Elegant summer
wedding at
ballyfin demesne

real wedding feature

A MYSTICAL DAY FILLED WITH ETHEREAL DETAILS AND SHAKESPEAREAN ROMANCE WAS ON THE CARDS FOR EMMA AND ALEX.

Alex had meticulously planned three potential spots to propose to Emma during their trip to Northern Ireland. “The first spot was too crowded, and the second beach didn’t live up to the online photos,” the couple recounted. But the third location, Murlough Beach, was a dream come true. At golden hour, just 40 minutes from Emma’s grandmother’s home, Alex presented Emma with an antique ‘forget-me-not’ ring from the Regency period, featuring a delicate flower carved in chalcedony. It was the perfect setting for the perfect proposal.

Written in the Stars

When it came to choosing their wedding date, Emma sought guidance from a close friend, an astrologist and published author on the subject. “When she told us that June 3rd was ‘astrologically positive,’ the decision was made,” Emma shared. It seemed the stars were aligned for their special day.

An Intimate Affair

Emma and Alex were intentional about their guest list. “We were strict with invitations—no plus-ones, no one we hadn’t met before, and only those we’d seen within the last two years, within reason,” they explained. The result was a gathering of their nearest and dearest at the spectacular Ballyfin Demesne in Ireland, which fostered intimate moments that might not have been possible at a larger wedding.

Elegant Summer Wedding at Ballyfin Demesne in Ireland

Elegant Summer Wedding at Ballyfin Demesne in Ireland with florals by Wild Bunch Flowers

First dance at Elegant Summer Wedding at Ballyfin Demesne in Ireland

Couple kiss on the steps at Ballyfin Wedding

A Collaborative Masterpiece

When it came to their vendors, the couple couldn’t pick a favorite. “They were all fabulous!” they exclaimed. “Our florist, The Wild Bunch, turned the conservatory into a rose garden, the musicians had everyone dancing, and Ballyfin Demesne, the venue, was breathtaking. It felt like the home away from home we had been searching for.”

Planning and execution for the celebrations was down to the incredible Waterlily Weddings, while Story of Eve captured every moment in photography and Little Bear on video.

Beirut Bride

Emma’s wedding dress journey took her all the way to Lebanon, where she felt an instant connection with a gown. “I planned a shopping trip to Beirut because many of my favorite designers, like Elie Saab and Zuhair Murad, are based there,” Emma revealed. “During one appointment, an assistant brought out a stunning couture sample dress by Saiid Kobeisy. It fit like a dream! They worked within my budget, including a matching veil. It felt like fate.”

Shakespearean Romance

The couple’s wedding theme began as a playful jest. “The bridal party joked that their outfit theme was ‘Midsummer Night’s Dream, but make it fashion,’” they laughed. “But it eventually permeated every aspect of the wedding.” The theme held special significance, as their officiant had first met Emma and Alex at a performance of the very play that inspired their theme.

Midnight Magic

The evening’s festivities were filled with unforgettable moments. “Our first dance on the front terrace of Ballyfin at dusk was pure magic—it was unashamedly joyful,” the couple gushed. Another highlight was the ‘spellcasting’ by the lake, where they reflected on their intentions and cherished moments of connection.

Follow Your Heart

As for their honeymoon, Emma and Alex are torn between visiting close friends in Australia who couldn’t attend the wedding or embarking on a luxurious journey aboard the Orient Express to Istanbul. Either way, their adventure as husband and wife is just beginning, and it promises to be as magical as their wedding day.