Intimate Family Centred Wedding on Their 20 Year Anniversary

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“We wanted a relaxing, chilled day with family and friends. Many had not seen each other in months or even longer because of the Covid pandemic! We got married on the 20 year anniversary of our meeting, hence the date of the wedding.”

Couple: Mark Reid & Brona Quinn
Engagement length: 2 and half months
Wedding date: 2021-08-17
Wedding location: Ballykealey House, Ballon, Co Carlow
Photographer: Kevin Morris Photography

 

 

Mark and Brona were introduced by a mutual friend. The friend, Stephanie worked with Mark and she took Brona to a work night out, and the rest is history.
We were never in a rush to get married but the last couple of years had been discussing it and had planned to go abroad. However, with Covid, we decided to marry in Ireland. Years ago I made a remark that I did not want to be engaged for years, that three months was plenty. With delays due to Covid, with the ring being made and being delivered we were officially engaged only two and half months prior to the wedding.”

 

 

“We wanted a relaxing, chilled day with family and friends. Many had not seen each other in months or even longer because of the Covid pandemic! We got married on the 20 year anniversary of our meeting, hence the date of the wedding.”

 

 

Brona wore a beautiful, peach blush tea-length tulle dress that was designed and made by Aideen Cross Designs. Mark wore a three-piece blue suit.

 

 

“We had a lovely intimate civil ceremony with all our family and friends gathered around the fountain at Ballykealey House. It was beautifully decorated by flowers and lanterns.”

 

 

Ballykealey House exceeded our expectations! The setting is beautiful with different locations within the grounds for the ceremony and drinks reception. Our wedding meal was fabulous. All the staff at Ballykealey were brilliant and nothing was an issue. When we booked Ballykealey House there were only 6 guests allowed at weddings. There was so much uncertainty about the restrictions that would be in place. But Angela, the Weddings and Events Manager, was a calming presence throughout the whole planning and lead up to the day. All our guests commented on how beautiful the house and grounds were and that the staff was very friendly and helpful.”

 

 

“Our photographer, Kevin was very personable and his approach to photography helped both of us to be relaxed throughout the day. Kevin was snapping photos in the background throughout the day without guests even noticing his presence.”

 

For entertainment, they had the wonderfully talented Ben Cully for the ceremony and drinks reception. With the restrictions, they didn’t have a band for the wedding evening. On the second evening for the BBQ they had a guitar and drums duo, Peader and Fionn (from Partybands).

 

 

Brona’s favourite memory was walking down the steps to the ceremony with her dad, the sun starting to shine and seeing Mark waiting for her. Mark’s favourite memory was the wedding ceremony around the fountain with their families and friends.

 

 

“The day will go by in a flash so try not to stress, be relaxed and enjoy every minute.”

 

 

Suppliers

Ceremony and reception venue: Ballykealey House, Ballon, Co Carlow | Planner/Coordinator: Angela Aughney, Events & Wedding Manager Ballykealey House | Photographer: Kevin Morris Photography | Musician: Ben Cully | Hair: Leavern Oman | Makeup: Anne Hutton | Couple’s outfits: Bride – Aideen Cross Designs & Groom – Barry’s Menswear Mallow | Cake: Caitlinn’s Confections, Carrick on Shannon | Celebrant/Solemniser: Angela Bermingham, Senior Register Carlow | Stationery: Menus etc Ballykealey House. Sign made by Mark | Jewellery: Wedding bands – by Miriam Wade & Engagement ring – Grace Diamonds | Accessories: Bride shoes – LK Bennett Brown Thomas, earrings & bracelet was from as friend as something borrowed | Flowers: Darling Buds Florist, Leighlinbridge, Carlow