Today's real wedding is a joy to write about for so many reasons, not least because the bridal style is next-level! Denis and Clare planned a laid-back and intimate day in Cork, starting with a ceremony at Honan Chapel in Cork city, and ending with a stunningly decorated, garden party-style reception at Monk's Lane in Timoleague, stopping for some outrageously romantic wedding portraits along the way. Anna Groniecka Photography captured the dress, the florals, the DIY details, and everything in between, so let's take a closer look, shall we!?
Clare and Denis tell us that they first crossed paths on a night out in Clare's native Clonakilty. "We met in the romantic surroundings of the Venue nightclub," Clare says. "Denis was on his brother-in-law's stag 'do. We clicked instantly, went on a date in Cork a week later, and the rest is history."
It's all in the details! Clare's star-studded sandals are beyond dreamy!
To pop the question, Denis whisked Clare away for a weekend at the Europe hotel in Killarney. "He proposed by the lake on the second night," Clare explains. "I knew something had to be up when I was being brought there for the weekend, we are not usually that extravagant! It was such a lovely and amazing surprise!"
The couple's top priority for the wedding was creating a laid-back atmosphere. "Keeping it as small, intimate and relaxed as possible was so important to us," Clare says.
Don't these girls look incredible!? We have to give a special shout-out to Clare's hairstylist Eva Crowley, who created beachy boho waves that stayed looking salon fresh, even on the side of a cliff!
These guys would just make your heart melt, wouldn't they!?
OK, it's officially time to discuss Clare's gorgeous bridal look. She chose a Grace Loves Lace wedding dress with frankly incredible sleeves for the big day, accessorising with a Bo & Luca bridal headpiece, Dune heels, and a statement ring from Samantha Wills.
For their reception, Clare and Denis chose a beloved hangout of theirs in Timoleague in West Cork. "We have been going to Monk's Lane since they opened five years ago, and when we found out they take weddings, we just knew it was the right place for us. Gavin and Michelle are amazing and it is truly a special place with an amazing feel."
I love the garden-party feel of the outdoor area at Monk's Lane. "The wedding had a relaxed boho vibe," Clare says. "Guests still comment on how much they loved the intimacy and the feel of the day. Good vibes all 'round!"
Clare's advice to engaged couples is to keep your plans simple. "Don't sweat the small stuff because you won't even notice it on the day. All that matters is having the people there that matter most to you both."
One of our favourite details from this wedding is this chic, rustic and highly personal DIY table plan! "My mum and I made the table plan together from scratch and I'm so happy I went to the effort of making it!" Clare says. "We also used old records we bought on Etsy and re-covered them with some of our favourite bands and musicians for the table names."
After the wedding, Clare and Denis went to Killarney for a five-night minimoon. "It was a great way to totally chill after such a busy time, and it was the best decision we made not to go on a big trip right away. We'll have a proper honeymoon next year. The key is to always have something to look forward to, I think!"
There are lots more details from Denis and Clare's day in the gallery below, so be sure to click through for a closer look. Before we leave you, we've got to say thanks so much to the couple for sharing their beautiful wedding with us, and to Anna Groniecka for providing the imagery.