If ever there was a real wedding story to make you believe in fate, Jennifer and Andrew’s 'how we met' tale is it! Their love story’s beginning is nothing short of miraculous and maybe proof that if it's meant to be, you'll find the right person, wherever they are in the world. After 15 years together, 10 years of engagement, two (super cute) children, a beagle and a whole world of adventures under their well-travelled belts, the couple finally tied the knot at The Angler’s Rest in Dublin, with a wedding laden down with personal touches. Photographer Rashida Keenan was there to capture all the gorgeous style, pretty woodland decor, and candid moments of this laid-back family affair.
Jennifer met Andrew while she was on a big adventure with her sister, “Back in 2002 my sister and I set off on an overland trip through Africa, on the back of a truck. After a couple months of traveling we were checking into a hostel in Johannesburg when I spotted an attractive guy checking out. We had a quick chat and I thought “Damn pity he was leaving!”. About six weeks later in Perth, Australia, I was at an interview for a job as a hostel manager when in walked the guy from Africa, Andrew. Small world!” That's not just a small world, that sounds more like fate to us!
The two were competing for the same job, “Part of the interview process was a test for driving the hostel mini bus. Andrew, a Canadian, had never driven manual before but chanced his arm, managing to crash it before leaving the car park! By luck the hostel-owner was a panel-beater by trade (phew!) and took a liking to him so gave him a cleaning job instead. I got the hostel manager position. We were instantly roommates and have remained so since.” What a story!
The couple have been busy since then, travelling the world and starting a family, “We spent a year traveling around Australia, New Zealand, South East Asia, Indonesia and India. After a further year in South Korea teaching English we decided to settle in Ireland (i.e. I dragged him back!). We've been here since and have never looked back. Andrew loves it here and fortunately his family love to visit and have become as much a part of my family as his. We have two wonderful scallywags of children Maisy (6) and Fionn (3) and a crazy dog Poppy the beagle.”
This dress! Oh my!
Andrew's proposal was an emotional one, “Andrew asked me to marry him at midnight on the beach on New Year's Eve 2007/08. I was delighted to say yes but it was very bittersweet, as my mother had passed away the October beforehand. He used my Mam's ring to propose.”
The couple say it's tricky to sum up the vibe of their day, "“I suppose the venue is very much classic Irish country with a whimsical feel. The ceremony was non-religious Celtic based, performed by a good friend. For the reception, we were aiming relaxed festival vibe with multiple performers and an indie disco DJ. So, it was an Irish county, whimsical, festive vibe. Hard to narrow it down!”
Jennifer & Andrew's ceremony was a pretty special one, “We were married by our good friend of ours, Karen Dempsey. The ceremony was extremely personal because of this, involving both our families and the kids. Many tears were shed and there were a lot of wobbly chins.”
Everyone in the family got involved in the ceremony, “Our 3 year old son Fionn carried the rings up the aisle. My older brother Peter broke down while reading a poem by my mother. Fionn broke the ice after this poignant moment by getting an awful fit of the giggles.” Gotta love kids' innocence, eh!
Even their hand-fasting had an extra personal touch, “Maisy is our 6 and a half (very important half!) year old daughter. This was my mother’s scarf and was tied by Maisy around our hands in an old Irish hand fasting tradition, during the ceremony.”
What a colourful confetti toss!
After their engagement, the couple decided to hold off on the wedding planning, “As happy as we were to be engaged, a wedding seemed too emotional to plan after the loss of my mother. So we headed off on a six-week trip around Central America and held off on the wedding plans for the time being. We were definitely committed, but soon other priorities took hold ... an apartment, a dog, a child, a house, another child, careers…”.
A whole ten years passed before the couple revisited their plan to tie the knot but it didn't take them long to find the right place to do it, “Eventually at Christmas this year we decided this would be the year. Nearly 10 years after getting engaged we decided to start looking for a venue. We looked around but The Anglers Rest stood out from the rest. Beautiful with loads of character! Fun and relaxed, and right on our door step. We wanted to keep things simple, especially since most of our friends have small kids and we'd have loads of family traveling from abroad. The Anglers Rest was perfect!”
So. Much. Cuteness!
The couple headed to the Phoenix Park for their photo session with Rashida Keenan, “We went to Farmleigh Gardens, located five minutes’ drive from The Anglers Rest and a quick bike ride from our house. We hang out here a lot with the kids at weekends and early mornings so it's a location that means a lot to us. Great trees from climbing, art exhibitions, walled gardens and coffee what more could you want!” Jennifer says.
Jumping with joy!
A crisp station! That's where we're hanging out.
The woodland-inspired stationery was perfect for the cosy space at The Angler's Rest.
Jennifer and Andrew's advice to other couples is not to get bogged down with the small details, "Nobody notices especially if the important things are right. It’s a cliché but the day really does go by in a flash, so if possible, try to plan something for the day after. My father hosted a big barbecue in his house the day after the wedding catered by my talented brother-in-law Jeremy. Extending the wedding allowing us to spend time with people we only got to say a brief hello to on the day.”
Lots of pretty details!
So what were the honeymoon plans for this outdoorsy family? “We went camping with the kids for a few days in Wicklow. We’re going to go to the sun in October when we really need it. Too much fun still going on here at the moment!”
What a cool couple! Thanks to Rashida Keenan for doing such an amazing job on these photos! We want to wish Jennifer, Andrew, Maisy and Fionn all the very best for the future. Thanks for sharing your special day with us!
Recommended Suppliers
- Venue: The Angler's Rest
- Flowers & Flower Crown: Boutique Blooms
- Reception Music: Alternative Wedding DJ
The Wedding Details
- Photographer: Rashida Keenan
- Wedding Dress: Memories Bridal
- Bridesmaids dresses: Frock N Fabulous
- Shoes: Rachel Simpson
- Groom(smen)’s suits: Jeff Banks, Debenhams
- Stationery: Paperless Post
- Make Up & Hair: Michelle Kinsella & Whetstone
- Music: Farah Elle, Gerry Byrne & Co. and Peter Smyth (Bride's brother)
- Lace Umbrella: Amazon
- Bag: Folkster
