Our real wedding couple Croídh and Dan tied the knot with a rustic reception in The Barn at Hotel Doolin, Co. Clare. The couple's autumnal colour palette shone through on the day, with shades of burgundy, burnt orange and sage green popping up in the floral arrangements, bridesmaids dresses and decor. Croídh and Dan, who both originally hail from Clare, chose crashing Atlantic waves and a historical ruin as the backdrop to their stunning wedding photoshoot. From 3am Tayto sandwiches to surprise singing waiters, check out the this fun-filled wedding day captured by Mrs Redhead below.
Before we dive head first into their gorgeous wedding day, let's get to know the happy couple a little bit more! Starting off as friends, Croíadh and Dan met while working in college at Shannon Airport but soon realised there was a spark. When it came time to propose, Dan had originally planned a surprise romantic trip to Waterford but due to restrictions the couple stayed in Clare. "He proposed on Doolin Pier in October 2020 and we stayed in Hotel Doolin which was the first step in a long relationship with the hotel!"
The couple chose to have their ceremony at Croíadh's local church, which holds a lot of sentimental value for her family. After all the uncertainties in the lead up to their wedding, having their family altogether on the day was very important to them. "We were very lucky to have both Croíadh's nanas at the wedding. This was very special to us. After two years of wondering if we would have a wedding with restrictions we were very grateful to have everyone we love under one roof."
For the bride's entrance the band played a live instrumental version of Rainy Night in Soho by The Pogues. During the ceremony, Croíadh's uncle sang a rendition of The Voyage by Christy Moore and the couple left the venue with a bang in a fun hurley guard of honour. As a lovely touch, the pair also hired a coffee van to supply their guests with tea and pastries before their one-hour trip back to Doolin for the reception.
Before kicking off the reception festivities the couple and their adorable five-year-old son Páidí made their way down to the coast for their wedding photoshoot. The stormy sea and the old historical ruins made for the perfect fairytale backdrop!
The couple had this advice for those embarking on their own wedding planning journey: "Enjoy it as much as you possibly can! It's a cliché but the day and weekend really does go so quickly and it is your day, so do what you want and make the most of it. Don't worry about the small details - food, entertainment and good company is all people will remember - we didn't even realise the décor in the church ourselves, we were too occupied with looking at everyone's smiling faces! People won't know if something is out of place or not how you imagined it to be - so don't let it consume you. Be present and enjoy, it really is the most exciting day!"
How gorgeous are Croíadh's bridesmaids in mix and match satin gowns in a medley of autumnal shades? The couple always loved the aesthetic and colours that accompany the autumn season and when searching through their photographer's portfolio, they fell in love with the idea of having an autumn wedding. "One or two of her autumn weddings really stood out for us. The colours and the moody skies - we just knew that this time of year was for us!"
The couple hosted their reception at The Barn at Hotel Doolin, a rustic space complete with fireplaces and a cosy bar area, which the pair decorated in line with their autumnal colour scheme. After being greeted with canapes on arrival, a traditional music group played throughout the drinks reception to kick off the festivities.
The night went on to include delicious food, plenty of speeches and Críoadh even surprised Dan with a singing waiter performance which got everyone up on their feet! After finding it very hard to choose what song to play during their first dance, the couple eventually settled on Kiss Me by Sixpence None The Richer. Then at 3am the hotel brought out Tayto sandwiches for a late night feast!
The couple and their guests stayed in Hotel Doolin for their day two celebrations which included a meal and a party. "For the two nights you are the only guests in the hotel as it's a boutique hotel. It almost feels like a mini holiday in west Clare with all your nearest and dearest." Following their wedding, the couple took a well deserved trip to Killarney for a relaxing retreat after the busy weekend!
A very special thank you to the gorgeous couple Croíadh and Danand photographer Mrs Redhead for sharing this divine autumn wedding day with One Fab Day!
Check out these gorgeous autumn-inspired wedding cakes, flowers and invites here!
