“I went to make tea and I heard a noise in the sitting room and when I walked in John was down on one knee with a ring in his hand.”
The couple: John Stafford & Valerie Fitzpatrick
Length of engagement: 20 months | Wedding date: 25th August 2017
Wedding venue: Mount Wolseley Hotel Spa & Golf Resort, Co. Carlow
Photographer: Give Us A Goo Photography
We met… in school! We live in a small town where everyone knows everyone so we knew each other in school but we didn’t start seeing each other until I was in college. I’m originally from Dublin and had moved back there for college and was just coming home to Wexford on the weekends. My family were very surprised when I told them I was going out with a farmer 🙂 When I finished college we built a house together on John’s family farm.
Our proposal… was in our home on Christmas morning in 2016. I had not seen it coming at all! We had been together for about 7 years at that stage and everyone was starting to ask us the question – When are you going to get married??? I went to make tea and I heard a noise in the sitting room and when I walked in John was down on one knee with a ring in his hand… after all the tears of happiness I said YES!
My hair and makeup… My hair was done by Rebecca Donnelly from Tallulah Hair and Beauty in Gorey. My Makeup was done by Amy McMahon who is a makeup artist and manager of Huda Beauty in Brown Thomas.
My dress… My cousin Rachel who was my bridesmaid had been to McElhinneys Bridal Rooms in Ballybofey before and she had said to me that it was a beautiful shop and really gave a great experience of trying on dresses so myself and my two bridesmaids – my sister Elizabeth and cousin Rachel decided to go up to Donegal and stay for the weekend so that I could try on dresses. I actually never expected to buy a dress up there as it was so far away and was more going up for the experience but as soon as I tried on the dress, I knew it was the one and had to buy it! And it also meant we got another weekend trip away to go and collect it about a year later. It was a vintage style Eternity Bride Ltd dress.
His suit… John’s suit (as well as the two groomsmen, my Dad and John’s Dad’s) were all from Eden Manor Bridal in Enniscorthy.
What our bridal party wore… my bridesmaids’ dresses were Ariella from House of Fraser.
Our ceremony… We were married in St. Michael’s church in Gorey by Fr. Billy Flynn.
We chose our photographer because… Phil from Give Us a Goo Photography came recommended to us by a few friends. He was the only photographer that we had even considered and when we met him and saw some of his work we booked him straight away. A photographer is one of the most important suppliers you will hire for your wedding day! After the day is over, what you are left with will be the photos and video and they are how you will remember the day forever! On the day Phil was not pushy at all – in fact we barely noticed he was there!! He was like one of our friend’s there laughing and joking with us but catching absolutely everything on camera. Our Videographer was Conor Stafford and they worked so well together! We knew before we even got the photos and video that we had definitely made the right choice on both!!
We chose our venue because… Mount Wolseley is an absolutely stunning venue and the staff there are second to none!! Their attention to detail is amazing!! John’s two sisters had both got married in Mount Wolseley so we knew before we booked how great the hotel is. From the huge function room to the snug bar which is private for weddings and the lovely bright reception area (separate to the hotel’s main reception) the hotel is an amazing choice! On the day everything went perfectly!
We chose our wedding coordinator because… Gillian Long from Mount Wolseley is one of the nicest people you could meet!! To be honest we were a bit nervous going to Mount Wolseley to view it but there was absolutely no need!! Gill was so friendly and welcoming and really paid attention to every little detail and made sure we were happy with everything – before, during and after our big day!!! She really made the planning of the day so much easier!!! Looking back at our photos we were laughing at the ones of us chatting, laughing and joking with her!
Our honeymoon… We went to Secrets Silversands Hotel in Mexico on our honeymoon. I would highly recommend the hotel for luxury! It was stunning.
Our wedding theme/colours… we had a vintage theme and included lots of blush pink.
My favourite part of the wedding day… It is impossible to pick a moment that was my favourite!! All of it!
My piece of advice for other couples… Just enjoy it! Don’t stress over little things. Hire good suppliers that are recommended and let them do what they do best!
Suppliers
Wedding Venue: Mount Wolseley Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort, Carlow | Photographer: Give Us A Goo Photography | Wedding Dress: McElhinneys Bridal Rooms, Donegal | Hair: Rebecca Donnelly from Tallulah Hair and Beauty, Gorey | Makeup: Amy McMahon | Groomswear: Eden Manor Bridal, Wexford | Church Decorations & Flowers: Mary Codd | Cake: Julie Reardon – The Flour Artist | Sparkle Dance Floor, Photobooth & Love Sign: Leinster Photobooth Hire | Band: After Dark | Rings: McGuire Diamonds, Gorey
-400x270.jpg)
