After 10 years together, Ross surprised Noelle by popping the faithful question on New Year’s Eve in Amsterdam. So for a year and a half, while working in her flower shop, the fabulous Bloomsday Flowers in Co Cork, Noelle was taking ideas from weddings that she was working for and planning her own big day! It was no real surprise to anyone that this wedding was filled to the brim with the most beautiful and amazing arrangements of flowers that anyone has ever seen! Using vintage containers, old vases, recycled jars and tea-cups to keep the blooms in place.
Noelle and Ross were married in the walled garden on Inish Beg, and kept guests happy with a retro-styled ice cream van. The ceremoney – and ice-cream – followed by drinks in the beautiful Boat House and dinner in the Marquee. It was a real DIY sort of day and everything from the invitations, bunting, signs, menu blackboard, salt and pepper shakers, table plan, sweet jar table names, pom-poms and hearts were created or picked up from carboot sales and the like. Their family and friends made treats for the dessert table instead of a wedding cake and their family friend, Pad was our chef who set up an amazing buffet! This is just one of those weddings that you (well, I) really wish that you were invited to!
Bride & Groom: Noelle and Ross McCarthy
Wedding Date: May 11 2012
Length of Engagement: 1 year 4 months
Photographer: Fergus McCarthy
We met… In 2001 at our local petrol station where I used to work.
Our proposal… While in Amsterdam for New Years with Ross’s sister and her boyfriend, we went to one of the big squares for a few drinks and to see the fireworks. At midnight he got down on one knee and popped the question. The plan was so elaborate, Ross’s sister Rachel had to wear the engagement ring just incase his bags got searched.
My dress… I had seen the dress in a magazine a few years ago, but I didn’t think I’d be brave enough to go with it. On the first day of dress shopping in Lily White Brides, which was closing down, it was the first dress that caught my eye, so I just had to try it on. With a few alterations here and there, it was just perfect.
Our ceremony… It was in the walled garden in Inish Beg, a couple of weeks prior we had the registry office to get the legal side done, so we were able to have it outside and have a more relaxed fun ceremony. We said we would do our own vows and not tell each other until the day, not realising we both used the help of the internet and picked the same vows! Our Minister Wayne, was also the lead singer of our band, which played that night.
My favourite part of the wedding day… Noelle – It was the ceremony, it was relaxed, fun and just perfect. Ross – The surprise ice-cream van that Noelle organised for me to arrive after the ceremony.
We chose our venue because… We were able to have exactly what we wanted and it was ours for the weekend. There was no driving from one place to the next. Everything was in walking distance. Our family and friends had houses on the island where they were able to stay for the weekend so everyone was relaxed, and the sun was shining.
My piece of advice for other brides… Don’t worry if something small doesn’t work out on the day, no one will notice and you won’t be long forgetting about it!
Our wedding theme/colours… We had a vintage, rustic, fun theme, with pinks, ivory and burgundy and lots of flowers everywhere of course!
Our honeymoon… We went to Portugal for two weeks to relax and chill-out.
Other Vendors
Location: Inish Beg Island, Baltimore, Cork
Marquee: Pavilion Marquee
Tableware and equipment hire: Betcon Hire / Cake Stands: Ross made a lot of the cake stakes. We bought the bars from Ebay and Ross was able to drill the plates that I found at car boot sales. Our aunt Mags suppliedsome of her own as well!
Caterers: Patrick Mulcahy and friends
Dress and headpiece: Lily White Brides
Bridesmaids dresses: Monsoon
Shoes: Brown Thomas
Flowers: Co-owner at Bloomsday Flowers, Carrigtwohill, Cork. www.bloomsday.ie
Stationery: Pamela (my sister)
Band: The Sons of Steve McQueen
Ice-cream van and evening food: Glanmire Ices
