May is the traditional beginning of summer and is a time of fun, frolics and flowers. Following on from our floral themed post yesterday, we decided to go one step further and design a wedding around a woodland theme. Think Midsummer's Night Dream, think Bealtaine (the traditional Irish and Scottish festival on May 1st), think May poles, garlands and dancing. The idea for this wedding  is natural, slightly ethereal,  with an dash of eccentricity and playfulness.

The all-important dress is from Claire Pettibone, well known for her romantic, ultra-feminine, and very individual wedding gowns

, and Jasmine (pictured) is a perfect example.

A simple gold heart-shaped locket from Topshop complements the neckline of the dress (and can take pictures of you both).

Tripping up the aisle through woods in high heels is just not practical, flats or sandals it must be, and these lovely macrame and pearl thong sandals from Lanvin would be perfect.

Top off the look with flowers in your hair - real, or silk like this narcissus crown from Peace Love Vintage on Etsy.

Not to forget the groom - a daring  floral shirt will make him stand out as the man of the day - this orchard blossom one is from Ted Baker.

The very special bouquet is from Francoise Weeks - she combined ferns, moss, mushrooms,  magnolia branches and flowers to create a very textured and subtle piece of woodland art.

And finally, a lovely touch from NH Wood Creations - a ring box with a bed of fern  to carry the rings up the aisle

Combing my long list of Irish wedding venues, it wasn't difficult to find several beautiful houses and hotels that would be perfect for a woodland theme, but of them all Delphi Lodge stands out as the most romantic wedding spot.

The former hunting lodge  nestles amongst the trees beneath the Ben Gorm, at the heart of an 1000 acre estate of the most amazing landscape.  The house itself has 13 bedrooms and 5 cottages in the grounds, so in total it could accommodate about 45 guests. For a small and intimate wedding Delphi Lodge is a beautiful spot and offers enough activities in the area to keep guests entertained from fishing to horse riding and hill-walking.

Given the standard of accommodation, and the fantastic food, the cost is very reasonable - just €365 per person, for two nights' bed and breakfast and two evening dinners (one being the wedding meal itself)  www.delphilodge.ie