Ilana and Paul’s Ireland destination wedding was a worldwide affair. It all began when Ilana was living in Ireland but visiting her twin sister in Canada and met an Aussie named Paul on that fateful trip. Fast forward to happily ever after and Ilana and Paul now live in Australia but returned to her home country for the big day.
The two chose to say “I do” at the historic Tulfarris House in the beautiful Wicklow County. What a great backdrop for photos!
The bride’s side bun with a broach is stunning! Truly a blushing bride :)
But the fabulous hair for the day didn’t stop there; bridesmaids also donned up dos, with the popular braid trend incorporated into them.
Wedding planning for this couple was a family affair. The bride’s twin sister, Natalie, made both the wedding invitations and the custom seating chart. While the shawls worn by the bridesmaids were knitted by the bride’s grandmother. How sweet!
Before the wedding, the groom and groomsmen enjoyed a round of golf at Tulfarris while the rest of the group enjoyed cocktails outside.
Then it was time for the joyous ceremony inside.
We love the red carpet grand entrance idea!
When we asked the bride what one of her most memorable moments were, she shared their time together. ”That’s so hard as I just think back on the whole day as I loved every part of it. One that stands out though is the first time Paul and I had a moment to ourselves after the ceremony when you realize you are now husband and wife, that was very special.”
For the reception, guests went inside at this picturesque property for some fun, food and a night full of dancing.
Such a fun seating chart designed by the bride’s sister!
Many guests wore oh-so fabulous hats to the event!
Table numbers gave this couple an opportunity to play with their guests a little. Ilana told us, “The table numbers were customized, I’m Irish and my husband is Australian, I thought it would be fun instead of table numbers to have the Irish guests on tables named after very poisonous Australian species and the Australians on tables with very dangerous Irish species like the leprechaun. The dog we used, which was for our top table, was the Irish wolf hound.”
Then when the end of the night came, a beautiful calla lily adorned cake was served up for something sweet.
Congratulations to Paul and Ilana!
Destination Wedding Photographer: Lisa O’Dwyer Photography
Wedding Vendors: Location: Tulfarris House, Florist: Mary O’Gara The Wedding Florist, Wedding Dress: DeStafford Bridal, Cake: Simply Elegant Cakes, Makeup Artist: The Powder Room Girls, Tuxedo: Aston Formal
Court and Joe were married in Hagerstown, Maryland a few years back but we’re unable to take the 
The couple planned their own itinerary, renting a car and hitting the open road. “We rented a car in Dublin and drove south stopping at bed and breakfasts in towns like Kilkenny, Kenmare, Doolin and a few other quaint towns. I would HIGHLY recommend making your own itinerary and driving across the country. We stayed at bed and breakfasts which was wonderful! Each morning we would have Irish breakfasts and sit with other couples from all around the world, it was a wonderful experience.”
One of the stops along the way was to the beautiful 
We asked the bride if she had any advice for those of you considering a 
After all the time in planning and anticipation, this couple really did it right and disconnected from the rest of their world. “We loved the time together, no cells phones, limited internet and the ability to slow down. It’s a once in a lifetime experience!”
Kieran and Sinead wed on Oct. 1st in the Dingle Peninsula in beautiful Ireland. This breathtaking location was home to not only their wedding day, but a weekend getaway before they said “I do.” The bride shared with us how a very specific chain of events led them to their wedding locale. “We both visit Co. Kerry in the southwest of Ireland regularly to escape some of the chaos of everyday life – loving the coastline, unspoilt scenery, relaxed atmosphere and friendly locals. We received a gift of a weekend break to Dingle had not been there for years. After weeks of deliberations over where to get married and not reaching any conclusion we decided to use this break away to sit down and think about what we wanted for our big day. Strolling around Dingle town we initially stumbled upon the beautiful 
It’s Irish tradition to place the Child of Prague statue outside the night before the wedding to bring good weather on the wedding day. And so they did. With just a little rain on the big day, the weather actually made for some incredible photographs outside of 
“After the wedding ceremony, we drove down a little laneway opposite the 
One little prop sure does make a big impact in a photo like this! Lovely! Oh…and it protected the bride and groom from the elements too, of course.
For the reception décor, the couple opted to let their surroundings inspire them. “Our wedding was inspired by the beautiful countryside surroundings and Ballintaggart house. We wanted to make sure everything was in keeping with the area – simple and elegant, in a relaxed and comfortable manner. We both wanted a very homely and personal feel to our wedding day, just like what we experienced that first time we stepped foot in Ballintaggart House.”
Hydrangeas and roses were carried throughout as a way to remember their grandparents who loved those flowers but were no longer with the couple to celebrate. China tea cups were a symbol of the bride’s love of tea and water was served in old lemonade bottles, while a chalkboard represented the seating chart. The cake was a mixture of the couple’s favorite things, “homemade biscuit cake with marshmallows, meringue and hazelnuts, carrot cake with a frosted cream topping and gluten free chocolate.” An eclectic grouping of all the that they love, just as it should be!
And of course, as nightfall came, under the stars and tent, dancing and even some champagne spraying fun was had by all!
And when the big day was done, the couple opted for an extra special and a bit more casual shoot on location. A great idea! Take advantage of the area and time at a 
