If, like me, you dream of an elegant fairytale wedding you are in luck today because we have the perfect special celebration to share. Orla and Ian brought a combination of elegance, bohemian charm and love to their celebration at The Village of Lyons. From the enchanted backdrop on the canal, to Orla's incredible style, that will have you dreaming of an embellished gown and accessories. The pair's celebration all came together beautifully with simple floral displays, stationery and Orla's Granny's talents (wait till you see what she whipped up!) Christina Brosnan captured the day so get inspired by the elegant results...
Ian and Orla met when they were mere teenagers working in their first jobs, over 8 years ago! After 6 and a half years of courting, Ian was ready to pop the question...
So how did it all go down? Well it was one very cold night in December of 2012 and romance was in the air and Ian had a plan that was right up Orla's street...After a lovely dinner date, we headed home and out of the cold weather. I was all cosied up in my pjs when Ian surprised me with a beautiful ring and he asked me to marry him! It was perfect, a cosy night at home in front of the fire. There was even a bottle of champagne chilling in the fridge to open after I said ‘yes’! The perfect night in...
Beautiful bride Orla was an embellishment queen on the day. From her stunning Saja Wedding wedding dress which she picked up in New York, as you do (not jealous at all!) to her sparkley Kurt Geiger shoes. But it was her accessories that gave her bridal style the wow factor. Completing her look was an incredible headpiece from Erica Elizabeth. I wass a little bit boho and a lot elegant, a definite winner in the accessory department!
Orla and Ian decided to incorporate a ‘first look’ into their wedding day. As you know we're fans of the tradition and Orla explains why it's such a lovely thing to do... It was so nice to see each other before the ceremony. Apart from calming any nerves, it was lovely to have a quiet moment together before all the festivities took place. Walking through the gardens, talking and laughing to each other meant we could really take it all in and enjoy it together.
The pair stumbled upon The Village and Lyons and fell in love. To be able to have their ceremony in the stunning conservatory sealed the deal...
How gorgeous is this chair decor idea? It's easier than you think ladies (and gents we know you're reading!) Using strips of material cut into streamers and tie onto the top of the chair creating a lovely layering of fabric. Garlands can often be a little bit on the pricey side. To keep costs down stick to mainly foliage and add small amounts of flowers like Orla and Ian did to add colour.
The pair asked their close family and friends tom join them for a civil ceremony in La Serre the conservatory at The Village at Lyons a beautiful room full of elegance and light.
We wanted our family and friends to be involved in our big day especially the ceremony. Our fathers took part in a unity candle ceremony, while our mothers took part in the hand fasting ritual. We also asked members of our families and friends to read at the ceremony.
With Orla a California girl, a stateside wedding was an option. Until the pair lunched at the Canal Cafe at The Village at Lyons that is. They fell for the gorgeous grounds and so it was to be an a wedding on Irish soil... Neither of us knew exactly what kind of wedding we wanted, but after visiting The Village at Lyons we decided if we were to get married in Ireland it would be there! Once we walked around the gardens and experienced the ‘feel’ of the venue we knew it was what we wanted. The breathtaking waterfall was the icing on the cake and we never looked back!
Like Orla's beautiful and elegant style the wedding reception was to be just as beautiful. With the classic backdrop of The Village at Lyons reception room, the pair added pretty elements to make it their own. From floral menus and place cards, floral centrepieces filled with sweet pea and roses and simple white table settings.
The pair dreamed of a relaxed wedding with lots of input from their families. From taking part in the ceremony to singing songs at the reception they got just that. A special touch came from Orla's grandmother who made the beautiful lace detailed wedding cake as well as tons of macarons for the drinks reception!
What advice would you give to brides and grooms planning their day? Try not to stress the small stuff and enjoy every moment – the time just flies by!
Orla and Ian jetted off for a road trip in Orla’s native California, followed by a stop off in New York on the way home - Sounds amazing! Congrats you two! A big Thank you goes to Christina of Brosnan Photographic for sharing her work with us at one Fab Day. To see more of Christina's work pop over to www.brosnanphotographic.com.
