As wedding planners we have the privilege to support our clients as they begin their new life together. It’s a responsibility and gift all of us take very seriously, and we cannot speak truer words when we say that we live for that moment when they both say “I do” and cherish it with all our heart. Well, sometimes we get an even bigger treat when we get asked to help with vow renewals.  To see firsthand the love between two people that has seen the test of time, to see their children in complete awe of their parents, to see the tears and feel the joy as they take each others’ hands once again and recommit themselves to each other is really a blessing, and one of our absolute favorite parts of being wedding planners.

We were so excited when Stacie and Ralph came to us to help plan their intimate vow renewal at Waterford Castle. They met 20 years ago when Ralph was a patient of Stacie’s. They decided to renew their vows with their children with a simple and meaningful religious ceremony held in the castle’s conservatory.  It was a brilliantly sunny and warm early summer day in Ireland, helping to make for some beautiful pictures in the garden captured by Shane O’Neill of Aspect Photography. We are blown away with Stacie’s incredible Pnina Tornai gown — in which she looks stunning — and that ring!  Staci incorporated the kids’ and Ralph’s birthstones into her jewelry — emeralds for the boys, aquamarine for the girls — and the Badgley Mischka shoes are simply to die for, completely her look flawlessly.  The kids got involved by helping make the handfasting chord and also participated in the ceremony with readings. It was a very calm and relaxing day, full of love, and we are so proud and excited to share some of the pictures with you today.

   

Equally stunning is their daughter. We are so in love with her rose pink Levkoff dress, perfectly adorned hair, and sweet posy bouquet of matching flowers. Her brother is ever-so-handsome matching his father. You can see how proud they are of their parents…just melts our hearts!

Stephanie and Ralph both wanted to host a destination vow renewal in Ireland as they both have Irish heritage and thought it would be a perfect and appropriate place. They wanted something timeless and truly Irish, elegant but not intimidating — Waterford fit the bill perfectly. They enjoyed a variety of activities on the castle’s grounds including clay pigeon shooting the morning of the renewal for the boys while the ladies got pampered with hair and makeup.

Concerned it might rain, Stacie and Ralph opted for the ceremony to be held indoors.  The traditional ceremony included blessings, unity candles, readings, and special vows written to each other that brought tears to everyone’s eyes. The Celtic harp added the perfect Irish touch to set the mood.  It was truly a sweet and intimate moment this beautiful family shared together and no doubt will cherish forever.  Immediately after the ceremony everyone shared a champagne toast and dove into the gorgeous cakes: a center cake flanked with mini cakes in assorted flavors of strawberry, hazelnut, and chocolate — the perfect way to celebrate in our opinion!

Stacie and Ralph, we wish you both together with your children continued blessings, a long and happy life together full of adventures, laughter, and love.  Slainte!

For a complete list of the talented vendors, CONTACT US today!

Venue:  Waterford Castle  ·   Planning & Coordination:  Waterlily Weddings   ·  Photography:  Shane O’Neill, Aspect Photography   ·  Dress: Pnina Tornai   ·  Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka   ·  Groom’s Suit: Michael Kors   ·  Groom’s Accessories: Hermès Tie   ·  Bridesmaid Dress:  Levkoff    ·   Groomsmen Attire: Michael Kors

Favorite Part of the Day:  “Saying or vows after nearly 20 years of marriage and seeing the kids as part of the ceremony and looking all grown up!”

Anything You’d Change?: “Do the ceremony outside.”

A Bride’s Piece of Advice:  “Don’t get too uptight about the small details. Just trust things will be beautiful.”