One of the coolest things about real weddings is that that they show off a familiar venue in a whole new way, how a couple used the space, and put their stamp on it - especially when it's such a versatile setting like Horetown House. Monte Carlo couple, Allison and Jonathan visit Ireland a lot, so when Jonathan proposed in Dingle on one of their trips, they came to Wexford the very next day to book their dream venue! And after that, all the details of the intimate Irish wedding they'd pictured, came together perfectly; the outdoor ceremony, the romantic florals, the fun party, and the gorgeous photos by Louise Scott Photography.

We always enjoy a long sleeve wedding dress, but Allison's gown especially gorgeous - I love the subtle touch of lace at the cuff.

Jonathan and Allison met over 10 years ago working their students jobs in Monaco, “We became very good friends and I found he was very beautiful right away,” says Allison, “I was in a relationship at that time and I could only see him as a great friend. When I separated from my ex, we got closer. He was my shoulder to cry on. On my 25th birthday we realised we were more than friends and we exchanged our first kiss in front of a sunset.”

Like most brides, Allison already had a good idea what kind of ring she’d like before Jonathan proposed, “I have special tastes, so he asked me to show him what I liked. I flashed on a Victorian style ring made by Lindy from the Penellibelle shop on Etsy. The model was made of platinum and diamonds, explains Allison, “Lindy offers her customers the possibility to choose other types of stone. So I informed Jonathan that I wanted rose gold, diamonds and a Morganite in the centre.”

The proposal however was a more of a surprise for Allison, “Jonathan proposed in Ireland on one of our winter trips. We were alone at the Gallarus Oratory near Dingle. He went down on one knee and asked for my hand.”

The tell us their wedding was incredibly intimate, "We wanted a wedding that looked like us, at the foot of a tree surrounded by our family and our closest friends. There was a festive atmosphere and everything went well. Simple, lovely and joyful.”

Allison explains that she and Jonathan wanted to do things their own way, “What was important to me was to give us the wedding of our dreams. By inviting only our family and closest friends, it allowed us to offer a wedding in the country of our dreams, Ireland. I absolutely wanted to get married outside, in front of a tree and have everything I’d dreamed of; the flowers, the venue, the dress and a cool party.”

We see so many beautiful weddings in neat, manicured gardens, but there's something so wild and romantic about the long grass and the wind, don't you think?

The couple had two special guests among their intimate gathering, "The only children at the wedding were my nephew (Noam, 3) and my niece Callie (1 and a half years),” says Allison. "Noam brought us the rings, which he did wonderfully and entertained him. The Irish dancing party had entertained him a lot!”

Planning the wedding from abroad meant the couple weren’t able to meet all the suppliers in person. The florist was recommend to Allison by Horetown House, “Tina from The Wild Bunch was perfect. Once I sent her pictures of what I loved in terms of bridal bouquet and the arch for the ceremony, I trusted her. Her choice of colours for the flowers was simply perfect! She did a magnificent job with seasonal flowers.”

Jonathan added a pop of personality to his suit with a check waistcoat.

Wedding makeup can often be a daunting element for brides getting married abroad, "I chose Making Faces Gorey from your website! I did a test with Apryl one year before the wedding and she was so kind with me. We had bridal party and all my bridesmaids were beautiful. Apryl is a very gentle makeup artist who understood my expectations very well. On the day she made me feel like a princess and my makeup was perfect until the end of the night!”

We’re pretty chuffed to have a played a role in helping Allison find her perfect venue, "I spotted Horetown House on One Fab Day, especially in the Real Weddings section. There was a photo of a couple getting married outside and the place was Horetown House,” she explains. "Jonathan had suggested that we could contact them and visit the venue on our winter trip to Ireland. We had an appointment the day after the proposal. I was overwhelmed by the location. It was like my dreams. It was the only place we visited.”

Allison describes Louise Scott as her ‘dream photographer’. “She did an amazing job and captured all the emotional moments of my wedding. She came earlier to soak up the atmosphere, take pictures of Horetown House and meet the French guests. The couple’s session was a very gentle moment when we felt that she was there for us.”

Allison lists off her favourite moments from the wedding, but our highlight? The bride’s hair was done by her dad! “The day was more than special. I was surrounded by my best friends who don’t live near to me in Monaco and my father did my hair for the best day of my life. Our witnesses' speeches at the ceremony were amazing and my mom’s tears during the exchange of vows were very moving.”

Normally we see this reception space filled with tables, but it also works so beautifully as an intimate wedding venue. The string lights and abundance of candles amped up the atmosphere and drama.

Allison dishes up her best advice for other couples, “I’d tell couples to think about planning their wedding for them first. This is the most beautiful day of their lives and they must feel unique for this special day. Do what they love.”

The couple stayed on in Ireland for their honeymoon, “We did our honeymoon right after the wedding. We went to Connemara, to Achill Island, and we went back to Dublin.”  

This pretty bake is proof that one tier wedding cakes are just as impactful as towering tiers.

The group finished off the night with some Irish trad music, with guests getting their fix of Irish culture.

Such a stylish and intimate celebration! Thanks so much to Allison and Jonathan for sharing your day with us, and to Louise Scott Photography for documenting it so beautiful.