Meet Catherine and Alan! After 20 years together the couple hosted a summer wedding at Barberstown Castle filled with lots of meaningful moments and a family centred ceremony.
Couple: Catherine and Alan
Engagement length: 2 years
Wedding date: 2024-07-27
Wedding venue: Barberstown Castle
Photographer: Reflections Photography
Catherine and Alan met on New Years Eve 2002 and after 20 years and three children they decided to get married.
"We went looking at venues and booked our date, after a night out with friends asking when they'd get to see my engagement ring. Alan was waiting for a trip to Bali to properly propose, he sat on the bed holding the ring box as I was getting ready for bed and asked me to marry him."
The couple chose to marry in the summer when the weather would be on their side. They planned a pretty day with a pink, cream, green and gold colour scheme.
Catherine wore a striking pink tulle wedding gown and carried a dried flower bouquet. Her four bridesmaids wore forest green dresses and matching dried flower bouquets. Alan and his groomsmen wore navy trousers, white shirts, and pale blue jackets with brown shoes.
Catherine loved Barberstown Castle from the moment she visited it.
"I love medieval old style castles and buildings and Barberstown Castle was the first venue we viewed and I fell in love straight away. It ticked all the boxes and was the perfect backdrop for our day. We booked it straight away."
"Our ceremony was relaxed and centred around our family. We had a sand ceremony that included our children and non religious readings from family and friends. Our mums did a mothers kiss which was a symbol of them sending us onto our next journey as they were the first to welcome us into the world. Unity candles lit by ourselves. I walked down the aisle to Spencer Crandells "Worth The Wait." Our ceremony songs included Michael Bublé, U2, the Superman theme song as Alan wanted something fun included, and She Moved Through The Fair was played while remembering grandparents on both sides who are no longer with us."
Favourite Moments
Catherine: I have a few - I did a first look with my two sons which was a last minute decision but I'm so happy I did as its an amazing memory to have. Another is having my dad walk me down the aisle to Alan and seeing Alan's face so unbelievably happy.
Alan: It was so warm inside on the day Cats fingers swelled and I couldn't get the wedding band on so I did the first thing that came to mind and stuck her finger in my mouth so I could get it on, and finally getting to marry her.
Advice for other couples
Don't feel you need to go over the top with spending. The day goes by so unbelievably quickly try and take a few minutes together to take it all in. Wear the non traditional dress you'll be so happy you did!
Catherine asked her bridesmaids to plan a Mr & Mrs game to kick off their evening entertainment - how fun does that sound!
Recommended Suppliers
Wedding venue: Barberstown Castle
Photographer: Reflections Photography
Suits: Protocol for Men
Wedding rings: Martin Gear Jewellers
Other Suppliers
Musician& DJ: Marvin and the Grooves | Hair: Avril Jones | Makeup: Laura O'Neill | Male grooming: Kyle's Barbers | Wedding dress: Mills Dresses | Bridesmaids: Lavetir | Cake: Cakes Glorious Cakes by Anne Geraghty | Celebrant: Shelley O Shea | Stationery: Weddingcreations.ie | Flowers: Twig and Stem Florist | Cars: Dublin Chauffeur Services
