Ireland Wedding from Birds of a Feather
Magical things happen when you say "I do" in Ireland. I'm not sure whether it's those romantic rainy days or the sprawling green scenery, but this land of luck is perhaps the most perfect place to tie the knot. Add in the talents of Birds of a Feather's Sarah Yates and styling by hiphip, and you can just about guarantee a destination wedding dream come true. There's no better way to spend your morning than cozying up in the full gallery right here.
From Birds of a Feather... When I first met with photographers Sean and Yvette their only brief was fun and keep things local. Literally I kid you not. This pair were super easy going and such a pleasure to work with. So fun and local they got! Firstly and more than serendipitous Yvette’s family had the perfect home in Co Sligo to host the wedding reception and what a place, it is overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Beyond perfect. Secondly Yvette's sister owns Appassionata Florists, one of the best if not THE best, florists in Ireland. Ruth, who was also a bridesmaid, and her wonderful team worked tirelessly to ensure all elements of flower design was just right.
The day started off with the bride and her two pals going for a swim in the Atlantic Ocean, a cleansing start for her new life. The ceremony was steeped in history, taking place nearby at The Mass Rock, an isolated location that was used to hold religious ceremonies during Penal times, when observing Catholic mass was a matter of difficulty and danger. A custom made sail, created over the course of weeks by one man’s hands covered the area for the ceremony. Celtic Priest Dara Molloy resided over the ceremony at the outdoor rock alter. During the ritual the couple held hands, right hand in right hand, and left hand in left with their wrists crossed. Ribbon or cord was wrapped around their wrists in a figure eight to represent infinity. This is most probably where the saying “‘tying the knot” originated from!
Following the ceremony and back at the house, guests feasted on Sligo Oysters and the indigenous tipple of Guinness in a circus tent with views spanning across the Atlantic Ocean while local bluegrass band Mad Uncle Harry provided the music. Oh to be a guest sometimes! After dinner, guests were moved to the Grand Pavilion, (read giant circus tent) where they dined on a banquet of the most amazing Irish produce provided by Wildside Catering and served by rather dramatically dressed staff! The Ukeristic Congress were on musical duties for the duration of dinner. What a blast, 3 bands so far and we haven't even started the party yet!
In keeping with the pair’s passion, all tables were named after famous photography books and leaves from around the garden acted as place holders. Local bark was cut, treated and waxed and used as centerpieces. The family stepped up again as all wine came from their own vineyard in France and Yvette’s friend made the wedding cake – a delicious treat made even more delicious by the fact that it was the first cake he ever made! It was so lovingly put together and decorated with little photographers and cameras. As dinner came to an end, locally owned, Monster Coffee mini van opened shop on the grounds to provide guests with after dinner coffees and brownies, and some of the coffees were made a little bit more "Irish" to get the party started.
Irish drag queen Veda Beaux Reves soon started party proceedings off and guests were kept lubricated by custom made cocktails, The Breithaupt, named after the happy couple and served from a huge Winnebago parked overlooking the sea. Those drinks were needed after that show! A midnight feast of Iberico ham and an obscene amount of cheese provided sustenance to keep energy levels high. Irish musician David Kitt DJ’ed late into the night and the party kept going until 5.30am at which stage the last people standing, including the bride and groom, proceeded to the hotel across the road to keep the party going.
The next morning despite only having about two hours sleep they all went off for a dip in the Atlantic and did it all again in the form of a huge dinner in the family restaurant in Sligo!!! This pair have energy!
Wedding Photography: Sarah Yates of Birds of a Feather | Wedding Styling: hiphip assisted by Jenn Blake | Floral Design: Appassionata | Officiant: Dara Malloy | Catering: Wildside Catering | Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music: Mad Uncle Harry | Dinner Music: Ukeristic Congress | Drag Queen: Veda | DJ: David Kitt | Tents: LPM Bohemia | Coffee Van: Monster Coffee | Bar: All Bar None | Lighting: Creative Event Lighting | Bridesmaids Dresses: John Rocha
The day started off with the bride and her two pals going for a swim in the Atlantic Ocean, a cleansing start for her new life. The ceremony was steeped in history, taking place nearby at The Mass Rock, an isolated location that was used to hold religious ceremonies during Penal times, when observing Catholic mass was a matter of difficulty and danger. A custom made sail, created over the course of weeks by one man’s hands covered the area for the ceremony. Celtic Priest Dara Molloy resided over the ceremony at the outdoor rock alter. During the ritual the couple held hands, right hand in right hand, and left hand in left with their wrists crossed. Ribbon or cord was wrapped around their wrists in a figure eight to represent infinity. This is most probably where the saying “‘tying the knot” originated from!
Following the ceremony and back at the house, guests feasted on Sligo Oysters and the indigenous tipple of Guinness in a circus tent with views spanning across the Atlantic Ocean while local bluegrass band Mad Uncle Harry provided the music. Oh to be a guest sometimes! After dinner, guests were moved to the Grand Pavilion, (read giant circus tent) where they dined on a banquet of the most amazing Irish produce provided by Wildside Catering and served by rather dramatically dressed staff! The Ukeristic Congress were on musical duties for the duration of dinner. What a blast, 3 bands so far and we haven't even started the party yet!
In keeping with the pair’s passion, all tables were named after famous photography books and leaves from around the garden acted as place holders. Local bark was cut, treated and waxed and used as centerpieces. The family stepped up again as all wine came from their own vineyard in France and Yvette’s friend made the wedding cake – a delicious treat made even more delicious by the fact that it was the first cake he ever made! It was so lovingly put together and decorated with little photographers and cameras. As dinner came to an end, locally owned, Monster Coffee mini van opened shop on the grounds to provide guests with after dinner coffees and brownies, and some of the coffees were made a little bit more "Irish" to get the party started.
Irish drag queen Veda Beaux Reves soon started party proceedings off and guests were kept lubricated by custom made cocktails, The Breithaupt, named after the happy couple and served from a huge Winnebago parked overlooking the sea. Those drinks were needed after that show! A midnight feast of Iberico ham and an obscene amount of cheese provided sustenance to keep energy levels high. Irish musician David Kitt DJ’ed late into the night and the party kept going until 5.30am at which stage the last people standing, including the bride and groom, proceeded to the hotel across the road to keep the party going.
The next morning despite only having about two hours sleep they all went off for a dip in the Atlantic and did it all again in the form of a huge dinner in the family restaurant in Sligo!!! This pair have energy!
Wedding Photography: Sarah Yates of Birds of a Feather | Wedding Styling: hiphip assisted by Jenn Blake | Floral Design: Appassionata | Officiant: Dara Malloy | Catering: Wildside Catering | Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music: Mad Uncle Harry | Dinner Music: Ukeristic Congress | Drag Queen: Veda | DJ: David Kitt | Tents: LPM Bohemia | Coffee Van: Monster Coffee | Bar: All Bar None | Lighting: Creative Event Lighting | Bridesmaids Dresses: John Rocha