Today's real wedding is wholly gorgeous! Alison & Colman live in London, but there was only one place they were ever going to get married; the groom's native County Monaghan! Castle Leslie Estate was the perfect palatial backdrop for their wedding, a celebration that blended timeless tradition with beautiful contemporary styling. As you'll see from their stunning photos by Ali & Laura, this pair have impeccable taste, great style and an eye for the details!

Well this is a first, Alison and Colman met on a building site! “We both work in construction and met on site of all places,” Alison tells us, “Colman’s best man also met his girlfriend there -  these Clones men were not messing around!”

Sometimes more is more, and this foliage-heavy instillation outside the church makes such a beautiful statement!

Colman whisked Alison away to Verona for a super romantic fifth anniversary getaway, “It was very out of the ‘norm’ as I am the planner but it wasn’t on my radar that he was going to propose,” recalls the bride. “We were staying at the most amazing art hotel (Byblos Art Hotel), and he planned an amazing (private) moment with the help of the hotel staff.”

After choosing a castle venue and a church ceremony, the couple had a clear vision for their wedding day, “Traditional and classic with a modern twist”. We wanted a relaxed affair and for all our visitors to see the best of Monaghan as it is not typically somewhere tourists would visit and great for all to see where Colman is from.”

With 220 guests, having all their favourite people under one roof made the day extra special for Alison and Colman, “Everyone went the extra mile for us and we just loved having all our friends and family around us, as we had a significant number travelling from London, Cork, Limerick, Tipperary and as far as Dubai. Especially all the first time visitors to Ireland – they just loved it.”

Let's talk about Alison's breathtaking Jenny Packham wedding dress, the jewel-encrusted sleeves, the illusion back, the drop waist and all that sparkle! Wow! Pairing it with an oversized, rustic bouquet filled with foliage gives her glamorous gown a more contemporary feel.

This pair have some simple, real talk tips to pass on to other couples, “Enjoy the day and especially the party with all your family and friends! Things don’t always go to plan but no-one knows and it doesn’t detract from the day.”

The elegant wedding party styling? That was Alison’s handiwork! “I am mad for co-ordination and the colour blue, so making everything tie in was my challenge, pleasure and very ‘me’ - as my friends would say.”

There are several beautiful details throughout this wedding, but I love the tableplan, what a pretty focal point to greet guests as they arrive.

Alison tied in the blue hue of the bridesmaids with ribbons on the tables and tall tapered candles.

Castle Leslie was an easy choice for this London-based duo, “When you get engaged to a proud Monaghan man, there is only one place you are going to get married… Monaghan!”

These copper glass frames are beautiful, and give a modern twist to the traditional castle setting.

We’re officially green with jealously for Colman and Alison’s two-part honeymoon, “Kenya for four nights safari and then Zanzibar for a weeks beach break.”

Thanks so much to Colman and Alison for sharing your beautiful wedding with us - make sure you check out the gallery for more gorgeous shots of their day by Ali and Laura Photography.