There’s a real international feel to today’s wedding. Buncrana girl Glenda met her future husband, Kerry man Billy, in Sydney, Australia. To celebrate their wedding, the couple decided home is truly where the heart is and headed back to Ireland for their relaxed island wedding on Inishbofin, Connemara. The day was captured in all its beauty by Paul Andrews Photography. (Psst! If this story sounds similar to your own, don’t forget to check out our post on planning a wedding in Ireland from abroad.)
Glenda and Billy work for the same company in Australia, so it was likely they’d meet at some point. As soon as they start dating, Glenda knew she had found ‘the one’ and the couple became engaged four years later during a walk on Coogee beach, as Glenda explains:
“Billy actually asked me two weeks previous to the engagement, out of the blue, then he went and got a ring. I guess he was making sure I said yes before he bought the ring! The proposal was exciting and nerving. He said ‘Glenda, we’ve spent the last four years laughing together, will you laugh with me for the rest of our lives?’ and before he even got to finish what he had to say, I had the ring out of the box and on my finger!”
The couple decided to head home to Ireland for their wedding, ten months later on 30th August, 2013. The most important aspect for both Glenda and Billy was that the day was natural and easy, relaxed and special for their guests.
” I enjoyed every minute of planning. I organised everything from Australia, over the internet and by email, using reviews on websites and going with my gut instinct. The only thing I didn’t arrange was the band. I left this to my father to organise and they were so good, I couldn’t have picked better myself,” adds Glenda. “My sisters and family did everything that needed to be done at home. They came to Australia on holidays before the wedding so we got the bridesmaids dresses and my wedding dress in Sydney. I didn’t have any DIY aspects. My florist and the hotel created the exact atmosphere I wanted and I felt I didn’t need any extras.”
Glenda’s advice for brides-to-be:
“In stressful moments just remember what it is all about – you and your man, nothing else.”
Glenda’s favourite memory: “Walking up the aisle and thinking I’m so happy I could burst – such an overwhelming feeling.”
Billy’s favourite memory: “Having all our loved ones, friends and family in the one place at the one time.”
Glenda & Billy’s Wedding Suppliers
Ceremony: St Colmans Church, Inishbofin.
Reception: Inishbofin House Hotel, Inishbofin.
Photographer: Paul Andrews Photography, Kildare.
Wedding dress: Designer: Pronovias from Marry Me Bridal, Sydney.
Brides Hair / Makeup: Aileen Mc Gee, Buncrana.
Flowers: Sorcha @ Connemara Florist.
Grooms wear: Ron Bennett, Sydney.
Cake: Simply Cupcakes, Buncrana.
Videographer: HQ Videos, Buncrana, tel: (074)9362422.
Thanks to Glenda, Billy and Paul Andrews Photography for sharing their beautiful island celebration. Are you planning a wedding in Ireland from abroad? Let us know how you’re getting on with a comment below!
