There’s something truly magical about Harvey’s Point and weddings – a perfect pairing set against the breathtaking backdrop of Donegal’s serene lakes and rolling hills. Known for its elegance, charm, and warm hospitality, Harvey’s Point has become a dream destination for brides seeking an unforgettable celebration. In this first blog, we’re sharing the story of one of our beautiful brides, whose journey from choosing her perfect dress in our boutique to saying “I do” at this iconic venue was nothing short of enchanting. Join us as we relive her special day and the romance that made it so extraordinary.
Beth & Gillan’s Wedding on 22nd August 2025 at Harvey’s Point -capturing the charm and elegance that Weddings at this venue are known for.
We were so excited when Beth contacted us from Australia wanting to explore second dress options.
- Venue: Harvey’s Point Weddings
- Dress: @heracouture
- Makeup: michellediffin.makeupandbrows
- Hair: tangledhairsalon
- Photographer: Leanne Magill https://magillsfilmandphotography.com/wedding-portfolio/
- Videographer: https://memoriesinmotionni.com
1. How did Gillan put a ring on it?
Gillan proposed to me in Keem bay in Achill island on the beach. I was definitely ready to get engaged but not ready ready, AKA no nails done. I am a nurse though so if gillan had of told me to get them done, I would have been totally suss. We went to Mayo in December so it was so cold and I wasn’t feeling 100%, so when Gillan suggested a walk on the beach I wasn’t too eager. We stopped for tea bags and sticks for the fire, made our way to the beach and it was so beautiful. I turned to Gillan and said “this would be a beautiful place to get engaged”. I went to hug him and he went stiff. I didn’t know at that time he had the ring box in his coat pocket. I was videoing the waves coming in and when I turned around he was down on one knee. Poor Gillan wasn’t sure if I said yes or not, as I was crying, but I soon had that ring on my finger so I think that was his confirmation.
2. What were you most excited or nervous about?
I was so excited to marry Gillan, I was excited for our journey and our future together. Not long after we got engaged, we moved to Australia. I was nervous about planning a wedding in Ireland when I was in Aus. However, it all falls into place. Everything is online now and so accessible.
3. Tell us about your dress journey, did you go for what you imagined you would?
The dress journey was a bit of a mission at first. I started my dress journey shopping in Australia, sometimes by myself or with a friend from home. All I wanted was my mummy’s opinion and reassurance. Which was definitely one of the more difficult things about planning a wedding when living away from home. I knew what I wanted and every dress I tried on I added bits too it, to create the dress I imagined myself wearing- which is something I would say to other brides too. Dresses are so interchangeable! You can add those sleeves, have an over skirt or add a bit of sparkle. Anyways, I went to see a dress in Sydney that I was going to have made (I wanted the skirt of one dress and the bodice off another) both dresses were made by my favourite ever designer HERA COUTURE.
However, when I got there I seen a dress that I had previously envisioned myself wearing and when I tried it on I got so emotional and had a little cry. That’s when I knew I had found the one, well the first one anyways😂. Then 10months later I packed it into my cabin bag and away I went to Ireland to get married.
4. How did you know you found the one?
Honestly, I wasn’t sure I had found the one. I was knit picking at every detail and so unsure. I think a big part of that was not having my mummy with me on the day to help pick my first dress. I was so worried if it was too plain, too traditional and if others were going to like it. Looking back though I shouldn’t have put myself through that. When you pick a dress, you pick it for a reason and it can only get better. Meaning when it fits you perfectly and you’re all glammed up, it’s going to look 10x better than when you originally picked it. Kerri and Natasha were my hype queens when I met with them to help me style my first dress in “The Vow”. From helping me accesorise and offering me much needed guidance and reassurance. It was then I decided I wanted a dress from “The Vow” and that’s when I decided to purchase another dress for my second look.
5. Did you always know you wanted a second dress and how did you decide on this look?
I didn’t think I wanted a second dress until I stepped into “The Vow” I had to close my eyes on return visits incase I bought a 3rd, 4th and a 5th dress. The wedding gowns in the Vow are so dreamy and they stock some of my favourite designers. When I went for my appointment to look for a veil I wanted to try another dress on, something a little more tight fitting and less traditional than my first. I tried on a very glitzy dress and really liked it. Kerri then suggested a dress with a corset body, a slit and pearls down the back – I wasn’t sure at first what it would look like on me. When I tried that dress on I knew I wasn’t leaving there without it. Luckily Kerri and Natasha were able to pull some strings and get me the dress in, in such a short period of time – with only 12 weeks to the wedding!! Everytime I went back to “The Vow” I felt excited, the girls are so helpful and honest. This was definitely the difference between searching for my dress in Aus compared to Ireland. Kerri and Natasha made me feel body confident, they were so welcoming and understanding of what I needed. I didn’t feel like they were selling me a dress. I felt like they were a part of the journey, trying to help me decide what was best for me and my wedding day.
6. Tell us one or two highlights from your day
- Getting ready that morning – having my mum, Auntie, sisters and besties with me I knew it was going to be amazing. It just went so smooth and I felt an overwhelming sense of calm.
- My dad walking me down the aisle and seeing Gillan, it felt like everything had come together and we were surrounded by everyone we loved. I felt so grateful and happy the whole day really.
7. If you had one piece of advice for future brides what would it be?
I feel we put so much pressure on ourselves for every detail to be perfect and it really doesn’t have to be. Enjoy the run up to the wedding aka your bridal Era – Enjoy the coffee dates, the make up trial, the wearing white at every opportunity lol, the hen party and of course the night before with your girls.
As we reflect on her unforgettable celebration, it’s clear why Harvey’s Point and weddings are such a perfect match – the venue’s breathtaking setting, paired with its warm hospitality, creates a truly magical atmosphere for any bride’s special day. From the moment she found her dream dress in our boutique to the final dance beneath the Donegal stars, every detail was filled with beauty, joy, and love. Her story is a reminder that when the right dress meets the right setting, memories are made that will be cherished for a lifetime.
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Harvey’s Point Weddings: Interview with one of our Bride’s who tied the knot in Donegal | The Vow Bridal 2025
