We have such a treat for you. A ridiculously beautiful, heart wrenchingly lovely treat…that will most certainly have your wedding obsessed heads a-spinning and just might leave you a bit breathless with pure, unabashed joy. It’s by far one of the loveliest pieces of inspiration we’ve ever seen and one that just might make you drop every wedding plan you’ve made so far and elope to a place, a moment, just like this. Photographed with a fine art approach and a thoughtful hand by the incredible KT Merry, with a design by Style Serendipity and Best of Buds Flowers and Events, this is exactly what we dream of every night. We have 2 parts coming up but if you just can’t wait (and we don’t blame you because it really does get better and better)…click here.
From KT Merry… Nestled on 1,000 acres of pristine and strikingly lush countryside, Castle Leslie is one of the last great family-owned estates in Ireland. With a top class equestrian center featuring some of the best cross country riding in the world, the facility boasts miles of walking paths and countryside to explore, as well as a complete spa and restaurant. This destination leaves little to long for. It is also the perfect place for a one-of-a-kind getaway and even more so … a destination wedding!
When we arrived at Castle Leslie, I instantly fell in love with the property’s old world charm. The castle is almost entirely original, down to the family portraits on the wall. Many of its structures date back to the 16th century. Behind the castle sits a picturesque lake that is dotted with row boats and swans. Guests are also treated to the occasional glimpse of horse and rider making their way through the fields and jumps in the distance (that is where you could find me when I wasn’t shooting!). It is certainly a place where romance seems to linger in the air and was an ideal location for our shoot. We wanted to create details that didn’t take away from the spirit of the location but would add a few modern touches to a place with so much history. Choosing gowns from two designers that combine old-world style and new-world vision effortlessly was key, and Samuelle Couture and Jenny Packham were the perfect matches. We also had the help of local stylist Ciara O’Halloran of Style Serendipity to bring in local vendors to create the Irish style we needed. The shoot couldn’t have been complete without two local Irish Wolfhounds and one Castle Leslie’s own horses, Clinton. Everyone at the castle, and Ireland for that matter, could not have been more welcoming, accommodating and so incredibly genuine. It was one of our easiest overseas travels to date, simply because everyone we encountered was so sweet and helpful. I can only imagine that this would make the destination wedding experience that much more special for a couple.
With so many places in the world yet to see, I often find myself crossing destinations off my list after the first visit. However, I can certainly say that I have not crossed Ireland off my list and have already begun plotting my return…
Photography: KT Merry Photography / Photo Shoot Venue: Castle Leslie in Glaslough, Ireland / Styling: Ciara O’Halloran of Style Serendipity / Floral Design + Garlands: Carrie O’Connor of Best of Buds Flowers and Events / Wedding Cake: Sarah Bond of Celebration Cakes / Invitations, Menu, Program + Seating Chart: Slideshow Press / Calligraphy: Elizabeth Jones Calligraphy / Chairs: Café Bar Deli / Lace Runner: Neiman Marcus / Vintage Book Favors + Lavender Toss Sachets: DIY by Sara of Aisle Candy / Irish Wolfhounds: Gerry Clarke via Irish Wolfhound Club of Ireland / Wedding Dresses: Samuelle Couture + Jenny Packham via Chic Parisian / Shoes: BHLDN / Emerald + Diamond Bracelet: Vintage via C. Madeleine’s / Flower Bracelet: Jenny Packham / Engagement Ring: Keanes Jewellers / Hair: Kelly McLean of The Vintage Bride / Makeup: Jennifer Ireland