By Irish standards, Jemma + James’ wedding was small, at a nice and not to formal 85 guest count. And by our standards, their wedding was awesome. Just the type of wedding you want to be invited to with the added bonus that you get to party in Ireland. They wanted a garden party, they got it. They wanted a photographer who’s worth they could weigh in gold, they snagged Max Wanger. The result was very memorable day.
Going to sprinkle a few tips from Jemma here & there…
Our favourite part of the entire weekend was our first look and the time spent together afterwards. Nothing even comes close. We’re so glad we decided to do it. Best advice ever (thanks Max).
If you can afford it bring in help. If I had the budget, I most certainly would’ve hired a planner from day one, as well as a day-of stylist and an amazing florist. The more help you have the less stress you have.
Gotta love when guests show up in style!
If you can’t afford the professionals, ask for help. I had the best of friends (including my mom) help me, aka my “Bridal Brigade”. We’d have regular meetings, they’d assist in making decisions, compiling lists, arranging flowers and were literally invaluable the night before and day of the wedding. I couldn’t have done it without them.
Choose your venue wisely. I’ve seen and heard nightmare stories about venues, choose wisely and your workload, stress levels and anxiety will be cut in half. There’s nowhere else in the world i’d have got married except Ballyvolane House. They’re incredible to deal with and real experts in their field.
I did all my own flowers (with the help of my Bridal Brigade). Sourced them locally and set to work the night before. It was a huge undertaking and not necessarily one I’d advise. We went to the wholesalers that day and simply picked flowers I liked, not much preplanning at all. I wanted a light, summer, informal feel to the flowers in keeping with the day.
On the run up to the day I heard the same thing over and over “the day flies by”, “it’ll all be a blur” , so with this in mind I was conscious to regularly take a minute, stand back and ensure I was present in the moment. I honestly remember every moment.
Now watch this adorable couple and their fashionable guests in motion in this rad video by Shark Pig!
Cheers to the new Mr. & Mrs.!
Photography: Max Wanger / Styling + floristry: Hip Hip / Videography: Brian Marrow aka Shark Pig / Venue: Ballyvolane House in Ireland / Wine: The Corkscrew / Friday night venue: The Chop House / Primms and Piggy music: Mad Uncle Henry / Reception music: Ukeristic Congress / Makeup: Ailbhe Lynch / Hair: Michael Leong / Invitation design: Bird and Banner / Vintage tableware: Pearl and Godiva / Band: Springbreak / First dance: Bitches With Wolves / Guest accommodations: Castle Martyr Resort / All signage: hand created by close friend, Maser / Bride’s stylist: Aisling Farinella / Bride’s dress: Collette Dinnigan (which is now for resale here) / Shoes: Fitzpatrick Shoes / Groom’s suit: Hackett / Shoes: Grenson / Bow tie: Horse and June / Groomsmen: all their own / Bridesmaids: Oasis Vintage, ASOS with jewelry from Loulerie
