Definitely one of our all time favorite intimate weddings is Karina and Chris’s coastal cliffs wedding. We helped them design and style their day, using a gorgeous moody jewel tone color palette that worked with the lush greenery of the cliffs and coast so perfectly and really brightened up the space in the cozy pub. I’m still in love with the theme — “Midsummer Night’s Dream with a Celestial Twist” — as we incorporated lots of romantic stars, moons, and sparkling details that really worked with the color palette and completely transformed the rustic pub into a night of festive celebrations and color! But even more than the aesthetics, what I love the most is the entire day was completely personalized: personalized leather jacket accessory, custom cake design and topper, custom menus, featured cocktails and much more. Everything helped tell a story of who they are and it was so easy to pull off with the smaller size of the guest list. This is a perfect example of how going “smaller” lets you “think bigger.” Photography by US-based Natura Collective.

   

   

Karina and Chris chose to have their First Look portraits done at a nearby ruins location. The weather turned a bit rainy for a brief moment, but the addition of colorful umbrellas seemed to actually add to the overall look and worked really well! If you’re considering an outdoor portrait session, consider color-coordinating umbrellas or actually working in a specific style to enhance the overall styling! 

The ceremony took place in Newton Tower. The cozy medieval tower-castle is a perfect location for your intimate-sized weddings. The bespoke ceremony featured many Irish traditions, including a handfasting. The bridal party’s look was expertly coordinated as well. With lots of green tones in the location, using different jewel tones created a wonderfully rich presenation that worked beautifully against the cliffs and countryside! Don’t be afraid to work in a lot of colors — even brighter ones — if hosting your wedding in this part of Ireland! 

   

We carried the jewel tones through to the pub reception. Again, the bright magenta and ruby colors worked beautifully against the rustic tones of the pub. To help the flowers pop, we accessorized with a neutral soft grey table cloth and softer blues in the napkins. Karina wanted an ecclectic look that was a touch vintage and a touch rock n roll: the vintage crystal and beaded chargers were a great way to elevate the design, while black candlesticks added that simple elegant rock n roll vibe. We accented the celestial vibe with hanging stars, lights, and a custom moon menu style. We carried the celestial theme through into the cake as well with a custom cake topper and base layer detail. 

   

Off To Ireland

Chris and Karina met at a mutual friend’s engagement party. After Chris proposed at the PAMM under the hanging gardens, they started planning their wedding day.  “I initially wanted an elopement,” recalls Karina, “but it grew” and soon we were helping them plan an intimate wedding in Ireland! “I went to Ireland in 2012 and just fell in love… I told Chris back then that would be the place I wanted to start the next season in my life.”

The Details

The original plan was to host the ceremony at the Cliffs of Moher, but rain intervened and Plan B took effect at the tower.  The spiritual style ceremony felt intimate and cozy in the medieval tower and was full of Irish and Hispanic traditions, including the arras coins [arras in Spanish means “pledge” — thirteen gold coins (arras) are given by the groom to the bride during the marriage ceremony, signifying his
willingness to support her and trust in her].

“Midsummer Night’s Dream with a Celestial Twist” was the theme for the day.  We worked closely with Karina to develop the perfect color palette showcasing bright jewel tones like garnet, amethyst, sapphire, emerald, and citrine notes.  The look had a lush Irish greenery tone with lots of gorgeous greenery accented with rich velvet tones of deep reds and purples on the tables. The celestial vibe came through in a variety of really fun ways. The hanging gold stars were courtesy of Karina’s mom and added the perfect whimsical touch to the room and accent spaces. Karina accented her look with star hair clips (so in love with these!) and accents on her leather jacket (LOVE!). The custom menu featured a full moon and the cake topper (by  lebianchen margherita) is one of our favorites we’ve ever seen!  Their first dance was to  “From Here to Mars” by Coheed and Cambria. Just perfect!  And Karina added a bit of DIY touches as well:  “I made our Bar, welcome and photo guest book signs. Also holographic butterfly swizzle sticks.”

The pub was cozy everyone enjoyed a dinner of traditional Irish fare and Irish music late into the night.  A pour of Guinness is of course a must. Although the rain came down, it somehow managed to add to the coziness and authenticity of the day. “It really just made it that more magical. Everyone really had a wonderful time regardless of the weather.”

The Favorites

We love the gorgeous florals of the day by the uber-talented Anthesis Floral.  One of the most breathtaking bouquets we’ve seen in those incredible rich jewel tones really set against the Irish landscape and ruins and castle just beautifully. The table setting was a unique and modern take for an Irish pub — love how we went “all in” on the theme a bit and really embraced it — it really worked in the setting and offered an unexpected surprise when you walked into the room! Karina and Chris’s look was fabulous head to toe — her Eve of Milady dress accessorized with the stars, her Badgley Mischka heels and personalized leather jacket is a look we’re obsessing over. Karina’s “something blue and borrowed” was her Grandmother’s ring (was her great-grandmother’s).  And her bouquet had a charm with a photo of her grandfather so she could keep him with her that day.  Chris wore his late grandfather’s ring to keep him close.

A Piece of Advice

“Everything will work out. In the end its really just about you and your partner — everything else is just the cherry on top.”

Karina and Chris — it was a blast helping you plan your wedding day! We wish you both a wonderful life together full of adventures and may your future be as bright as the stars!!!!

For more information on the talented vendors who helped on this wedding and to get started on planning your dream day, CONTACT US today!!