Mixing old school glamour, soft romance and classic elegance in the beautiful hills of Wicklow is the dream wedding envisioned by many a couple I know, so I'm delighted to make your dreams come true today with the lovely Brooklodge wedding of Carolyn and Garrett.

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Mixing old school glamour, soft romance and classic elegance in the beautiful hills of Wicklow is the dream wedding envisioned by many a couple I know, so I'm delighted to make your dreams come true today with the lovely wedding of Carolyn and Garrett who chose BrookLodge for their ceremony and reception and asked the super Christina of Brosnan Photographic to do the honours and capture their magical day...

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For Carolyn and Garrett the beginning of their love story was a bit of a test, one that they passed with flying colours (the trip down the aisle is sort of proof of that). "Garrett and I met at work in 2006, although we later found out we had been at UCD studying at the same time and our paths had never crossed. I was getting set to travel the world with friends the following month. Our first date was a lunch date to Cabinteely park where we later had our engagement session photographed. The sparks flew instantly and with us both aware of the short time frame before I was to leave the country we went on many dates in the month to follow. Two months later after keeping in touch with Skype, email and texts everyday Garrett resigned from work and flew over to meet me in Thailand where I was travelling at the time. It was a risk, and many thought we were crazy but we had the time of our lives away together travelling and have been inseparable ever since. I suppose when you meet ‘THE ONE‘ you just know!" We've certainly heard that before, and it's so very true.

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After such a big gesture to kick off their story, the pressure was on Garrett to come up with the good when it came to popping the question, and he didn't disappoint... "In November 2011 we were due to go on holiday to New York, on the morning of the flight while I was packing last minute bits and running around getting passports etc, Garrett completely surprised me and got down on one knee with ‘our song’ playing and candles and rose petals in our house. After me answering YES straight away ,he asked the words every girl dreams of hearing... would you like to go diamond ring shopping in New York. I was one very excited lady!"

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The couple chose the relaxed surroundings of Brooklodge in the rolling countryside of Co. Wicklow for their celebration, choosing to make their vows in the chapel in the woods on site, followed by a reception in the organic restaurant. There's a definite upside to getting ready at your venue on your wedding day, says Carolyn. "I loved getting ready in the venue, I was so relaxed and was able to simply walk across to the ceremony when the time came. I could see the guests arriving for the ceremony from the room window while I was getting ready which added to my excitement."

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Carolyn's wedding dress, from B Couture Bridal Wear, was an elegant one shoulder gown to which she added something very close to her heart. "I wanted a simple elegant dress with a classic vintage glamour feel, simple bridesmaid dress that fitted the feel of the day and for Garrett to be able to show his style through his outfit also. I added a beautiful cameo brooch to my bouquet that was Garrett’s mums. This was really special to both of us as she had passed away very recently before our wedding."

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The couple were very clear about what their wedding was all about and from what we can see, really achieved their dream."Our wedding was a relaxed day with family and friends. It had a romantic countryside rustic feel to it with a touch of glamour, soft pastel colours and candles everywhere to create a warm atmosphere. We did not want to follow formalities for the sake of it. We did things our way and had the day exactly as we as a couple wanted. Our priorities were great food in a romantic countryside setting with our nearest and dearest."

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"My favourite part of the day was the ceremony and saying our vows. The atmosphere was electric and we could not stop smiling at each other. We had music that was very personal to us during the ceremony including Bob Dylan and The Beatles. The ceremony was very personal as the minister from my family church travelled to perform our marriage ceremony in the small chapel in Brooklodge, he created a relaxed atmosphere and we could feel the love from family and friends who had travelled from near and far, squeezed in to the building."

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Soft sweet pastels in a woodland setting, it really doesn't get more romantic than this, and what a stunning bouquet from The French Touch!

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As with every bride, Carolyn did want to sprinkle a few of her own personal touches throughout the celebration, so a little DIY on the wooden signs directing the guests was just the ticket... "Garrett’s father helped me with the DIY aspects of the day, which was great bonding time before the wedding. He made our wooden wedding signs and tree table plan with me for the day."

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One of the more hands-on touches for the wedding created by Carolyn and Garrett was the candy table, which the couple says guests just loved! It's a nice way to add some sweet treats if you and your family aren't inclined to produce baked goods for the evening!

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Carolyn and Garrett also decided to use the One Fab Day free fingerprint tree template for their guest book - customized with a sweet pink stamp!

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Garrett took the reigns on the dance portion of the programme. "Garrett picked the band and he made an excellent choice with The Beatclub, our guests were dancing all night!We both loved our first dance , the band had learned ‘Our Song’ Bob Dylan Spirit on the Water especially for our wedding, which sounded amazing live."

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Any advice you'd make sure to pass on to planning couples? "We chose amazing suppliers who were very professional and reliable to deal with. This meant neither of us had any worries on the day at all and were able to relax and enjoy our special day with no stress. Although it is not easy at the time, take a step back and realise what the day is all about and that it is only the first of many amazing days ahead. Once friends and family are there to share the day with you, that is the main thing." And it looks like Carolyn and Garrett did just that!

After the wedding, the couple jetted off to Dubrovnik for their honeymoon for a relaxing time in the sun. Thanks so much for sharing your beautiful BrookLodge wedding and love story, Carolyn and Garrett! And thanks to Christina Brosnan for sharing her lovely work from a wonderful wedding celebration!

All the Wedding Details