Say hello to Emily and Flann! They describe their wedding as a “dog-loving, fully vegan, intimate, winter sunshine party of their dreams”. With just 48 guests in attendance, they welcomed the DIY talents of friends and family, with the highlights being Emily’s flowers, the custom dog jumpers and the beautiful wedding arch.
Couple: Emily and Flann
Engagement length: 15 months
Wedding date: 2025-02-22
Wedding location: Mountain View Kilkenny
Photographer: Anna Yeremenko
Emily and Flann’s modern love story began 10 years ago during the innocent days of Tinder.
They describe their wedding as a “dog-loving, fully vegan, intimate, winter sunshine party of their dreams”. With just 48 guests in attendance, they welcomed the DIY talents of friends and family, with the highlights being Emily’s flowers, the custom dog jumpers and the beautiful wedding arch.
“The day was so relaxed and fun from start to finish, and we were blessed by the most stunning weather, that was bookmarked by storms the day before and the day after.”
Emily wore a Rara Avis Designer wedding gown from Folkster Bridal Kilkenny. Her shoes were Steve Madden (both white heels and pink runners) and her lilac ombre veil was from Etsy.
Flann wore a Mark’s and Spencers linen grey pinstriped suit, open white shirt and brown shoes. It was important for them to be comfortable, but also to really feel like they were about to party.
Emily says, “I adore my friends’ styles and fashion choices, and I always think the idea of adults telling other adults what to wear is a little odd. So we decided against matching wedding party attire, and instead let our bridesmaids and groomsmen wear what they’d like. But I did gift my bridesmaids celestial moon and star bracelets as a token of my gratitude for their support, and Flann gifted his groomsmen cufflinks, each of which represented something unique about the groomsmen’s personalities.”
“We had a civil ceremony outside, an unexpected delight in February. Daragh Doyle, our celebrant, was so wonderful and fun. Together we created something that felt really special and unique. We wanted to represent both families, so Flann walked with his parents first, followed by our nieces and nephews (April, Jack, Lara and Lewis) who led our two dogs (Bobby and Basil), and finally I walked with my parents. We walked to the song Tiny Dancer by Elton John. Our ceremony included readings from our favourite novels, a ribbon tying ritual that included our two dogs (Daragh said this was a first for him), and a cup sharing ritual that featured Glendalough whiskey, gifted to us upon our engagement from close friends Paul and Jade. Our exit music was ‘Sweet Dreams’ by Eurythmics, so everyone knew the party was starting then.”
The full day of festivities was hosted at the beautiful Mountain View in Kilkenny!
Emily says, “As soon as we started planning, we knew what we wanted in a venue wasn’t going to be easy to find. As animal lovers, it was vital to myself and Flann to have a fully vegan wedding. We wanted somewhere that embraced our dogs being the stars of the show and we also wanted somewhere that was OK with our small numbers. Not only did Mountain View say all our requests were fine, they embraced our vision and made it even better. It didn’t feel like a corporate event, but instead a big party where everyone is concentrating on everyone having fun. The chef went above and beyond with the food, converting guests to the plant based lifestyle, and the staff were so kind, going above and beyond and even bringing out a birthday cake for my 4 yr old nephew. Another reason we picked Mountain View was for how beautiful the surrounding nature was, and how colourful and quirky the reception room was too.”
The wedding was beautifully captured by Anna Yeremenko Photography!
“Anna was truly wonderful. Upon her arrival she helped me attach my veil (Flann and I were struggling) and immediately starting taking pictures of the dogs, the real stars of the day! Anna was kind and professional, never intruding but at the same time capturing all the important moments and also managing to wrangle both families (which included 4 kids under six and 2 small dogs). We adore our photos and really struggle to pick our favourites.”
It was important to Emily and Flann that they kept things simple. For entertainment, they rented a PA system from a local company and Flann put together a dance playlist, featuring the likes of Spice Girls, ABBA, ACDC and Shakira. As dog-lovers, in lieu of wedding favours, they did charitable donations to Milo Mission Dog Rescue and Back into Daylight Animal Sanctuary. Each guest did still get a back of jellies and a rubber duck.
Emily shares her favourite memory from the day:
“One of my favourite moments was the kids walking the dogs down the aisle. It was absolute chaos, and perhaps we should have had an adult supervisor, but it had everyone laughing from the get go. Cutting the cake, I loved my cake and couldn’t wait to try it.”
Newlyweds give brilliant advice! Here’s what Emily and Flann said:
“Try to do things your own way (easier said than done but do your best). Family and friends will always have opinions and thoughts and while it’s great to take advice, it’s OK to just do things your own way. Also, ladies don’t be afraid to do your own hair and makeup, some people thought I was mad but I was really happy with how I looked on the day.”
Recommended suppliers
Photographer: Anna Yeremenko
Venue: Mountain View Kilkenny
Celebrant/solemniser: Daragh Doyle
Other suppliers
Couple’s outfits: Folkster Bridal Kilkenny and Mark’s and Spencers | Cake: Posy Bakes | Jewellery/rings: Astrid and Miyu | Veil: Etsy
