A Pretty Purple Wedding in Ireland

“I definitely wanted to have purple somewhere in the wedding and when I found the girls’ dresses I knew that was it!”

Names: Emma and Paul McLoughlin

Length of engagement: 25/12/16

Wedding Date: 28/02/19

How did you meet and get engaged?

We met when we were both 17 on New years eve 08 / 2009. We didn’t know each other at all but my friends knew him and his friends knew me! I wasn’t actually meant to go out that night. It was a last minute decision as my friend was out with her boyfriend and his friends and the rest is history! He actually met my dad that night and I met his mam and dad too! He asked me on our first date that week to a 21st which ended up being his sister’s 21st party.

Paul proposed to me on Christmas day. It was definitely a surprise as he had completely thrown me off the trail of anything happening! It was lovely as it was just the two of us!

Describe your wedding:

We didn’t really have a theme, we were quite laid back and easy going! I definitely wanted to have purple somewhere in the wedding and when I found the girls’ dresses I knew that was it! Wrap dresses are great as the girls could wear them to suit them and be comfortable

Tell us about your bridal look:

I got my dress from Truly Bridal in Naas and my veil there too! This was the only shop I looked in! I went down to try on a dress I had in my mind and it wasn’t for me at all! My man, my two sisters and my niece came along with me. They each picked out a dress for me to try on and like that we thought ‘Oh no, will she find a dress at all?’ Then the girl helping us said try this dress on and see what you think. And honestly, it is true what they say, when you know you know! I instantly said yes to the dress! And I still love my dress today! I ended up wearing blue shoes that I bought at Confetti wedding day showcase.

My make up was done by Aimee Connolly, who is amazing so talented and honest! Hair was done by Sue from the Powder Room Girls.

What did your bridal party wear?

I got the bridesmaids dresses from Debenhams, they were all wrap dresses so the girls could choose what style they wanted to wear and be comfy! They were a gorgeous blue/purple and suited each of the girls! Jewellery I wanted it kept simple so that the girls could always use them again!

What was your ceremony like?

We got married in the church of Our Lady of Mercy. Flowers by Enda decorated the church and also sorted all the pins and bouquets. The amazing Jenny Cullen sang at our ceremony and she has the most amazing voice. I walked up the aisle to Ed Sheeran Perfect as the lyrics meant so much to us and felt it was our little story too! Fr Noel Campbell was our priest and he is just again like myself and Paul so laid back and easy going!

We chose our photographer because…

When we met Ros we knew straight away we wanted her to be our photographer. We loved how she captured moments through the lens but most importantly how she was with us! She makes you feel so at ease like you have known her for years and is so outgoing as well! We really cannot thank her and Anna enough for everything they did for our wedding!

Tell us about your venue:

We just fell in love with Rathsallagh! It had everything we wanted or needed! And like that we are so laid back we didn’t have to add anything or bring anything extra to the venue as it is just such a beautiful place it holds its own! Joe Catherine and the rest of the staff go above and beyond for you! And like that not once did myself or Paul have to worry about anything on the day!

What is your favourite memory of the day?

My favourite part of our wedding day was anytime we had alone as we were just so happy and it was great to be able to take it all in just the two of us as husband and wife. And after the ceremony, we went and got our little dog Millie to get a family picture and she stole the show.

My piece of advice for other couples…

Go with your gut instinct together! At the end of the day, it’s your day! No one else’s day! It’s meant to be about you and your husband! Everyone is there just for the two of you and that is that!

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