What happens when you take a lovely Canadian girl and an Irish gentleman and add in the magic of Vegas? One adventurous love story begins and we see it come to a peak with this sweet spring celebration, overflowing with pretty pinks and beautiful blues, from the Jenny Yoo dresses to the florals. Justine Milton captured this real life transatlantic love affair, making our Vault they place to be today.
From the Bride… Marcus and I met in Las Vegas in October 2010. I was on holiday with my best friend and Marcus was there with a group of friends on a school break. I met one of the girls in the group and she insisted on introducing me to someone, and that someone was Marcus. We stayed in touch when we each returned home to Canada and Ireland. That was the beginning of our adventure of a love story!
The first time Marcus brought me to Ireland, we stopped at an overlook on the side of the road and across the bay, he pointed out his family home. We took a photo of the two of us there and have continued to do so almost every time we are home. I spent Christmas 2013 with my parents in Canada and flew to Ireland on the 28th. The weather was awful with widespread flooding so there wasn’t much opportunity to get out for our photo. He said that my gift was arriving by mail any day, I was expecting a pink football jersey! December 30th was the first sunny day and suddenly I was told my gift had arrived! We jump in the car to go pick it up. Halfway to the post office he says that he forgot his ID to pick up the parcel. I laughed and teased him as we turned around and that is when he gave me his phone which had a video for me to watch. It was a video of him standing in our ‘spot’. I never saw him, just heard his voice and the first view I had of his home in 2010. He went on to say all the things he couldn’t say in person, and melted my heart. We then pulled into our spot, took our photo and he got down on one knee! Had anyone looked out of their houses across the bay they would have seen it all unfold but they were all in the dark. The great man he is, he asked my father’s permission. The smart man he is, he asked my best friend for advice on the ring!
It was very important to Marcus that we get married in Ireland. I knew it would be magical. We were joined by 150 of our family and friends, including 56 Canadians. I wanted a soft romantic theme with soft colors that would complement the green and old castle environment. I think our colors of gold, slate blue, blush and grey were just the right choice.
For the ceremony, we had Piano Express featuring Sean Treacy who accompanied a dear friend of ours. She is one of the most talented singers I know, and it was a privilege to walk down the aisle to beautiful voice. She also surprised us with “Hallelujah” during our ceremony, which is one of mine and Marcus favourite songs. For the reception, we had a live band named Royal Flush play. They actually learned our first song so that they could sing it live for us. What a magical moment! I will never forget Marcus holding me in his arms as they sang “Feel For Me” but Foy Vance.
Once again, we were blessed to have a very dear friend make fresh maple syrup candies as a representation of Canada, which she actually brought with her from Ontario! My mother-in-law, aunt, Maid of Honour and I made Baileys chocolate truffles which were presented together with the maple candies as a blend of Canada and Ireland.
A special treat for the groom was having the colors of his county sewn into the jacket! He stole the show during the first dance!
The groom’s gift was a one of a kind Guinness razor and brush made by Avalanche Artisans in Calgary Alberta.
Cake was made by my amazing mother-in-law Kitty McNally! This was a labour of love and delicious to boot! Marcus and I met in Las Vegas, so we had our cake topper made on Etsy. It was a gold heart that said “Viva Las Vegas”!
It was a magical day. From our first look, to having both my mom and dad walk me down the aisle and a full night of fun and dancing, our wedding day was easily the best day of our lives. It has given us so much to look forward too. A big thank you to Justine Milton from Milton Photography for capturing not only our special day but also our after party at Helen’s Pub. Memories more precious than can never be imagined.
We had a dream six week honeymoon that started in Venice. We spent two weeks driving across Croatia, celebrated my 30th birthday in Dubai with friends and topped things off with an amazing sailing trip in Greece and three romantic nights in Santorini. It was a honeymoon that dreams are made of!
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Photography: Justine Milton Photography | Floral Design: Breedas Flowers | Wedding Dress: Bonny Bridal | Cake: Kitty McNally | Ceremony Venue: Dawros Church | Reception Venue: Muckross Park Hotel | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Catering: Muckross Park Hotel | Makeup: Marianne Wiley | Hair: Kacey Brasnett | Band: Royal Flush | Groom's Attire: EPH Apparel | Groomsmen's Attire: Simply Suits | Ceremony Music: Piano Express Feat. Sean Treacy | Bridal Boutique: Cottonwood Bridal | Groom's Gift: Avalanche Artisans | Invitations, Programs + Stationery: Etsy | Vendor: Justine Milton Photography