A heatwave arrived just in time for Michelle and Conor's sizzling hot lakeside wedding day in July! Our real wedding couple welcomed guests to the enchanting Ashley Park House, in the heart of Co. Tipperary. The day was sprinkled with with personal embellishments, all set against the backdrop of a glistening lake. Featuring a ceremony sax player, speeches on the lawn and an abundance of special elements, Syona Photography's images have ensured you do not want to miss this real wedding!
Michelle and Conor's romance began at UCD College as they were on the same course. They quickly became good friends and in their final year of college things developed into something more! This brings us to their magical wedding day, nine years later. But of course, first, there was a proposal. Michelle explains: "It was the week before Christmas and I was out for brunch with friends. When I came home, Conor had wrapped up a light in the box that was being held by an Olaf teddy underneath the Christmas tree because I’m a massive Frozen fan! I opened it and it said ‘will you marry me?’ and I looked up and he was on down on one knee. We stayed in The Devlin that night and took two days to enjoy the moment ourselves without telling anyone. As it was the run-up to Christmas we could tell our family and friends face to face, which is one of the most biggest recommendations I would give anyone!"
Jimmy Choo stealing the bridal shoe show!
Michelle loved getting ready in the bridal suite with her beautiful tribe on the morning of the wedding. "This was one of the nicest parts of the day. Conor got ready downstairs, so it meant people were all coming in and out all morning. My four brothers and our dads were able to come between both of us, which was such a great buzz!" says Michelle. She even got to share a first-look moment with the ladies before she made her way to the ceremony, chauffeured by her brother and father.
Michelle was radiant in a Suzanne Neville number, from Sharon Hoey bridal boutique! Her hair was styled in soft waves, which complemented her floaty capped sleeves and flowing veil perfectly. Her bridesmaids wore pastel pink mix-and-match gowns, a subtle yet romantic tone for the summer's day celebrations. The florals continued the palette with a mix of plump roses in ivory, nude and pink, tied with eucalyptus. Pastel perfection!
Conor, the dashing groom, is looking ever-so-smart in his tailored navy suit by one of our favourite groomswear suppliers, Louis Copeland & Sons! Finished with a cool-grey tie and neutral buttonhole - elegant and classic!
The lakehouse wedding day was full to the brim of special touches. From the morning preparations to the evening reception. Let's begin with the personalised stationery we see sprinkled throughout the ceremony. Confetti bags, welcome signage and reserved chair signs with illustrations of Ashley Park House instantly give us a feel of the thought that was infused by the couple. Blossoming floral arrangements paved the way for Michelle as she made her way up the aisle to Conor. Their favourite ceremony readings on the day were a selection of extracts chosen from their favourite movies and TV shows such as Grey's Anatomy, Sex and the City and Game of Thrones. "Conor’s little cousin read out ‘Fixer-Upper’ from the Disney movie Frozen and it was the sweetest thing ever!" says Michelle.
The wedding day took place in the charming lakeside venue of Ashley Park House. Set in 76 acres of beech woodland and formal gardens, this historic country house offers a beautiful backdrop for wedding photos. "We have always loved staying in country houses around Ireland. We loved everything about Ashley Park House from the exclusive hire to the bright Pavilion. The boat house was also something very unique, and I don’t think there is anything like it anywhere else in Ireland. I did a lot of research - and mainly thanks to One Fab Day - Ashley Park came out on top in every area for us!" they say. "It was the only venue we visited, and when we arrived down in the middle of January, even in the lashing rain, I knew it was the one. The team was so relaxed and really made you feel like it was your house for the day."
It was the beginning of a scorching heatwave and as the guests arrived, they were greeted with ice-cold beverages, ice cream cones and the most idyllic views to enjoy from the lawn. The newlyweds went the extra mile by creating personalised ice cream wafers for the cones, along with providing guests with fluffy slippers, scrunchies and lip balms for the guests to look forward to as the night grew closer. Talk about extra touches!
It comes as no shock that Michelle, the beautiful bride, knows a thing or two about throwing a party! "I’ve always loved planning a party! For my 21st birthday, I had a UV-themed rave in my parent's house and for our engagement party, we had a festival theme. So when it came to planning our wedding, organising a truly great party was our number one on the priority list. We wanted it to be fun, with a few surprises, and lots of personal touches. Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life and it was important to us that it reflected us as individuals and that it was a little bit different than others," she says.
Pastel pink and gold accents continue through to the tables with the help of more blooming florals and antique decor. How unique is the venue's vintage crockery?
When asked what inspired the lakehouse wedding aesthetic, of course it was Pinterest! Michelle pinned for almost 18 months to the run-up to the wedding, whilst picking up little bits to add to the style of the day. "Overall I think we really made it our own, we wanted it to be light and fun. From the personalised saxophone ceremony, and an ice cream van on the lawn to have Irish dancers before the main band. Our aim was just to have a great party surrounded by all our family and friends, and that is what it definitely was," she says.
So with all that being said, what advice would you give our couples who are in the midst of planning their dream day? "Everyone said it to us, but it is so true, enjoy the run up to it as it is some of the happiest times of your life. We wanted to really enjoy the month before just to be able to relax and meet up with people in the run up and have fun. There will always be a few bits that have to be done close to the wedding, but our recommendation is to get as much as you can get done before!"
We spot a hangover kit. The couple filled the bags with everything people would need from Dioralyte and Lucozade, to crisps, jellies and even, quite hilariously, a sick bag!
Afterwards, the lovebirds jetted off on their honeymoon to Bali to lap up the memories, and indulge in incredible food and scenery. Tropical bliss!
WOW Party Band clearly got the crowd going with their fully costumed high energy show throwing out classic hits from the 80s, 90s and current floor fillers.
A very special thank you to Syona Photography and Michelle and Conor for providing One Fab Day with this wonderful wedding day!
If you enjoyed this charming country house wedding, why not visit some more of Ireland's wedding house venues right here!
