Shine Bright - Rachel & Andy at Virginia Park Lodge
Even for a couple from across the water, the lure of an Irish wedding can prove too strong to resist - Rachel and Andy live in Birmingham, but Rachel's family hail from Cavan, so it's to Virginia Park Lodge, where her parents spent their wedding night, and her Grandad used to roam the grounds, that […]
Even for a couple from across the water, the lure of an Irish wedding can prove too strong to resist - Rachel and Andy live in Birmingham, but Rachel's family hail from Cavan, so it's to Virginia Park Lodge, where her parents spent their wedding night, and her Grandad used to roam the grounds, that they decided to return for a wedding celebration with a difference. Thanks to Louise Scott we're delighted to be able to share this winter wonderland wedding...
Rachel and Andy met 9 years ago in Newcastle. Andy was a medical student and Rachel had just moved to the area. A mutual friend introduced them and they ended up going out for drinks one evening…
Even after 8 years of waiting, Rachel had no idea Andy was planning to propose! She gushes…“The proposal was perfect. Andy had arranged for us to visit Lake Windermere for the weekend and had made lots of lovely plans for our stay, including visits back to spots where we went away on our first weekend away together in 2008.”
Rachel and Andy wanted their wedding to feel just like a “white Christmas”. They went for a simple and classy look with touches of sparkles. “The feel of the day was relaxed, fun and festive.”
The look and feel of the Virginia Park Lodge was the perfect setting for Rachel and Andy’s wedding. Rachel describes it as…“Almost a home from home feeling but with lots of little touches of luxury. We fell in love with the venues country atmosphere the moment we stepped through the doors – the huge open fireplaces and beautiful furnishings. Of course the food also won us over! I also think all the staff at Virginia Park Lodge were amazing from our very first meeting. Everyone was so personable and helpful, making us and our guests feel very special.”
The wedding was very much a local and family affair Rachel reveals..."We were married in the same church as my parents, and had our reception in the venue where my parents spent their wedding night. As a young boy, my Grandad also worked in the gardens of Virginia Park Lodge. We were so lucky with our wedding, as our families and friends really pitched in and helped on so many elements, including my Aunties and cousins singing at the Church, another Auntie looking after our flowers and my cousin driving me to the Church."
Rachel and Andy decided to wait a while to enjoy their proper honeymoon, and in the intervening period, a fab surprise came into being... Rachel tells us…“We had a two night mini-moon at the Aghadoe Heights Spa Hotel in Kerry. This resulted in catching up on much needed sleep! We waited for five months to go on our honeymoon, which doubled up as a baby-moon(!) We spent three nights in Dubai, followed by seven nights in the Seychelles. It was absolute paradise.” Double congrats guys! Hope you enjoyed the bliss of great sleep in the Seychelles, I imagine the sleepless nights are kicking in soon...
Thank you so much to Rachel and Andy for sharing their special day with all of us. A big thanks to Louise Scott Photography for sharing her lovely photos. For more from Louise Scott Photography
