We're forever warning engaged couples that a marquee wedding at home is a huge undertaking, and not one to be entered into lightly, but you only have to scroll through the images in today's real wedding to understand the appeal of this kind of bash! Irish couple Ed and ShĂșin hosted their wedding at Clougheast Cottage, ShuÌinâs parentâs home in Wexford, and it looks more like an outrageously stylish, intimate garden party than a traditional wedding. From the bride's killer headpiece, to the oversized florals, to the magical marquee interiors, this celebration is straight-up stunning! Primalux Photography have been kind enough to share the images with us, so let's dive in!
Have you ever seen a more loved-up couple!? We're big fans of ShuÌin's entire bridal look, but we're just floored by her pearl headpiece by Breege Lennon Designs. We can never resist a statement headpiece!
ShuÌin tells us that she met Ed in their first year in college at UCD, where she was studying nursing and he was studying engineering. "We met in a night club and were official within a month," she says.
Years later, Ed planned to propose to ShuÌin during the fireworks at Sydney Harbour on New Year's Eve. "I had planned to wait 'til the end of the fireworks so we could enjoy the show and then enjoy the proposal," he says, "but I asked within five seconds of the first firework, because I was so nervous. But she said yes, which is the most important thing."
The couple initially toyed with the idea of getting married in a commercial wedding venue. "We had always joked about hosting weddings at my parents' house," ShuÌin says, "since it is such a spectacular setting and a lovely part of the world, but we didn't mean ours! After viewing several venues around Ireland, we looked at each other and said, 'Why not?' and it was the best decision we made about the wedding. We had total control over everything to achieve this look and feel. From the hay bales to the stretch, tipi-style marquee. It was our dream come true."
Ed and ShĂșin quickly decided that throwing an amazing party for their guests was their top priority. "We wanted a relaxed, fun, rustic wedding weekend, more like a two-day festival than a wedding, which we definitely got. We wanted everyone to have a weekend that they would never forget!"
ShuÌin's advice for engaged couples is to not sweat the small stuff. "The most important thing for you is to enjoy and remember the day. You only get married once, so donât get wrapped up in logistics. Take 10 minutes just to yourselves during the reception to chat - you wonât get much time to do that."
The couple's greenery-themed menus are so pretty! They tell us that they considered food and drink among the most important elements of their wedding. "We were so thrilled with Liam from the Gourmet Kitchen, who took our ideas and made them a reality," ShĂșin says. "So many people commented on how amazing the food was. Some vegetarians even dug into the delicious 11pm burgers!"
Ed and ShuÌin also advise finding a photographer who you have a good report with. "Meet your photographer before your big day," ShuÌin says. "Itâs like having someone you already know around for the day, so everything is super relaxed. Dave from Primalux Photography has a documentary style that was perfect alongside the rustic, garden-party vibe. He was absolutely brilliant on the day. It was really important to us not to be away from the party for too long, as we really wanted to be there with our guests, and Dave totally understood this and made the portraits super quick and easy, but still got some wonderful shots."
Ed and ShĂșin needed a drop-dead gorgeous space for their reception dinner and dancing, and the team at Maverick Marquees were happy to oblige! The couple used festoon lights, lanterns, balloons and generous greenery to give their marquee a smart, timeless look.
We are fully obsessed with ShĂșin's makeup look by Making Faces, which features the chicest smokey eye!
After the wedding, ShuÌin and Ed went to the Cliff House Hotel in Ardmore for a minimoon. "We wanted to completely relax after the mania of the prep and weekend," ShuÌin says. "We are planning a honeymoon in January 2020 to South Africa and Mauritius. We have lots planned in South Africa - wine tours, safari etc. - and then a week relaxing by the pool/ocean in Mauritius."
These guys clearly know how to throw a party! At this point, we have to say a huge thank you to Ed and ShĂșin for sharing their big day with us, and to Primalux Photography for providing the beautiful imagery. Be sure to click through the gallery to see more!