There is something so magical about the western coast of Ireland. It’s a convergence of elements, where the land meets the sea, where the spirit is all around you, and you can feel its ancient heart beating with every step you take. The Cliffs of Moher is one of these places, overlooking the Atlantic and soaring above into the sky, it is literally feeling like you are sitting on the edge of the world and an absolutely ideal place to elope and host your incredible destination wedding in Ireland.

Thema and Jonathan met in Boston, MA, introduced by a mutual friend. They moved to Nashville, TN together in 2012 and three years later on Christmas day, Jonathan popped the question. Shortly after a wedding was in the works…

After attending a bridal expo in the states, the wedding planning process began to overwhelm the couple. They began focusing on an oversees trip, having trouble deciding between Ireland (Jonathan’s choice) and Italy (Thema’s choice). Then it suddenly hit them: why not elope to one and honeymoon in the other?!  Pouring over photos of Ireland, the couple fell in love with Ireland as their dream destination to host their wedding ceremony. They loved the landscape and coastal towns in particular, and could see themselves getting married on the western coast of the island.

They wanted something outdoors, taking advantage of the spectacular scenery, to host their spiritual ceremony. Their photographers, Awake and Dreaming Photography, suggested the Cliffs of Moher. There was a particular area farther off from the visitors center that boasted a patch of soft grass overlooking the cliffs. They sent Thema and Jonathan a picture and they knew instantly that was “the one.” Michelle suggested nearby Gregans Castle for accommodations and they immediately agreed it was a perfect fit.

The morning of their wedding was overcast, with some Irish mist in the sky and the usual breeze coming off the western coast of the island. Thema and Jonathan woke in their suite and began preparations for their wedding day. Hair and makeup was well underway at a casual pace, while Jonathan slipped into his smart Calvin Klein suite. They spend the morning hours readying themselves, calm but with an underlying vein of excitement buzzing throughout the suite. They made it to Ireland, and in less than an hour would take their places beside each other to exchange vows and rings in one of the most spectacular settings in the world.

A vintage Beauford patiently waited for them outside, ready to take them to the cliffs. Back in the castle, Thema and Jonathan put on their finishing touches and took their final looks in the mirror. They met in the garden, photographers waiting to capture their “first look” before they climbed in the vintage car and headed over the short ride to the cliffs.

They climbed into the car and took the quick ten minute drive over to the cliffs. They passed the tourist area and began on the path that would lead to their ceremony site, winding around the cliffs and over a small river until their reached their destination. They walked over the soft grass and the offshore breeze instantly whisked up into Thema’s hair, gently floating the dark curls around her smiling face and bright eyes.

They made their way towards the cliffs’ edge, overlooking the dark Atlantic below. Dara, their celebrant, was waiting for them. A small table holding symbols of Ireland’s history waited patiently to adorn and bless the couple as they clasped hands and exchanged words in epic surrounding of nature and spirit. The elements gathered here: air and water and earth together embracing the couple as they looked into each other’s eyes.

A spiritual ceremony began, including a blessing of the elements and incorporating ancient Celtic marriage traditions. The couple was blessed individually and together, a connection between past, present, and future forged as they said their vows to one another. Tourists quietly looked on from nearby, reverent and supportive in their unexpected roles as witnesses to this romantic elopement in the Irish country coast.

They were pronounced husband wife, sealed the union with a kiss, and hand in hand left to explore the beautiful cliffs together (and with their photographers).

Their perfect day ended with a tour in the village and then settling in to their first night as husband and wife.

Congratulations Thema and Jonathan! We wish you both a long life full of adventures and happiness!

For more information on the talented vendors involved in this dream elopement, contact us today!