Being a history lover and with a career in genealogy it was inevitable Aileen’s wedding day to Denis in January would have a historical feel to it. Their wedding in the Honan Chapel in UCC and following reception in Springfort Hall Country House in Mallow was a beautifully arranged vintage day filled with heartfelt emotion and lots of love, thanks to Paul Duane for sharing this lovely day with us. 
A native of Wicklow, it was when Denis moved to Cork that he met Aileen.
“We met in Cork city one Friday evening. On Grand Parade, he stopped and asked if he could kiss me, I said yes. We proceeded to a bar for a drink and a chat. However, we were both were not drinking that evening as Denis is an ‘obsessive/dedicated’ hurler and had a match the following day and, I was driving home. He offered to buy me an orange soft drink, and still claims to this day that it was the most expensive orange he ever bought!” said Aileen.
From that very first meeting both Aileen and Denis knew their feelings were strong and they began chatting about marriage early on in the relationship, with Denis dropping it into conversation regularly.
“Denis had organised a weekend break away for my birthday and had booked treatments, including a manicure. His intention was to propose that weekend; to ask to see my newly manicured nails and to pop the ring on. However his plans went awry. Denis had taken our son Rowan to pick out the engagement ring with him and on the way back in the car Rowan asked if he could tell Mommy she had a surprise. Knowing Rowan was more than likely going to let the cat out of the bag Denis resolved to propose that evening and to involve both of our boys, Rowan and Darach. That evening the boys caused a commotion so that I would come see what was going on and when I entered the room Denis was on one knee, Rowan was sitting on it and holding the box with the engagement ring open for me and Denis asked if I would do him the honour of becoming his wife. It was all very simple, no bells and whistles, but meant so much more and hopefully Rowan will still remember it when he is older,” explained Aileen.
When it came to planning their wedding Aileen admits it was hard to fit in work, wedding planning and the children.
“It took about a year to organise and you do really need that time. I didn’t buy any bridal magazines, I went to only one wedding fair. I knew what I wanted so it was just a matter of sourcing everything. Denis was just happy to go along with anything I wanted saying whatever would make me happy would make him happy,” she added.
With a shared loved of history, a vintage theme soon emerged which helped Aileen in her quest to choose items and accessories that fitted their personalities. The day came together with a few DIY items including the flowers which Aileen sourced from a florist warehouse in Grange, Cork and the help of her best friend Hazel. She hired vintage china and champagne glasses for the venue to help with the theme and purchased a vintage chalkboard to display at the reception.
Aileen visited Bella Bleu in Cork who specialise in vintage wedding dresses;
“I tried on so many dresses, and while all were very beautiful I couldn’t decide on one in particular until I visited Bella Bleu. It was without doubt the best wedding dress shop appointment I had experienced. Proprietor, Kate Parle’s excitement for weddings is infectious and she has an obvious love for what she does. I tried on many dresses there but when I tried on the very final dress I literally danced out of the dressing room. I knew it was the style I wanted. I couldn’t stop twirling and sashaying, I adored the petticoat. I knew the style of dress suited my personality and my love of vintage. That particular dress was ‘The Grace’ if I remember correctly, one of Kate’s own designs from her line ‘The Dress She Wore’. I asked Kate to make me that same dress but with a sweetheart neckline which became known as ‘The Margaret’. I also chose a beautiful pearl adorned bolero to wear over it for the church ceremony,” explained Aileen.
Their day went perfectly with no hiccups;
“The day went perfectly, everything went as planned which I was very surprised with. I had prepared myself for a hiccup or two but there was none. None that I was aware of in any case. Denis did tell me after that he and his groomsman Brian were almost late as they had been so busy playing with the boys that they had lost track of time,” added Aileen.
Highlight of the day
Aileen: I think the speeches were my highlight to be honest. Sometimes it’s difficult to see beyond the gloss of wedding details. Anyone can have a beautiful wedding, anything can be bought but you can’t buy true heartfelt emotion. Denis’ Dad, in particular, gave a truly heartfelt speech. The whole top table were in tears.
I think the ceremony itself was very emotional for us and I will always remember Denis’ sisters trying not to cry while reading on the pulpit. I also loved the Bugle Babes a three piece vintage harmony group who travelled down from Dublin to sing at the reception. They added to the 1940’s/1950’s vibe. I had been waiting so long to dance with Denis to them singing ‘Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy’.
Denis: When the Priest said we were officially married. I kept asking him are we married, are we married and when he said yes I threw her into the air with joy! You can see the Priest laughing in the pictures.
Wedding Suppliers
Ceremony: The Honan Chapel, University College, Cork.
Reception: Springfort Hall Country House, Mallow, Co. Cork.
Photographer: Paul Duane Photography, Galway.
Wedding dress: Bella Bleu, Cork.
Hair piece: Aoife Potter, Potty but Posh.
Bridesmaids dress: Lindy Bop.
Hair & Makeup: Rosa Ospina.
Grooms wear: Best Menswear, Liffey Valley.
Cake: Cakes by Kellie.
Floral bouquets: Aileen and her friend Hazel Knowles O’ Leary.
Floral decor: Park West Flowers, Mallow.
Bridal car: Nissan Figaro from Sue Barker.
Entertainment: Ceili Allstars, The Bugle Babes and Ted Dunne DJ.
Vintage china: Betcon Catering, Cork.
Chalkboard decoration: The Vintage Quarter, Cork.
