Olivia & Vinny – 29th October 2017

Scared I would get the time wrong, I set three alarms to wake myself for Olivia and Vinny’s wedding, being on the sunday the clocks changed. Not realising my iPhone would automatically adjust, the first one went off an hour early so I just got up and headed to Ballinlough early! Having already spent time with Olivia and Vinny earlier in the week doing their engagement shoot, I was raring to go and dying to meet the friends and family that these two wonderful people come from. I was not disappointed. The house was buzzing with atmosphere as Olivia and her fabulous girls got ready, even Roxy the German Shepherd got in on the action.

It was my first time working with videographer Eoghan from weddingmovies.ie and it was an absolute pleasure. He is a pure gentleman and I throurougly enjoyed working with him.

Living in Australia, Olivia and Vinny had travelled a long way to share the day with their nearest and dearest. The ceremony was gorgeous and very moving, as I heard one of the guests say when leaving the church; “I’ve never seen a couple so genuinely in love.”

Outside the church, Olivia and Vinny had arranged a mobile coffee and tea van where the guests warmed up and snacked on doughnuts (fabulous doughnuts 😉 )

After family photos we made the hour drive to Claregalway where we stopped at the abbey ruin for photos just as the sun was setting.

Being Halloween weekend, there was a distictly spooky theme to the reception at Claregalway Hotel with a wonderful decorations, fabulously carved pumpkins and the BEST wedding entertainment I’ve ever seen; a zombie dance troop who stole the show.

Thank you, Olivia and Vinny, for making me a part of your wedding, it was wonderful spending time with you and I LOVED your wedding.

 

Olivia & Vinny:

How did you first meet and get together?

We met on a night out through a mutual friend, Stephen (he loves reminding us of his cupids bow that night, lol) in a nightclub 11 years ago and the rest is history. It was actually on the exact date we got married, the 29th October!

Tell me about the proposal?

Vinny spent two nights carefully hiding my engagement ring in a kinder surprise egg as a special treat on Christmas Eve, the best Christmas gift I could’ve received.

What was important to you about your wedding and what were your priorities from the very beginning?

We really wanted our wedding to reflect our personalities and to be a relaxed and enjoyable family affair. The date was important as it marked our anniversary but also happened to be Vinny’s mum’s birthday too, a double celebration.

What are your most powerful memories of the ceremony?

Walking up the aisle with my dad was emotional but meeting Vinny’s eyes as I walked up to meet him was the best feeling I’ve ever experienced. I had butterflies all over again, like the day we first met. Vinny was cool as a breeze and couldn’t wait to see me and meet my gaze.

What made you choose your reception venue?

Nora was so welcoming, the staff were lovely and the food was amazing.

What made the day really special and personal to you?

The relaxed morning we had getting ready for the ceremony was brilliant. We had time to chat, reminisce and joke as we got ready. Lisa, you were incredibale, so relaxed and chilled and took all photo opportunities available. The girls were so impressed as you were everywhere snapping pictures from all angles, like a ninja.

What was your favourite part of the wedding day?

Seeing each other at the church.

Who did your hair and make-up?

Hair: Carol and Hannah Dolan (Ultimate Image, Glenamaddy)

Make-up: Denise Harlow (Beauty Secrets, Roscommon)

Who supplied your flowers and cake?

Flowers: Katarina Bailey Flowers (Ballinlough)

Cake: Pauline Donnelly Dwyer (Frenchpark)

What advice would you give to brides and grooms planning their day?

Relax, and enjoy yourselves! It’s over so quickly.. don’t spend time thinking about the small things. Once you see your partners face that morning the entire day melts away.