I love just about everything about today's wedding. Cathy and Lisa's wedding is one big bright bundle of happiness and I challenge you to look through these images and not finish with a silly grin on your face. Fabulously stylish with a definite retro vibe, Cathy and Lisa went all out on the decor and fashion, but their wedding was a whole lot more than cool design. It was an incredibly special occasion - Cathy and Lisa really wanted to celebrate the fact they were committing to each other in front of all their family and friends. We're delighted to be able to share such a gorgeous same-sex wedding today, we hope you enjoy it too. Props to Campbell Photography for capturing this colourful Cork celebration so perfectly.
So how did Cathy and Lisa meet? It was a bit of serendipity. Cathy had recently moved home to Ireland from London and joined the Gay Games committee, of which Lisa was also a member. At the first general meeting, Lisa spotted Cathy from across the room and told her friends that she was the one. From the moment they began chatting they both knew, this was it.
Gotta love the inclusion of a pretty "something blue"...
While it was Lisa who was struck by lightning on their first meeting, it was Cathy who decided to seal the deal forever. While planning a holiday in Spain, Cathy decided that while they were away she would pop the question. So before the two jetted off, Cathy asked Lisa's Dad's permission, and found a sweet little restaurant, The Garden Restaurant in Frigliana, that would go along with her romantic plan. Cathy called the owner, explained her case, and the lovely owner obligingly reprinted one of the menus to include 'will you marry me' as one of the dishes on offer. When the day arrived Cathy suggested a day trip to Frigliana and the pair wandered around until they "happened" upon The Garden Restaurant. Sneaky Cathy gave a nod to let the staff know who they were and once Lisa was given her menu she exclaimed “Look Cats, this place is obviously renowned for proposals as they’ve named a dish ‘Will you marry me?’” With that as her cue Cathy got down on one knee, and needless to say a flabbergasted Lisa said yes! Amazing!
You'll very quickly notice that eye-popping colour featured in Cathy and Lisa's wedding in a big way. Even this adorable little baby was decked out to match the blue and red colour scheme!
Venue-wise initially things were a little tricky and it took Cathy and Lisa a while to find both a suitable ceremony and reception space. But when they finally did, they were picture-perfect. First up for the ceremony was the amazing Triskel Arts Centre. I had never seen this space before and it really is a stunning alternative ceremony venue.
To compliment the retro 50's vibes of the day, the girls hired a cute Vintage VW Campervan for the blonde polka dot clad bridal party to squeeze into. The vintage inspired dresses are all kinds of fabulous and come from Amity in Co.Cork.
Cathy opted for a vintage style dress too and looks positively radiant beside her doting dad.
Nothing better than sashaying down the aisle, how much fun are these bridesmaids?! You may spot that there were two sets, because of course Lisa had her best girls too. She opted for a crisp white trouser suit for her bridal ensemble, and her best ladies wore navy dresses to offset the ruby red of Cathy's girls.
Choosing Triskel as their ceremony space Cathy and Lisa were free to do as they pleased in terms of their ceremony structure, and needless to say they took full advantage. "Selene in the Triskel could not have been more accommodating – anything was possible. As well as looking like a church, the Triskel is also a cinema which boasts a huge cinema screen. We played ‘Somebody’s Getting Married’ from the Muppets take Manhatten movie before we walked down the aisle, which set the mood for the whole day, it was magical. "
The graphics were all done by Studio Zoo, and I think we can all agree they compliment the wedding perfectly.
The décor exudes personality, who would of thought that rustic meets 50's polka dot would work so well?
Every element of their wedding was so well thought through, it's abundantly obvious how serious Cathy and Lisa were about making their wedding special with a capital S. And they're dead right - you only get to make this commitment once, gotta put your heart and soul into it. And just look how happy they are walking back down the aisle... I'm so delighted for them.
Once it was all official Cathy, Lisa and the extended wedding party took some portraits (in the rain, but sure who cares?) before heading off for their reception at Ballinacurra House, and if you think a little drop of rain could dampen these two's spirits...
The colourful blue and red theme continued through to the reception with some more personalised graphics and cutesy retro touches. As well as being a gorgeous venue, the team and food at Ballinacurra were what really made the day special for Cathy and Lisa "Dee, Lisa and Des pulled out all the stops to ensure we had the greatest weekend of our lives. Being a private venue, we had the run of the whole house and spectacular grounds for the entire weekend, with all our loved ones staying there with us. The food and service was second to none, and cannot recommend it highly enough."
It'll be no surprise to anyone who is mid-DIY project that the prep for this wedding took months. Friends and family all chipped in and in the end the very personal effect was all worth it. The girls advise "Do what you want to do – not what you feel is expected of you. It’s your day, so let it represent what you both are about. And enjoy every minute of it!!"
Full skirts are just made for twirling!
A huge congratulations to both Cathy and Lisa, we wish you both a lifetime of happiness together!
A huge thank you also goes to The Campbells for sharing their work with us, it's always a pleasure! To more of The Campbell's work pop on over to www.campbellphotography.co.uk
