Springtime might be quite a while off but it doesn’t stop us loving all the pretty pastel touches in today’s wedding of Eilis and Garrett who were married this past April and held their reception at Hotel Kilkenny. Thanks to Eilis for getting in touch and sharing her love story, and to Kevin Morris Photography for the beautiful images of their day.
Ellis and Garrett first met at a mutual friend’s 21st birthday party in the Lord Bagenal Hotel in Leighlinbridge over ten years ago. Fast forward a few years and Garrett had moved to Australia to travel and work and a year later Eilis headed to Perth to visit for six weeks.
“After a month there I knew I wanted to stay longer and so I got a job in Specsavers in Perth. I suppose this is where our “love story” truly begins. In August 2009, we decided to give up work and go travelling around Australia together. We left our friends and hired a VW campervan and drove from Perth to Darwin, a journey that took us a total of five weeks! We had the most fantastic time, it was the most exciting adventure of our lives! We both love travelling and exploring. On our trip we spent every minute of every day together and we both knew this was forever.” explained Eilis.
In May 2014 with both Eilis and Garrett back home in Carlow the couple were enjoying the next chapter of their lives and Garrett popped the question. “We enjoyed the engagement first before planning the wedding! We just were on cloud nine and so happy. We started planning the wedding in the new year and as I always wanted a spring wedding, I knew April would be perfect,” added Eilis.
With a spring wedding booked for April 15th, 2016 Eilis knew she wanted to centre her wedding day around springtime pastels and romance with a touch of glamour.
“I knew choosing my wedding dress would be difficult from the moment I started planning the wedding, it was the part I was dreading! I travelled to Drogheda to award- winning Bridal designer, Edel Tuite to see what she could offer me. Edel helped me choose my dream dress and designed my gown based on my needs and preferences. The dress was ivory satin with a sweetheart neckline and fishtail skirt. Edel designed a bolero for me with long sleeved lace which was perfect as it was detachable and in the evening for dancing I changed this for another sequinned short sleeved bolero prefect for dancing!” Ellis added.
With her bridesmaids in three different pastel shades, Garrett and his groomsmen in classic black three pieces suits, and seasonal bouquets of flowers, the wedding was a pastel dream, perfect for spring time.
“The day itself was beyond anything we ever expected. I smiled from the moment I woke up and really just had the best day ever! We had Manilla Strings entertain the guests in Hotel Kilkenny before the meal, they were a big highlight of the day and for us it was so fantastic to see our guests having such fun. Another fabulous highlight for us was the surprise VW vintage campervan Garrett’s parents organised for us. When we walked out from the church following the ceremony, Verity the VW was there waiting for us! It was so fabulous as this is a replica of the van we travelled in Australia!” added Eilis.
Advice for Brides & Grooms
Don’t stress the small stuff especially table plans and seating arrangements.
On the day everyone is so happy to be there celebrating with you they won’t care where they are sitting!
My other top tip for brides is to S M I L E! It costs nothing and instantly puts your guests at ease as you walk up the aisle!
Wedding Suppliers
Ceremony: Ballinkillen church, Co Carlow
Reception: Hotel Kilkenny, Colleg Road, Kilkenny
Wedding dress: Bespoke by Edel Tuite Bridal Design, Drogheda
Bridesmaids: Dessy by Bridal Heaven, Swords
Accessories: Bonzie, by Yvonne Crotty, Waterford.
Groomswear: Detail Menswear, Kilkenny
Mother of the bride outfit: Evita Boutique, Naas
Mother of the groom outfit: Sally West, Kilkenny
Hair: Marie Hickey, Clonmel
Makeup: Karen Maher Makeup, Paulstown
Nails: Faux Glamour Nail Bar, Kilkenny
Beauty: Almas Beauty, Carlow
Flowers: Wedding Flowers With Love by Helena Petherick
Cake: Marias Cakes, Kilkenny
Drinks reception entertainment: Manilla Strings
Evening entertainment: The Lols Wedding Band
Photographer: Kevin Morris Photography
