“We loved the idea of a country house theme and always wanted to have sunflowers as our wedding flowers.”
Length of engagement: 1 and half years | Wedding date: 28th July 2012
Wedding ceremony: St.Helena’s Church in The Nire Valley | Wedding venue: Raheen House
Photographer: Shane O’Neill, Aspect Photography
We met… We lived in the same hall of residence (Ceredigion Hall) in University of Wales Aberystwyth. It was an old rickety building on the seafront but it was full of character, fun and love!
“After leaving me on one knee for about ten minutes thinking I was joking, Annie finally stopped laughing and said “Yes”.”
Annemarie’s first impressions of Pól… The minute I clapped eyes on Pól I thought he was extremely cute and such a gentleman but I couldn’t understand a word he said in his Scouse accent!
Pól’s first impressions of Annemarie… Annie was unique, gorgeous and completely individual. They definitely broke the mould when they made her! A wild, crazy Irish gal who I just wanted to be around all the time.
Our proposal… Well after 14 yrs together, you could say we rushed into it! I had planned a romantic Christmas Day proposal, but we were snowed in so I had to delay it until New Years Eve and had to simplify it somewhat by pretending I was too ill to go out and celebrate NYE with our friends. I did it the old fashioned way on bended knee at the stroke of midnight in front of the Fireworks on TV! The good old Moet came in handy. After leaving me on one knee for about ten minutes thinking I was joking, Annie finally stopped laughing and said “Yes”. Happy days!
My wedding dress… I wore a dress called ‘Fatima’ by Cymbeline, which I got at Annabelle Rose. It was a French lace, floor length gown with a scoop neckline.
Our wedding party… The amazingly gorgeous Dervla Mulcahy (with baby Chloe in tow!), Mollie Hughes and Deirdre Coyne were our bridesmaids. Steve Hudson and Fintan Lawlor were our two groomsman. We couldn’t have asked for better bridesmaids and groomsmen they were amazingly brilliant, helpful and so much fun.
“We couldn’t have asked for better bridesmaids and groomsmen…”
Our ceremony… St.Helena’s Church is up in the mountains and is surrounded by amazing scenery, which gave us the opportunity to have spectacular scenic photos taken. The church is not an easy find and there is no phone reception there but luckily all our guests made it there in one piece! The ceremony itself was very emotional, enhanced by the wonderful music from the Scarlet String Quartet. We also had a 2nd wedding ceremony in Las Vegas, which was conducted by Elvis. Pól’s other best man Jamie and his partner Mel who couldn’t attend our first wedding, attended this one and made it all the more memorable!
“We also had a 2nd wedding ceremony in Las Vegas, which was conducted by Elvis. Pól’s other best man Jamie and his partner Mel who couldn’t attend our first wedding, attended this one and made it all the more memorable!”
Our favourite part of the day… All of it was absolutely amazing!
“The church is not an easy find and there is no phone reception there but luckily all our guests made it there in one piece!”
“Our favourite photo is the one where we’re on the mountainside overlooking Clonmel…”
We chose our photographer because… The minute we saw Shane’s (Aspect Photography) work we knew that we had to have him as our photographer. He has an eye for the absolute unimaginable. Shane was a joy to work with and was also a superb wedding organiser! He recommended the very artistic Rodolph – Best Day Productions, we absolutely loved his quirky video style and his use of the old super 8.
“Shane has an eye for the absolute unimaginable…”
Our first dance song… was to Bell X1 – I’ll see your Heart and I’ll Raise you Mine.
We chose our venue because… We chose Raheen House because it was near home and had a lovely country feel. It’s an old country house with fabulous grounds and quirky rooms and the most accommodating managers and staff.
Our wedding theme… Country House Fun! We loved the idea of a country house theme and always wanted to have sunflowers as our wedding flowers.
Our honeymoon… We spent weeks touring the States.
My advice for other brides-to-be… Remember that it is your day and enjoy every single moment!
By Karen Birney
Vendors
Photographer: Shane O’Neill – Aspect Photography Dress: Fatima by Cymbeline Shoes: Nando Muzi – Cocobelle Bridal Accessories: All jewellery by Aisling Nelson, Rangoli Jewellery Suit: Alexandre by Saville Row, Harvey Nichols Bridesmaid Dresses: Midnight Blue Scoop neck Dessy dresses Stationery: Caricature invites by artist Niall O’ Loughlin Flowers: Tina’s Florist, Clonmel | Wedding Car: South Coast Cadillacs (Mark) Make-up: Kate-Rose Crean Hair: Bridal Hair by Marie Hickey Church Music: The Scarlet Quartet Dinner Entertainment: The Opera Singing waiters Jazz Band & Main Band – The Controversial Allstars Cake: Heavenly Cake Creations by Tracey Thompson Videographer: Best Day Productions Rings: Rocks on Grafton Street |