Not only was it their wedding day, but it was the bride and groom’s joint 30th birthdays too! Celebrating the weekend in style, their day after party was just as epic as the big day itself…
College sweethearts Ciara and Bryan share the same birthday and always do something special every year to mark the occasion. “We got engaged on our 29th birthdays during a trip to NYC.”
Living and working in the beautiful seaside town of Kinsale, Co Cork, there was only one location in mind when it came to choosing their dream wedding venue. “When we came back from NYC, we only looked at one venue – the infamous Ballinacurra House which we both pass everyday on the way to work!”
The couple exchanged vows in the most stunning ceremony we’ve ever seen! As the bride arrived, the sun’s rays lit up the church as she walked up the aisle to meet her love. Full of laughter and excited smiles, they took a stroll hand-in-hand around the town, creating memories with their photographer Shane O’Neill of Aspect Photography.
Both Chemical Engineers by profession, a chemical engineering theme was the perfect choice! They aptly chose physics equations as table numbers and a periodic table as a seating plan.
“We also kept things quite simple and traditional by choosing a black and white colour scheme as the house itself is so beautiful, we let that do the talking.”
“The various rooms and unique layout of Ballinacurra House really encouraged all our guests to mingle. It created a very relaxed atmosphere and the food was also spectacular! The fabulous staff went over and above to help with our wedding preparations and on the day itself.”
“The staff at Ballinacurra picked all of our music and it was all just amazing! Red Hot Jazz Trio on arrival, Jo Petite to get our guests in the party mood after dinner and the main band Tongue in Chic kept the floor full all night. Our drinks had a personal touch, we chose a local beer Kinsale Pale Ale and Metalman which is brewed close to Bryan’s hometown of Tramore, Co Waterford.”
“We loved the style of our photographer – Shane of Aspect Photography. We didn’t want to spend our day posing in front of the camera and he managed to capture some amazing snaps without us even realising. He was very unobtrusive – you’d hardly notice he was there. He mingled great with our guests, chatting and having the craic – most people didn’t even realise he was the photographer!”
To keep the party going, the lovable pair opted for a more upbeat recovery day. Making use of Ballinacurra’s fantastic Cuban Cocktail Bar, they fully embraced a Cuban party theme.
“Our dress code was Cuban and fedoras. We decorated the room with inflatable palm trees, cactus plants, giant balloons and sparkling lights.
Cuban cigars as well as a multitude of bright gimmicky props were laid out in vintage fruit crates for our friends and family to enjoy. And, the team at Ballinacurra designed a custom Cuban style menu which was out of this world! We also had the authentic Havana Club Trio as entertainment and a DJ kept us all dancing into the small hours.”
Huge thanks to Ciara and Bryan for sharing their celebrations with us and to Shane O’ Neill of Aspect Photography for allowing us to share these beautiful moments. You can see more of his work at www.aspectphotography.net
Wedding Supplier Credits:
- Wedding Venue – Ballinacurra House
- Photographer – Shane O’ Neill of Aspect Photography
- Flowers – Daisy Chain, Kinsale
- Stationery – Rhino Print Kinsale
- Balloons – Red Balloon
- Reception Music – Red Hot Jazz Trio
- After Dinner Music – Jo Petite
- Main Band – Tongue in Chic
- Day After Party Music – Havana Club Trio
