Practically every couple I talk to says that they want a small wedding, or they had intended a small wedding, but between one thing and another, the whole thing has ballooned and their intimate gathering of close family & friends is but a distant dream. So today's real wedding is a little bit of living vicariously - the wedding celebration of Sharon & David in Hayfield Manor, photographed by Paul Mongan of Moathill Photography was a beautifully personal affair involving just 18 of their nearest and dearest.
Sharon explained their vision for their wedding day...
"We were aiming for a vintage style, recession busting, luxurious wedding if that’s possible? We only had our immediate family so there were only 18 of us there and it was just amazing. An intimate ceremony followed by a cava reception and a beautiful meal where the wine and conversation flowed. Being a beautiful day we spent the next hour or two in the gardens supping more wine followed by a session in the Hayfield library where we provided our own entertainment on piano, guitar and with a lot of singing".
Sharon is a girl after our own hearts, choosing lot of her wedding trousseau from the pool of amazing talent over on Etsy. And she's obviously pretty talented herself as she made her own birdcage veil!
Even her wedding dress came from a shop called “Vintage Opulence” on Etsy but Sharon had it altered a little to be her dream dress. "I absolutely loved it and how it made me feel to wear it but the dress originally had a slip style top which really didn’t suit my shape so I found Susan at “The Sew Zone” who modified the top of it to suit me better and give it a bit more of a bridal feel!"
And this little princess is actually Sharon & David's little daughter, who later stole the show at the ceremony...
Loving seeing an Irish groom in a dapper waistcoat - these gorgeous hand printed waistcoats also came from... guess where... Etsy!
Sharon & David's favourite part of the day was the ceremony itself. "Standing up in front of our families solemnly swapping our vows while our two year old daughter wandered around the room giving cuddles totally oblivious to it all."
A few quiet moments for the happy couple to enjoy alone, they were blessed with sunshine to wander the gardens and enjoy the first flushes of married bliss (all accompanied by Paul from Moathill Photography of course!)
What a beautiful memento of a gorgeous day...
And then back into the library at Hayfield Manor to enjoy a fabulous meal with their immediate family, and a great old sing song to celebrate the happy occasion...
Always helps to have a family member who is a brewer (surprising that every Irish family doesn't have one really!) as Sharon's brother in law brewed up a storm - or rather a batch of special wedding mead - for the happy occasion.
So what advice do Sharon & David have for other couples? Don’t let it take over your life in the planning stages; though do enjoy this part. Search for bargains — there are loads out there. If you don’t have a huge budget don’t spend like you do, because you can have an equally fabulous day on a shoestring.
And Sharon has some really important advice that is sort of a mantra here at One Fab Day: "Find a good photographer/videographer because you will want to remember the day as it was and having someone who you feel relaxed with will make a world of difference to your photos. Even now looking at our photos transports me right back!"
And the man responsible for creating these special mementos is Paul Mongan from Moathill Photography to whom we owe a big fat Thank You for sharing his beautiful pictures. This is only a small sample, if you want more, more, more head over to see his full post about David & Sharon's wedding on his blog.
Congratulations to Sharon & David - hope you're enjoying being a married couple! Thanks for sharing your day with us, x.
Ceremony & Reception: Hayfield Manor Hotel | Photography: Moathill Photo | Wedding Dress: Vintage Opulence on Etsy |Alterations: The Sew Zone | Shoes: KG by Kurt Geiger | Bridesmaid Dress: Vero Moda | Flowers: Bought from “Bragginbags” on Etsy | Groom(smen)’s suits: Waistcoats from “Brightwall” on Etsy | Trousers, shirts etc: McGee’s in Dublin |
