An Ireland Black-Tie Wedding with Wildflower Whimsy and Romantic Summer Light

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”][/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

Pastel blue was the primary shade for Rachel and Barry’s wedding. However, the colour palette also included other soft pastel tones, such as delicate shades of pink, peach, and champagne. While pastel blue was the dominant hue, these complementary colours added depth and warmth to the overall aesthetic. The combination worked beautifully against the venue’s light and neutral decor, creating an elegant and romantic ambiance. The pastel tones blended seamlessly with the surroundings, enhancing the soft, dreamy atmosphere of the celebration.

They had a refined black-tie summer wedding that balanced formal elegance with a natural, ethereal charm. To bring the outdoors in, wildflowers were thoughtfully incorporated into both the ceremony and dinner settings, creating an organic and romantic atmosphere. The floral arrangements featured bright, joyful colours that added vibrancy while maintaining a soft, natural aesthetic. The décor was intentionally light and airy, enhancing the dreamy feel of the day. This was further elevated by the long summer daylight and the hazy golden glow that bathed the venue, creating an almost magical ambiance. Rachel’s gown perfectly complemented this vision—vintage-inspired with a delicate, flowing fabric that echoed the effortless beauty of the setting. Every detail worked harmoniously to create a wedding that was both sophisticated and enchanting.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]

Barry chose the most meaningful place to ask Rachel to marry him – the beach in Crookhaven, West Cork, where their story first began. It was here, on this very stretch of coastline, that they had first met, making it the perfect backdrop for such a significant moment in their journey together. As they walked, reminiscing about the memories they had made in this special place, Barry paused, turned to Rachel, and took her hands in his. With heartfelt words, he told her how much she meant to him, how their story had come full circle, and how he couldn’t imagine his future without her. Then, in that perfect moment, with the sound of the sea as their only witness, he got down on one knee and asked her to be his forever. Rachel, overwhelmed with happiness, said yes without hesitation. It was a simple yet deeply meaningful proposal, rooted in nostalgia, love, and the place where it all began.

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[board_carousel title=”Getting Ready”]

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[board_carousel title=”Bridal Portraits”]

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[board_carousel title=”Flat Lays”]

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[section title=”The Fashion”]
[field title=”Wedding Gown”]

Rachel’s wedding gown was a breathtaking, vintage-inspired creation, designed especially for her and meticulously handcrafted by Susanna Greening Designs. Made from the finest high-quality silk, the dress exudes timeless elegance with a luxurious sheen that softly reflects the light, adding to its ethereal charm. The silhouette was both graceful and refined, featuring a beautifully structured, fitted bodice that accentuated Rachel’s figure before flowing effortlessly into a dreamy, full skirt. The skirt cascaded into a delicate train at the back, creating a sense of movement and fluidity with every step she took. One of the most striking elements of the design was the gown’s exquisite sleeves. Long and flowing, they embodied a sense of vintage romance, draping gracefully from the shoulders. As they reached the lower arm and wrist, the sleeves became elegantly fitted, sculpting to Rachel’s arms before being finished with a row of delicate buttons—a subtle but stunning detail that added to the gown’s refined craftsmanship. The overall effect was one of effortless sophistication, perfectly capturing Rachel’s vision of a dress that felt both classic and enchanting.

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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]

The bridesmaids’ dresses were a stunning reflection of the wedding’s signature colour, pastel blue, creating a harmonious and elegant bridal party aesthetic. Soft and romantic, this delicate shade perfectly complemented the light and ethereal ambiance of the day, blending seamlessly with the natural decor and sunlit surroundings. What made these dresses truly special was that each one was uniquely designed, ensuring that every bridesmaid had a style that suited her personality and figure while still maintaining a cohesive look. Thoughtfully crafted by Maids to Measure, the dresses celebrated individuality while embracing a shared colour palette, allowing each bridesmaid to feel confident and comfortable.

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[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]Barry’s wedding attire was a masterclass in timeless sophistication—a tailored, vintage-inspired double-breasted tuxedo that exuded effortless elegance. Perfectly in keeping with the black-tie dress code, the suit was a refined nod to classic menswear, combining traditional craftsmanship with a touch of old-world charm.

The tuxedo featured a structured double-breasted jacket, enhancing Barry’s silhouette with its sharp, tailored fit. The deep black fabric lent a rich and luxurious feel, making a striking contrast against the soft, pastel tones of the bridal party. Adding to its vintage appeal, the jacket was finished with a sleek satin collar, which subtly reflected the light, drawing attention to its refined detailing. The satin-covered buttons were another exquisite touch, seamlessly blending with the lapel for a polished and cohesive look.

Paired with impeccably tailored trousers and a crisp white dress shirt, Barry’s ensemble embodied classic black-tie sophistication while maintaining a sense of individuality. Every detail, from the precision of the fit to the choice of fabric, contributed to an overall aesthetic that was both effortlessly stylish and deeply personal.[/field]
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[board_carousel title=”Wedding Party”]

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[board_carousel title=”Ceremony”]

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[board_carousel title=”Cocktail Hour”]

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[section title=”The Details”]
[field title=”Food & Drink”]

For our drinks reception, we kept it quite simple, serving simply two options, a nice champagne and pints of Guinness, both went down a treat. We chose a caterer who specialises in sourcing all of their produce locally, a family business called Green Olive Catering. We are really into food, and this was such an important part of the day for us. For our starter, we chose goat’s cheese salad or a choice of Gravadlax, the latter may seem a little left of field, but it went down a treat with our seafood-loving guests! For our main course, we chose Fillet of Irish beef, cavolo nero, pumpkin champ, port Jus, or a choice of Sea bass with wild garlic pesto and local veggies. Dessert was a trio of chocolate marquise, tart citro, and Eton mess, a delightful end to a wonderful meal. We were delighted with the menu, and guests were all complimentary of the food, which is always a great sign!

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

The wedding’s florals and décor were a seamless extension of Rachel and Barry’s vision—a black-tie affair infused with the effortless beauty of nature. Every detail was carefully curated to create an atmosphere that was both refined and ethereal, balancing sophistication with an organic, romantic feel. For the ceremony, the couple brought the outdoors in, embracing the untamed beauty of wildflowers to set a natural yet elegant tone. Lush arrangements of seasonal blooms lined the aisle, giving the impression of a whimsical garden growing in place. The colour palette was bright yet harmonious, featuring an array of pastel blues, soft pinks, warm peaches, and delicate champagne hues—each shade chosen to complement the venue’s light and neutral décor. At the altar, a breathtaking floral installation served as the focal point, where wildflowers cascaded effortlessly, framing the couple as they exchanged vows. The floral design felt organic, as if it had always belonged there, enhancing the ceremony space with a sense of warmth and intimacy. For dinner, the magic of the floral arrangements continued, effortlessly weaving through the reception space. Wildflowers and seasonal blooms were thoughtfully arranged along the length of the tables, intertwined with soft candlelight to create an intimate yet striking tablescape. The centrepieces varied in height, creating depth and movement, while delicate bud vases with single stems added an understated elegance to the table settings. The overall aesthetic was light and ethereal, perfectly mirroring the long summer days and the hazy golden-hour glow that bathed the venue. Soft fabrics, flowing drapery, and carefully placed fairy lights enhanced the dreamlike ambiance, making the entire space feel warm and inviting.

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”][/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″][/field]
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[board_carousel title=”Reception”]

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