There’s just something special about this wedding day…
You can almost feel the love and warmth from Alison and Brian’s celebrations at the breathtaking Ballyseede Castle in Kerry. From the first glimpse of these glowing smiles to the laughter on the dancefloor, each moment of this special day radiates with love.
Alison, a Kerry woman through and through, knew there was no other place to say her I do’s than in the glorious surroundings of The Kingdom. From first viewing, the bride and groom-to-be fell for Ballyseede’s romantic atmosphere, fitting their boho-chic vision perfectly. We are absolutely smitten with the gorgeous day Alison and Brian created to celebrate their love. Read all the sweet details of the day and see each heartwarming moment captured by Tomasz Kornas below…
The Beginning
“I, Alison from Kerry and Brian from Cork, set off for college in the hope of getting ourselves a degree, turns out that we got more than we bargained for and bagged ourselves a husband and wife too!
Brian and I met in UCC when we were studying for our undergraduate, we spent more time drinking mochas in Java City, eating lasagne in Scoozi’s and having chats in the library than we did studying! Fortunately, we somehow managed to get those degrees too! In our final year, friendship blossomed into romance and the rest, as they say, is history.”
The Proposal
“We are avid travellers so it was only fitting that the proposal happened on one of our wanderings! This trip was closer to home; County Antrim. As Brian and I strolled around The Giant’s Causeway, he popped the question after only 8 years together (?). The answer was always going to be yes. We spent the rest of this very special weekend at the Merchant Hotel, which was the perfect place to ring in our engagement.”
The Attire
“I wore a couture dress by Elbeth Gillis, I was lucky enough to have a private consultation with her and for her to measure me. The dress fitted in with the relaxed summer feel. My flowers were by the Maura, her Instagram handle is @maurascottageflowers. She surprised me on the morning of the wedding with the most beautiful flower crown that set off the dress perfectly. The beautiful bridesmaids wore blush pink dresses from ASOS and Little Mistress. Brian and his handsome groomsmen wore suits from Tom Murphy’s in Cork; a mix of grey tweed, navy and tan coloured accessories.”
The Venue
“As a Kerry woman the venue was always going to be in The Kingdom. As a little girl, I was flower girl to two of my aunts who got married in a very special place, Ballyseede Castle. This castle was somewhere I would go at any opportunity for a glass of wine, afternoon tea or a cuddle with one of the castle dogs and to generally soak up its indisputable charm. Brian was cast under the same spell when we went for our consultation with the fabulous Mary. Brian loved the old school charm, how it differed from other venues, the quirkiness and of course the dogs roaming about their day! So it didn’t prove difficult to sway him away from venues in The Rebel County.
The team are really accommodating, especially Mary, she was a dream to deal with. On the big day, they ensured everything went perfectly, down to Marnie fixing my hair with pins and hairspray before we joined our guests for dinner! The wow factor for everyone was the venue itself. We were unlucky on the weather front but the rain did nothing to take away from the day because the venue is so beautiful. The food received lots of praise too ⭐.”
The Photographer
“Our photographer was Tomasz Kornaz. He was recommended by a friend and I loved his shots on Instagram. Tomasz’s documentary style produces the most incredible images that you didn’t even know were being taken. His easy-going manner and positive energy ensures that when lovely big smiles are required for a group shot, Tomasz will get them instantly! He did a fantastic job of capturing our day and the most precious of moments.”
Trends & Themes
“To be honest I think like many other brides, Instagram and Pinterest were my main sources of inspiration. In terms of a theme, I didn’t really have one but if I had to put a label on it, I would call it boho-esque; fresh summery feel with wildflowers and a palette of blush pinks and off whites.”
Special Moments
“So many special moments: having all of our parents, siblings, my grandmother and our family and friends present, who had travelled from across the world to be with us made the day what it was. Another memorable moment, we both have left feet so we had private dance lessons in run up to the wedding as we were terrified of the ‘first dance’. But being there together in that moment dancing to our favourite song, it felt like we were the only ones in the room and all of our ‘dance in front of everyone’ anxieties vanished!”
Bridal Tips
“Some advice…
A. Don’t sweat the small stuff
B. Be organised, buy yourself a wedding planner and tick it off as you go so that you can enjoy the lead up to the wedding rather than go be stressed doing things at the last minute.
C. Get a videographer, it doesn’t need to be a very expensive one, but someone who can record your day. It is so special to look back on afterwards as you miss so much of the day. In time it becomes a memento to look back on people who may no longer be here.
D. Last but definitely not least, the guest list. A piece of advice I received that I’ll pass on to all you brides to be. The moment you say “I do” and turn around to face your guests make sure you know and love everyone standing in front of you. This will help when finalising your list. ”
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Supplier Information
Venue:
Ballyseede CastlePhotographer:
Tomasz Kornaz
