Moody Castle Wedding in Wales

wedding

Jul 15

Definitely the most epic ceremony site I have shot at. This old castle in Wales was something you only see in movies. But honestly what was so awesome was to see all the friends and family that came to celebrate Jay and Emily. They were all from the states so it was quite a trek. I always love that about smaller destination weddings and getting to see their closest friends and family make the trip just to celebrate love.

For all the little girls who wanted to grow up and get married in a castle…guess what, you can. Today’s wedding captures all the moody romance of forgotten grounds, covered in floral overgrowth and a dreamy candlelit aisle. The bride’s father was born in Wales but passed away a few years ago so they chose to travel from Canada to Wales for their wedding as a way to honor him. Emily and Jay were married at Manbier Castle, looking to local help, Hanna Bousouf of Just Imagine Weddings & Events, to design + plan the day on site.

Emily shares: We incorporated some meaningful touches: my earrings were a gift from my father and had pearls from my Nana’s wedding dress added; the veil was handmade by my mother; and Jay’s ring was originally my father’s wedding ring. We also made an effort to select music that was really meaningful and represented our journey as a couple. We certainly felt my father’s spirit there and knew we had picked the right place.

More From this Castle Wedding in Wales

OUR FAVORITE MEMORY FROM THE WEDDING

Emily: Can I pick all the moments? Our day was filled with so many beautiful memories. Just before I was to leave for the ceremony our videographer asked me to sit for some last minute filming. I sat down and was a little anxious when I heard a guitar start to play in the next room. Then I heard Jay’s voice start to sing. He surprised me with a beautiful song he wrote for our wedding day. I started balling immediately and felt so blessed to be moments away from walking down the aisle to become his wife.
Just after the ceremony we walked to a room just outside the chapel. As soon as we crossed the chapel threshold we both broke down in tears of joy. I’ll never forget that moment of pure love and happiness.

Jason: After played her a song I wrote for her on the wedding day (we didn’t want to see each other before the ceremony), I walked away and could hear her crying. I’ll never forget that moment.
When I first saw her walking down the aisle towards me it was perfect. It still feels surreal. After the ceremony, we were lead to a little room where we could be alone for a second, which was very special.
After the wedding we went back to the villa for a bit of an after-party. Someone had the idea to do a late night swim. So all the men decided to jump into the ocean. Bear in mind that it was October in Wales so it was freezing but it was great way to end the best day. Definitely a memorable way to cap the night!

OUR ADVICE TO THOSE PLANNING NOW

Hire a wedding planner, especially if you’re planning a destination wedding from afar and on a quick timeline like us (5 months!). We didn’t see either the ceremony or reception venues until our wedding day so having a wedding planner available locally was key. I honestly don’t think it would have come together without her. Our planner was worth every penny!

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