I’ve written so many times trying to describe in words how colorful Ireland can be. It’s a welcomed reprieve this rainy morning to look over the gorgeous photos of Bridget and Preston’s intimate elopement this past spring. I often call the Atlantic waters in Ireland “sapphire” and describe the eastern coastline as a “carpet of yellow.” I say the ocean “shines like silver” and describe the countryside to be an “impossible green.” Well, Bridget and Preston were very fortunate to get married on one of the most glorious days Ireland saw this year, where a bright sun and a cloudless sky unveiled the dazzling colors of spring.  Their photos, expertly captured by Shane O’Neill of Aspect Photography, are sure to brighten up your day. And for sure will inspired you to consider hosting your dream destination wedding in beautiful Ireland!

Leaving the overwhelming (and expensive) hometown wedding behind them, Bridget and Preston instead chose to elope to Ireland.  They contacted Waterlily Weddings for help. They envisioned someplace very scenic, authentically Irish, and a place they could hold an intimate ceremony.  Waterford Castle quickly jumped to the top of the list. Centrally located in the south-eastern part of Ireland, this castle-on-an-island boasts plenty of scenery for gorgeous pictures, as you’ll see below, especially when the gardens are in full bloom. But being close to the water, Bridget and Preston wisely chose to explore a bit around the area, traveling to the coastline to take some spectacular shots.

They wanted a very traditional intimate wedding day. Bridget glowed in her beautiful sweetheart Pronovias gown while Preston was ever the handsome groom in his smart suit. Everything about their day was classic and effortless — her hair was perfect, the bouquet a perfect bundle of soft spring pinks that brought out her eyes, the simple ceremony and single harp highlighted the commitment they were making to one another, and allowed for that intimate moment where they both could truly be present with one another. We love their sense of adventure exploring the castle grounds and the area — their efforts richly rewarded with some stunning shots.

Sapphire. Golden yellow carpets on the cliffs. Shining like silver and impossibly green. Don’t believe me? Just check out the pictures below.

Without further adieu, Waterlily Weddings is excited to share with you the brilliant intimate elopement of Bridget and Preston. This, is their story…

     

 

Bridget and Preston met back in 2014.  A true modern couple, they met online through a dating app and immediately hit it off, finding out quickly they had the same interests and ideals. A few weeks went by before they actually met in person. Preston, ever the romantic, surprised his date with not one but two bouquets of flowers and wooed his beautiful date with an evening of fine dining.  Two years later they got engaged.  Bridget ran out to get her car oil changed and called Preston to pick her up on his way home. They got to the house and she sat down on the couch, settling in to start working on her computer when Preston walked in and asked her to stand up. He said he couldn’t wait any longer and dropped to one knee and asked Bridget to marry him. She was shocked, he was shaking, and she said “of course!”  He had originally planned to propose in Old Salem that weekend but in hindsight, they joked, the sweet and intimate proposal that spontaneously happened was so “them” and so appropriate and absolutely perfect.

The wedding planning kicked in soon thereafter. They quickly realized planning a big, traditional wedding in the states was not going to be for them and they started brainstorming other options. Bridget suggested getting married oversees and Preston offered up Ireland as an idea! Just like that, the decision was made! Echoing their proposal, Bridget and Preston opted for an intimate elopement at Waterford Castle. They wanted a place that represented Ireland and that lots of spectacular scenery for their special day. They lucked out, waking up on the morning of their wedding day to some absolutely STUNNING weather — warm, sunny, and a glow that just lit the entire island a flame in the glorious colors of early spring! Their traditional spiritual Irish ceremony was held in the conservatory of the castle while a harpist set the mood perfectly.  They explored the area afterward for pictures and really took advantage to grab some of the most spectacular scenery shots we’ve seen, beautifully captured by their photographer Shane.

They returned later to the castle to enjoy an intimate multi-course dinner in the conservatory room, lit with candles and very romantic. They got a chance to recount the day with one another, an added treat being able to have that moment again for the second time that day in the very room where they got married, toast one another and just take it all in. It was that closeness and ability to really absorb the day that they wanted, and they knew they made the right choice to elope.

As the evening progressed it was time to finally dig into that cake! Their strawberry wedding cake was brought back to their room and enjoyed in pj’s and robes.  Preston and Bridget delighted in the coziness of their beautiful room with every sweet bite and settled in for the evening. As the glorious sun gave way to his partner The Moon, they held each other again and dozed off, saying “good night” this time as Husband and Wife.

Bridget and Preston, we wish you both nothing but happiness. May your life together be as adventurous, beautiful, colorful, and full of life as your wedding day was!

THE SHORTHAND

Venue: Waterford Castle  ·  Celebrant: Dara Malloy  ·  Photographer: Shane O’Neill, Aspect Photography  ·  Flowers: Lambert de Bie  ·  Cake: Cherub Couture Cakes  ·  Music: Una Sweeney  ·  Hair & Make-Up: Miss & Co.   ·  Dress: Pronovias  ·  Veil: SEP Bridal  ·  Shoes: Betsy Johnson   ·  Jewelry: Cleo Classics Designs, Diamonds Direct  ·  Groom: Brooks Brothers

Favorite Part of the Day: “Preston driving me around on the back of a golf cart! I had to hold my dress up in a ball and push my foot up against the railing to stay on! Shane — our photographer — had us laughing the whole time. I have never smiled so much in one day!”

Bride’s Piece of Advice: “Do what YOU want to do, not what everyone wants you to do. It’s your day. Don’t be afraid to shy away from the ‘traditional wedding.’ Also, hiring a wedding planner was the best choice we ever made! I was not stressed out at any point and we had the trip of a lifetime!”