At Waterlily Weddings we LOVE when a bride takes a chance, and has the confidence to be different with the sense of style to make it work. There aren’t many brides who would dare to wear all black on their wedding day, but Meghan and Joel both pulled this off to perfection.

Their choice to marry abroad came out of having lived in many states in the US. With friends and family spread out throughout the country, it became impossible to choose one place to host their wedding. Ireland was a place they had wanted to visit for a while. With the famed Irish hospitality and unparalleled atmosphere, they quickly set to planning their trip of a lifetime around the island and their dream destination wedding. Together with a close group of family and friends and with the help of Waterlily Weddings, Meghan and Joel hosted their fairytale castle wedding at Ashford Castle.

Meghan and Joel chose to let the grounds of Ashford set the tone of the day, along with of course, their choice of clothing. Meghan always knew she wanted to wear a black wedding dress. “I have seen, especially with weddings, people needing justification for why they are doing things a certain way, when instead we should be choosing to do things because we want to and because we want our vision to come to life,” she says.  “I knew I wanted a black wedding dress many years ago because I just did. I am one to not only follow through with my word, but also willing to go outside the norm and change tradition and perspective.” Her custom dyed August Jones dress from Kleinfield Bridal in New York together with Joel’s custom Armani satin black tuxedo made for a stunning juxtaposition against the grounds at Ashford. Shades of greens and colorful flora in the gardens and the blues of the water and sky were a gorgeous contrast to the rich black. The black veil Meghan wore soared through the bright blue Irish sky at the water’s edge.

The ceremony took place at the water’s edge with the imposing castle in background. Guests were included in the ceremony with readings and a ring warming ceremony as traditional Irish harps played in the background. After pictures Meghan and Joel returned to the castle where they joined their guests in a champagne toast. Harps continued to play as they cut their wedding cake with the traditional Ashford Castle sword and danced their first dance. A formal five-course meal was enjoyed then more drinks and dancing with the live band followed into the night.

Details of Note: Meghan carried her father’s mother’s rosary beads to walk down the aisle in place of a traditional floral bouquet, and of course the black dress and veil!

Ceremony and Reception: Ashford Castle, County Mayo  •  Dress: Augusta Jones, Kleinfield Bridal, New York  •  Photographer: Shane O’Neill, Aspect Photography  •  Rings:  Tiffany & Co.  •  Cake: Goya’s Bakery  •  Videographer: Pink Lime Videos  •  Harpist: Edel Loftus  •