We are lucky enough to be wowed by brides and grooms on a daily basis, for all the talents the possess and effort that they put into creating their perfect wedding day! Today's loved up duo, Niamh and Garrett are no different. They planned a relaxed and beautifully put together celebration at Ghan House. Niamh was no ordinary bride, in fact she's a very talented designer. With a talent like that, it's no surprise she designed her own wedding dress - a stunning lace number with a pop of black! As well as her bridesmaid's dresses! She certainly was a busy girl, but with the help of her hubby-to-be it all came together. The lovely Dara Munnis captured the day and it's a beaut...
Niamh was in Galway with her girlfriends for the races and Garrett was in Galway training for an iron-man triathlon when their worlds collided..."We both ended up in the Quays bar the night before Ladies Day and got chatting. We agreed to meet up the next day at the races and have been inseparable ever since!"
When it came to popping the question, Garret took Niamh back to where they first met... "I thought we were going away for the night as a birthday celebration, but Garrett drove all the way out to the coast at Carraroe and proposed on the rocks. It was lovely and very quiet there but it was January and freezing cold! We had a great night out in Galway and didn't tell anyone our news until the following day."
As I mentioned Niamh is one super talented designer. So it was no surprise she designed her own wedding gown and what a gown! The beautiful lace is feminine and elegant while the black sash is a beautiful addition. The colour composition matches Niamh's beautiful raven hair and natural beauty - the perfect dress you might say! You must check out her fab designs over at Niamh O'Neill!
The pair chose to get married in St Brigids Church in Dunleer, Co. Louth. While the girls were adding the finishing touches, Garrett looks cool as a cucumber - he better get inside quick!
As well as her own dress, Niamh put her hand to her bridesmaid's soft grey gowns with dark grey almost lilac coloured sashes. The beautiful design compliments the girls beautifully and don't they look happy too!
The girls are really stealing the show! Along with the gorgeous bride and bridesmaids, check out these cuties! Flower girls complete with floral crowns, mini bouquets and the sweetest white dresses.
After a sweet ceremony surrounded by their nearest and dearest, it's official for Niamh and Garrett and don't they look cute together!
The pair chose one of their favourites spots to celebrate - Ghan House. It allowed them to have a beautiful drinks reception on the lawn after the ceremony...
"It was the most relaxed wedding we have ever been to, and we're the bride and groom! From the morning of the wedding to the wee hours of the next morning, the feeling was so chilled out and very much a party atmosphere. It was also very elegant in a laid-back, aloof kind of way."
They entertained their guests with music on the lawn - who were super stylish too ( they must take after the bride!) and the pair enjoyed speeches before the dinner.
Before dinner the pair headed off together with their photographer Dara Munnis to capture some intimate wedding portraits...
"Dara was just wonderful at capturing the whole day and he is so chilled out himself, that it all worked out really lovely. His photos say it all for him. I have seen other weddings by Dara on One Fab Day and they were just as gorgeous too! He is just super!"
I just loved Niamh's black sash if you're thinking of incorporating colour in this way check out our One Fab Day brides, Leona and Christabel who also added some colour through sashes and belts.
Having been to Ghan House many times before, Niamh and Garrett knew it inside out, and loved every bit so it was a no brainer for their reception venue... "We had been to Ghan House on a number of occasions for dinner, before we got engaged and both loved it for its charm and quiet elegance. When we got engaged, we both just assumed the wedding would be there, we didn't even look at another venue. Ann Marie O'Leary amplified it's charm and elegance with her very beautiful floral designs all over the house. The florals really fitted in with the surroundings and added to their beauty."
It was most important to the couple that their dearest family and friends were with them to celebrate their day in a very intimate celebration... "We had planned our wedding very carefully, and spent time selecting the elements we found to be important, such as the ceremony, the food, the drink, the intimacy of the venue and the music to set the ambiance."
"We really wanted our friends and family to be a huge part of our day and we left little hand written notes with each of their menus at the table. We wanted to personally thank them and write down some funny memories we had with them, in case we didn't get time to chat as much as we'd like to on the day."
As night fell, the celebrations were in full swing and everyone was having a great time by the looks of things!
So what advice did these two have for brides and grooms planning their own day?
"I think every bride (and groom!) has a vision in their head of how the day will look and feel. It is important to hold on to that vision and go for it, as that is what you really want. In the months coming up to the wedding it is easy to be distracted by other influences, wether it be other people's opinions, wedding fairs, etc. If something doesn't fit in with your vision, leave it out! Less is definitely more!"
Huge congrats to the lovely couple! A big Thank You goes to Dara Munnis for sharing his work with us at One Fab Day. To see more of Dara's work pop over to www.daramunnisphotography.com.
The Wedding Details
- Ceremony: St Brigids Church, Dunleer, Co. Louth
- Reception: Ghan House
- Wedding & Bridesmaid Dresses: Niamh O'Neill
- Shoes: Lucy Choi
- Flowers: Ann Marie O'Leary
- Groomsmen’s suits: The Boardroom
- Cake: Lisa Hand
- Music: The Dublin String Quartet
- Stationery: The Letterpress of Cirencester
- Hair & Make Up: The Secret Hair Salon & Roy Wong
