We all know somebody who has emigrated and most of us have been to a going away party or two, but none quite like this... Donna and Macdarra held their island wedding just months before moving to San Francisco. Knowing this would be their last chance to see so many familiar faces in one place they decided to have a wedding/going away party that noone would forget. Cue an epic island location, a super limited guestlist and some sentimental additions, I'm sure there were more than a few tears shed at this secret island wedding in Waterford caught on camera by Shane of Aspect Photography...
How Donna and Macdarra met really couldn't be more typically Irish. Their first encounter was in college, through mutual friends, but it was on a night out at the infamous Copper Face Jacks that they first noticed each other.
After their night in Coppers they clicked and became an item. Several years later Macdarra surprised both Donna and himself with a spur of the moment proposal in New York. "He proposed out of the blue on a trip to NYC in November 2012. I totally wasn’t expecting it. I don’t even know if he was! It just felt right." Once engaged Macdarra and Donna kept their news a secret until the day before they were due to go home.
Now engaged Donna and Macdarra had two momentous events to organise: their wedding and their impending emigration to San Francisco. Knowing they'd be moving not long after saying I do, they decided to combine their wedding with a leaving do. Incredibly exciting and bittersweet all in one.
As it was such a momentous occasion,Donna and Macdarra were anxious to spend as much time with guests as possible so they chose a photographer who they knew wouldn't keep them away from friends and family long, but would still capture the essence of the day, they're full of praise for Aspect Photography: "Shane O’Neill was wonderful. Our ‘staged’ photos were done in no time. Click click. DONE! He really captured some great moments and the entire atmosphere in his photos. I still flick through the online album a couple of times a week – to bring me back!"
The "posed" snaps may have been done quickly but the results are far from rushed or hurried. They're just beautiful.
Donna's simple silk vintage-esque dress is a Belle & Bunty design which she bought over a year before the wedding. To make it her own Donna removed some flowers from under bust, added a brooch and a back necklace. Simple touches such as accessories are such a great way to go bespoke simply, especially if your dress is of a plainer design.
For the ceremony the emphasis was kept on the vows, the music by The Hitmen Trio and the stunning blue flowers. "Jill Wild from Wild Flower Couture added all the finishing touches. The flowers were just fabulous. Predominantly blue so a bit unusual for a wedding. But so natural."
Absolutely smitten..
Having only invited their close family and friends, the atmosphere on the day was intimate and brimming with love. No standing on ceremony here, the couple could just be themselves and enjoy the precious moments together with those they hold dear.
Not to mention the added romance of having a castle wedding on a tiny private island. Another big plus of getting married on an island is of course, the scenery. After their ceremony Donna and Macdarra made the most of the views before joining guests at the castle.
The castle in question is Waterford Castle, which Donna and Macdarra chose not only for the privacy of its location but also the atmosphere of the hotel... "There is a certain novelty factor about getting married in a castle on an island but there was real class and amazing service behind that novelty. Our wedding coordinator, Gillian, was amazing. Nothing was a big deal to her. She is the calmest person I have ever met. I loved that it was a relatively small venue and our wedding party would have exclusive use for the wedding day."
How fab our the bridal party? I love that each of the girls has their own individual shoes and hair styles, all coordinated perfectly. The perfect example of how everything doesn't have to be too matchy matchy.
The summer following their wedding Donna and Macdarra moved to San Francisco, where they embarked on a new adventure which we hope is bringing them great joy. Huge congratulations to you both and best of luck in your new American life!
Huge thank you also to Shane at Aspect Photography for sharing his work with us. To see more from Aspect Photography head on over to www.aspectphotography.net
