Have you ever seen a happier couple than Jonathan and Joanna in Lexlip Manor? We don’t think so! Click through to see how Pawel Bebenca captured this couple’s relaxed wedding, and to find out how one ten-year-old managed to steal the show ..
Joanna and Jonathan first met nine years ago, when Joanna came from Poland to Dublin, to work as a waitress for a summer in the restaurant where Jonathan was manager. Joanna explains:
“We met, became friend and started spending loads of time together. Many calls and flights between Dublin and Poznan and the rest is history!”
When the time came for a proposal, Jonathon played it safe when it came to choosing Joanna’s engagement ring, as he felt Joanna would be better off making the choice herself:
“I proposed to Joanna on Christmas Eve 2010 with a Links of London charm diamond ring. I knew I wouldn’t pick the right engagement ring for her so I played it safe with the charm ring. She picked her ring out four weeks later. She didn’t expect the proposal at all! I had to ask her a second time to get an answer!”
The couple chose Leixlip Manor and Gardens as their wedding venue, as Joanna says they wanted a relaxed, low-key affair.:
“We both wanted a small and relaxed wedding. There was only 65 people – family and close friends. We wanted to have fun and a great party for our guests. We considered each element of a ‘traditional’ wedding and then decided if we wanted it or not.”
However, the buzz of the wedding planning process wasn’t lost on Joanna!
“Planning a wedding is a great way to direct creative energy. I enjoyed browsing magazines and online blogs for ideas. I loved going dress shopping with my girlfriends(they loved trying on dresses abd accessories too) and enjoying sweets and chats afterwards.”
Although all eyes were on Joanna during the day, the couple agree that her 10 year old niece stole the show later in the evening, as she ‘destroyed’ everyone else in a dance off!
“It was a serious dance-off and everyone was talking about it afterwards!”
Bride’s favourite moment:
“The last dance, which was ‘Never’ by Take That. Roaring the words and clapping in the middle of the dance floor, surrounded by family and close friends. I felt so overjoyed and blessed to have them all there with us. It was the people that made it for us.”
Groom’s favourite moment:
“Seeing Joanna for the first time in her dress walking up the aisle.”
Bride’s advice for other brides:
“It’s you and your partner who should decidehow your wedding will look. Don’t give in to things to keep other people happy, or just do things because everyone else does.”
Suppliers:
Photographer: Pawel Bebenca
Dress: Annette’s Bridal, Crumlin
Shoes: Dorothy Perkins
Jewellery: Annette’s Bridal
Bridesmaids’ dresses: Custom made in Poland.
Hair / Makeup: Bridal party all did our own make up. Hair by Zona
Flowers: Kay’s florist
Grooms wear: Next
Cake: Cupcake selection by Victoria’s Heavenly Cupcakes
Band: Doug Sheridan at the ceremony, DJ Aidan Kavanagh after.
(700px)-400x270.jpg)
