Looking out at those grey skies this morning, we're thrilled to be getting a burst of sunshine from today's real wedding. It's not something that can be planned, but Rebecca and Padraig sure lucked out when it came to the weather for their big day, with barely a cloud in the sky, we almost couldn't believe these wedding images were snapped in Ireland! But sure enough, lovebirds Rebecca and Padraig's vintage inspired celebration took place in the courtyard of Clonabreany House. Amy from Rubistyle captured each beaming shot, so let's turn away from the windows and bask in it together, shall we?
Padraig and Rebecca met through a mutual friend, but they didn't fall head over heels for each other until three years later when they randomly met when they were both independently hiking Lugnaquilla... It was a horrendous day for hiking and you could barely see in front of you. I made it to the summit with my Uncle Pat but Padraig and his friends got lost and ended up in Aughrim! They had to get a taxi back to the cars and it dropped them off to the exact spot where I was standing at the bottom of Lugnaquilla. We had a quick chat and a bit of a laugh. Padraig emailed me about a week later and asked me if I would be interested hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc with him. I said yes, and the rest is history! Hopefully Rebecca did the navigating the second time around!
When it came time to propose, Padraig put together a scheme that took a little more navigating for Rebecca... It was a Monday morning, we both got up, Padraig 'went to work' but I later found out he drove around the corner and sat in his car! I went off to do some errands and when I came home there was a note on the front door saying – please follow these instructions! There was a bunch of flowers inside and various notes which led me to him and then he popped the question – amid tears! What a cute idea.
We hear from a lot of couples that they look for their venue first, but Rebecca and Padraig booked their photographer before anything else... The photographer was the first thing I booked in the planning stages. I wanted photographs that reflected our personality and Amy certainly succeeded in documenting the day so beautifully. We were thrilled with everything she did from start to finish.
However choosing the right venue for their big day wasn't far behind for Rebecca and Padraig...We only went to see one venue and booked it the next day! Clonabreany House was stunning, the setting is beautiful and it had everything you could ask for. Fabulous cottages for all our guests, a courtyard for the ceremony and all the staff were so helpful and accommodating. The staff was so helpful at Clonabreany house that they even helped Rebecca and her bridesmaids (and bridesman!) decorate the marquee the day before the wedding!
The couple's family and friends chipped in to make the day extra special... It was a really personal day for us. We had a ring warming ceremony where all the guests made a wish on our wedding rings and both our mothers performed the hand fasting ceremony on us.
Look at that sun - Amazing!
As the sun came down on that glorious day, Rebecca and Padraig headed back to their guests for the reception...
When it came to the decor of the day, Rebecca had a plan...We went for a vintage theme, with vintage china and embroidered tablecloths that I had collected at flea markets and eBay. My mother made the wedding cake, a neighbour made scones and many other cakes, and my friend Orla made cupcakes. My Uncle Pat and Aunty Rita spent hours decorating and putting together the Arbor the day before. A friend of mine spent a month making bunting to put everywhere! It really was a team effort.
For favours, Rebecca decided to give a gift that has kept on giving... I wanted something different for the favors and I know a lot of avid gardeners so I decided to put flower seeds into little embroidered muslin bags. I get photos on a weekly basis from people showing me the lovely flowers growing in their garden! What a wonderful treat and reminder of your wedding day, for months to come!
All in all, the couple had wanted to create a special day that their guests would remember... We really wanted to have a day full of love and laughter. A lot of people commented to me on the day how unique the day was and they loved all the little details. It was magical! The sunshine definitely had a positive influence on the day and everyone was so happy and joyful. It was very laid back and relaxed.
Check out the beautiful materials used for the table settings - all collected by Rebecca from flea markets and ebay!
Rebecca has advice for brides that she learned the hard way... Give yourself time and delegate! I was a bit rushed that morning and I didn’t get some time to sit around in my dress and enjoy it -that was my fault! I was running around arranging cakes instead of getting my hair done! Make sure you give yourself enough time on the day to relax and take it all in. Very important advice so that you can enjoy your day as much as possible!
True to form, Rebecca and Padraig are planning a hiking honeymoon in Colorado! Huge congratulations to you both. A big thank you to Amy from Rubistyle for giving us such a sunny peek at their big day today! To see more of Rubistyle's work pop over to www.rubistyle.com
The Wedding Details:
- Ceremony: Clonabreany House
- Wedding Dress: Charlie Brear at The White Room
- Photography: Rubistyle
- Flowers: VP Flowers
- Groom's suit: Louis Copeland
- Headpiece-: Luella’s Boudoir
- Stationery: Ello There
- Make Up: Adele Miley
- Hair: Maria Callaghan
- Wedding Bands: Pearl Perfect
- Ceremony Music: Dublin Gospel Choir
- Reception Music: The Bentley Boys
- Cupcakes: Baking Mad