Doolin Barn Fun and Cliffs Of Moher beautiful wedding – Shelly & Mike
” We wanted a relaxed, unique, fun experience for our guests with really good food and that’s what we got in Hotel Doolin.
My sister is incredibly organised and had just planned her own wedding the previous year, she was a source of endless help and advice. Regularly sending me mood boards, ideas and pic’s of everything wedding related. However I had to put my foot down when she suggested the Wedding Lamas!!
I wanted a glamorous vintage look when it came to my dress and make-up. When it came to decorating the venue Grace Events who work with Hotel Doolin had the barn looking spectacular.
The day went so quickly and everyone tells you to try and take a few minutes out to try and take it in. This is good advice!!We both had great fun the morning of the wedding, I spent the morning with my mum, sister, besties, and Mike’s mum Anne beautifying ourselves, while Mike and the lads went to Clahane Beach for a dip in the Atlantic. My brother James drove me to the church with my dad which was really special. But seeing Mike at the top of the aisle was definitely the highlight! We also really enjoyed our time getting our photos taken up on the cliff it was a lovely time with our friends in truly stunning surroundings. The whole day was just perfect, all the people we love the most in the world in one room helping us celebrate our special day
When it came to choosing our Wedding Photographer I was nervous to commit as there was such a variety of styles out there.
But then I came across a photo on the cliffs of Moher by Olga from MrsRedhead Photography and I knew instantly that was what I wanted for myself and Mike. It felt like fate from the moment I spoke to Olga I just got a positive vibe of her and I felt confident in my choice. In the run up to the wedding she was honest and practical in what it would take for us time wise to achieve the photos we wanted. She gave us excellent advice in having a second photographer which captured beautiful pictures of our guests while we were away having our photos taken up on the cliff. Olga’s enthusiasm and love of her art is infectious. She made everything simply effortless. She even sent us a couple of images to ogle at over breakfast the morning after. I cannot rate Olga highly enough we were blown away by our wedding photos, the colours, nature, informality, and special moments she captured help us relive our special day just as we remember it.
Prior to booking Gavin ( Dreamcatcher Productions ) we had been hesitant about a videographer trying to find places to cut back. How glad were we that we put our trust in Gavin and dreamcatchers as we ended up with a really beautiful video that encapsulated the best parts of our day.
The proposal, when was it and what happened?
Mike organised a surprise weekend trip to Brussels on Friday the 1st of December last year to the Christmas Markets as he knew I am Christmas obsessed! I was told to pack warm clothes and bring my passport! I wasn’t sure we were even leaving the country as it was very possible the passport was a decoy. On arriving in Brussels we went to the ‘Grand Place’ where Mike asked me to take a photo of him by the beautiful Christmas tree in the square. As I went to take the photo Mike was down on one knee. Mike proposed to me with my Mum’s engagement ring as my Dad is a diamond setter and he knew I would want to design my ring with my dad. It was the most surreal, exciting, happy time that we will both never forget.
What advice would you give to other couples planning their wedding?
Take five minutes together after your ceremony to take a breather. You won’t regret all the extra bits! We did hangover kits it was definitely a bit of work but so worth it as our guests got great fun out of them. Get all little jobs done two weeks before as there is always more!! Invest in your band, we had Spring Break who were phenomenal, together with air guitars, and the contents of the school drama box made for some seriously uninhibited dance moves and fantastic photos. Actually the music in general we felt was very important in creating atmosphere. Nicola McGuire sang at our ceremony and it was incredible she has such a beautiful voice and was so helpful when it came to choosing our music. It is also lovely to get friends and family involved in the ceremony and throughout the day. My friend Eibhin sang at the ceremony and it was just gorgeous, she sangFleetwood Mac Everywhere. My friend Ruthy read a beautiful reflection which all added to the special atmosphere of the day.
And whatever you do get a photographer and videographer that you are comfortable with and confident in.
How and when did you first meet?
We met on the 29th of December 2015 in the Quays a well known Galway haunt. I had been on my annual Christmas night out with my friends Nikki and Riona when I spotted him. From there on it was weekend dates in Galway and Dublin and the odd sneaky midweek treat!
When did you know it was for life?
We had a fantastic holiday in Barcelona where we had so much fun just in each other’s company we both felt incredibly lucky to have met each other.
We are going to South Africa for two weeks and Mauritius for five days on the 27th of December. We are really excited!!
Bridesmaids: Vanessa Denton, Sarah McInerney, Nikki Ruane,
Groomsmen: Mikey Hennenlly, Dave Ruane, Niall Brown
• Photographer: MrsRedhead
• Videographer: Dreamcatcher Productions
• Wedding Dress: Wedding Boutique, Derrydonnell North, Oranmore
• Bridesmaids dresses: Ellie & Dal
• Shoes: Amy Huberman sandals by Vaughan Shoes
• Flowers: Flowers by Louise Collins
• Groom(smen)’s suits: Geraghty’s
• Accessories: Vintage Pearl, head piece and piece/beading attached to the back of my dress
• Cake: Hotel Doolin
• Cars/Wedding Favours Friends cars/ Jagermeistershots
• Make Up Linda Ryan Make-up
• Hair: Helga Kampff
• Wedding Bands: Spring Break
• Dj : Will Softly
• Ceremony/Reception Music: Nicola McGuire Wedding Music