It takes a very courageous bride to ignore tradition and wear a black wedding gown, but that’s exactly what our bride Meghan did and we can see why; it is elegant and beautiful, striking and chic. This American couple were married on the pier by the water of Ashford Castle, surrounded by 19 of their closest family and friends. With thanks to Shane O’Neill from Aspect Photography for sharing this amazing day with us.
“Joel and I originally met through our chiropractor. Both of our mother’s went to the same chiropractor and he kept telling our moms about each other. We both knew the chiropractor on separate accounts, too. I went in one day and he kept insisting I call this guy, but I found it crazy. I finally said, if you really think that it will work, then go ahead and give him my phone number. Sure enough, the next day Joel called me and the rest is history!! We had the absolute best first date. We just clicked and it seemed, and still seems, completely natural. We ended up getting caught in the rain after dinner and as we stopped, Joel kissed me and from that moment on, we knew it was forever!” explained Meghan.
“Joel proposed whilst I was in my pyjamas, drinking my morning coffee. He came downstairs and made me find a hidden photo book. As I flipped through it, I realised that each page was numbered by the days we had known each other and that the last page of the book would be him asking me to marry him. Sure enough, he got down on one knee, took my hand, and asked me to be his wife!” added Meghan.
The couple chose to marry in Ireland at Ashford Castle in County Mayo.
“Having lived in many states and gaining friends that become family in each new place, we knew we wanted a destination wedding because one location wouldn’t suffice over another. Why Ireland? “Why not?” was typically our reply. Ireland was a place that we hadn’t been, yet always wanted to go and knew it would promise the hospitality and atmosphere we desired. Not only would it be a trip of a lifetime around the country with a small group of family and friends, but also a fairytale wedding at a castle. Tie it in with a black wedding gown, and in our minds, we couldn’t think of a better place!It was a 17-month planning process in a foreign country with a five-hour time change and without an international calling plan. We knew finding the right wedding planner was the most important step and once we found Michelle from www.waterlillyweddings.com , we had gained a friend whom immediately gained our trust. That trust allowed me to focus on other things, yet be involved and caught up-to-date when necessary. Everything happens for a reason, from planning to your wedding day.” said Meghan.
The couple kept their day simple with no standout wedding theme, although Meghan’s choice of wedding dress made its own theme.
“People also asked, “why a black dress”, which could be answered with “why not?” I have seen, especially with weddings, people needing justification for why they are doing things a certain way, when instead we should be choosing to do things because we want to and because we want our vision to come to life. I knew I wanted a black wedding dress many years ago because I just did. I am one to not only follow through with my word, but also willing to go outside the norm and change tradition and perspective.”
Meghan wore a custom dyed Augusta Jones dress from Kleinfield Bridal in New York, whilst Joel wore a custom Armani satin black tuxedo. She carried her Dad’s mothers rosary beads to walk down the aisle in place of a traditional floral bouquet.
“Upon waking up in the morning, my soon to be husband and I had breakfast together before departing into separate areas to get ready for our big day. We played music, relaxed, ordered lunch and a bottle of white wine, and got introduced to our photographer Shane O’Neill from www.aspectphotography.net who was a calming presence and an amazing talent to work with. We got our hair done by our friend and personal hairdresser who also went to Ireland with us and our make-up done by the spa. It was a perfect day for our wedding, definitely not typical Irish weather. It was sunny and warm so our original plan to get married outside by the pier was successful,” said Meghan. “I had a grand, dramatic entrance of a ten minute walk with my father to the area where we were to marry and the whole time Joel would not turn around for a peek! (He did know I was wearing black, as did my guests.) We had a beautiful ceremony in which we involved all of our guests with readings, a ring warming ceremony, and reception line and had harps accompany our ceremony. Afterwards, we took pictures on the grounds and then headed back inside for a champagne toast. We had our first dance, played by the harps, and then cut our wedding cake with the customary Ashford Castle sword. A formal, five course meal was served regally and afterwards, we enjoyed drinks in the bar and seating area where live music was playing and they had us re-create another first dance. We were also very lucky to have been upgraded that night to the Presidential Suite in Ashford Castle, Ronald Reagan’s suite, complimentary and we ended our evening even more elegantly and royally than we had started the day, including being married!”
Highlight of the day
“We may not be the most traditional couple, but we did write our own vows and personalised our ceremony. There is something to be said about reciting your promises, experiences, and love for the other and saying it out loud in front of others. Words are powerful and our vows truly conveyed the message as to why we wanted to be married.”
On their return to America, Meghan and Joel held a grand reception at the Trump Club Charlotte, North Carolina for their extended family and friends.
Wedding Suppliers
Venue: Ashford Castle, County Mayo.
Wedding dress: Augusta Jones, Kleinfield Bridal, New York.
Photographer: Shane O’Neill, Aspect Photography.
Wedding rings: Tiffany & Co.
Wedding cake: Goya’s Bakery.
Videographer: Pink Lime Videos.
Harpist: Edel Loftus.
Wedding planner: Michelle Johnstone Clark, Waterlily Weddings.
Ceremony: Romy McAuley, A Beautiful Ceremony.