It's such an honour for Ireland when a couple choose to marry on our fair shores. You could pick anywhere in the world, for sure, but there's something so special about an Irish wedding. The scenery, the craic and the insanely talented vendors make this country an amazing choice for a wedding, we reckon. We're […]

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It's such an honour for Ireland when a couple choose to marry on our fair shores. You could pick anywhere in the world, for sure, but there's something so special about an Irish wedding. The scenery, the craic and the insanely talented vendors make this country an amazing choice for a wedding, we reckon. We're always so glad when others agree. So today we’re taking a look at the wedding of Mary, an oncology nurse and Eric who owns a small furniture store. The couple came all the way to Barley Lake, Co. Cork from Bozeman, Montana and their planning was helped along by wedding stylist and planner, Alise Taggart. Photographer Paula O’Hara captured their day beautifully. Take a look!

Beautiful Irish Elopement by Paula O'Hara | onefabday.com

West Cork is such a pretty, tranquil part of the world!

Eric and Mary had the use of this incredible house to get ready in before the ceremony and afterwards, enjoy an intimate reception dinner. Check out that view!

We love the mix of metals the couple chose for their Todd Reed wedding bands. If you don't like gold, but your partner does, don't be afraid to choose a design that you'd be happy wearing. It doesn't have to match to be perfect!

“We met almost 13 years ago when Eric asked me if he could buy me a cup of coffee. The amusing part is that it was in a waiting room of a car dealership, and the coffee was already free.” Oh Eric, you charmer! “We became friends and intermittently stayed in touch throughout the years. After 7 years of not seeing one another nor staying in touch, I moved back to Bozeman to fulfil my childhood nostalgia.” Mary continues.

The understated prairie vibes of Mary's Ulla Johnson dress is right up my street! The bohemian look was perfect for the outdoor country wedding.

Mary’s dress by Ulla Johnson was accessorised with some family heirloom jewellery and a simple flower crown.

Re-establishing her relationship with Eric made the move back to Montana much more enjoyable. “It was a mutual, overwhelming love for one another when we reconnected. We fell deeply in love and knew we would marry.”

Intimate and meaningful was not only the feel of the wedding, but of the proposal too. “Eric's grandfather built a small church in the mountains of Montana. He asked me to marry him there with a long love letter he read to me.” So sweet!

“Our wedding was exactly what we hoped for; an outdoor, enchanted, fairytale wedding.” Mary gushes. Videographer Story of Eve captured their heartfelt ceremony, so be sure to take a peak. Warning: Have tissues at the ready because Eric’s vows are the ultimate tearjerker.

Mary's parents braved the elements to walk her down the slightly unconventional "aisle". Is that bare feet we spot on Mary's mother?! Well, we suppose those rocks weren't conducive to heel-wearing... But still, fair play to her! That's unconditional love right there!

Trusting their intuition, Mary and Eric only settled on the venue for the wedding a mere two days before! “We were on a hike and we both agreed that Barley Lake was incredibly moving and poignant. It felt sacred. We decided to brave the weather and have faith despite the forecast for rain and wind.”

A small gathering of those who you're closest to is such a lovely way to be married. We love seeing big, high-energy affairs... But there's something so magical about this simple wedding by the lake.

Mary's floral crown didn't get blown away! Yay!

Eric’s advice for shaking off any nerves? Take a hike!

“The whole day was perfect. We woke up and had a great breakfast and the whole house was bustling. The guys and girls quickly separated. We (the guys) went on a big hike through a beautiful Irish forest (“we” being Mary's two brothers and father, and my brother.) The hike was long enough that my nervousness was eased by conversation and laughs. But then when I saw that girl walking down the hill armed with her parents in her dress, I filled up with joy and emotion.

The bouquet was very wild and foliage-heavy, which was the perfect match for the backdrop of the ceremony.

These two look so happy!

A cosy grey shawl was ready for Mary to wrap in post-ceremony. Otherwise, by the sounds of that weather, she could've been her own something blue!!

When it comes to the advice Eric and Mary would give others; their focus is on going back to basics. “Slow down, focus on loving each other. Enjoy the sentiment of what a wedding day actually means. Remember, love always wins!”

But on a practical note, Mary claimed that “the more you can delegate to a wedding planner, the better!” And with Alise Taggart on board, Mary and Eric’s big day was in safe hands.

After the wedding, in lieu of a traditional reception, the couple opted for an intimate gathering of close friends and family in a private residence. They praise their family for supporting their decision to do things their way with a focus on what was most important to them. “The candlelit dinner overlooking the bay with delicious food, wine, and speeches was perfect. We’re so glad we had a small family wedding without the pressure of other peoples’ expectations. It was a calm, easy going day without any stress.”