“Having the wedding at home allowed us the freedom to design our perfect day. Luckily we had the weather for ice cream, cocktails and outdoor games!”
The couple: Katie Ryan & Kian Cleere
Length of engagement: 15 months | Wedding date: 12th September 2014
Wedding location: At home in Malahide, Co Dublin
Photographer: Tanya Colclough, Eden Photography
We met… in school, and have been together ever since!
Our proposal… Kian proposed on a trip to New York. Unknown to me, he had restored my great grandmother’s engagement ring and proposed over breakfast. I was overwhelmed and delighted!
My hair and make up… It was important for me to look like myself on the day. Aushra Lauren did our makeup and the girls from Malahide Hair Studios did our hair.
My dress… Was by Claire Pettibone and my shoes by Badgley Mischka. I got the dress from Ceremony in Boston, Ceremony a beautiful studio owned by Alix Childs which specialises in indie bridal gowns.
Our ceremony… Took place at our local parish church St. Nicholas of Myra in Kinsealy. We wanted it to be traditional but keep things relaxed, and our priest Fr. Martin Farrell did a perfect job! Douglas Sheridan provided beautiful music and helped make our ceremony one to remember.
Our wedding theme/colours… We had our hearts set on a garden party. We had rustic bar tables and signs made from chopped wood from the garden, tipi tents from Magnakata, picnic benches and haybales, and outdoor games to entertain the guests!
We chose our photographer because… We loved Tanya’s (www.photographybyeden.com) style of photography. We wanted natural pictures of the day which we feel she captured beautifully. She made us feel relaxed and we hardly noticed she was there half the time! We were so excited to receive the photos and when we did we were not disappointed. Highly, highly recommended!
We chose our venue because… Having the wedding at home allowed us the freedom to design our perfect day. We welcomed family and friends in to Kian’s garden, which was lovingly decorated. Luckily we had the weather for ice cream, cocktails and outdoor games! Guests toasted marshmallows over fire in the evening and The Velvet Lounge Band had us dancing all night!
What our bridal party wore… My three sisters, Fiona, Rachael and Emma and Kian’s three brothers Nicky, Airy and Russy were our bridesmaids and groomsmen! I wanted the girls to look and feel comfortable on the day so we chose three different dresses with a similar theme from Mango. The flowers and bouquets were beautifully arranged by my aunty Mary. The guys wore navy suits with cute brown buttons from Dorian Black.
Our menu… Was delicious! The guys from WineOnline.ie made delicious fresh fruit cocktails for our reception. Jaipur Malahide provided us with appetizers and in the evening Fireworx cooked delicious food over burning beech wood on German-style BBQs. Afterwards, guests helped themselves to our home made desert table.
My favourite part of the wedding day… I really loved every minute and wish I could do it again!
My piece of advice for other brides… Add some personal touches to your day and include your family in the planning. It makes for a really memorable day!
Dress: Claire Pettibone | Bridal shop: Ceremony, Boston | Suits: Dorian Black, Dublin | Photography: Eden Photography by Tanya Colclough | Tipis: Magnakata | Catering: Jaipur & Fireworx BBQ | Cocktails: WineOnline.ie | Band: The Velvet Lounge Band | Church music: Douglas Sheridan – DougSheridanSinger.com | Hair: Malahide Hair Studios | Makeup: Aushra Lauren
