographing the boys makes for some amazing photographs; be it the process of getting ready, straightening ties, fixing cufflinks or entrusting the best man with the rings. 

After the boys got suited and booted, I had a few moments to wander across to the other side of the home, where the ceremony was to take place. Originally supposed to be an outdoor wedding, plans changed last minute due to a dreaded weather forecast that predicted rain for the full day. Thankfully Hillmount House has the most incredible Stable Block and Coach House, the provides the perfect setting for an intimate ceremony. Having a few quiet moments to photograph the room before guests began to arrive adds a real sense of anticipation and atmosphere to any wedding gallery.

Ask any girl what the most important part of planning a wedding is and the majority will tell you it’s all about saying YES to that dress! From the wedding dress to the unique bridesmaids dresses, which came in three unique styles, it’s safe to say that the girls all looked incredible.

Connie’s dress was nothing short of breathtaking; so much so that her stunning bridesmaids were left completely speechless 

One of the most special, emotive and intimate times of any wedding day is the first look for the father of the bride and this was no different for Connie and her father who shared a moment so captivating that it’ll last a lifetime and beyond.

The ceremony itself was one of the nicest I have seen in a very long time with everything you could possibly home for; laughs, smiles, tears of joy and the nearest and dearest family members and friends to watch two beloved individuals tie the knot and become one

Ceremony over and it was time to celebrate! Wedding cake, champagne flowing and good times with good people. From the very start, Connie and Adam’s goal was to have a relaxed, stress-free day to enjoy and to remember forever. Needless to say, they accomplished this and so much more. 

The grounds of Hillmount House are opulent, chic and truly a sight to be hold.

Hillmount house is the most classy juxtaposition of classic and contemporary; a true feast for the eyes. Around every corner is something exciting. One of my absolute favourite parts of the Stable Block is this rustic blue door, which makes for the most incredible backdrop for bridal portraits

Family is one of the things that makes a wedding a wedding. Be that blood relatives or people who have been in each other’s lives for so long they feel like family; young and old alike.

Some of the most amazing memories of this wedding day came from the incredible stories told on how the bride and groom became one. Moments of laugh-out-loud joy, profound emotion brought smiles and tears a plenty.

After the speeches were done and toasts made the bride and the groom, there was only one thing left to do… dance the night away!