Wherever you are, we bet Lauren & Liam's Poulaphouca House & Falls wedding, which has wildflowers at the core of its summery vibe, gives you a lift today. Falling in love with the venue's elegant, historic interiors, barn space and sweeping grounds, the couple kept the days styling relaxed and bright by adding a summer palette inspired by wildflowers and nods to both Liam's Scottish roots and Lauren's Irish background. Complete with custom Irish and Scottish Tartan, a bagpiper, and fun Irish-Scottish reception decor, their day is sure to make you smile. Their camera dream team consisted of Folklore Photography and Nice2Look who captured their day beautifully. Let's take a look...
First things first, let's get to know our couple a little better, shall we? Bride Lauren hails from Dublin, and Liam, from Stirling in Scotland. The couple met through a dating app in September 2020 when they were both living in Scotland at the time. Lauren tells us, "The world had just opened back up and we went for dinner in Edinburgh at the The Scran and Scallie. The most memorable part of this date was when Liam proudly described how he doesn't go for looks anymore... I sat there and smiled knowing his intentions were pure but thoroughly enjoying watching him try to back track! We started seeing each other more and more but a few weeks later, I found out I got the job back in Dublin that I had interviewed for back in August. Only knowing each other 6 weeks, we didn't make any rash decisions, we decided to make the most of our time together and try some long distance see how it goes. It didn't go well... Covid restrictions were put in place again meaning flights to see other were impossible, after a month apart we made the rash decision.... Liam moved to Dublin in February 2021. There was only one way of seeing if we would work and that was throwing ourselves into the deep end!"
Well, readers it did work, and the pair got engaged and began planning a wedding in Ireland for June 2023.
On a warm summers day, 137 of their nearest and dearest celebrated Lauren & Liam's love story at Poulaphouca House & Falls in the Co. Wicklow countryside. When asked what made the venue 'the one', the bride says, "We were really blown away by the view, the light in the barn and character of the whole space at Poulaphouca, even on a dark January day it was spectacular. We got a tour from the owner who showed us the details of it all, and helped us to really visualise what our day could look like. He spoke with such passion and told us the thought that went into everything, even asking for our opinion on new ideas. Lastly, we are really into our food so having a venue with great caterers was so important. At the viewing @3cooks provided Arancini, sweet potato soup and cookies, all of which were incredible."
The bride walked towards her groom with her father, before exchanging vows and performing a handfasting ceremony ritual.
With the venue chosen they got to work on their vision for a Irish-Scottish wildflower meadow theme with a relaxed, natural feel.
Alongside the wildflowers, the couple added lots of nods to their respective Celtic heritages throughout the day. They used Scottish and Irish tartan to 'tie the knot', a traditional Bagpiper to pipe in the top table, as well as creating table names with fun Scottish and Irish sayings.
The bridesmaids all wore matching sage green cowl neck dresses from Lavish Alice. We love how the colourful summer bouquets pop against the muted tone.
Although there was a lot of thought put into planning their big day, Lauren & Liam managed to keep stress levels to a minimum. The Bride tells: "The main priority was for it to be stress free, have fun with friends and family. We wanted to provide good food and good music and the rest would take care of itself."
Lauren's gorgeous bridal look is a custom made design by Australian bridal label Made With Love which she sourced at Ivy & White bridal boutique in Belfast.
She completed her look with Steve Madden block heels which she customised with bows, modern pearl earrings by Linjer and a diamond bracelet from Ian Gallagher Jewellers.
Her bridal bouquet was filled with summer blooms such as bold pink peonies, roses, daisies, cornflower, Queen Anne's lace and Scottish Thistle.
Wanting to include his Scottish identity, Liam and the groomsmen all wore kilts from Scottish kiltmakers House of Henderson.
The relaxed vibe continued beyond the ceremony with an outdoor drinks reception.
The barn ceremony, garden portraits and fun reception moments were all captured in Folklore Photography's signature documentary style.
The couple also opted to hire a wedding videographer to capture the day in motion, Sergii from Nice2Look.
After time outside enjoying the beautiful gardens at Poulaphouca House & Falls, the couple and their guests headed indoors for the wedding reception, held at round tables filled with lots of candles and foliage.
The first dance was to “Old Enough” by The Raconteurs, a song that Lauren and Liam both love.
Now it’s all over, Lauren and Liam are loving their newlywed status and after having the most amazing wedding day have this bit of advice for those planning right now, "Take 20 minutes after the ceremony to spend time with each other. Do this for a few minutes every so often throughout the night."
Lauren and Liam huge congratulations and thank you for letting us share your Poulaphouca House & Falls wedding celebration with One Fab Day. Thank you also Folklore Photography for these divine images.
