We do love a great love story around these parts, and when that story involves long distance love, well that’s even better. Our couple today, Lyndsay and Alan first met when Lyndsay visited Ireland and her friend asked Alan to be tour guide for her group. We’re delighted to share this beautiful story and their wedding day from County Cork, captured by Sona from Inspired By Love.
Thanks to the convenient power of Facebook the couple stayed in touch after their initial meeting and three years later, when Lyndsay was well and truly back at home in Iowa, the couple began to Skype. It didn’t take long for the Skyping sessions to become a regular thing and six months later Lyndsay came to Ireland to visit. Shortly afterwards Alan moved to America.
“The proposal was super casual, in July of 2013. I came home from work and he had made a small picnic on our deck in our backyard. He proposed over hamburgers and champagne (he wanted to give it an American twist with the hamburgers). When it came to planning our wedding because we are in America my Mother in Law handled a lot of the vendors for me, visiting lots of wedding sites and finding out the best people to work with in the various areas,” explained Lyndsay.
With a beautiful colour palette of grey, white and yellow, Lyndsay and Alan were keen to integrate customs from both Irish and American traditions throughout their day.
“Turns out there are lots of things our two countries do differently during weddings i.e. in America we stand for the whole ceremony versus sitting down, so we really wanted our guests to embrace and experience those differences throughout the day. The day was brilliant but it was long compared to American weddings! The Irish really know how to celebrate. In America our weddings usually end at midnight so going until 6am is something we warned our American guests might happen. Overall everything fell into place perfectly and I think (hopefully) we made the trip worth it for everyone who came!” added Lyndsay.
“After the ceremony the wedding party took off to take photos in town while the rest stayed and partook in the Drinks Reception held outdoors (that day there wasn’t a cloud in the sky and it was 25 degrees out!). When we came back from taking photos I had a moment where I took in all the guests having a great time together in the gorgeous weather by the ocean and I couldn’t have been happier, that was certainly a highlight,” said Lyndsay.
For Alan, it was a lovely surprise from his mum that helped make the day extra perfect.
“My mom surprised us with a car to drive around in after the ceremony while we were taking photos with our wedding party. It was so cool to drive along the coast of Ireland with my new bride and enjoying the views. When we drove into Clonakilty, the driver honked the horn as we drove down the main street and everyone waved to us from the street, even the window washer! That’s why I love Ireland,” explained Alan.
Instead of a traditional honeymoon, Lyndsay and Alan went off on a buddy-moon with their friends who had made the trip to celebrate with them. Together they travelled to Killarney, Lahinch, Galway and Dublin.
Lyndsay’s Advice
Get a wedding planner, or someone to micromanage the day of. It’s a beautiful day and your concern shouldn’t be to keep to the schedule, hand that off to someone else.
Wedding Suppliers
Venue: Dunmore House Hotel, Clonakilty.
Wedding dress: Perry Bridal & Bridal Boutique.
Bridesmaids dresses: Watters.
Groomswear: Morley’s,
Photographer: Inspired by Love.
Cake: Karina’s Cakes.
Flowers: The Flower Basket.
Bridal cars: Wedding Vintage Car Hire.
Videographer: Captured Occasions.
Drinks Reception entertainment: Gaelic Brew.
Reception entertainment: The Laughing Shamrocks.
Irish Dancing: Celtic Rhythm.
