We have a lot of admiration for couples who decide to take wedding rules, turn them on their head, and celebrate their wedding, their way. Today’s couple, Sandra and Gary did just that with a two day wedding extravaganza held over two counties. Pawel Lorenc from ‘I do’ photography was behind the lens over the course of their party weekend, capturing all the details, fun and laughter, perfectly.
Sandra and Gary met on a blind date and it was during this, their first date, that Sandra knew Gary was the one, and the feeling was mutual; “Well I knew it was for life when Gary brought a pink ski/hockey headband as a present for me with him on the date… I was sold. He knew the minute I sat down in front of him on that blind date,” said Sandra.
Two years on Gary planned an epic proposal (guys of Ireland, take note!);
“The proposal happened in our local Odeon Cinema in Castletroy. Gary said we won free tickets from Limerick 95fm to see Star Wars. This was for our own private screening at 11pm that night. When we arrived the manager met us and showed us to our viewing. The ads came on and then up popped on the big screen a photo of Gary and I with loads of nice romantic words followed by will you MARRY ME! I was totally shocked and blown away and of course the answer was YES,” explained Sandra.
Toying with the idea of a Spanish wedding, the couple were keen to have a short engagement and decided on a small intimate family wedding with 15 guests followed by a BBQ party for 230 guests back in Limerick two days later.
“The intimate family wedding in Ardmore, Waterford was really relaxed and lovely for our family, whilst the BBQ party at Castletroy Park Hotel in Limerick city was to be a fun night full of laughs. We had a bucking bronco, pool tables, beer pong, bales of hay as seats, Twister, Jenga and a DJ that played into the early hours,” added Sandra.
With their relaxed tone, Sandra purchased the first dress she had tried on, found in Folkster Boutique in Kilkenny. “They had one left in my size and I bought it there and then no adjustments were required!” said Sandra. “My sisters were helpers on the day rather than bridesmaids, they wore dresses they chose themselves.”
With a black and white movie theme for their BBQ party, guests danced into the wee small hours!
Sandra’s Highlight: The highlight for me was marrying my best friend Gary, the kindest most thoughtful person I know.
Gary’s Highlight: My highlight was turning to see Sandra’s beautiful face as we were just about to get married.
Advice for engaged couples
Enjoy the engagement. Have a different type of wedding like what we did if that is what you want. Don’t let society put pressure on you…. different can be excellent, as it was for us. At the end of the day all your close family and friends are delighted for you. Also having a photographer that understands your needs is vital for your day. Pawel was with us for both days and I really cannot recommend him highly enough. He is a very enthusiastic guy without being in your face. He is a true gentlemen and we really enjoyed our time in his presence. I would also like to say our band Pat Fitz made the entertainment side of our wedding. The crowd didn’t leave the dance floor from start of the night until the end…. always a sign of a good band.
Wedding Suppliers
Ceremony venue: Cliff House Hotel, Ardmore, Co Waterford
BBQ party venue: Castletroy Park Hotel, Limerick
Dress: Folkster Boutique, Kilkenny
Hair & makeup: Bridal Pod, Wexford
Groomswear: Brooks Brothers, Kildare Village & John Deignan Menswear, Limerick
Cake: Brema Coffey
Flowers: Old Schoolhouse Flowers, Bruff
Entertainment: Pat Fitz Wedding Band
Photographer: Pawel Lorenc ‘I do’ photography
