Once engaged Gemma and Eoin knew they wanted an Autumn wedding, and as luck would have it they experienced the most perfect Autumn day for their real wedding - with the sun shining all day long at the picturesque Clonabreany House. The laid back vibe was captured by Martina California - with the prettiest results that are guaranteed to add some summery warmth to your January wedding planning.
Eoin and Gemma met in Dublin, just a few months after Gemma had made the move over from the UK. They bumped into each other in Hogans Pub, chatted all night and began to date soon after.
Smitten with the beautiful Gemma, Eoin proposed at home in Ireland. Gemma remembers..."Eoin took me to Donegal, I had always wanted to go, we spent five hours driving there on the night of our four year anniversary, by the time we got there we were so knackered but we went for a walk along the beach and I turned around and he was on one knee."
When venue hunting Gemma and Eoin visited just two different places, with Clonabreany House being the stand out favourite. Gemma told us..."When we went to see the venue, which was only the second one we went to see, the grounds where amazing and the staff were so friendly. The black cab also sold it for me – being from UK and all."
Having booked their wedding for October Gemma and Eoin weren't exactly expecting a sunny day, and definitely didn't expect to be able to celebrate outdoors..."We had hoped we might get OK weather, but the day was warmer than summer days and the sun shone for hours. This created an amazing atmosphere. People were so relaxed, enjoying a drink in the bar before the ceremony and then everyone was outside for the drinks reception. Who said Ireland always rains."
Embracing the good weather Gemma and Eoin took all of their sun drenched portraits outdoors with photographer Martina California and their colourful bridal party.
To add a personal element Gemma and Eoin handmade individual place cards and chose music to suit them as a couple..."We did personal name cards for all our guests. We decided to pick a photo, or a memory of each person, so they felt extra special and also as a great ice breaker on the tables where people could tell the story of a time or memory from the image. It was a great idea at the start but it took us ages!! Everyone loved them though and most people took them home with them. There were some brilliant and very funny images. The music was also so important, we are lucky enough to have a lot of talented friends and for our ceremony we had two of our best friends play. We walked down the Aisle to Van Morrison, Crazy Love, added a little light entertainment with the song from Juno; All I Want Is You, which got everyone in the right spirit and finally we walked out to The Ramones and Baby I Love You."
For their honeymoon Gemma and Eoin then went on safari in South Africa. Amazing! Huge congratulations to you both and thanks so much for sharing your Clonabreaney House wedding with us all. A big thank you also goes to Martina California for sharing her work with us. To see more from Martina California visit www.martinacalifornia.com
