“Our wedding was relaxed, stress-free, rustic and modern. We had a colour theme of blush pink and ivory.”
Couple: Natasha Jennings & Ian Connell
Engagement length: 4 years and 4 months
Wedding date: 2021-06-04
Wedding location: The Village Hotel, Bettystown, Co. Meath
Photographer: Ian Hennessy Photography
Natasha and Ian met in 2005. She was attending college with Ian’s friend.
“I was working at a nightclub at the time and his friend and Ian were on a night out. We were introduced and Ian and I ended up talking for a bit. He stalked me for weeks after! I kept walking away from him as he was trying to talk, haha! I was stuck for a lift home after work one night and he ended up offering me a lift home and sure the rest was history! 15 years later we married!”
The two got engaged in February 2017.
“We were heading away from a weekend away as Ian was heading away for 8 months for work and it was also our 10 year anniversary. After we had got ready for dinner Ian had asked if I forgot anything. When I realised I left the room key I turned around and Ian was on one knee with a ring in his hand! I think I stared in utter shock before I gave an answer.”
“Our wedding was relaxed, stress-free, rustic and modern. We had a colour theme of blush pink and ivory.”
Natasha wore a blackless fish tail dress with a cathedral train along with a plain ivory cathedral veil purchased in the Bridal Studio in Drogheda. The dress had delicate lace all over. It was a stunning, romantic dress. Shoes were from Ivory Satin with a pearl and lace strap. Jewellery was kept simple with a small bracelet and necklace.
Ian wore a 3 piece check suit with navy tie from McKenna man in Drogheda.
The bridesmaid wore a Maya dress from Pamela Scott and the Best Man wore a 3 piece navy suit with a blush pink tie from McKenna Man. Their daughter wore an ivory 2 piece dress with lace overlay from Monsoon and their son wore a 3 piece short suit from Next.
“We decided on a humanist ceremony. It was intimate and very personal. It was full of happiness and love from all our friends and family. Our celebrant Romy from A Beautiful Ceremony did such an amazing job! There were plenty of tears and laughter. We had a fasting ceremony using material Natasha’s nan had crochet before she passed away last year that our kids tied along with our unity candles. Our ceremony was focused on bringing the 4 of us together so we each had a colour of sand and blended all 4 colours during our sand ceremony. Everyone was so happy for us and I think Ian’s photos show that. We had our neighbour Gerry sing and play for our ceremony and it was just perfect.”
“The Village Hotel is such a stunning venue. Sinead and the staff went above and beyond for everything we had asked. They created a wedding better than we could have expected! They put the little touches on the tables with flowers to match our colours and rustic modern theme. They decorated the gardens with fresh flowers for our ceremony. We took advantage of the good weather and had our drinks arrival and reception outside. The food was absolutely amazing. Everyone’s plate was empty, was outstanding. People are still raving over the food! The wine was constantly flowing and there was no waiting for the next course, every need was cared for. We can’t wait to go back.”
“Ian Hennessy takes pride in his work. He fitted into our day perfectly, we almost forgot he was there! He captured the most perfect natural shots. We had our intimate photos taken at Piperstown house and Ian was amazing at giving us directions to capture the perfect shots. He has a passion for his work and each picture truly shows it. We are so grateful to have had Ian part of our day and now we have the most beautiful photos to look back on.”
In line with covid guidelines, they were not allowed live music but the venue had put together a play ist for the drinks reception. They also had a DJ create a playlist, including their first dance, on a USB and the venue kindly played it over their music system.
Natasha’s favourite memory is being with family and friends for the first time in over a year, celebrating such a special time.
“It was so intimate and small, and lovely to have the time to spend with each guest.”
“Don’t overthink the small things you think about, nobody else realises. If your day is affected by restrictions it will still be perfect, you are marrying your best friend. Take time for yourselves and take it all in. I believe intimate weddings are the way forward, we have no regrets.”
Suppliers
Ceremony and reception venue: The Village Hotel | Photographer: Ian Hennessy Photography | Planner/Coordinator: Sinead Hogan | Hair: Shauna – Glow Hair and Beauty | Makeup: Makeup by Rachel | Male grooming: DJ – The Greenman | Couple’s outfits: Bridal – The Bridal Studio, Groom – Mckenna Man, Drogheda | Wedding party outfits: Bridemaid – Pamela Scott, Best Man – McKenna Man | Cake: Coulter and Black | Celebrant/solemniser: Romy Mc Auley – A Beautiful Ceremony | Jewellery/rings: Foxes Jewellers, Drogheda | Flowers: Flowers by Jane
