I was fortunate enough to meet with Yana (the wedding planner for today’s elopement) while I was in London, UK in July of this year. Yana, born in Estonia and raised in Ireland, is a warm and down to earth person who started a destination wedding planning business over the past couple years. Along with the great images from David Olsthoorn Photography behind the lens, I think today’s elopement in Ireland is simply inspiring.
A Backstory from Yana
“Krista and Joseph contacted me on New Year’s eve with a request to elope to Ireland for a blessing ceremony at the Cliffs of Moher. Like most couples opting for an elopement over the frills of a traditional wedding, these two are an open minded and fun loving pair. All they wanted was to marry each other, and to have fun doing it. Oh and to try some real Guinness, of course!
“Five months later they got on a plane from Texas and 4,500 odd miles later, they landed at Shannon Airport in the West of Ireland. K & J said their vows on the edge of the cliff on a very, very windy day.
“It was a beautiful intimate ceremony in the presence of just three of their closest friends,and a handful of curious tourists! Among all the excitement of that morning, Krista forgot her beautiful bluebell and baby’s breath bouquet in the hotel room! There was no panic however. The scenic landscape and the glowing love between them was more than enough to decorate the photographs. I recon it’s something they’ll laugh about every time they pull out the wedding album.”
How did you decide on a destination wedding?
Comments from the Bride: “We didn’t want traditional, we didn’t want a wedding about everyone else, we wanted it to be about us. We have roots in Ireland and have always wanted to visit it. Ireland is not only gorgeous , but there is such a relaxed atmosphere and so much care-free fun to be had . We felt like that was fitting for us, we wanted to be able to enjoy the gorgeous scenery by day, and meet locals at the pubs by night. Plus, Ireland has so much history, it simply amazed us, and the castles for our fairy-tale wedding really helped.”
Best advice while planning your wedding?
“The best advice I received was ‘Don’t worry about what everyone else wants, your wedding day is about you’ So many people plan wedding for everyone else, and forget what’s important . We almost planned a big wedding at home, and it just didn’t feel right. When it comes down to it, even if it upsets others, this is YOUR day and it’s important you do it YOUR way, everyone else will get over it.”
What was the overall theme for the ceremony and reception?
“Escape ! It was a relaxed celebration , escaping reality for a little while , having a fairytale wedding , with the natural beauty of Ireland as our focus.”
Wedding Music
“We had a Harpest, Tina Mulrooney, who played her own selection , and it was simply beautiful!”
Describe the Bride’s Attire
“The brides dress was by Oleg Cassini. It was an ivory strapless satin bodice with beaded embroidery , organza ball gown skirt, and chapel train. I also wore silver rhinestone covered flats due to the amount of walking, I had rhinestone heels as back up.”
Highlights from the Ceremony and Reception
Where did you go on your Honeymoon?
“We hired a private driver for the remainder of our trip . We went to Dublin, we stayed at River Lee Hotel in Cork, then the gorgeous Killarney Royal in Killarney, and finished off at Dromoland Castle. We hiked up mountains, we rode horseback through Killarney national park, we did food tastings and just had an amazing experience .”
Need Assistance Planning Your Elopement in Ireland?
Love & Lavender Weddings are your on-the-ground experts here in Ireland who can help guide you and alleviate some of the stress of organizing a destination wedding or elopement from afar. If you are looking to have a unique and memorable wedding experience here in Ireland, please get in touch to discuss your event and how we can help by using the form on our contact page – we look forward to working with you soon!
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