Escaping from everything, American couple Katie and Bob invited their immediate families to an intimate destination wedding at one of Ireland's oldest chapels, located on a tiny island. The magical setting of St. Finbarr’s Oratory set the tone for this very special wedding day, all captured by Carol Sweeney Photography. Escape reality for a moment and enjoy this serene celebration...
Friends first, soulmates second, Katie and Bob spent lots of time together as friends before officially becoming a couple. When they finally realised they were falling for each other Katie had already gotten to know Bob's kids. Katie shares..."Even as we spent time together before we started dating, we felt like a family. Everything flowed. When we told the kids we started dating, they were just as excited as we were."
A tight family unit, Bob asked his kids to help choose an engagement ring and they were there when Katie said yes. Katie remembers..."We stayed at the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago for an evening and attended a beautiful dinner there. When we returned to the room, Bob presented me with a fortune cookie (a Chinese restaurant was one of the first places we ever ate together). I opened it up to read, “Will you marry me?” We were all so excited to be together for that moment. The next day, we went to Oak Street Beach in Chicago and had some fun."
Giving themselves plenty of time to plan, Katie and Bob began researching destination wedding venues in Ireland and eventually struck gold with the romantic 6th century St Finbarr's Oratory, located on a tiny green island off Co. Cork.
Katie and Bob were joined by immediate family in the tiny chapel where they shared their vows and were treated to music by an Irish musician. Katie fondly remembers..."Our wedding musician was so professional and had the loveliest voice. She was able to include two songs that mean the world to us Foo Fighter’s “Everlong” and Bright Eyes “This is the First Day of My Life.” We picked the music so long ago that I had almost forgotten about the songs until the wedding. When I heard the Bright Eyes song, I cried. I felt like it was the cherry on top of the perfect day. I was with the man of my dreams, my family by my side, in the most beautiful place in the world, with the best soundtrack in the world."
To complete the fairytale Katie wore a romantic BHLDN gown, which travelled with her from America. Adding sentimentality to her outfit Katie accessorised with a shawl and hairpiece bought by her mother and a silver ring from her mother-in-law, which acted as her something borrowed.
After returning to America Katie and Bob had a second wedding party with all those who couldn't make the trip to Ireland. A huge congratulations to you both and thanks so much for sharing your intimate Irish wedding with us all. A big thank you also goes to Carol Sweeney for sharing her work with us. To see more from Carol Sweeney visit www.carolsweeneyphoto.ie
The Wedding Details
- Ceremony: St. Finbarr’s Oratory
- Reception: Seaview House Hotel
- Wedding Dress: BHLDN
- Shoes: Ivanka Trump
- Flowers: Ruby Harte Floral Design
- Groom’s suit: Banana Republic
- Jewellery: Nadri
- Hairpiece & Scarf: Nordstrom & Nordstrom Rack
- Make Up & Hair: Powder & Plait
- Photographer: Carol Sweeney Photography
- Music: Aoife O’Neill
- Solemniser: Father Sean Crowley
