Most couples want their wedding day to feel personal, but for Emma & Jon in today's real wedding, they really put in the effort to make it happen. The couple, who live in London, came home to say 'I do' with a beautiful ceremony at Dromquinna Manor overlooking Kenmare Bay. Showing their guests from both […]

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Most couples want their wedding day to feel personal, but for Emma & Jon in today's real wedding, they really put in the effort to make it happen. The couple, who live in London, came home to say 'I do' with a beautiful ceremony at Dromquinna Manor overlooking Kenmare Bay. Showing their guests from both the UK and Ireland a great time, they pulled out all the stops with fun activities, finishing touches and incredible food. Their outdoor ceremony was the highlight for us though, not only did Emma make a pretty kick-ass entrance by boat, but she and Jon made sure it was truly meaningful for them and their loved ones. And as you'll see, Awake & Dreaming documented the day beautifully.

Emma & Jon first met over 11 years ago at a local nightclub, “After a dance or two, we shared our first kiss,” they tell us. “No further words were spoken until a year later, on arrival at university accommodation, miles away from home, to our disbelief we find ourselves living under the same roof. It must have been fate!” It must have been - ahh, teenage love!

Every bride needs a well stocked emergency kit!

The lace on Emma's dress is so pretty! Just wait until you see the whole thing!

What a view!

Emma tells us Jon proposed to her very early in the morning, “We had just arrived back to our London flat following a night flight, returning from a sun holiday. Jon insisted we had breakfast on our balcony, before the unpacking and back to work routine commenced,” she explains. “Mid-way through my very interesting stories, he interrupts me to say he had present from our holiday which he wanted to give me and to close my eyes. Very excited at the thought of a new handbag from the Dubai markets, I sat with my eyes closed awaiting the gift. On opening them, he is down on one knee, speaking the most beautiful words and holding an incredible ring!” And normally getting back from a holiday is such a downer!

Oh what beautiful gang of friends!

With lots of guests travelling from the UK to Ireland for the first time, Jon & Emma were excited to show them great time in Ireland, “We wanted to make sure it was a weekend to remember. We planned activities for the days surrounding the wedding to make sure there was fun and celebrations from start to finish. The look and feel was summery and romantic with a theme of blush pink and rose gold. The vibe was relaxed and personal.”

The couple set four clear priorities for their wedding, “1. For everyone to have fun and enjoy themselves. 2. Finding the right venue. 3. Add as many personal touches as possible to make it unique and special. 4. Finding the right photographers to capture the day.” That is one sound plan of action!

The couple made sure their ceremony had a really personalised feel, “We had a Humanist ceremony outside on the lawn - my brother wrote his own reading and our favourite song lyrics were read as another,” Emma tells us, “Jon’s parents had both passed away very unexpectedly in the two years prior to the wedding, so including their memory in the day was extremely important. We had photos and candles lit in their honour on the terrace all day, and also included their favourite poems as readings during the ceremony.”

Emma and her bridesmaids made their entrance by boat - pretty James Bond if you ask us!

The couple found everything they were looking for at Dromquinna Manor, “Our dream was to get married outside overlooking the sea, however we had to have a strong plan B if the Irish weather didn’t play ball. It was challenging finding a venue that offered amazing options for both inside and out ceremonies. As soon as we arrived at Dromquinna, we knew it was the one.”

Emma & Jon were really blown away by the welcome at Dromquinna, “John Brennan was on hand to show us around and offer advice throughout the whole process and the rest of the staff were incredible too, nothing was too much trouble and everything ran perfectly on the day. The views and venue itself are stunning, and our guest all commented on how the food was the best they had ever eaten at a wedding.”

Jon & Emma loved having everyone together in one place, “All our friends and family travelling from near and far to be there with us made it so special, that and the sun shining all day long.”

We could go for one of these right about now!

Emma’s art teacher auntie made all the signs and table decorations.

This rose gold wedding cake is *almost* too chic to eat!

The couple named their tables after what I can only assume are their favourite pubs? They also added a nautical feel as a nod to their seaside location in Kerry.

Emma & John included some thoughtful favours, with donations to British Heart Foundation & Lymphoma Association flower seeds.

Emma & Jon’s best tips for wedding planning? Get organised! “Make a list early on, so there are no last minute panics. However be prepared for last minutes changes, that’s ok! Don’t let other weddings or people influence you, do whatever you feel is right for you both. Let the groomsman and bridal party know the running order for the day, so they can help whenever needed. Keep track of the budget (and be prepared for this to go out the window!)” These two know their stuff!

The couple are taking their time to plan the perfect post-wedding trip, “We waited to go on our honeymoon until this Christmas, so will soon be heading off to sunny Australia to bring in the new year as husband and wife.

Now that's a sparkler send-off! Thanks so much to Emma & Jon for sharing their wedding with us and of course to Awake and Dreaming for capturing all that love.