I have been eagerly waiting to post this incredible intimate wedding on our blog and am so excited to finally be able to share it with you this week!  When Brittany and Mac’s pictures came to me I was blown away — they managed to capture the essence of what makes Ireland so special and really embraced working in those details to perfection on their wedding day.  They wanted something simple and elegant that embraced the quaint and charming side of the Irish countryside:  the combination of ruins, Lisdonagh House carpeted in romantic ivy and bright flowers set against the emerald countryside, and an adventurous spirit is just spectacular. Their non-traditional intimate ceremony focused on their future together, and the casual and fun reception at the local pub fully embraced the unique and charming details of one of Ireland’s iconic traditions. They kept the design concept simple, choosing to enhance the quaint pub decor with romantic greenery, white flowers, and romantic taper candles in antique gold holders.  This approach enabled everyone to relax and really plug into the surroundings, embracing everything Ireland has to offer, and making memories together. And there to capture it all, Darek Novak Photography.

We love Brittany’s look —  the Alyssa Kristin “Florence” skirt paired with a white bodysuit from ATM is at once modern and classic.  She perfectly accessorized it with a headpiece by Emma Katzka and a mixture of jewelry for her something old and something new.  We’re obsessed with her SJP emerald satin pumps — that pop of color that keeps within the overall green and white them for her wedding.  We love Mac’s handsome look in a classic navy tux by Suit Supply, perfectly offsetting Brittany’s dress. For her something blue, Brittany borrowed the blue handkerchief she gifted Mac for their wedding day which she had inscribed with with a message. Her bouquet of white cream roses was accented with charms created with pictures of her grandparents so Brittany can have them with her on her wedding day.

How They Met

Brittany and Mac met back in 2005.  Brittany was in college working at a local bar and Mac worked in promotions for Rockstar Energy drink.  While on a promo tour, Mac ended up in Brittany’s bar and the two,  together with their friends, hit it off instantly! A few weeks later, Brittany and her best friend Amy made a trip up to Washington DC to visit Mac. Next it was Mac’s turn. This would be the beginning of many adventures together, traveling all over and exploring the world together! In fact, in 2015 they sold most of their belongings, bought a 39-foot RV, and traveled the United States for two years!  That adventurous spirit also brought the two to Ireland in 2013.  While in Kilkenny on the castle’s grounds, Mac took Brittany over to a quiet bench that sat on the edge of the woods.  With the beauty of the castle in the background and the romantic, tranquil woodland around them, he asked her to marry him and she said yes!

The Intimate Irish Wedding They Always Wanted

While on their Ireland trip, Brittany and Mac fell in love with the country and people. They made the decision then to return to Ireland and get married.  They envisioned an intimate wedding with their closest family and friends, incorporating the charm and warmth of the Irish countryside that was based more on participation than a traditional wedding structure.  “It was a tough decision because I have a large family and knew not everyone could come,” says Brittany, “but being who we are, they understood our craving to have a small wedding that was less ‘wedding’ and more about the experience.”  While on their trip they visited Cong and the Connermara region, making the decision of where in Ireland to get married easy for the couple. “We love the movie Quiet Man and felt the pub was the perfect reception venue to offer the quaint, charming, beautiful and perfect Irish experience we wanted for our wedding day.” They consulted Waterlily Weddings to help them find the perfect venue to host their ceremony, and Sile suggested Lisdonagh House.  “We were just blown away by how amazing the house, grounds, and owners were,” Brittany recalls.  It was their fairytale wedding come true.  They even arranged a pony ride for Brittany’s adorable little cousin to make two dreams come true!

Doing It Their Way

One of the things we love most about Brittany and Mac’s wedding is how they were honest about who they are as a couple and confident to structure their wedding around that. The week leading up to their wedding day they spent driving around Ireland with their family, exploring the island and getting into the spirit of things.  Eventually everyone gathered together at Lisdonagh House a couple of nights before the wedding.  “We had three nights at the house, two days together before the wedding,” says Brittany. “It was a perfect pace to celebrate and have time together. It was like a vacation where we just happened to get married.  The night before the wedding, we all got together — my family cooked, we sang, we danced and had a great time. It was an experience no one will forget!”

The day of their wedding was a perfect mid-60s and a little breezy.  The sun peek-a-booed through the clouds throughout the day. It ended up making great pictures with shots of sun and cuddling under the umbrella. The morning of their wedding Mac went golfing with his friends while the ladies enjoyed a relaxing morning getting ready.  Then breaking with tradition, the couple got ready together in the same room but before Brittany put on her dress, Mac made his exit. They met outside of the manor house on the grounds for their first look right before the ceremony.

The Details

Their non-traditional ceremony was held outdoors on the house’s grounds overlooking the Irish countryside.  “We are already on this adventure together, so our wedding was more about celebrating our future together,” says Brittany.  She actually wrote the entire ceremony herself, focusing it on the life they are continuing together “rather than starting something new or solidifying anything.”  Their vows were quotes they found for each other.  After the ceremony, guests were invited into the house for drinks while Brittany and Mac left with their photographer Darek to explore some nearby ruins for incredible photos.  We just love how comfortable and confident Brittany is in her dress and Mac in his tux — they really owned their looks and it worked perfectly within the setting. Following pictures the couple returned to town and met with their guests at the pub. A casual family dinner of traditional Irish food and drinks all around was followed by a delicious red velvet and white with raspberry multi-layered naked cake to end the evening’s menu. The traditional Irish music kept everyone in high spirits during the dinner until a DJ took over spinning vinyl records of Motown and the 80’s! “We wanted a casual, fun pub experience for our guests,” Brittany says. “It was perfect. The staff was amazing — the bar manager even played the accordion for us! We ended the  night with toasts at the bar — the staff taught us Irish toasts and we taught them Pennsylvania toasts!”

Brittany and Mac really wanted to retain the integrity of the pub’s space for their reception.  Rather than competing with it and changing it, they embraced the venue and instead chose design elements to compliment the existing decor.  They wanted exposed wood tables decorated with simple and lush greenery runners down the middle accented with romantic white flowers.  Brass candlesticks and taper candles added the perfect touch of elegance to compliment the look.  “We wanted the venue to the be focus; something simple and elegant” says Brittany.

Favorite Moments

Brittany and Mac will never forget their ceremony — from the moment Brittany began her walk down the aisle to sharing their vows together in one of their favorite parts of the world, it was an emotional moment for them both they will treasure forever. Their first look, pouring their own pints of Guinness at the pub, and having a conga line that went outside the pub are hands-down their favorite moments.

A Piece of Advice

“Don’t get too stressed out! Your wedding should be fun the entire process,” say Brittany and Mac.  “Just remember it’s your wedding — don’t try to make anyone else but you both happy!”

Please enjoy more of Brittany and Mac’s intimate wedding at Lisdonagh House.  And contact us today to get started planning your dream destination wedding in Ireland!

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