We are big fans of the laid back, yet glam, atmosphere at Trudder Lodge so today we are delighted to share the real wedding of Trudder Lodge owners Niamh and Anthony. Choosing Trudder as their base Niamh and Anthony decorated their winter wedding with a stunning array of gold, glitter and glass with the most magical results. Their day from beginning to end was captured with style by David McClelland, catching the intimacy of wonderful and so personal occasion. Niamh and Anthony's wedding is beautiful inspiration for those planning a winter celebration, and those of us who just love a little bit of sparkle...
One thing you'll notice about Niamh and Anthony throughout their wedding is how relaxed they both are, how at home. There's a good reason for this: Niamh's family own, and Niamh runs the gem that is Trudder Lodge in the heart of Wicklow. She always knew it would be the place where she celebrated her wedding, it was pretty simple as she put it:"It's my home and I love it. Not many people are lucky enough to have a wedding at home."
While Niamh and the bridal party were preparing in the main house on the morning of the big event, Anthony had his entourage in their own home, a lodge on the grounds of Trudder. Isn't it just picture perfect?
And when at home, you can just do your own thing!
But what about how these two got together? Well there's a story! We've all been on bad dates, and quickly moved on afterwards - so it was quite the surprise to me that Niamh and Anthony started their relationship just like that, with the worst date ever. Niamh explains how things turned around for her and Anthony. "We met about 7 years ago on a night out and went on a date. The worst date of my life. Then I went travelling around South America, he thought I was using that as an excuse not to go on a second date but I really did go. 3 years later we met again randomly on the night of my birthday and had a laugh. I agreed to another date and we've been together ever since. It was a much better date!"
For the proposal, things again, didn't quite go to plan but life isn't about being perfectly planned, it's about love and the special moments that are real. Niamh fills us in on how it all happened..."I messed this up on him. We were heading to the zoo and by the time we got to Phoenix Park the place was jammed and there was no parking. I was driving and was getting quite irate with him pointing out animals that he could see. So I decided we were going to go to a market instead. He then started frantically texting my Mum, which I had no idea about. We eventually decided to head to Powerscourt Gardens and after a cup of tea, I was in a much better mood. We walked around the gardens in the sun and then sat down and watched a wedding being set up. It was then that he went down on his knee and took out the ring. It was perfect. Even though I nearly spoiled it!"
Before their church ceremony Niamh and Anthony chose to have a first look, with adorably emotional results...
After settling their nerves Niamh and Anthony then took a short trip to the nearby Holy Rosary in Greystones, Co.Wicklow, for their winter wedding ceremony.
Again at the ceremony emotions were heightened, with groom Anthony welling up as beautiful bride Niamh walked up the aisle. Very, very sweet.
The style on the day was black-tie, with dickie bows for the boys, navy bridesmaid dresses for the girls and a healthy dose of embellishment for glitter and gold loving bride Niamh. "It was the 20th of December so a winter wedding and black tie. I'm a magpie so there was gold glitter everywhere, running through the paths in Trudder, on the menus, the favours, signs, table numbers, everywhere!"
After the ceremony, the couple were able to escape for a little alone time (with David in tow of course!) and let the momentousness of the fact they were now "married" sink in. Where better than by the sea. Pretty chilly on a winter's day, but with in that glow of happiness I'm sure they didn't feel a thing.
Getting married in a place that they are so comfortable in gave the day a very laid back feel, which Niamh and Anthony boosted by choosing wedding suppliers they know and get on well with. "It was very family and friends orientated. Even our priest I had known nearly my whole life. It just made it so much more personal. We chose suppliers I enjoy working with and can have a laugh with. We wanted to know everyone there, that was the most important thing for us."
Trudder Lodge was alos decorated with a dash of sparkle and some custom designed hanging glass decor, crafted by Niamh's sister. Niamh describes the unique and magical effect:"My sister had flown home from Australia, she's a glass blower so made us over 200 icicles to hang from the marquee ceiling, it was really special. They twinkled the whole night."
The rest of the décor was kept equally magical, yet totally chic with glitter gold table numbers, mismatched China tea cups, deep blue tablecloths, plenty of candles and gorgeous flowers from The French Touch.
Seriously pretty...
After a feast provided by Andrew Holmes Catering and the speeches, Anthony surprised Niamh bursting into song. One of her favourite moments of the day..."My favourite part was when Tony sang at the end of his speech, I never saw it coming. My cousin played the guitar and Tony sang Ed Sheeran's 'Thinking Out Loud' and everyone joined in singing, it was fabulous."
For their honeymoon Niamh and Anthony headed off to Vegas and Mexico, where they brought their wedding outfits and did it all over again in traditional Las Vegas style. A huge congratulations to you both, and thank you so much for sharing your gorgeous Trudder Lodge wedding with us all. A big thank you also goes to David McClelland for sharing his work with us, to see more from David McClelland head over to www.davidmcclelland-photography.com and if you loved this wedding be sure to check out Niamh and Anthony's wedding video by Big Day Films below.
