Shona and Conor have known each other since childhood. Shona went to school with Conor’s sister and her dad coached him for rugby. It wasn’t until 2013 when they were matched on Tinder and the rest is history…
This wedding will go down in history – and I truly mean that. It was held at Glencullen House which was built by the famous Irish architect Francis Johnson, who was also responsible for buildings such as the GPO and The Chapel Royal in Dublin Castle. It is steeped in historic significance as it is said to be the place where Daniel O’connell held the first meeting for the Catholic association. There is a rock in the garden to commemorate that event, and it now has the date of this really beautiful day added to it by Shona’s father. An amazing gift.
Glencullen House is now the bride’s family home and the place where they decided to hold their ceremony and reception with wedding planning help from Laura and the team at Swans and Gibbons. The house itself is stunning and the couple had teepees from Magnakata for the marquees outside nestled in amongst the trees.
The bride got ready in her home, surrounded by her family and maids, and plenty of celebratory champagne.
Shona’s style shone through from the moment I pulled into the driveway. She chose a beautiful slim fitting dress and wore her hair in soft waves accessorized with flowers. She also wore a bride’s dream shoes by Christian Louboutin.
The bridesmaids wore lilac dresses which complimented the men’s blue and cream suits perfectly.
The soft colour palette continued to the little blue church, Our Lady of Wayside in Kilternan. A great setting that fit into Shona and Conor’s country woodland wedding theme.
Spirits and emotions were high as the ceremony began and Shona’s very proud father walked her up the aisle to Conor. They weren’t the last to walk up the aisle either as their dog carried up the rings during the vows to a chorus of ‘awwws’. It was a special moment.
After making it official as husband and wife, the couple greeted their guests outside and then we had a little fun with a few portraits inspired by the famous painting – “American Gothic”.
Then it was on to the reception at Glencullen House, but not before a wee stop off at another famous place, the always awesome Johnnie Fox’s Pub. Here, the happy couple pulled a pint or two for their bridal party and then Shona displayed her strength (possibly from the Guinness) by having Conor jump onto her shoulders!
A few more portraits and it was onto the next part of the party. The drinks and prosecco from a van outside the family home was in full flow. Shona and Conor mingled with their guests as they lounged on giant bean bag chairs and soaked up the weather.
A wonderful touch to the day was when Shona and Conor gave their speeches outside in the walled garden area. There were tears all round as well as laughter too.
As the guests settled into the teepees, I had some time with the couple to do a few more portraits around the house before the big rock reveal from Shona’s dad. Their initials and wedding date was added to the famous rock left there.
Then it was on to the meal and party in the teepees, which were beautifully decorated in keeping with their woodland theme, as the craic was turned up high. The speeches had everyone in fits of laughter before the dancefloor was set up and the dancing began.
You know the dancefloor was going to get seriously worn out when the bride changed into specially designed trainers for the night!
The entire wedding day was truly jam packed with fun and style from start to finish…well, I have no doubt that my finish was a lot earlier than theirs.
Second shooter: Nina Val
