TARA & JOHN

1 August 2014 / Carlton Hotel Kinsale

Here’s all the details from the couple themselves – I loved everything about this wedding!:

We met…..

Summer 2006 in Kerry; watching France vs Italy in the World Cup final. I pretended to be totally into the game so that I would have a reason to move seats to be up near the TV screen next to John.To be honest our paths had crossed a couple of years prior to this – I had my eye on him for a while!

Our proposal…..

Was during our first visit home to Ireland after almost 2 years in Melbourne Australia. John wanted us to be able to celebrate with all our friends & family. It was midday Christmas Eve on a walk up Corrin Cross in Fermoy. Suited us perfectly as we always go on long walks together. John proposed with my grandmother’s 1920s Art Deco engagement ring; a gift from my Dad. I didn’t cry; it all happened so quickly  he was down on his knee & pushing the ring on my finger before I knew what was what!! Haha! He was nervous. I love thinking about that day…..

Our wedding theme/colours…

Our theme kind of just came together naturally rather than being planned. The different elements we chose just blended together & we ended up with a sort of rustic, laid back theme with burlap details, fresh flowers & some homemade details -our table plan was Polaroid pics of all our fav places to go in Melbourne ( our local coffee shop, our favourite bar in the city, other landmarks etc), my friend Katie made our beautiful cake with fresh buttercream icing & we imported our favourite beer & cider from Australia & New Zealand to serve to our guests. We also had ‘love’ herbal teabags for every guest as a favour. We also had a Polaroid camera station with cool props & a box for posting ‘love notes’. The main colour theme was jade green, the colour of the bridesmaid dresses. Our families would also tell you that Cork vs Kerry GAA was a theme, with the phrase ” rivals for 70 minutes , married forever” being used on more than one occasion!,

My dress…..

I bought in Melbourne. The designer is Luci Di Bella. The gown was called ‘Gemma’. It was made to measure & fitted like a glove. It was a fitted satin bodice, sheath silhouette, with a French lace overlay. The neckline was sweetheart with beautifully detailed lace straps with delicate beading on the shoulders. It has a detailed beading & lace belt. It took me a while to find the dress as generally I’m not that into wedding dresses! But I got so much enjoyment out of wearing it – I adored it!

Our ceremony….

Was short, sweet & fun! Our priest asked everyone to stay seated for the whole mass to keep everyone engaged. It went so quickly I couldn’t believe it! Everyone joked that we couldn’t keep our hands off each other because we kissed before the priest announced it!! I thought he had forgotten & didn’t want to miss that part so I said to John “he forgot the kiss ,let’s kiss quick now!!” It was good, we got to do the kiss twice in the end!

Many guests told me their favourite part was when I fist pumped the air in celebration after putting the ring on John’s finger! I don’t even remember doing it, I guess I was caught up in the moment. Johns Dad, Sean, called it ” the move of the day”!!

My favourite part of the wedding day…..

is so difficult to choose! I never imagined it could feel so perfect but it really was our favourite day ever. For me, walking up the aisle to meet John has to be it.( johns brother Gavin played Moon River beautifully on classical guitar) That moment really caught me by surprise – I was shaking like a leaf with anticipation – I couldn’t wait to see him!

John’s speech was also amazing – he was nervous & I was really proud to see him pull it off so well. Everyone complimented him. He even reduced the men to tears-he made my friend Julia’s boyfriend cry!!

My piece of advice for other brides….

Put your organisational hat on & work as a team with your future hubby! Once back from Australia I was manic running around doing last minute jobs that I could’ve organised earlier. I was exhausted! John was an amazing support & enjoyed being part of the last minute rush!!

Remember that this is a big day for many people; mothers of the bride & groom want to look their best on this emotional day, dads are working hard on speeches, brothers & sisters are welcoming a new sibling, bridesmaids & groomsmen are celebrating their efforts in helping this day come about, friends are travelling far to join the celebrations.

We chose our photographer because….

My mam had been to a wedding the year after we were engaged where Trish was the photographer. Mam knew that the photography was by far the most important to me. She said Trish had done a slideshow & the photos were lots of beautiful captured moments. She also said Trish just danced about in the background snapping & they hardly noticed her – very important for the camera shy guests!

We are so so happy we chose Insight Photography – Trish was like part of the gang for the day – we really enjoyed her company & the shots are amazing!