Just one month ago on the wild West coast of our lovely island, a very happy couple tied the knot and then had one hell of a PARTY! This is the story of Kieran and Sinead who married at the beginning of October in Dingle and held their hooley in Ballintaggart House. Don't be fooled […]

By

Just one month ago on the wild West coast of our lovely island, a very happy couple tied the knot and then had one hell of a PARTY! This is the story of Kieran and Sinead who married at the beginning of October in Dingle and held their hooley in Ballintaggart House. Don't be fooled by the calm serenity of this first shot, from the early morning dip in the Atlantic to hollering on the dance floor in the wee hours, this couple, family and friends went wild and had a whale of a time celebrating their love. And James & Megan from Solas Photography did one heck of a job capturing it all... Enjoy...

Sinead explained their love story from the very beginning..."We met in April 2005 in a bar in Limerick. I went in to meet a friend and spotted Kieran out with the rugby team he played for. We started chatting and with the help of two of his friends - Paudie the auctioneer and Clem the accountant I secured myself a date. I decided to impress Kieran by bringing him to a rugby game the following Saturday — possibly giving the impression I was an avid fan with a significant knowledge of the game! By half time it was fairly apparent to Kieran that I knew little about the sport but the old saying, it’s the thought that counts, seems to have applied as romance still blossomed. Kieran proposed on the eve of my 30^th birthday last July overlooking the sea in Praia De Luz. It was perfect and I had no inkling at all that he was going to propose."

Now I know what you're thinking - this isn't Praia De Luz! It's Kerry, it's October, but the lads needed to brace themselves for the day ahead, so a quick dip in the Atlantic was all they needed to settle the nerves...

I'm always curious how a couple chooses their venue, so interested to hear how Kieran and Sinead decided on Ballintaggart...After weeks of searching, we had some options but were still a little uncertain as we headed off on a weekend break to Dingle. We stumbled upon the beautiful St. Mary's Church and later that day a close friend told us about an old manor at the entrance to Dingle called Ballintaggart House, run by John McCloskey. We were so warmly welcomed by John and his family and we loved the character of the house with all its rooms, and the views of Dingle Bay, with the Kerry countryside in the background we were smitten. Indeed on the weekend of the wedding we were made to feel like it was our own home with their most attentive of staff.

For the wedding party and overall look of the day, Kieran and Sinead chose a colour scheme of navy blue and dusty pink because...Kieran's favourite colour is blue (aww!). The bridesmaids look absolutely super in those ruffle bodiced gowns - great choice girls!

I know you're thinking the same as I - what in God's name is Sinead doing in the bath in her dress before the wedding (whatever about 3am, who are we to judge?!) But there is a very smart photographer to blame for this one... "Before going to the church I was a little concerned about moving and sitting in the dress — a few nerves were setting in — I am sure James our photographer could spot this as he suggested a photo in the bath tub. It was such a great idea I shared a giggle with my mother and bridesmaids and being able to climb in and out of a bath tub in my dress made the thought of walking up the aisle much less daunting."

And this is Rory, the lord of Ballintaggart, who according to Sinead loves the camera so grabbed his own place on the red carpet.

I can almost hear the cheers... For Kieran and Sinead this was one of the highlights of the whole day "Walking down the aisle husband and wife to cheers and the truly beautiful voice of Clara Leahy singing All I Ask of You from Phantom of the Opera, the outpouring of genuine happiness for us was overwhelming — so much so I left my bouquet behind me!"

Kerry in October can be a very interesting place, weather wise, but rain or shine, it always delivers on the breathtaking scenery, it's just a case of wearing your best smile, and keeping warm from the happy glow inside...

One thing you can be absolutely sure of, this was one hell of a party...

Sinead described the look Kieran and she had in mind when planning their wedding as "simple and elegant with a very relaxed and welcoming feel to it. We were inspired by the amazing scenery and the beautiful Ballintaggart House. We wanted to keep everything in tune with the surroundings". I think it's safe to say they achieved that vibe - the guests certainly had a ball...

Limerick ladies can always be relied on for the glam... want, want, want that black dress with the gold mesh detail lady!

A great touch from Ballintaggart House - you may have seen these wall backdrops are for rent, but Ballintaggart House have their own, so your guests can have ours of fun getting pictures taken photobooth style.

So what words of wisdom would you have for other couples about to tie the knot? Make sure you have the right people involved. Everyone involved in the organization of our wedding day from the florist to the house staff were so enthusiastic and passionate about what they do and that made things so much easier. We didn’t have a worry in the world on the day. Relax and enjoy!

If you're keen to see more of Kieran & Sinead's brilliant shindig in Ballintaggart, check out the full blog post over on Solas Photography, so much fun had that day! And the day-after shots are just gorgeous.

Huge thanks and big congrats to the newly wed Kieran and Sinead, delighted to be able to share your happy sceal here with our lovely readers. Hope you're enjoying some post-wedding calm time.

And of course Muchos Gracias to James & Megan of Solas Photography for sharing their gorgeous work with us - super photographers people, you need to check them out if you're on the hunt for the right folks to capture your day. One quick look at their website confirms you will not be disappointed!

The All-Important Wedding Details...