A Sunset Proposal and a Perfect Day: Órla & Steven’s Darver Castle Wedding
Some love stories unfold slowly, building from online chats to lakeside meetings to mountaintop proposals. For Órla and Steven, their journey from that first meeting at Camlough Lake to their wedding day at Darver Castle was filled with laughter, love, and all their favourite things.
From Camlough Lake to Forever
Órla, a primary school special education teacher from Newtownhamilton, Co. Armagh, and Steven, an operations officer from Banbridge, spent a few weeks chatting online before finally meeting face to face one Easter Sunday evening at Camlough Lake. Six years later, they would say “I do” surrounded by all their favourite people.
A Mountaintop Moment
The proposal came during that limbo week between Christmas and New Year’s—a time when the world feels suspended between celebrations. Steven suggested they walk up Kilbroney mountain to see the big stone, and despite Órla running late (as usual), they began their climb as the sun started to set.
“Steven was eagerly climbing with me somewhat a few steps behind,” Órla recalls with a laugh. As they reached the summit with the sun painting the sky, Steven told her he had one last Christmas present—and got down on one knee against the backdrop of the setting sun.
Finding ‘The One’ at Petticoat Lane
When it came time to find her wedding dress, Órla visited Petticoat Lane in Hillsborough with no clear idea of what style she wanted. Enter Paula, the consultant who would change everything.
“Paula was amazing,” Órla remembers. “She was the one who said, ‘I have a dress I think you should try.’ And that was the one.”
The moment was unforgettable. “When I first walked out in the dress, everyone had tears in their eyes and it was the first time I felt like a bride.”
Órla praises the entire experience at Petticoat Lane: “The ladies were so helpful and supportive. I really felt listened to and they were honest about how dresses would fit my shape.”
Planning Their Perfect Day
For Órla and Steven, wedding planning was about creating a day filled with their favourite things, hoping everyone else would love them too. “We loved planning all of it,” they share.
The most challenging part? “It was hard at times juggling wedding planning, building a house and working. But I wouldn’t change any of it.”
A Day That Felt Like Them
On 16th July 2025, Órla and Steven married at St. Michael’s Church in Newtownhamilton, followed by a reception at the stunning Darver Castle.
“The day was amazing, we couldn’t have asked for a better day,” the couple beams. “It was nice, chilled and ran smoothly just as we like to be in our everyday lives. It was wonderful to see all our favourite people gathered together, especially those who made the journey to travel home.”
Comfortable in Front of the Camera
Working with photographer Simon (from Ciaran O’Neill Photography) was a natural choice—he had photographed Órla’s brother’s wedding in 2018. “I remember how comfortable you made everyone feel and how wonderful the photos turned out, so we couldn’t imagine anyone else capturing us on our day too,” Órla explains.
For a couple who “don’t do photos,” they were pleasantly surprised. “Simon made us feel so comfortable, he was amazing especially with our crazy families,” they laugh. “We enjoyed them all, especially once we got the hang of the lingo. Simon made us feel so comfortable from the start it was easy to forget that we were even posing.”
Favourite Captured Moments
When asked about their favourite photographs, both Órla and Steven had clear answers:
Órla’s favourite: “It’s hard to tell as we’ve only had a sneak peek, but I’m excited to see how our photos under the archway turn out. I also love the photo with my parents at the doors of the chapel. It really captures us as we are, always laughing and messing with each other.”
Steven’s favourite: “I like the photo at the top of the aisle where you catch Órla giving me her ‘well’ look when we first see each other. I also like the photo where we are coming down the aisle as husband and wife.”
Dancing to Fleetwood Mac
For their first dance, Órla and Steven chose “Everywhere” by Fleetwood Mac—a timeless classic that perfectly captured the feeling of finding your person.
A Day That Felt Like Them
On 16th July 2025, Órla and Steven married at St. Michael’s Church in Newtownhamilton, followed by a reception at the stunning Darver Castle.
“The day was amazing, we couldn’t have asked for a better day,” the couple beams. “It was nice, chilled and ran smoothly just as we like to be in our everyday lives. It was wonderful to see all our favourite people gathered together, especially those who made the journey to travel home.”
Comfortable in Front of the Camera
Working with photographer Simon (from Ciaran O’Neill Photography) was a natural choice—he had photographed Órla’s brother’s wedding in 2018. “I remember how comfortable you made everyone feel and how wonderful the photos turned out, so we couldn’t imagine anyone else capturing us on our day too,” Órla explains.
For a couple who “don’t do photos,” they were pleasantly surprised. “Simon made us feel so comfortable, he was amazing especially with our crazy families,” they laugh. “We enjoyed them all, especially once we got the hang of the lingo. Simon made us feel so comfortable from the start it was easy to forget that we were even posing.”
Favourite Captured Moments
When asked about their favourite photographs, both Órla and Steven had clear answers:
Órla’s favourite: “It’s hard to tell as we’ve only had a sneak peek, but I’m excited to see how our photos under the archway turn out. I also love the photo with my parents at the doors of the chapel. It really captures us as we are, always laughing and messing with each other.”
Steven’s favourite: “I like the photo at the top of the aisle where you catch Órla giving me her ‘well’ look when we first see each other. I also like the photo where we are coming down the aisle as husband and wife.”
A Day of Smooth Sailing
The day went remarkably smoothly, with only one minor hiccup: the best man’s bow tie was missing a clip. But Steven’s father Frank quickly came to the rescue with a clever solution, manipulating a key ring to make it stay in place. Problem solved!
Words of Wisdom
Órla and Steven’s advice for couples planning their wedding is simple and heartfelt:
“Do what makes you happy. Everyone is there for you, so as long as you’re happy they’ll be too.”
A Greek Getaway
After their perfect day, Órla and Steven jetted off to Rhodes, Greece, for their honeymoon—the ideal way to begin their married life together.
From an Easter evening at Camlough Lake to a sunset proposal on Kilbroney mountain, from tears at Petticoat Lane to laughter at Darver Castle, Órla and Steven’s wedding was a beautiful reflection of who they are—relaxed, genuine, and surrounded by love. Their day was filled with all their favourite things and all their favourite people, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Congratulations to Órla and Steven! Thank you for trusting us to capture your special day, just as we did for your brother’s wedding in 2018.
