“ The speeches were really relaxed and fun! We all sat around on couches to hear them before dinner.”
The couple: Robert Murphy & Miriam McDonnell
Length of engagement: 1 Year | Wedding date: 21st Novemeber 2015
Wedding location: Mount Juliet Estate, Thomastown, Co.Kilkenny
Photographer: Eric Molimard Photography
We met… First as friends in secondary school in Newbridge in 2002. We both ended up in UCD and got to know each other going out in Dublin during the week and at home at the weekend with our friends. Eventfully in 2004 we had our first kiss on my 19th birthday during a group holiday to Salou!
Our proposal… For our 10th Anniversary we went to Muckross Park Hotel in Killarney for the weekend. Early on Saturday morning, Rob brought me on a surprise private horse riding trip through Killarney National Park. After a little while horse riding, our guide suggested we take a break. Rob and I sat under a big tree chatting until he suddenly got down on one knee and said “well I didn’t bring you out here for nothing!” Next thing I know our guide has a bottle of champagne and some glasses! It was fantastic!
My dress… My dress was by Paloma Blanca from Truly Bridal Boutique in Naas, Co. Kildare. It was a satin fitted strapless bodice with a layered organza ballroom skirt and diamante flower detailed waistband. I absolutely loved it!
Our wedding theme/colours… we had a sage green and pink colour scheme. The bridesmaids dresses were sage green, the flowers were dusty pink, mum’s outfit ended up matching in dusty pink! Our invitations, table plan and sign in board were cream, sage green and light pink.
My hair and makeup… my hair was done by Sarah Cummins of Eternal Flair, Newbridge. My makeup was done by Dawn Ryan of Glamour by Dawn, Kilkenny.
What our bridal party wore… the bridesmaids wore sage green vintage style dresses from Debenhams and the groomsmen wore suits from Mardec Clothing in Naas, Co. Kildare.
Our ceremony… took place at the Church of the Assumption, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny.
We chose our photographer because… We loved the style of Eric Molimard‘s photographs. They are beautiful scenes with the bride and groom as part of the scene rather than “in your face” photographs which isn’t our particular style. He shoots beautiful sky shots and some fantastic work in wintry trees (perfect for November!). He also had a great personality when we met him, and put us very much at ease.
We chose our venue because… We loved the intimate setting of the Lady Helen restaurant at Mount Juliet Estate as well as the unbelievable food for dinner! We had a relatively small wedding by Irish standards so it was perfect. Our fantastic band (The Hitmen Trio) set up in the Majors room, which is like a big living room, so the whole evening felt really intimate – like a fancy house-party!
My favourite part of the wedding day… the speeches, they were really relaxed and fun! We all sat around on couches to hear them before dinner.
Our menu…
Starter: Scallops with Carrot, Chicory, Orange & Dashi
Sorbet: Celeriac & Pear Sorbet
Mains: Turbot with Artichoke, Lemon and Fish Cream OR Lamb Rump with Polenta, Carrot & Garlic
Dessert: Raspberry, Yoghurt, Green Tea & Violet
Evening food: Fish & Chip Cones, Bacon Butties & Sandwiches
Our honeymoon… South Africa! We flew to Cape Town for a few days, then drove the Garden Route including wine tasting in Stellenbosch for two nights, Shark Diving in Hermanus, eating food in Plettenberg Bay and a night in Port Elizabeth. We then flew to Johannesburg and then drove to Kruger National Park. We self-drove the park for two days (which was absolutely amazing) and then stayed in a private game reserve (Thornybush) for two nights.
My piece of advice for other brides… Give yourself plenty of time the morning of the wedding to sit back and enjoy yourself! You can have a giggle with your bridesmaids, have a glass of bubbly and some food and enjoy having your hair and make-up done the best it will ever be!