When 117 guests travel from Co. Sligo all the way to West Cork, it really does say a lot about the venue! Our real wedding couple, Emily and Shane decided the private island estate of Inish Beg surrounded by the sea and magical woodlands was exactly where they wanted to tie the knot. Folklore Photography captured the perfect September wedding day, which featured an enchanting outdoor ceremony space, brought to life with vibrant florals and other rustic, natural elements. Take a look below...
Childhood sweethearts Shane and Emily, grew up in the same town and shared friend groups. Emily would walk past Shane, every morning on the way to school and would always catch his eyes and sheepishly waving hello! When Emily turned 16, they were formally introduced at a Damien Rice concert but unfortunately, they both were going out with other people, so romance didn't blossom between them until the St. Patrick's Day in 2011 at a pal's house party. "We shared our first kiss in her bathroom and never looked back!" she says.
Shane's impeccable suit is a classy stone shade, and is the slick Harold jacket from Benetti Menswear! Paired with a deep navy waistcoat and tie it's the perfect choice for the sunny September celebrations!
'The magical proposal caught Emily totally off guard. "It happened on the 12th December in 2020 during the height of the pandemic. We were both accidentally hungover following a meal with two other couples which tuned into secret pints. The day itself was fully organised by Shane, and we went for a beautiful breakfast at Kilruddery Estate, followed by our favourite hike up Bray Head. Being delicate, I gripped tightly to Shane for the whole walk and spoke utter nonsense while he remained silent, prepping himself for the proposal. We'd just come over the head to where it opens out to the view of Bray and Lord Meath, when Shane asked to get a selfie. I took the selfie but he was unhappy and asked me to retake it. I turned to take the photo and found he was out of shot and when I looked back to see where he was, he was on one knee with the ring sitting open in the box. I grabbed the box out of his hands and leapt into his arms! It was the most beautiful moment."
Special touches throughout the day, came from their nearest and dearest. Emily's aunt Frances who was unable to attend the wedding gifted her a beautiful 'something blue' sapphire necklace to match Emily's engagement ring. Emily's mother provided her with something old and something borrowed - a pair of gold hoop earrings that she wore on her own wedding day, which was also a wonderfully sentimental touch.
Emily's wedding gown showcased pretty off-the-shoulder sleeves and an enchanting layered chiffon skirt. She had tough competition from adorable her little flower girl who looked in her dress embroided with flowers to complement the gorgeous wild flower bouquets carried by the bride and her wedding party.
The ceremony took place on the majestic grounds of Inish Be next toa serne pond known locally as Hannibal's H20. They tied the knot in front of all their guests in the woodlands near a birdcage shaped gazebo, that made for the perfect backdrop. Haveing their three talented friends singing and performing at the wedding ceremony was a very special memory for the couple. "Orla sang an acapella version of Edge of Night, Jessie sang Real Love and Strange Magic accompanied by Max who played the guitar. Our beautiful friend Hannah wrote a poem for us which she read at our ceremony and was incredibly touching," they recall.
The newlyweds chose a handfasting ritual for their ceremony, symbolic rite which the phrase tying the knot is derived from.
Inish Beg Estate is an idyllic alternative wedding venue which offers full exclusivity plus an abundance of ceremony, accommodation options and idyllic spots to take your wedding portraits. "West Cork is very special to us. We've gone there nearly every Summer since 2011 with the same group of friends and we knew it was the area we wanted to get married in. We were unable to visit many venues during the pandemic so we were straight down to Cork when we could. We visited one other venue in Cork which we liked, but it didn't give us the feeling. When we arrived at Inish Beg it took our breath away!" they say. "Josephine, the venue manager, gave us a wonderful tour and we knew immediately that this was the place we were going to get married. The whole aesthetic and feel of the place spoke to our souls, being nested beside the sea, yet immersed in pure magic in forest and wilderness. On the day of your wedding, the whole island was completely closed off to the public, so you can keep your day as intimate and private as possible."
The couple's top priority was ensuring everyone was comfortable, and happy and felt the love that they share for each other.
The wedding aesthetic was inspired by their love of nature, ensuring to keep it as green and environmentally friendly as possible. They collected used jars and wine bottles, and foraged plants and flowers around the island to decorate the tables. "Inish Beg itself needed no adjustments or change, the venue did the work itself." Shane and Emily are both film fanatics, so they named their tables using their favourite film and TV quotes.
It was their friends who really added the special finishing touches to the day. "We are so blessed to have such talented and generous friends. My dear friend Kate made our wedding cake topper which was two pairs of hiking boots, a map and a compass beside a tree stump. My other dear friend Will made us a beautiful decorative bowl that she spun by hand to use as our ring holder. Her dad Liam, a jeweller and owner of Facet Jewellers, Dun Laoghaire made our wedding bands, which was such a beautiful touch," says Emily.
When it omes to wise words, they say to take it slow, make lists and remake them again, and give yourself a realistic timeline in order to get specific jobs done and enjoy the process. "Remember only you know how the day is meant to be, so take the pressure off yourself. It will all work out and if things don't go your way nobody will know!"
We wish to thank the lovely couple and Folklore Photography for sharing such a beautiful wedding day at Inish Beg with us at One Fab Day.
Check out more amazing Cork Wedding Venues right here or order a copy of our 100 Best Irish Wedding Venues Guide here.
