Our lovely couple today, Marie-Therese and James met when they were 12 and began dating at 16 after a romantic trip to Funderland and ice-skating, 11 years on we’re delighted to share their spring wedding today. Their day and all the fun personalised details were perfectly captured by Suzanne from Circus Photography.
“Jamie proposed on our 9th anniversary. I came home from work to our apartment and found an envelope stuck on the front door. It was an anniversary card, and inside there was a message telling me to follow the instructions and there would be a creme egg at the end. As a self-confessed chocaholic, I would pretty much do anything for a creme egg, so I was automatically on board! I went inside and followed a series of notes until I reached our living room couch. This note told me to sit down, make myself comfortable and then clap twice. When I clapped my hands, our projector sprang to life and showed an array of photos of our 9 years together. It showed 9 years of adventures, experimental haircuts, gigs, holidays and fun. At the end of the photos a video began to play. It was a video of Jamie talking about our wonderful 9 years together. “Video Jamie” then pointed to the door where “real Jamie” appeared and got down on one knee and asked me to marry him,” explained Marie-Therese.
With two years to plan their Big Day, Marie-Therese and Jamie began choosing elements for their day with a colour scheme of navy and hessian.
“Our ceremony was in my Mam and Dad’s local parish. I had my christening, communion & confirmation in that church. It was only right to have our wedding there too. Our priest Fr Brendan Madden really helped make our day special. He set the tone for a very relaxed and fun day. Our criteria for a venue was that it was a reasonable distance from home, so that our guests wouldn’t feel obliged to spend the night. Weddings are expensive for the guests too, so having the option of a taxi home was very welcome for some. It was important that the food was good and the pints reasonably priced! I fell in love with Finnstown. The look and feel of the venue is antique. It is tastefully decorated and the food was unbelievable. Their wedding team are outstanding and really made sure our day ran smoothly. They truly went above and beyond,” added Marie-Therese.
The couple were keen to add personalised details to their day and since Jamie is a huge Star Wars fan and Marie-Therese loves Harry Potter and Disney, they included quirky elements throughout the day including a two sided wedding cake, fun table names, table plan and even the ceremony music. “We walked back down the aisle to ‘The Throne Room’ song from Star Wars, the start of the song is very similar to the wedding march,” said Marie-Therese.
Our Highlight
The dancing! We had a brilliant band, Redwood. From the get go, the dance floor was full. It was brilliant to be surrounded by so many friends and family and just have a ball dancing the night away. There were so many special moments throughout the day
Marie-Therese’s Advice
Organisation is key! I organised as much as I could ahead of time, I delegated specific tasks to some family and friends. In the lead up to the wedding I ensured that everyone knew what they needed to do and when! It sounds like a cliché, and everyone says it but the day really does fly. Take a few minutes on your own to digest just how important the day is. Spend a few minutes celebrating together and don’t sweat the small stuff. I gave myself a cut off point for worrying. I decided that one week before the wedding, I was not going to worry or stress about anything. I was confident that we had done enough to ensure we actually got married on the day, once that happened, I was happy. With that many people in one place who love and support you, you are guaranteed a great day regardless of what happens!
Wedding Suppliers
Reception: Finnstown Castle Hotel, Lucan.
Wedding dress: B Couture Bridal, Arklow.
Bridesmaids dresses: Debenhams.
Hair: Joanne McArdle.
Makeup: Marie Joseph.
Groomswear: CT2, Blanchardstown.
Wedding cake: Family friend.
Cheese cake: Supervalu, Churchtown.
Flowers: Trimbles, Rathfarnham.
Music: Marian Gaynor, Helena Byrne, Dublin String Quartet.
Band & DJ: Redwood.
Videographer: Long Lost Designs, Dublin.
Stationary Printing: printsave.ie.
Selfie Mirror: selfiemirrorbooth.com.
Letters: Lovin Letters.
Photographer: Circus Photography, Harold’s Cross, Dublin.