So the first work day of 2012 dawns and we're hard at the wedding grindstone for you to make today go that little bit quicker. Starting off the New Year with a lovely couple and their fun-filled day at Marlfield House in Co. Wexford.
Captured by Aine and Mark of Allegria Photography, Sarah-Jane and Peter chose a special location for some of their portraits, so Allegria were really able to create images that truly reflect their personalities and catch their real chemistry on camera. Here's hoping all 2012 weddings are as happy and fun...
We originally met when I joined a friend on a two-for-the-price-of-one holiday to Florida back in 2003. There was a group of 9 going and needed one more, so as I stood at the water-cooler in the office, and had about five minutes to decide — it didn’t take much convincing — three weeks free accommodation in Orlando, half price flights, a new gang of friends, who wouldn’t go! It took a few days for us to finally pluck up the courage but after a night out in downtown Disney for a wrestling match that ended in a kiss, two days of awkward silences, and then two weeks of Florida fun - and we’ve been together ever since!
"Peter and Ruby (our dog) collected me from work one afternoon in early September, and we headed up the Sugar Loaf mountain in Wicklow. At the top, amidst a flying ant swarm he suddenly started getting very sentimental, something about looking at this view for the rest of our lives!
Next thing I knew he was on one knee, with the ring sparkling in his hand! I couldn’t have been more thrilled (and surprised!). The worst part was hoping I wouldn’t lose the fabulous sparkler as I climbed back down! We stopped off on our way home in Avoca, Kilmacanogue for a prosecco and raspberries — it was so exciting, definitely the best Thursday afternoon I’d ever had!! That night we celebrated till the early hours with friends and close family, and had an engagement party a week later! The celebrations continued for weeks if not months!
Sarah Jane chose a palette of jade green and soft pinks, perfect for the Spring wedding, and suiting her pretty bridesmaids to a tee. Heart those blue-grey and green shoes so much!
While the bridal party readied themselves outside, inside the picturesque St. Patrick’s Church in Castletown, Peter the groom is trying to keep calm. But as with all couples, the magical moment when boy sees girl, soothes all nerves... "Seeing Peter standing at the altar was amazing. He looked gorgeous in his morning suit, if not a little nervous — but we both knew it was exactly what we wanted, and this was going to be exactly the day we had planned and hoped for!"
After a few minutes greeting friends and family after the ceremony, the wedding party headed to nearby Marlfield House, just outside Gorey. And Sarah-Jane was full of praise for their choice of reception venue...."We first discovered Marlfield House online as I searched hotels and venues in Leinster. It was only the second place we looked at, but we immediately fell in love with the place — as foodies, we were blown away by their menu, and the light lunch we enjoyed on that first visit was exceptional! As well as that, the house itself is warm, welcoming and luxurious while the staff are incredibly professional, welcoming and accommodating. From our first meeting with Margaret, we knew our special day was in capable hands and she couldn’t have been more helpful, - we never felt addled or confused about ‘extras’ or hidden ‘add-on’s. What Marlfield offer is exceptional food and wine, exceptional service, beautiful surroundings and lavish accommodation, coupled with personal service and home-grown flowers and vegetables!"
One of the other reasons Sarah-Jane and Peter loved Marlfield House, was a secret spot in the woods where they could escape by themselves for some private time...
"We spotted the tennis court in Marlfield on one of our visits, and as an avid tennis player for many years we decided to ask Ãine & Mark our photographers what they thought of taking a few shots on the court." Unsurprisingly, Mark and Aine from Allegria Photography were delighted, photographers love couples who want to get a bit creative so "they jumped at the chance, particularly Ãine who loved the idea and really got into it — and they didn’t even laugh at us! Honestly, I would have to say that when I look at the photos of our whole day, they’re absolutely fabulous. Naturally we have our own favourites, but crucially I felt that we had such a laugh taking the photos, that I’ll remember that just as much as I’ll remember the other important parts. Mark & Ãine were prepared, organised and professional, as well as being realistic about photographic priorities and time constraints, while simultaneously blending into the background and never making us feel pressured or hassled." A glowing review there, for any of you looking for your own wedding photographers...
With its beautiful grounds and gardens, and beautiful Victorian conservatory, Marlfield House is a great location for wedding photos as well as fine food and atmosphere.
While there wasn't a theme per se, the Springtime feel continued inside at the reception, with tulips decorating the tables and butterflies drifting by the placecards...
As with all weddings, there was the odd hiccup, but it added to the hilarity... "Later on, the meal in Marlfield House was exquisite, the dancing was fantastic craic and the music lasted into the early hours and beyond! Having decided on Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Thunder Road’ as our first dance song, I convinced Peter to change it at the last minute to a Michael Bublé one that I thought might be more elegant for dancing to. So when we began dancing to the wrong Michael Bublé song, we had ourselves and our guests in stitches with the chorus ‘I just haven’t met you yet’- we looked at each other in shock and simultaneously said ‘Eh this isn’t our song’ — very funny! Needless to say we were thrilled when ‘Everything’ came on and we had such a laugh dancing in the middle of the crowd!
What advice would you give to brides and grooms planning their day? "The main thing is to keep things in perspective! Remember WHY you’re planning this special day, and don’t stress the small stuff, because if you’ve your venue chosen well things will just fall into place. Make your wedding day about you guys and what you like, not what you think other people will expect. And most of all — enjoy it while it’s happening!"
Wise words Sarah-Jane, wise words. Our congratulations, hope you had a fabulous Christmas and New Year as a married couple.
And huge thanks to Aine & Mark of Allegria Photography for sharing their work with us.
All the Important Details
Ceremony: St. Patrick’s Church, Castletown
Reception: Marlfield House
Wedding Dress: Kathy de Stafford Bridal, Exchequer Street
Wedding Shoes: The Bridal Party, Navan
Flowers: Blooming Beautiful, Gorey
Groom(smen)’s suits: Sandycove Suit Hire
Wedding Cake: The Cake Creator, Gorey
Hair: Browns Hairdressing, Gorey
Make-Up: Laura Kinney
