We met…
at a friend’s birthday party, Conor had just returned from a year travelling around South America and tried to impress me with boring travel stories and his ‘Brazilian’ tan – ha! Despite this we really hit it off as we’ve the same sense of humour and like the same things. We’ve been together since, through thick and thin for the past seven years. When I went to New Zealand for two years with my job, Conor came out to join me. We returned to Ireland in 2006 and our son Ben arrived, a happy little surprise that’s kept us busy ever since, and the reason why it took us so long to get round to getting married.
Photographer: Fionn McCann, Studio33Weddings
Venue: Middleton Park House
Click HERE to see if Middleton Park House have your wedding date free!
My dress…
I really liked the simplicity and style of Stephanie Allin and I knew I didn’t want a strapless number, so when I saw her Castello dress I just loved it. Myrtle Ivory is the exclusive stockists in Ireland so I went in to Marina & Suzanne, tried on the dress and bought it. I really thought I would search for months and try on dozens of dresses but it was surprisingly easy and straightforward and I can highly recommend Myrtle Ivory – they are fantastic. I had a few niggles before the wedding that my dress was maybe too plain but on the day I felt amazing in it, even a bit like a movie star (!) and it got a great reaction from everyone (including Conor who thinks all wedding dresses are the exact same).
Our proposal…
Conor proposed with a huge fake diamond ring while we were on holidays in France. I thought he’d just found the ring in the villa we were staying so I didn’t take him seriously and continued reading my book by the pool. He eventually convinced me it was a real proposal and I was delighted. He knew better than to pick my engagement ring for me so I got to try on lots of gorgeous rings and give him several mini heart attacks before picking a lovely solitaire which I absolutely adore.
Our ceremony…
We had a civil ceremony at our venue, Middleton Park House. We stuck with a relatively traditional format but were able to really personalise it with the help of our officiant, the wonderful Romy McAuley, she was amazing on the day and made it such a relaxed, enjoyable experience. I had the daunting task of coming down the grand staircase with all eyes on me which was nerve-wracking, although my bridesmaid Nicola had to go first and I knew if anyone was going to trip and tumble down those stairs it would probably be her. Conor’s sister Maeve did a lovely reading and our friend Brian Canavan (of The Difference Engine fame ) took care of the music and sang a lovely version of ‘All Time Love’ by Will Young while we signed the register.
Our wedding theme/colours…
I didn’t have a specific colour theme but I loved the idea of adding some vintage touches like mismatched china, letterpress stationery and I found a lovely cake design which made a great centrepiece for our dessert table. The amazing Pearl, from Pearl & Godiva, helped with styling and the vintage china and tea wedding favours worked really well in the Georgian setting.
My favourite part…
the ceremony. It was relaxed and informal but quite emotional at times. I loved that our son Ben was involved, he was a mini best man handing over the rings and I loved that all three of us lit the unity candle together to signify us as a family. Another favourite part would have to be the very end of the night, last dance with everyone rocking to the Stone Roses, the eight minute version which Conor insisted on, loved it!
My piece of advice for other brides…
Pick one really funny bridesmaid that can keep you laughing throughout the whole process – my sister Nicola provided great entertainment at my hen night, negotiated a nice discount on her bridesmaid dress by accidently ripping it herself and got some useful directions from a lunatic in Mullingar – thank you Nicola! My other piece of advice is to stock up on Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5) in the run up to the wedding. I lived on the stuff – it really helped to take the edge off any nerves and stress, so spread the good word…
Wedding Dress: Stephanie Allin (stocked exclusively!) at Myrtle Ivory
Bridesmaid Dress: Anoushka G
Vintage China & Event Styling: Pearl & Godiva contace Pearl and Godiva HERE
Stationery: Feather and Ink contact Feather and Ink HERE
Wedding Cake: Designed by Amanda, made by Miriam at Sweet Creations
Flowers: Sheefin Flowers, Mullingar
Civil Ceremony Officiant: Romy McAuley, A Beautiful Ceremony
Hair: Annie Mulligan at Profile Hair Design
Make Up: Ruth Cassidy
Videographer: Bellissimo Weddings
Furniture: Higgins Hire
Suits: Savoy Tailors Guild
