Wedding Stylist Extraordinaire Executes the Perfect Wedding
New Years Eve 2015, Church of the Immaculate Conception, Ballingarry and Anna Carriga Estate, Killaloe
Photos courtesy of Photography by Saulius
Wedding stylist Catriona Shelton envisioned a winter wedding day that combined
sophistication, elegance and glamour. Her classic theme was black and ivory
pearl glam and she blew her guests away with her amazing eye for detail.
It was 14
years ago when Catriona and Nigel O Keeffe first met through friends. Catriona
got a surprise Facebook message from Nigel. We exchanged a few messages, he made
me laugh and the rest is history as they say!
Nigel
planned a romantic proposal on Christmas Eve 2014, a night the couple
traditionally spent together. It was Christmas Eve and I had no clue! My dad
(knowing what was going to happen) was at me all evening asking if I would go
for a drink later, I said no as Nigel and I have a tradition where we exchange
presents and spend the evening together as we go to our separate homes for
Christmas dinner. Nigel lit the fire, put Christmas songs on the telly and gave
me his first present which was a beautiful dress I had spotted on a window,
next was a clutch to match and he then handed me the last one which was a shoe
box… I presumed it was shoes to match so I nearly died when I opened the box
to see a ring box taped to the bottom. The family were on standby waiting and a
little while later we were all at the local celebrating!
The couple
chose to have a New Years Eve celebration and set the date for December 31,
2015 at the Church of the Immaculate Conception Ballingarry followed by
reception in the prestigious AnnaCarriga Estate, Killaloe.
A STYLISH
AFFAIR
The
overall theme was reflected with intricate detailing from the ceremony to the
reception, including the bridal party. The brides dress was a Badgley Mischka
design and she had a Badgley Mischka shoes to match. Catrionas bouquet was a
unique, bejeweled creation made by her father. The bridesmaids wore black gowns with ivory fur wraps, and ivory rose
bouquets to match. The groomsmen and the fathers of the bride and groom wore
black and white striped ties and the groom wore a solid black tie.
Church decoration was complete with beautiful
ivory roses and two ivory rose trees which would be seen to feature throughout
the day.
The plush
reception decor featured black table runners and chair covers, which were
complimented with ivory napkins, tableware and bows on the back of the chairs.
A variety of table arrangements featured the same ivory roses (matching the
bridesmaids bouquets), some of which had pearls or black candlesticks adorning
the tables, all DIY by Catriona and her extended family. The brides mother made a fabulous five tiered
wedding cake which was decorated with ivory and black icing by MK Cakes.
As the
wedding was held on a chilly New Years Eve, the couple decided to serve the
soup at the drinks reception to warm their guests up, and provided blankets for
outside if people wanted to go for a stroll by the lake which went down a treat.
CHERISHED MOMENTS
Catriona
also had a special treat instore for her new husband after dinner, I had a surprise
video for Nigel from none other than musician Finbar Furey wishing us luck on
our day.’ Remarkably,
most of the decor and hard work was carried out by Catriona and family members
from both Catriona and Nigels family. Catriona and Nigel made the invitations,
something that the bride says he wont forget in a hurry! My dad made my
bouquet, both families decorated the venue in the days leading up to the
wedding, my brothers did the lighting for me, and my father in law made the
LOVE sign for outside so it was a real family effort making this day possible.
The two mothers were hugely involved too helping with the flowers, flower girl
dress, name cards, cake, just to mention a few things! In terms
of entertainment, Photobooth 365 supplied a photobooth, and the singing chef
John Frawley made a grand appearance. John Frawley the singing chef really broke
the ice for people before the meal.
about your wedding at the AnnaCarriga Estate?
One day
three years ago myself and Nigel were out driving and decided to hire out a
boat from AnnaCarriga Estate. I had never been there but the minute we turned the corner and I saw the
pavilion I blurted out My god, I’m going to get married here. Thankfully he
didnt run and three years on we did it! After meeting Jana she was amazing from
start to finish and nothing phased her.
Her team were amazing on the night, the food was second to none and the help
she provided in the days leading up to the wedding was brilliant! Even her dad
and husband pitched in and they provided some great banter for the few days.
With it being the wettest winter in years, having a reception by the lake may have
seemed mad but it was the most perfect day in the most perfect setting!
Visit Kittureweddings.ie and check out Catrionas Wedding and Event Styling.