This vintage themed wedding at Innishannon House Hotel organised by Laura & Paddy was incredible from start to finish. Scroll on to learn all about how they broke from tradition and had the wedding of their dreams while every one of their guests agreed it was the wedding of the year.
Their love story
They have two friends who claim responsibility for their love story. Laura’s friend, Sarah, turned to her one day while they were hanging out and said, “Laura, I have the perfect man for you.” Sarah was talking about Paddy. A few weeks later, the stars aligned when, on a night out at the Paragon bar, Paddy was sat with his cousin Stevie and said to him in passing, “Who is that girl in the red dress?” It was Laura. By the end of the night, she had introduced herself, and they’ve been inseparable since. Paddy romantically proposed on their balcony while on holiday in Sorrento, Italy.
The vintage wedding theme
The overall theme and vibe was FUN from start to finish, no stress. Much of the fun and hilarity came from the choice to have a vintage theme. There was a palpable energy in the air, even in the build up before the ceremony. There was a child-like playfulness amongst the wedding party as everyone delighted in the elegance of their attire and got into character, removing any kind of formality or inhibitions.
Choose your perfect wedding venue
With its idyllic and romantic setting by the river, Laura and Paddy were very fortunate to have their dream ceremony outdoors in the beautiful grounds of Innishannon House Hotel. Its quaintness and vintage style suited the vintage theme of their wedding perfectly.
Why stick to convention?
Paddy and Laura decided to stay together the night before the wedding so that they could start the wedding day as one. Nerves were kept at bay by her bridesmaids Niamh, Aoife and Fiona who were a great source of serenity as they minded her through the morning. Charleston dance music, put together especially for her by Paddy, played throughout the house, which got them in the vintage vibe.
Get ready early
After hair and make-up, Laura’s father drove her and her bridesmaids in his classic ’71 Mercedes to Innishannon House where they could finish getting ready in the Bridal Suite without the fear of creasing their dresses. Paddy also got ready there, but in a different room.
Alleviate nerves with a sneek peek
They quickly snuck a peek at each other in the library before they descended to the garden where the ceremony was held.
Get the speeches out the way early
Laura especially loved how they did the ceremony their way. Niamh read a poem; both of their fathers and brothers spoke – an ingenious way of getting the speeches out of the way early! Miriam played the harp, and their good friend and barrister Jane O’Sullivan solemnised them over the exchanging of roses. They also wrote their own vows, which helped make the entire ceremony truly special and deeply personal.
Surprise your guests
A standout surprise was having Laura McCarthy from Paddy’s company, Career Services, get some of her dance partner friends to come and perform some swing classics for the guests!
Wedding advice from a bride and your photographer
The advice Laura would give to brides and grooms planning their big day is don’t stress; it all works out in the end. I would certainly agree with Laura over not stressing. One of the reasons you hire professionals is because they have done hundreds of weddings before, so can anticipate any problems you might come up against and alleviate any worries. I would also say to leave as much time in the morning as you can to be ready early. It is better to be early and relaxing with a glass of bubbly than rushing out the door having forgotten your veil or wedding certificate paperwork.
On the day, there is very little more you can do, so relax, eat a good breakfast, drink enough water and trust the people you have delegated that they will do their jobs. After all, the most important part is that you are marrying the love of your life. The rest is a kickass party so relax and enjoy it.
One way to find some private intimate time with each other is going with your photographer for the couple portrait session, even if it’s only for 15-20 minutes. Your photographer will make it fun, and you get to spend more than 5 minutes enjoying each other and having a quiet cuddle. Most of my couples say it’s one of their favourite times of the day.
The couple left Ireland to go to Panama, San Blas islands, Cartegena, Colombia, Tayrona Park Lost City Trek for their well deserved honeymoon.
- Bridesmaids dresses: Maya @ Asos
- Wedding Dress Dando London, Cinderalla’s Closet & Shoes.
- Flowers: Maura @ Fluer Angelique
- Groom(smen)’s suits: Custom made on DHGate and Charles Tyrwhitt and Empire Outlet
- Accessories: Bracelet – Seymours Jewellers, Earrings – Aliexpress, Headpiece – Azure (Paddy had more accessories than me – he used his grandfather’s walking stick which was very sentimental! :D)
- Cake: Cheesecake ℅ Fields of Skibbereen. Kevin was amazing-super organised and gave excellent advice.
- Cars/Wedding Favours: My dad was chauffeur on the day and drove us in his ‘71 Merc (He is a classic vintage fan). Wedding favours were 2 Lily O’Brien chocolate hearts in an old fashioned “global” suitcase
- Stationery: Aliexpress!
- Make Up & Hair: My amazing cousins with a heart of gold, Bernie Barry & her niece Aoife O’ Donovan ℅ Whizzer Scissors, Ballydehob…. Catirona McCarthy ℅ Catriona’s Beauty Salon, Ballydehob.
- Wedding Rings: Seymours Jewelers (Jim is a dream to deal with & couldn’t recommend him enough)
- Ceremony/Reception Music: The brilliant Miriam Long… no other words can be used to describe her or her phenomenal music
- Videographer: My cousin, Carol O’Sullivan’s partner Harris Khairuddin, ended up giving us a terrific gift of enchanting Videography without us even knowing it! He even managed to get some drone shots in!
