Romantic irish
wedding at ballyfin
REAL WEDDING FEATURE
Nestled in the heart of Ireland, Ballyfin is a dream come true for couples seeking the perfect luxury wedding destination. This opulent period mansion, surrounded by 614
acres of serene natural beauty, offers an unparalleled setting for your special day.
destination ireland…
After Grace and John got engaged, Grace began envisioning her ideal wedding. She imagined a venue where her friends and family could stay on-site, turning the celebration into a weekend-long experience rather than just a single event. From the outset, Grace had a clear vision: classic and timeless, with unique, fashion-forward elements and a touch of European elegance.
Her inspiration was drawn from the charm of the Irish countryside, although she initially hoped to find a venue within the U.S. However, after exploring several options, nothing felt quite right, prompting Grace and John to consider Europe instead. Grace wanted a place that was both magical and picturesque, yet welcoming and unpretentious. Ireland fit the bill perfectly, leading them to the exclusive Ballyfin Estate just outside of Dublin.
The backdrops of a Ballyfin Wedding.
The Gold Drawing Room at Ballyfin is a stunning example of period elegance, featuring ornate gilding, lavish furnishings, and intricate plasterwork. This room, central to the mansion’s grandeur, was meticulously restored to its original 19th-century splendor. Its rich history, combined with the exquisite decor, makes it a special space for guests to enjoy. The room serves as a luxurious setting for intimate gatherings, or in the case of Grace and John’s wedding, a special backdrop for quiet moments to unfold.
Grace was helped into her Monique Lhuillier gown by her Mum; the custom lace bolero, Louboutin shoes and her Grandmother’s jewellery were the finishing touches.
Just a stones throw away, John and the boys got ready on the grounds of Ballyfin in the Gardeners Cottage. With views of the parkland and the lake, this charming cottage provided a relaxing space for the boys to enjoy a pre-ceremony whiskey while mastering their bow ties.
The Ceremony
The talents of Ruth and her team from All For Love London created the floral arrangements throughout the weekend, which were nothing short of spectacular. The floral arches outside the church and in the orangery at Ballyfin were the undeniable show-stoppers, with lush greens, soft blues, deep purples, and hints of navy cascading up the brickwork and around the black metal beams in each of the magnificent spaces.
Every detail thoughtfully crafted under the expert planning of Lauyrn Prattes Events. Her vision brought the entire weekend into a memorable masterpiece of elegance and colour.
As our newlyweds departed the Church of the Most Holy Rosary in Abbeyleix, a bagpiper played outside, while guests gave them a joyous send-off showering them with lavender.
First Look
The 19th-century glass conservatory, cleverly concealed behind a bookshelf in the library, offered an enchanting setting for Grace and John’s First Look (below). This stunning space with sweeping views of the Water Fountain and Pleasure Grounds was a perfect backdrop for the rehearsal dinner on the evening before, and transformed once again for cocktail hour on the wedding day.
The stationery set the tone for this destination wedding with muted sage green, cream and gold accents. The save the dates designed by Papertree Studio featured an old photograph of Ballyfin, as well as a retro Guinness Ad. The invitations were more classic and timeless in design with blind embossed details and letterpress ink. A tone on tone embossed folio with tassel held everything together, and was printed with the delicate pattern from a tapestry that adorns the main hall of Ballyfin. Papertree Studio reached out to the artist for an original copy and permission to use her artwork.
Ballyfin epitomizes exclusivity with its "residents only" policy, ensuring that you and your guests experience an intimate celebration in a private space. its lavish interiors, adorned with period furnishings and exquisite artworks, create a regal ambiance that will make your wedding day unforgettable.
Champagne, cake & dancing…
After cocktail hour, guests transitioned to the venue’s elegant ballroom for a five-course tasting dinner, where each table was adorned with stunning place settings from Dutchess and Butler. To prepare the ballroom for an evening of dancing, guests were invited to the library for a delightful interlude featuring Irish Coffee, the cake cutting, and an array of desserts. This brief pause allowed everyone to savour the moment before the night’s festivities continued. Soon after, a saxophonist from The Event Band led the guests back to the ballroom, where they danced the night away, celebrating in style.
WELCOME PARTY HIGHLIGHTS BELOW…
The festivities began with an authentic Irish Welcome Party, where guests were greeted with pints of Guinness and entertained by a lively Irish Folk band. In the candlelit glass conservatory, an Irish Whiskey tasting added to the warm and inviting atmosphere. For the occasion, Grace made a striking statement by choosing a bold fuchsia gown, opting for a vibrant twist on traditional bridal white.
Below ~ The three-day destination wedding celebrations concluded perfectly on St. Patrick's Day, as Grace and John donned festive hats and enjoyed pints of Guinness in a cozy Irish bar. It was the ideal way to cap off an unforgettable weekend, surrounded by everyone they love.
CREATIVE TEAM
PLANNING AND DESIGN: @LAURYNPRATTES
VENUE: @BALLYFINDEMESNE
PHOTOGRAPHY: @STORYOFEVE
CINEMA: @ODICCI_FILMS + See Grace + John’s film
FLORALS: @ALLFORLOVELONDON
DRESS: @MONIQUELHUILLIERBRIDE
MAKEUP: @KATHRYNONEILLBRIDAL
HAIR: @CASHMANDJMC
CAKE: @COVECAKEDESIGN
STATIONERY: @PAPERTREESTUDIO
ENTERTAINMENT: THE EVENT BAND
RENTALS: NUAGE DESIGNS (LINENS), STRADLEY DAVIDSON (LINENS). DUCHESS AND BUTLER (TABLETOP), @FROGPRINCEWEDDINGS (RENTALS)
TRANSPORTATION: ALLIED COACHES AND HEFFERNAN WEDDING CARS
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