Is there anything more magical than a Christmas wedding in a fairytale castle? Keava & James celebrated tying the knot with an elegant black-tie wedding at Bellingham Castle in Co. Louth where a spotlight was firmly placed on princess glamour with Keava's bridal wardrobe which included an immensely romantic gown and iconic wedding heels. The couple styled their wedding themselves and they felt like royalty on their big day where winter white blooms had a summery twist, their soundtrack oozed romance and their celebrations had an uber-ornate vibe with a stunning all-white reception which was dashed with accents of gold. Get ready for a festive feast of style with wonderful imagery from Studio Brown.
We'll kick off with the story of how Keava and James met. They are both from Crosserlough in Co. Cavan and they met 13 years ago. They first crossed paths at their local club, Crosserlough GFC, on the night of a dinner dance. They went on to live in Dublin together for many years.
Work would take them to Berlin for over four months and when they returned home James had a very special trip planned. He whisked Keava off to Adare Manor for her birthday and he popped the question on December 21st, 2021. Keava tells us: "We stayed for two nights. We love Adare Manor and come here annually at the same time every year. It is magical."
When it came to selecting a wedding venue, as they were tying the knot at Christmas only the most classic of fairytale castles would do. They wanted a private venue where they could make memories surrounded by their nearest and dearest. "Finding a fairytale Castle was key. Not just a fairytale castle but the people that work there that makes you and your guests feel right at home."
"That’s what Bellingham Castle gives you, but welcoming, very accommodating, not to mention the service and quality of the food on the day which our guests are still talking about to this day. The staff at Bellingham Castle are simply amazing."
The couple tied the knot on December 27th, 2023, but the celebrations kicked off at the luxurious castle the night before. "We stayed in Bellingham the night before, which meant that our family and bridal party was very relaxed the morning of the wedding and we had our rehearsal dinner with them all the night before which was lovely."
The couple planned their big day themselves and we have to give them top marks for their incredible styling, which all began with their sophisticated wedding invites. When it came to their wedding aesthetic, they wanted to shine a spotlight on their own tastes in fashion. They relished working on every single detail and they drew on the splendour of Christmas time at the centuries-old venue.
They tied the knot in a dreamy location, exchanging vows in a church in front of the sea with 200 guests in attendance. The world of romance began there as white roses and other delicate white flowers evoked the enchantment of snow-dappled scenery while fluffy pampas grass brought a summery twist.
We have no doubt the "awws" were echoing through the church as the flower girls and page boys made their entrance. James' nieces Mila and Alice and Keava's godchild Naofa all wore super-sweet white dresses with puff sleeves. James’ godchild and chief page boy Josh along with James' nephews Jack and Alfie looked so dapper in tuxes.
Neutral bridesmaids dresses are perennially popular because they exude timeless sophistication and her bridesmaids shone in light grey satin. James was so suave as he lent into festive suiting with his bespoke Italian velvet tux which he styled with a white shirt, a black satin bowtie and black Louboutin shoes which had a sweet connection to his wife's wedding wardrobe.
He wore a white buttonhole loaded with texture to complement Keava's bouquet. Keava looked absolutely phenomenal in her lustrous Mikado off the shoulder designer wedding gown which had stunning 3D floral embroidery on the sleeves and a princess train.
She accessorised to perfection with pearl drop earrings, a diaphanous long veil and she also wore Louboutin shoes, opting for crystal-encrusted stilettos which are adored by brides all around the world. Music played a key role in making their big day unforgettable which included the entrance processional which was From This Moment On by Shania Twain.
"Our pianist Sorcha was amazing she played all of our favourite songs with our favourite being Everglow by Coldplay which was played during communion." The ceremony music also included Always Remember Us This Way by Lady Gaga, Adele's Make You Feel My Love, Kiss Me by Six Pence None the Richer and Florence and the Machine's You Got the Love.
James’ sister Therese read the end reflection Wedding Poem by Whitney Hanson Poetry which has gorgeous lines such as: “They say that sometimes love starts with a spark.” All the readings were accompanied by music, which only added to the beauty. The newlyweds made their way to their reception in real style, in a very handsome Rolls-Royce.
The halls in the decadent Irish castle were fully decked out in festive splendour so their guests soaked up the magic of the season. With the flickering glow of firelight and delicious mulled wine welcoming guests and the lavish rooms dressed with vibrant wreaths and magnificent Christmas trees, the history-steeped venue was a beguiling backdrop to their special day.
Keava reflects on the unforgettable moment of arriving at their wedding venue: "Stepping into a fairytale at Bellingham Castle, the air was filled with an aura of magic and romance. Surrounded by our loved ones, we revelled in the warmth and cosiness of the castle, where every moment felt like a dream brought to life. Our wedding day was truly a celebration of love, joy, and the beginning of our happily ever after."
The couple took in the gorgeous scenery of the 17th-century estate and their pictures were bathed in an ethereal glow. How incredible did they look with their bridesmaids and groomsmen?
Their wedding day came to life beyond their wildest dreams at the opulent wedding venue which oozes old-world charm. "We were very proud but also have these memories for life. Seeing all of our guests really enjoy themselves made the day so special."
The couple's reception in the imposing ballroom was a masterclass in all-white glamour and the dazzling chandeliers meant it was a truly sparkling celebration. The tablescape styling included crisp white tablecloths and cream Chiavari chairs with gold accents featuring on the table number signs and table place settings.
The wonderful wedding flowers brought a lush injection to the reception space and to their exquisite tiered white wedding cake which sported delicate sugar flowers. The couple sat on gilded thrones at the top table, they were the king and queen of the festivities.
Keava had so many nuggets of wedding planning wisdom to share with engaged couples. She tells us: "Pick your venue that you both really want. Not a venue that holds more guests or a venue that others tell you to go with. It’s your day and should be your preferred venue. Get a brilliant photographer and videographer."
"These are memories you can’t buy back, so push the budget out for these two if you can. Claire and Chris were amazing and it shows in their work that captured our big day. Enjoy the build up to your big day, take it all in, it’s a very exciting time. Don’t listen to too many people, it’s your wedding, your style, your taste, the way you want it." When it comes to stationery, she says: "Allow enough time for your wedding invites and your wedding stationery in general."
"Remember, they need time to be designed, reviewed, finalised and lead times for printing and delivery. Get on this much earlier then you think. It takes time." She also highly advises going for a full black-tie celebration if you're tying the knot during winter. "It was something we didn’t regret. It looks very glamorous on the day and our guests enjoyed it so much."
"If you can, a bit of casual entertainment at your reception goes down very well and also maybe some music after the meal (before the band starts), this gets the crowd going after such a big meal." The couple had all bases covered with a sensational saxophonist bringing the party atmosphere while a magician left guests enthralled with head-scratching tricks.
"Get a great band and DJ, that you and your guests will be on the dancefloor the whole night." The couple adored their wedding band and DJ and for their first dance they chose Anyone by Justin Bieber. "Most importantly, enjoy your big day! It’s magical and you feel like a real king and queen."
When it comes to honeymooning, Keava advises: "Don’t book your honeymoon right after your wedding as it is nice to spend some time after your big day to spend with family and friends talking about your big day. Not to mention, you have enough to be at organising your wedding so put the time into your big day."
"However, do go for a few nights somewhere after your wedding and then book your honeymoon some weeks or months after. We went to Adare Manor for a few nights, and it was a great way to relax together after a busy few weeks." They have a number of places on their honeymoon wish list: Nantucket, Turks and Caicos, Miami, Mexico or St. Barts.
A huge congratulations and thanks to Keava and James and Studio Brown for sharing their enchanting Christmas castle wedding day with One Fab Day. See even more wonderful photos in the gallery below.
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