When unforeseen circumstances meant they had to bring their wedding date forward, Aoife and John made a heartfelt choice: to focus on what truly mattered—love, connection, and the people closest to them.
Aoife and John’s Belfast City Hall wedding was proof that you don’t need a massive budget or an elaborate plan to create a day that’s uniquely yours—a masterclass in doing more with less. Despite working with a modest budget, they brought their vision to life with care and intention.
From Aoife’s statement-making Doc Martens to heartfelt family traditions, every detail of their day was infused with creativity, personal touches, and an effortless city chic vibe. “With careful attention to what we imagined the day and ourselves to look like, we made it work well,” she shares.
Every aspect of their celebration was thoughtfully chosen, resulting in a day full of unforgettable moments. See their love story unfold through the stunning images captured by Junebug vendor Lit Photography.
Personalized touches added even more charm. Aoife gifted John soccer cufflinks, a nod to his love for football, while John surprised her with a special wedding perfume.
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Aoife’s parents walked her down the aisle, a poignant moment that underscored the importance of family. During the ceremony, their siblings read poetry, adding an intimate and personal touch to the proceedings. As a final flourish, their mums signed the registry as witnesses—a deeply meaningful way to honor the women who shaped their lives.
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One of the most memorable parts of the day was a quiet hour spent wandering through Belfast city center with their photographer, Lauren of Lit Photography. “It was just us, chatting and getting photos taken in the city we fell in love in,” Aoife recalls.
For their portraits, Aoife swapped her wedding heels for a pair of Doc Martens, giving her look an unexpected yet effortlessly cool edge.
“…just enjoy the day, and you’ll get the best photos.”
“There’s a photo of us with a red bus in the background—it captures the day and us perfectly.” Lauren’s advice to “just enjoy the day, and you’ll get the best photos” set the tone for a relaxed and fun shoot.
The decorations were a true labor of love. Aoife, her mum, and her sisters sourced unique pieces from charity shops and set up the reception room themselves the night before the wedding. “It was super fun and a real money-saver,” Aoife says. They also chose dried flowers over fresh, adding timeless beauty while staying on budget.
With less than 20 guests, Aoife and John focused their spending on what mattered most: a stunning venue, incredible food, and a dream photographer. The intimate atmosphere of The Merchant Hotel, with its timeless Victorian and Deco elegance, provided the perfect setting for their celebration.
“We wanted it to be intimate and personal,” Aoife shares. “Our style was city chic and laid back.” Working closely with vendors who shared their values created a stress-free experience that felt authentic and effortless.
“Put love at the center of your day. None of the changes to our plans mattered in the end.”
“We focused on bringing our vision to life with thoughtful details, and it all came together beautifully,” she shares. Aoife’s advice to other couples? “Put love at the center of your day. None of the changes to our plans mattered in the end.”
With love and creativity in every detail, Aoife and John’s Belfast City Hall wedding was a beautiful reminder that sometimes the most meaningful celebrations are the ones where love takes center stage.
The Wedding Team:
Photography – Lit Photography
Ceremony Venue – Belfast City Hall
Reception Venue – The Merchant Hotel
Floral Design – Hidden Botanics
Cake – Belfast Cake Boutique
Invitation Design – Have A Day Designs
Wedding Dress – Karen Millen
Bridal Accessories – ASOS + Astrid & Miyu + Hawkers + Doc Martens
Groomsmen’s Apparel – ASOS + NEXT + Ray-ban + Badger and Brown
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