Growing up attending the same secondary school Aisling and Niamh never thought that years later they would marry within the grounds of the Innishannon House Hotel, but fate intervened and after falling in love that's exactly what they did. Their chic garden wedding and infectious love was captured by John Beasley and we are thrilled to share it with you. A celebration bursting with colour this is sure to brighten up your day...
Aisling and Niamh went to school together but it wasn't until years later they began to date. Niamh tells us... “Aisling had just started living in the city after many years travelling. We started to meet up on Thursday evenings for dinner, plays, movies, dancing, or drinks. ” Casual meetings soon turned into dates, and even now Thursday is still date night.
To propose Niamh surprised Aisling on her birthday with a picnic proposal at the Beacon in Cork. Niamh tells us... “After much persuading, I managed to get Aisling to walk to the Beacon. (This is a long story involving the false need to change a gas barrel) We had the whole place to ourselves and Aisling even said to ‘oh look someone has planned a picnic and they have the same blankets as us.’ I completely got Aisling by surprise. I got down on one knee in one of the most scenic places in West Cork and asked Aisling to be my wife.”
Living in Cork, Aisling and Niamh choose the picturesque Innishannon House Hotel overlooking the river Bandon as their ceremony and reception venue. The girls explain what made it perfect for them... “It was on the river and had a lovely quirky country feel. The staff were so friendly the food was amazing and we had it all to ourselves. The fact they could cater for the ceremony both inside and outside too was great.”
Luckily the sun shone on the day allowing guests to bask in the sun as Niamh and Aisling said their vows. They tell us... “We remember looking down during the ceremony and there were kids lying on the grass, people with hats and sunnies on and others standing under the trees for shade. It was so friendly, fun, sincere and lán de grá. Many of our family and friends played a part in the ceremony.”
To match the garden party vibe of their ceremony Aisling and Niamh decided on colourful floral print gowns for their bridesmaids, which were lovingly made just 6 weeks before the wedding by Aisling’s mother, Imelda. Niamh and Aisling gush... “They stole the show.”
Niamh and Aisling both chose floor-length gowns from separate boutiques, with neither bride seeing the other bride's dress before the wedding day - leading to extra excitement and anticipation.
Taking the pressure of Aisling and Niamh, their bridesmaids and sister in law Louise Moran prepared all the wedding flowers and helped as much as possible to decorate the entire venue. Niamh and Aisling recall with gratitude... “They even donated their partners and husband to help decorated the venue on the morning of the wedding. We wanted to have all the little touches right and it was help from people giving us bits and laying them out that made them so special.”
After some hilarious speeches, and impromptu sing along of Sweet Caroline and plenty of dancing Niamh and Aisling packed their bags for a honeymoon in Sri Lanka. They recommend... “It had such a lovely mix of chilling on the beach and believe me we needed it after the all the celebrating! When we were all recovered it was adventure central from warm friendly people, to hikes, tea plantations, festivals, Dutch forts, the cultural triangle, temples, blue whales, leopards, and us time - just wonderful!”
Huge congratulations to you both and thanks so much for sharing your gorgeous Innishannon House Hotel wedding with us all. A big thank you also goes to John Beasley for sharing his work with us. To see more from John Beasley visit www.johnbeasley.ie
Recommended Suppliers
- Venue: Innishannon House Hotel
The Wedding Details
- Wedding Dress: Niamh: Rembo Styling from White Willow. Aisling: Eliza Jane Howell from Lilac Rose
- Fabric for Bridesmaid Dresses: Hickeys
- Shoes: Rachel Simpson at Bella Bleu
- Suits and Ties: Tom Murphys
- Cake: Baker Boy Cakes
- Stationery: Wedding Creations
- Make Up & Hair: Niamh: Christine & Sam at Hair Creations, Aisling: Makeup Susan Brennan and Hair by The Hairy Fairy
- Wedding Bands: Renovator
- Ceremony Music: Sarah & Joe Collins
- Reception Music: Tr3ble Clef
- Photographer: John Beasley
