Hannah and Ryan got married and had their wedding reception at the Leighinmohr Hotel in Ballymena on the 7th of March. While Ballymena is Hannah’s home town, these guys first met and now live together in Dundee and did all of their planning from there.

Lots of their friends and Ryan’s family travelled across the Irish Sea to celebrate with them at the Leighinmohr Hotel. Many of their guests treated the trip as a small holiday. It gave the wedding a relaxed atmosphere before the day even began.

Leighinmohr Hotel Wedding Photography

The day for us started with meeting up with Hannah and her bridesmaids at her Mum and Dad’s home in Ballymena. There was lots of hustle and bustle as you would expect on any wedding morning and plenty of craic, as the girls all got ready for the big day. Hannah took everything in her stride and remained calm and relaxed throughout.

On arriving at the Leighinmohr Hotel we met up with Ryan and the rest of the boys before the ceremony. Ryan and the boys added a strong Scottish element to the wedding by wearing traditional kilts. It immediately caught attention when guests arrived. Kilts bring colour and personality to a wedding outfit, they also reflect heritage and family tradition. With lots of guests having travelled from Scotland themselves, this made the detail feel even more meaningful.

Hannah and Ryan chose this venue for its warm setting and strong reputation for weddings. The Leighinmohr Hotel is an all day venue were couples can have both their ceremony, reception and stay over all in the one place. Hannah, Ryan and their guests could settle in, relax, and focus on the celebration rather than logistics. The ceremony took place in The Garden Room. This was the first time we have photographed a ceremony inside the new space, they were just finishing getting it ready, the last time we worked here. The new ceremony space is bright and airy and receives lots of natural light.

The guys were married by Humanist celebrant John Foley someone who we have worked with many times before. It was great to see that John has been talked into coming out of retirement as he is one of the best celebrants in the business. Some traditional Celtic traditions were included with both a Handfasting and the drinking of the Quaich. Hannah walked down the aisle with her Dad filled with anticipation. Friends leaned forward. Family members smiled through emotion and shed a few tears, as did Ryan. The ceremony space perfectly suited the couple’s style, elegant but not overwhelming. Soft décor, natural light, and a calm atmosphere allowed the focus to stay on the couple.

After the ceremony, applause filled the room and the mood shifted quickly from emotional to celebratory. Guests moved toward the reception area while we headed off for portraits with Hannah and Ryan.

Wedding Photos at the Leighinmohr Hotel

Weather is one thing couples cannot control. Yet on Hannah and Ryan’s wedding day, the sky stayed clear from morning to evening. Northern Ireland weddings often prepare for rain. Umbrellas, indoor photo plans, and flexible schedules are common. None were needed. Sunlight filled the hotel grounds throughout the day. Warm light spread across the gardens and outdoor spaces which was very unexpected but very welcome especially for this time of the year. This meant that we were able to get plenty of quality time with Hannah and Ryan as we walked around the gardens without having to worry about the weather.

Guests stepped outside between moments, drinks in hand and there was laughter everywhere. The bright conditions shaped the entire atmosphere. The venue felt open and vibrant, encouraging people to move between indoor rooms and outdoor spaces. The sunshine also allowed guests to enjoy the gardens after the ceremony. Conversations flowed easily outdoors, and the relaxed environment helped everyone settle into celebration mode. Sometimes a small detail changes the energy of the day. For this wedding, it was the amazing weather. Clear skies turned a beautiful venue into something even better.

After the ceremony and drinks reception, guests gathered for the evening celebrations. The reception room carried a lively atmosphere from the start. People were ready to celebrate. Speeches brought laughter across the room. Stories from friends and family revealed moments from Hannah and Ryan’s relationship. Some stories were funny while others were emotional, both created connection.

Dinner followed, giving guests time to talk and relax before the evening party began. As night approached, the sunlight disappeared outside the venue. Inside, music and conversation filled the room. When the dance floor opened, energy quickly shifted again. Hannah and Ryan on the lead up to their wedding were determined not to do a first dance. We aren’t sure if our encouragement and cheerleading helped or not, but on the day they changed their mind and hit up the dance floor and seemed to have a great time.

Guests quickly moved from their tables to the dance floor, eager to celebrate and party together for the rest of the night. Wedding receptions often become the moment when everyone finally relaxes, laughs more freely, and lets the day’s formalities fall away.

If you are planning for your own wedding at the Leighinmohr Hotel and would like some inspiration, you might like to check out our guide to weddings at this venue. Leighinmohr Hotel Wedding Photographer

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Tommy and Laurene, Pure Photo N.I.