If there’s one thing we hear from couples again and again who decide to elope it’s to expect the unexpected—but in the best way possible. Adam and Sally longed for an adventurous elopement someplace outside their home of Tennessee. So, they began to plan their nuptials in Northern Ireland! And sure, they could plan where to stay, roughly where to say their vows, and perhaps the pub where they’d celebrate after. But who could have foreseen the fresh snowfall, the animals they’d meet along the way, or the kind locals who’d take them in for tea? It’s in the unexpected where the magic happens! Here’s more from Sally:
We knew we wanted to have our wedding in a beautiful, memorable destination, but we also realized that it would be very difficult for our family to be able to make a trip overseas. After an engagement in our hometown of Charleston, SC surrounded by family and our sweet, blind golden retriever Sydney, we wanted to find a place new to the both of us to begin our lives together. We were inspired by the stunning coastal landscape of Northern Ireland and felt it would be the perfect setting for an intimate elopement.
Priscila Valentina Photography accompanied A + S on their adventure and captured every dreamy moment along the way! Away we go to gorgeous Ireland!
The day began with a snowy first look—already as dreamy as can be!
The bright white of fresh snowfall mingled with deep greens, making for some stunning photo ops!
Pure magic!
A Walk Through the Dark Hedges
A local farm family loaned Adam + Sally their beautiful horse for the occasion! Can you even imagine?
If you’re not familiar, the Dark Hedges is a dream-like tunnel of beech trees Northern Ireland. (Game of Thrones fan? You might recognize this as part of Kingsroad in the television series!)
The sort of magic you can’t even plan: as the snowfall began to melt it created this stunning mirror effect on the road!
My goodness, where do we start! We made the drive from Belfast to the Dark Hedges to start the day. On our journey, our small "sword hand" compact couldn't make it up the snowy hill that entered the Dark Hedges—so that is where the adventure began! Wedding dresses are made for pushing cars up snowy passes, right? From the dark hedges to the sheep jumping on each other's back while we tried to spend quality time with them were some of our memorable moments!
But for all the memories, we felt the sweetest was visiting this family’s farm and being invited inside their home to share biscuits and a cup of tea. We were truly moved by their hospitality and generosity and both felt the time spent visiting in their kitchen was truly precious and memorable.
Cliffside Ceremony at Dunluce Castle
Dunluce Castle was a Medieval-style castle, now in ruins along the Irish coast. No big deal, just a totally epic ceremony backdrop, right?!
So sweet!
Look at the snow falling! So romantic!
Newlywed in Northern Ireland!
Isn’t Sally such a lovely bride?
Thinking about a chilly adventurous elopement, too? Don’t forget the faux fur + waterproof shoes!
Wow…such an incredible adventure! Adam + Sally ended the day in a traditional Irish pub, celebrating with a pint or two! SO fun. Congrats, you two!
photography: Priscila Valentina Photography // venue name: Dunluce Castle, Ireland // florals: Flowers Are Us
Adore that double exposure shot.
What a memorable day this must have been! love everything from the snow, to the animals, the castles and that beautiful coat the bride is wearing. Ireland looks amazing, thank you for sharing
Where can I find the blue faux fur coat?
Hi , in love with your work, do you organize those elopement in Ireland? Or who can I contact?