“One of my favourite moments was the sunset at Rathsallagh House. Our photographer Trish got us out before dessert for a magical twenty minutes, where some of the most beautiful photos were taken…”
Wedding venue: Rathsallagh House
Wedding photographer: Insight Photography
We met… Our paths crossed on a ski trip in Livigno during New Year’s 2010. I definitely liked him. We went skiing on our own on New Year’s Day. He stuck by me for hours as I freaked out and cursed at myself for being such a chicken on an easy red! We really clicked on the bus home. We both talk about that feeling. We had the bus stop feature on our cake and we had Rathsallagh, our wedding venue, as the destination on the bus.
We got engaged… In the Burren, our favourite part of the country. I can still remember how happy I was! I asked him was he joking though! We had a Prosecco picnic, then he whisked me down to The Lodge at Doonbeg.
My dress… The starting point was walking into Myrtle Ivory – I knew it had to be there! I fell in love with Stephanie Allin’s Night and Day Collection, and I was lucky enough to meet Stephanie and try her new collection on while she was in the shop. The veil was made by her own veil-maker in England.
My hair and make-up… We were beautified by the best of the best! Zoe Clark for make-up and Gillian Edgeworth for hair. Zoe and her assistant Mary Ellen were so brilliant on the morning. Zoe is literally an artist, she makes the lightest touches, and bit by bit you are a beautiful bride. The make up lasted all day and I only touched it up once, with Mac Studio Fix as she recommended. Gillian is so bubbly. She really listened to what I wanted on the day, and she transformed my hair colour over the months in her fabulous salon on Cow’s Lane, Temple Bar. I always wanted a fresh flower head garland. I had it made by a lady in Blessington, in Cottage Garden florist.
Our ceremony… We were married in the tiny lakeside church in Lacken. The altar is three-sided which meant we were literally surrounded by our family and friends. The ceremony was filled with laughter, even though I was a bit late! We had a harpist called Emer Kenny play during our ceremony. Her gentle sound really suited our tiny church. She really looks the part as well!
The transport… Close family members drove us to and from the ceremony. Dad and I had a lovely journey with Ger. He took it easy, even when I asked him should we put the foot to the floor, he said we could but we’d only get there a few minutes earlier and it would be bumpy and stressful. I really relaxed then.
Our photographer… Trish from Insight Photography is incredibly talented, discreet and friendly. We saw her slideshow at a friend’s wedding and booked her straight away. She captured every possible moment and she got us back to the champagne reception as promised. Her assistant PJ was great craic in Enda’s house that morning, making the fry and all!
Our venue… Rathsallagh House has everything: beautiful grounds, a 300 year old walled garden, open fires, and a superb team who give you 110%. We had the whole place to ourselves for the weekend. They can’t do enough for you at Rathsallagh! It’s the perfect wedding venue.
Our menu… Thanks to head chef Nico, our meal was top class. Everyone loved the sea bass and the roast beef. Nico cooked his heart out and I was a fussy bride-to-be!
Our honeymoon… We spent three weeks in Vietnam. It’s a fascinating country and we had a great mix of adventure and luxury.
My favourite part of the day… It’s hard to pick! I loved the feeling in the church. I also thoroughly enjoyed the morning, and I was shocked how chilled I was. Of course the drive to Rathsallagh House with my new husband was another great ‘moment’! The sunset – Trish got us out before dessert for a magical twenty minutes, where some of the most beautiful photos were taken.
Our ‘day after’ celebrations… We had glorious sunshine for our second day festivities. It was up in The Clubhouse of Rathsallagh Golf Course. We had about 80 guests and they set us up at white-clothed tables for a delicious BBQ. We soaked it up, overlooking the beautiful vista, drinking our favourite wine and sampling some of Mark’s delicious meats. Our guests were blown away by the tastiness of the meats. We had a pig on the spit (I couldn’t really look at the poor fella!) but by all accounts it was unbelievably good. This is the other thing about your wedding at Rathsallagh – we had a fresh venue within walking distance of the house. The owner, Joe Junior, drove us all over in the ‘pope mobile’. That was definitely a highlight. It was just a great treat for all of us and there were lots of smiles and laughter.
My advice for other brides-to-be… Get out into the air after breakfast. I remember those twenty minutes with my bridesmaid, the dew on my toes and looking at the house from a distance. I remember just thinking: wow this is my wedding day! Otherwise be present in each and every moment. Nothing can go wrong. Laugh lots. My honeymoon tip is to do most of your packing before the wedding!
Our Vendors
Venue – Rathsallagh House
Photographer – Insight Photography
Videographer – Ali’s Weddings
Band – Beat Club
Stationery – Daintree
Dress – Stephanie Allin at Myrtle Ivory
Floral Garland – Cottage Garden Florist
Bridesmaid Dresses – Monsoon
Flower girl dress – Arnotts
Menswear – Aston Formal Wear
Ceremony music – Emer Kenny
Hair and Make-Up – Zoe Clark and Gillian Edgeworth
And you can also check out Aine and Enda’s gorgeous wedding trailer below by Ali’s Weddings!
