Meet Nathalie and Vivian! They tied the knot last summer surrounded by their children, family and friends. The day was sophisticated in style and full of fun and entertainment.
Couple: Nathalie and Vivian
Engagement length: 13 months
Wedding date: 2025-08-22
Wedding venue: Shearwater Hotel & Spa
Photographer & Videographer: White Thorn Media
‘Vivian and I met when we were teenagers as we lived in the same area in Galway city, we have been together for over 15 years and have two wonderful children together. He proposed to me on July 3rd 2024, watching the sunset in Ibiza.’
Nathalie planned a sophisticated wedding that wasn’t too fussy! With the guys in tuxedos and a white colour palette for the florals, a monochrome look came together. She dressed her bridesmaids in Bermuda blue dresses and added pearl details throughout for contrast.
‘My dress was a beautiful lace, sweetheart neckline, fitted dress, by Mark Lesley, and I added a Justin Alexander Overskirt to it for the ceremony and photographs for that WOW effect. My veil was a cathederal lenght soft satin with pearl and beading along the edge, which matched my shoes both from JJs House. My hairpiece was my something borrowed from my sister in law.’
The couple had a Catholic wedding ceremony in Newcastle, Athenry. Their parish priest and family friend from their home parish married them.
‘Our ceremony was very personal and full of family. My dad walked me down the aisle, both of our siblings were included in the wedding party and our mother’s brought the offertory. Our children, nieces, nephews and brother and sister in law, did our readings and Prayers of the Faithful. And our other two sister in laws as our witnesses meant we were able to include all our immediate family in our ceremony. Our two boys were page boys and two nieces, flower girls. I walked up the aisle to Ruelle ” I Get To Love You” and we exited the church to Lick the Tins “Can’t Help Falling In Love” which was a lovely upbeat choice for exiting.’
Nathalie and Vivian chose The Shearwater Hotel in Ballinasloe.
‘We chose our venue after the first visit! Neither Vivian or I had actually ever been in the Shearwater prior to viewing it as a potential wedding venue, and the minute we stepped in the door we knew it was the venue for us. The warm welcome and hospitality we received, the decor, and the packages available all appealed to us and we are so thrilled we decided on there. The staff at the Shearwater were absolutely magnificent. Nothing was too big of an ask, and every tiny detail thought of. Kate and the Team in the Shearwater really know their stuff and no email ever went unanswered. Our guests are still talking about how delicious the food was and how great a weekend they had. We spent the weekend at the Shearwater and we had our day two there also. It’s a weekend we will never forget.’
Our photographer & videographer
Our photographer and videographer are a team from Mayo, called White Thorn Media.
Robert & Bart – absolutely phenomenal. They captured every detail throughout the whole day. They made us so at ease and we had great craic with them. They blended so beautifully into the day that we didn’t feel like they were even there. There was no pushing or feeling that the camera was directly in our faces. I have recommended these guys to everyone. The level of detail in their work is outstanding.
The couple chose a full night DJ and saxophone package to entertain their guests;
‘The saxophone played us into the ball room and got everyone up on their feet. The dj & saxophonist on the night were fantastic. They knew what genre of music we both enjoyed and kept the dance floor full all night. Rory at dj&Sax.ie was a dream to deal with.
We hired roulette and blackjack tables from entertainmentideas.ie for our after dinner entertainment which was a massive hit with everyone. We also had a photobooth, audio guest book and light up letters supplied by Magical Moments Rentals.’
Favourite Memories
Some of my favourite memories of the day were getting ready in the morning with all my girls and family around me.
Doing a first look with my two sons outside the church and their reaction to seeing their Mommy in my wedding dress.
Walking up the aisle with my dad to my husband and seeing all our nearest and dearest there to celebrate.
Walking into our Reception as husband & Wife to the cheers and claps of all our amazing family & guests.
Advice for other couples
Do what makes you happy. Don’t feel any pressure to keep up with trends or feel like you need to be planning your day around anyone else’s expectations. It’s your day, do what feels right for you. And enjoy every second.
Recommended Suppliers
Wedding venue: Shearwater Hotel & Spa
Photographer: White Thorn Media
Videographer: White Thorn Media
DJ: DJ and Sax.ie
Other Suppliers: Music: Jenni Flaherty | Hair: Bridal Hair by Carrie | Makeup: Annmarie Fahy Makeup | Suits: Corless Menswear | Dress: Brummel & Co | Bridesmaids: Azazie | Wedding bands: Fields | Flowers: Flowers by Breda | Cars: Costello Car Hire
