After being set up on a blind date over fourteen years ago, Linda and David celebrated with family and friends at their October wedding in The Millhouse in Slane. Their day was a fabulous handcrafted shabby-chic affair with photography by Caroline McNally capturing the special details.
“Our very first date was to O’Reillys bar under Tara Street station. He made me laugh instantly. He decided to show me his party piece that night which was to light a match and put it out on his tongue. I was secretly impressed and slightly disgusted at the same time!!! I knew he was the one.. and to this day he still makes me laugh every day!” said Linda.
On Linda’s birthday David had planned a day out, adventure days were nothing new to the couple so Linda didn’t think there was anything more planned, other than a day out to celebrate her birthday. The couple ended up at Dublin Zoo, the location of one of their very first dates all those years previously.
“We strolled around the zoo for a while and then headed into the African Plains. When the coast was clear, Dave asked me if I would like my birthday card. My response was ‘’Ah sure why not’’, so I opened the card which seemed like just a normal birthday card. When I opened the card inside it read…..Happy Birthday and I have a question … Will you marry me ‘’ when I turned around Dave was down on one knee.. It was such a special moment. I think I walked around on cloud nine for the rest of the time in the zoo. The ongoing joke is it that Dave took me all the way to the African Plains to ask me to marry him!” explained Linda.
The surprises didn’t end there and Linda was later sent by David to Mink Nails for a manicure! The night was finished off with a private dining experience in the Dylan Hotel.
As Linda and David had been together for a long time, neither wanted a long engagement.
“My younger sister had planned her wedding and was due to get married in May 2014. Ideally we didn’t want to wait another year to marry so we approached my sister and my parents to make sure they were happy for us to go ahead within the same year. Once we got the go ahead we were all systems go in the planning. My mam secretly loved the fact that her two daughters were getting married within the same year. Her house was fondly renamed Wedding HQ!” added Linda.
When it came to the finer details of their big day, Linda and David sat down and came up with a wish list. Top priority was a small wedding and location where they could put their own creative stamp on the day. Other facts on their wish list was to be married on-site, great food, great music, a party atmosphere and a unique wedding with a different approach to the day.
Linda did lots of research and came up with The Millhouse in Slane.
“When we visited The Millhouse, it truly was love at first sight. I knew straight away that it was perfect for our style and vision for our wedding. It’s set in a beautiful location right on the on the banks of the River Boyne and has a combination of old world charm and contemporary design which instantly drew me in. I knew straight away that is where I was going to get married,” said Linda.
“Due to the uniqueness of our venue I knew that I wanted to add our own stamp on it. Having studied interior and spatial design I knew that I wanted to make a lot of my own decorations. My mam is very creative so we made a good tag team. We made everything from the hessian table runners, to bunting, to glass jars on the tables, to the table plan. It really was a labour of love making everything. I enjoyed every minute of the experience.
With our wedding being held in October I went with a dark wine/plum colour tone for my bridesmaid. For my flower girl I accessorised with dusty pink tones to complement each other. With the two pages boys we went with a very cool laid back style and dressed them in grey chinos and shirts and waist coats,” added Linda.
“One of the highlights of my day was after the ceremony during the drinks reception. Everyone was really up for a good time and you could really sense that. So as soon as tropical storm started to play the place erupted into a great sing song. Myself and dad started dancing in the middle of the venue and it was such a special moment that I will always remember.
We incorporated ring warming into our ceremony as for us it was such a special way to involve all of our guests. A ring warming is when you give your guests the opportunity to hold your rings and make a wish, blessing or prayer for your marriage. By the time the rings make it on to your fingers they are saturated with the love of your friends and family. Everyone really enjoyed this part of the ceremony as they felt involved and it was a real talking point for them as not many have ever experienced this before,” added Linda.
“The day was everything we ever wanted for our wedding. It ran perfectly! It was a fun party filled atmosphere and there was no stress or tears. We wanted it to be a memorable day for both ourselves and our guests and I feel we really achieved that. I loved every minute of our day and would do it exactly the same in a heartbeat,” said Linda.
Wedding Suppliers
Venue: The Millhouse Slane, Co Meath.
Wedding Dress: Symphony by Venus and custom designed by Reuben Bridal.
Bridesmaids dress: Debenhams.
Grooms wear: Aston Formal.
Photographer: Caroline McNally.
Cake: Cakes By Lin.
Cupcakes: Gracie’s Cakes.
Flowers: Done by a friend Martina Doyle
Videographer: Video Art Ireland.
Decorations & Fabric: Home Focus at Hickeys.
Ceremony Music: Brian Costigan.
Reception Music: Tropical Storm.
Evening Band: Soul Purpose.
DJ: Pro DJ’s.
Evening food: Jason from The Chip Van.
Fire Dancers: Fire Performers.
Giant Letters: Lovin Letters.
Rings: Martin Jewellers.
