“It was decorated in an autumn theme with fire pits in the courtyard to autumn leaves on the backdrop and fairy lights through the banquet room.”
Couple: Sarah and Shane
Wedding location: Ballymagarvey Village
Photographer: The Fennells
The proposal… Shane surprised me with an overnight stay in Powerscourt hotel. This was after returning from a two week holiday which I was so sick on. He hadn’t planned on doing it for at least another few months but wanted to give me a pick me up before I returned to work. Shane had planned on proposing in the gardens of Powerscourt but the weather was terrible so after the stress of figuring out how he was going to do it he got down on one knee in the suite and asked me to marry him. I didn’t even let him finish before grabbing the ring and saying Yes.
The planning… I loved the whole process of the planning and Shane looked after the entertainment. I had a picture of how I wanted it all to look so I took control of everything else. It was a stressful few months on the run-up to the wedding but in the end, it all worked out and I couldn’t have asked for a better day.
Hair and makeup… By the fantastic Caiman Somers. My hair was done by one of my good friends and was one of my bridesmaids Danielle Garner. Stacey Lee Minouge did all of my bridesmaids’ hair.
My dress… I found a designer online called Rime Arodaky and fell in love with all of her dresses. We went up to Newry to a bridal boutique called The White Gallery to try on a couple of her designs. I fell in love with her “Adele” dress. It was the first bridal dress shop to go to but I knew it was the one when I tried it on.
His suit… Shane’s suit jacket and shirt are from Suit Supply and his trousers and bow tie are from ASOS.
What our bridal party wore… The bridesmaids wore a mink full-length dress from ASOS and groomsmen’s suits are from ASOS.
We chose our photographer, The Fennells, because… We attended an open evening in Ballymagarvey Village, and Mark had a stall there. Shane got talking to Mark and straight away said I think we found our photographers. The quality of their work and the shots were stunning. They also happen to be two of the nicest people around. Shane and I talked a lot about what we expected from our photographs, the day goes by so quickly and there are moments that you miss out on, the photographs are a memory that lasts a lifetime and are so important. Don’t think about it, BOOK these guys. You will not regret it.
We chose our venue, Ballymagarvey Village, because… When we arrived on the opening night the grounds were so beautiful and once we knocked on the front door they made us feel so welcome. As we walked around and viewed the main house and courtyard and banquet room we were overwhelmed with how beautifully decorated everywhere was it has the ultimate wow factor. It’s one thing having a stunning venue but the staff make it that much more special. Veronica our wedding coordinator was exceptional.
Was so helpful and friendly and we couldn’t have asked for someone so nice to help us with our wedding. As soon as I arrived the morning of the wedding Alan stopped me to tell me that I don’t need to worry about a thing and to enjoy my day as they had everything under control. We can’t recommend this venue enough anyone who is looking for the most romantic, beautiful setting and not having worry about a thing on their day. Ballymagarvey is that place.
The venue was decorated… Ballymagarvey Village, it was so beautiful it was decorated in an autumn theme with fire pits in the courtyard to autumn leaves on the backdrop and fairy lights through the banquet room.
Our honeymoon… We jetted off for a few days to Paris and London after the wedding for a mini-moon. Paris is our favourite city we always have the best time there.
My advice for other brides… Do what you want to do, don’t feel like you have to please anyone else this is your day. Enjoy every min of your day don’t be stressing about the little things everything is going to be amazing. I woke up that morning saying to myself that this is it after all my planning. I’m going to soak up every minute of it and have the best day ever.
Suppliers
Photography: The Fennells | Videography: The Fennells | The Dress: The White Gallery, Rime Arodaky: dress designer | Grooms’ suit: Suit Supply and ASOS | Rings: Made by Norbert Schwarcz | Bridesmaids’ dresses: ASOS | Hair: Danielle Garner from wildflowers studio and Stacey Lee Minogue , grooms hair Warren Flynn The Dublin Barber | Make-up Caimen Somers | Venue: Ballymagarvey Village | Ceremony: Ballymagarvey Village | Music: Ceremony music Jessica Smith and Cormack Butler, Band Pink Champagne, DJ Draft Punk tribute | Flowers: Arbour Blooms | Cake: Perfectionist Confectionist | Cake topper: Etsy cake topper bliss | Invites: Gilded-lili, if you are looking for a more contemporary invite you will find them here, Catherine’s designs are beautiful.
