For the wedding of a pair of historians and literature lovers, what could be more romantic than the epic 18th century mansion that is Borris House, ancestral home of the MacMurrough Kavanaghs, the High Kings of Leinster? Catriona and Neil are just such a pair, their mutual love of history brought them together in York, and it was in a beautiful chapel in Carlow that they made their vows to each other. With twists on traditional and pretty personalised details all captured by Ewa Figaszewska, we are delighted to share a sunny summery joy of a wedding... 
A history lover, it's only right that Catriona's original love brought her straight to husband Neil. Having just returned from a year abroad Catriona met Neil on an induction day for PhD students in History at the University of York. It was only Catriona's second day in York, and she was a little muddled to say the least, and getting lost finding her way around, she burst into the induction room late, half way through the opening talk. Embarrassing as hell right? Perhaps. But every cloud has a silver lining and this was the moment Neil first laid eyes on her. And he has been smitten ever since. 
Originally hanging out as just friends, after a few months they realised their relationship meant a whole lot more than that and finally got together. Taking things way from their usual college haunts, Neil decided to propose high up in the mountains in the very remote medieval village of La Brigue in the South of France. Catriona told us how he made his big move..."We went for an after dinner stroll along the quaint moonlit streets after dinner, Neil stopped and asked me to marry him and I said yes. It was Bastille day, so after the proposal we stopped on a picturesque bridge outside our hotel and watched as a fireworks display lit up the valley and mountains. It was very romantic." 
The wedding itself was in the equally stunning location of Borris House, In Co.Carlow. Chosen in part for its beauty and also as an ode to Catriona's interest in 18th century history. Catriona explained their choice: "The views from the house across the surrounding countryside to Mount Leinster are stunning and the house itself is grand and characterful without feeling stuffy or formal. The ballroom which is used for dinner and dancing is a beautiful, light-filled space and being an historian of the eighteenth century the fact that it’s an 18th century house appealed too. On our first visit, the owner, Morgan Kavanagh took me on a quick tour of the fascinating family archive, and that sold it to me!" 
Catriona went for a romantic vintage inspired dress, which was bought in England, and brought over by trusted friends on the ferry. I love the bridesmaid's vintage-esque outfits, and when I found out they were tops and skirts I loved them even more! The pretty skirts are highstreet buys from Coast and the matching tops were handmade by bridesmaid Arran. If your bridesmaids are thinking of going for a skirt and top combo check out our bridesmaids in skirts post for some more inspiration. 
The traditional ceremony was held in the intimate St Moling’s chapel, a stone's throw from Borris House. Following the Reverend's homily, Catriona's friend Helen read a poem that had been written by the Scottish poet Iain Crichton Smith for Catriona’s parents wedding in 1967. Jack of all trades bridesmaid Arran also sang at the ceremony with Upbeat Generation providing backup. 
Afterwards it was back to the palatial grounds of Borris for some outdoor snaps, champagne and helium balloons. As Borris House is so naturally beautiful inside very little decoration was needed. Instead the night before friends and family who were staying on site were drafted in for some preparations, a time that both Catriona and Neil both really enjoyed. "It was a really nice ice breaker for all our friends from England and Ireland. Some of my loveliest memories of the day involved the preparations – just chatting with friends as we arranged flowers together, set out the place cards and hung the decorations created a real sense of togetherness." 
Dapper groom Neil opted for a three piece suit from highstreet store Reiss and a pale blue tie. If you (or your groom) aren't sure what suit style to go for have a look at our post on Choosing The Right Wedding Suit. 
Although Borris is naturally beautiful a few DIY details never go astray. We particularly love the alternative type writer guest book, complete with vintage telegram paper with the date and venue on the top designed by a friends of Catriona and Neil's. 
Reflecting Catriona's love for history and books a literary seating plan was used using books with numbers in the title (Kingsley Amis, One Fat Englishman, Louisa May Alcott, Eight Cousins…) The wedding stationery also echoed the literary theme with penguin-book wedding invitations. 
After the wedding Catriona and Neil flew to Madrid for a mini-moon, congrats you guys and thanks so much for sharing your day with us! 
A big thank you also goes to Ewa Figaszewska for sharing her work with us, to see more of Ewa's work head on over to www.weddingsindublin.com The Wedding Details:
- Ceremony: St Moling’s chapel
- Reception: Borris House
- Wedding Dress: Blush by Hailey Paige at York Bridal Outlet
- Bridesmaids Skirts: Coast
- Shoes: Rachel Simpson
- Flowers: Wild Bunch
- Groom’s suit: Reiss
- Accessories: Jules jewellery
- Cake: Bake my Cake
- Make Up & Hair: Empower Studio
- Ceremony & Reception Music: Upbeat Generation
