Tina and Ross Duffield got married on the 20th of September, 2014 in the breath taking Culloden Estate & Spa. It wasn’t love at first sight for this couple, but destiny made sure their paths crossed again! The big day was beautifully captured by Chris Copeland Photography.
“We had initially met at school, however never really spoke that much to each other so we won’t call it love at first sight. We then worked together for a couple of years after leaving school at the same part time job and got to know each other a bit more. Ross will admit he did have a bit of chasing to do before I committed to the first date, but after that I didn’t look back.”
“Ross proposed on New Years Eve and it was a complete surprise! I had been working that day and was late arriving home and then we had plans to go out with friends that night so when I arrived home my first through was to run and get ready. I walked in to find candles all around our living room leading to Ross with an engagement ring waiting for an answer. Although I was in complete shock, I said yes and couldn’t wait to share the news and celebrate with our friends that evening!”
“The Culloden Estate truly is a stunning property inside and out. It has such character, which make it an amazing backdrop for photographs, even if the weather isn’t so good! It also has 12 acres of beautiful gardens for photographs and there is a little hidden gem called Honeysuckle Cottage in the grounds, which again is a fabulous backdrop for portrait photos. I have also been lucky enough to work at the hotel for the last 3 years and so I had the utmost confidence in the wonderful team from the Chefs to the Banqueting Team, ensuring attention to detail for every aspect of my day.”
“Culloden is such a unique property both visually with the old character features in the original parts of the building and with the stunning panoramic views from the Lounge and Wedding Suites overlooking the Belfast Lough. The staff you meet have a warm and welcoming presence and are proud to be ambassadors for such an iconic hotel which really shows through.”
“I met my photographer, Chris Copeland at the Quirky Wedding show and just feel in love with his style of photography which was very relaxed but still captured the feel for each wedding so well and each and every one seemed so unique.”
“We have some amazing photos on the hotel grounds of us, our bridal party and with our guests. I have so many favourites for so many different reasons, which is why I’m getting so many of them printed for our house!”
“We starting the majority of our planning about a year before the wedding. I did enjoy the planning and fell in love with Pinterest for inspiration! I also am very lucky to have creative ‘in laws’, who made all my wedding stationery from invites to place cards and favours!”
“I really wanted to incorporate some of our favourite dishes to the menu and so worked with our chef on putting a twist on our Assiette of Appetizers for our starter to include both mine and Ross’s favourite starters. From there I really let the chef be creative with the rest of the menu from the sorbet course to dessert as I knew he could really create a show stopping menu- and he didn’t disappoint. My guests all commented it was one of the best meals they had enjoyed.”
Assiette of Appetizers:
Tiger Prawn Salad
Demitasse of Celeriac with Truffle Oil
Classic Chicken and Mushroom Vul-au-vent
***
Green Apple Sorbet
With Apple Crisp
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Fillet of Beef
Or
Classic Chicken with Sundried Tomato Stuffing
***
Trio of Desserts
White Chocolate Cheesecake
Custard Tart
Pink Meringue
“I didn’t follow any particular trends of have a specific theme. I just tried to incorporate colours and ideas that I liked which were mainly pastel and neutral colours, with some vintage touches like birdcage table centrepieces. This was all tied together by the amazing draping and festoon lights provided by Tori of Mandalay Weddings & Events and the beautiful Catherine Chairs supplied by Sarah and Leeanne from SBD Events.”
“I loved my dress! When I first started trying on wedding dresses I was quite open to trying different styles, but quickly fell in love with a sweetheart neckline and fishtail at the bottom. So the dress I chose had both of these features and the most beautiful lace detail throughout, which made it the perfect dress for me.”
“Our first dance song was Ed Sheeran- Thinking out Loud.”
“My one piece of advice to other couples, would honestly be to enjoy every single moment, as it goes by in a flash. It will be a day you’ll never forget, so try and take a moment to yourselves where you can really take it all in.”
“I enjoyed every aspect of the day, from the getting ready with the girls in the morning, the ceremony, getting everyone together for the photos (which we were blessed with amazing weather for), getting through the first dance (which was neither of our strong points) and dancing the night away celebrating into the small hours with our family and friends.”
“The whole day goes by so quickly and you don’t realise it at the time. If I could do the whole thing all over again, I really can’t pick just one moment to relive!”
Thanks a million to Tina & Ross for sharing their special day with us! Congratulations and best wishes from everyone here at WeddingDates. Check out the Culloden Estate & Spa, Co. Antrim wedding venue for your special day. Visit Chris Copeland Photography and check out more of his stunning portfolio.
