Names: Claire & David
Length of Engagement: 36 months
Wedding Location: Kilmessan Church and Knightsbrook Hotel
Photographer: Ruth Foran & Martin Sauvage
We Met.. In 2005, just a few weeks shy of turning 17 in my local pub after a camogie match. A quick hello and then a few weeks later for my birthday he bought me a Smirnoff Ice in Buck Mulligans Nightclub in Athboy and we have been together ever since!
Our Proposal: We were living in Australia and I was away from David for three months picking strawberries as part of regional work. It was so hard between the work and being apart from David for so long. I was miserable! He got to visit a few times in the three months. On the first visit we took a drive to the most beautiful beach in Albany and I said to David now this is how I imagined Australia!
Three years later before our return to Ireland we planned a 3 month trip around Oz and our first destination was that beach! We parked up our camper van cooked our dinner on the gas cooker and sat out watching the sunset when David popped the question! It was a lovely time because it was the start of the trip and all the time in the world to celebrate together. And then even nicer when we finally returned home to Ireland to family and friends.
Our wedding Theme/colours: We went for burgundy, just thought it was a nice colour for October. And then a Game Of Thrones theme for the table plan and table names. To our surprise my sister Brid made us matching his and her capes-very majestic!
My dress: Got my Lando London dress in Nikki Kavanagh Ratoath. It was the second dress I tried on. Even though I loved it the girls let me try on all kinds of dresses including a huge princess dress just for the fun so it was a lovely experience. Hats off to their alteration lady Tereza who made the visits so easy and relaxing!
My Hair and make up: Hair was done by the extremely talented Leona Nestor. And make up was by Ruth Kinsella, she had 9 faces to complete on the morning and did so in plenty of time! I didn’t need to touch up all day.
His Suit: Navy Three piece suit from Pat O’Byrne in Trim Co. Meath
What our bridal party wore: Multiway Wrap dresses from Cari’s Closet Malahide for the bridesmaids. And Navy Three Piece suits for the groomsmen from Pat O’ Byrne Trim.
We chose our photographer because: I had seen a lot of her work on forums and recognised her name from local work. She also came with recommendations from friends. I liked the natural style shots and was delighted on the day. Very professional and delighted with the pictures. The only problem is picking which ones to put in the album!
We chose our venue because: As a family we have had many trips there for spa days and afternoon tea so it was an easy choice. Three of my family members had previously worked there too so we knew we were in good hands on the day! I didn’t want a long journey from the Church as we had a lot of people travelling on the morning from different parts of the country. The entrance of the hotel is the perfect intro to the rest of the building with its huge chandelier and stunning staircase which was perfect for pictures.
Our menu: Beef, sea bass or chicken and vegetarian pasta.
Our honeymoon: We went to South Africa spent 2 days in Stellenbosch before a 5 day Safari. And then onto beautiful Cape Town for 3 days-the nicest city we have ever visited.
My favourite part of the wedding day: I really enjoyed the first dance to a piano version of Kings of Leon Someone Like You played by the band Catch 22. But the most special moment was when the song changed to Take My Hand by Picture This when the bridal party and immediate family joined us. It was the best feeling looking around being surrounded by our favourite people and thinking this is what it’s all about. Another moment was getting pictures taken at our house that we were in the middle of building at the time. Will be lovely to have the pictures for when we finally move in!
My piece of advice for other couples: All the small things will go unnoticed by you on the day and all that will matter is the fact that you are getting to celebrate this special day with your dearest family and friends. It really will be the best day EVER!
Suppliers
Venue: Knightsbrook Hotel Trim Co Meath | Photographer: Ruth Foran | Dress: Nikki Kavanagh Ratoath | Suit: Pat O Byrne Trim Co Meath | Florist: Petals & Pressies Navan Co Meath | Band: Catch 22 | Invitations: Bridetobee.ie
