CURIOSITY AND CREATIVITY TOOK CENTRE STAGE THROUGHOUT THE MULTI-DAY WEDDING CELEBRATION AT THE WEST OF IRELAND CASTLE
Step into the mesmerising narrative of Rosalie and Ryan’s destination wedding, expertly curated by wedding planner Olivia Buckley International at the iconic Ashford Castle in Ireland. With the artful precision reminiscent of a Shakespearean play, we crafted a celebration seamlessly blending natural elegance and whimsical allure. As guests embarked on a curated journey, each event unfolded as its own act, reaching a climactic crescendo. Throughout, Ireland’s storied folklore starred, weaving poetry, music, and literature into the wedding celebration, echoing the themes of love, dreams, magic, and curiosity from the renowned “Midsummer Night’s Dream.“
Join us on a journey through moss-covered rocks, leaf-laden pathways, and historic charm, as we dance under willow trees and embrace true magic: unconditional love.
Photography by Story of Eve
“Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind,
And therefore is wing'd Cupid painted blind.”
– Midsummer Night’s Dream, William Shakespeare
ROSALIE AND RYAN
From the vibrant streets of New York City, Rosalie and Ryan, steeped in the arts, embarked on a wedding journey marked by innate kindness, curiosity, and creativity. Our first meeting revealed an unmistakable uniqueness destined to shape a truly special celebration. With a profound connection to Ireland, their fascination with its stories and folklore provided a captivating canvas for our creativity.
Rosalie and Ryan’s authentic kindness and passion for creativity, coupled with a deep love for family, fuelled our enthusiasm to craft a wedding beyond conventional realms. Drawing inspiration from their backgrounds in theatre and music, our team embraced the challenge, designing an experience that mirrored their spirits—grounded like the earth, familiar as the breeze, welcoming as the waves, and warm as the fire. The result was a destination wedding celebration that transcended expectations, a testament to their extraordinary union and our commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
Ashford Castle
Nestled amidst the enchanting landscapes of the west of Ireland, Ashford Castle stands as a testament to eight centuries of history, making it an unparalleled choice for Rosalie and Ryan’s destination wedding, connoisseurs of authenticity and the natural world. With its roots tracing back 800 years, this historic castle occupies a position on the border of the Connemara region, a muse for countless Irish poems, literature, and folklore.
The allure of Ashford Castle’s rich history and its idyllic setting resonated deeply with Rosalie and Ryan, prompting them to extend a heartfelt invitation to forty of their closest friends and family. In the embrace of this timeless castle, surrounded by the whispers of centuries past, their celebration unfolded in a setting that mirrored the authenticity and natural splendour they hold dear.
Welcome Party
For the inaugural soirée, guests were graciously beckoned to Cullen’s at the Cottage, setting the stage for a weekend infused with poetic elegance. The atmosphere reverberated with the melodic verses of Seamus Heaney’s “Oysters” as attendees were greeted by a soul-stirring recital. This powerful Irish poem, which playfully teased the oysters featured on the evening’s menu, set the stage for a weekend adorned with symbolism and a heartfelt nod to the rich Irish tapestry.
Culinary delights awaited, expertly curated by Head Chef Liam Finnegan. A diverse spread celebrated the best of Irish cuisine, offering a myriad of options to delight the senses. As the poetry of Yeats echoed through the air, guests indulged in a culinary journey that mirrored the cultural richness and authenticity of the Irish experience. This welcome party marked the inception of a celebration characterised by sophistication, symbolism, and an unwavering embrace of Ireland’s poetic charm.
SUMMER SOLSTICE CELEBRATION
Following Cullen’s at the Cottage, guests embarked on a leisurely stroll guided toward the Hideaway Cottage for an extraordinary Summer Solstice celebration. The melodies of Cormac Begley’s concertina beckoned their journey.
As guests strolled through the lush grounds of Ashford Castle, Rosalie and Ryan initiated a ceremonial moment at The Hideaway. Rosalie, with sage in hand, adorned the space, purifying its spirit and energy in preparation for their imminent Summer Solstice Celebration. Upon the arrival of the guests, Ryan’s sister graced the gathering with a captivating rendition of W.B. Yeats’ poem, “The Lake Isle of Innisfree.”
Arriving at the shores of Lough Corrib, guests found themselves immersed in a celebration of energy, a symbolic rejuvenation of spirit intertwined with the essence of the natural world. Inspired by the four elements, each aspect was meticulously curated to harmonise with the Summer Solstice ethos.
Lough Corrib, representing the element of Water, mirrored the fertility and vitality of summer. Wind chimes hung from trees, encapsulated the element of air, inviting guests to not only feel the soft breeze on their skin but also to revel in the harmonies it produced. The presence of fire manifested through encircling flambeaus and a centerpiece fire pit. The pit, adorned with intricate designs of deer and nature, was meticulously chosen for its harmonious alignment with Rosalie and Ryan’s monogram.
The celebration’s venue, nestled within the forest of the Ashford Castle estate, paid homage to the Earth.
The evening’s entertainment featured the renowned concertina virtuoso, Cormac Begley, celebrated for his critically acclaimed performances. Wielding an impressive array of 13 concertinas, he skillfully intertwined various Irish musical pieces with captivating episodes of storytelling. Throughout the night, Cormac’s melodies not only resonated with the tunes of Ireland but also wove in tales of history and folklore, enriching the musical experience with the inspiring narratives that brought the melodies to life.
Rosalie and Ryan warmly invited their guests to engage in profound rituals throughout the evening, fostering a sense of shared meaning and connection. Among these rituals was the Affirmations Ceremony, where guests inscribed their heartfelt aspirations and symbolically kindled them in the fire pit, utilising the same transformative energy that fuels the sun.
Another treasured tradition was the “giving it to the pebble.” Guests cradled a pebble, whispering their desires as they circled the Litha bonfire. Placing the pebble within a symbolic stone circle after the third turn held profound significance, serving as a powerful embodiment of their connection with the Earth’s energies.
“Are you sure
That we are awake?
It seems to me
That yet we sleep, we dream.”
– Midsummer Night’s Dream, William Shakespeare
THE FIRST LOOK
Nestled within the sylvan surroundings of Ashford Castle, where moss-clad rocks and leaf-laden pathways formed a natural aisle, Ryan stood in anticipation. Through the arboreal haven, adorned in ethereal grace, Rosalie approached her awaiting groom. Their union, marked by profound tenderness and authenticity, unfolded like a scene from Shakespeare’s romantic repertoire.
In a carefully orchestrated surprise, a falconer introduced a majestic bird of prey at the first look location. The falcon is a common motif across Shakespearean’s writings but also a spiritual signal that you are approaching a new chapter in your life. As the couple embraced amidst the woodland serenity, the falcon soared, embodying the spirit of their journey and the promise of uncharted horizons. It was a tableau of nature’s beauty intertwining with the palpable love between Rosalie and Ryan.
THE CEREMONY
In the tranquil ambiance of Ashford Castle’s Thomand Garden, guests convened as the celebrant extended a warm welcome, and all indulged in lavender tea. Guided by a bag piper’s melodies, they transitioned into the castle’s Walled Garden. Beneath the prodigious tree, bedecked with flowers cascading like ivy, the ceremony unfolded. A meandering aisle adorned with wild florals and diverse foliage crafted an organic tapestry of beauty within the enchanting confines of the Walled Garden.
At the auspicious time of 3:33 pm, Ryan, accompanied by his mother, made his way up the aisle. The timing echoed a numerical sequence, carrying profound spiritual meaning that symbolised protection, love, and being on the correct path.
Upon reaching the altar, Ryan, guitar in hand, joined his friends in a serenade that accompanied Rosalie’s procession. Escorted by her parents, she glided up the meandering aisle, a vision of grace and beauty. Amidst their cherished circle of friends and family, Rosalie and Ryan exchanged vows crafted with love and sincerity, each word a testament to the depth of their connection. The ceremony unfolded as a symphony of emotions, marked by stunning beauty and a profound expression of their true love for one another.
THE DRINKS RECEPTION
Guests were warmly welcomed to a lakeside drinks reception on the shores of Lough Corrib. The ambiance created a whimsical space, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor, and the natural and unnatural. Outdoor furniture, including rugs, chairs, and dressers, adorned the space, harmoniously embraced by nature with florals and foliage. The scene, perfectly imperfect, radiated a timeless charm, as if each element had found its place over centuries. Unique custom cocktails, inspired by the seasonal flowers of the walled garden, were served in elegant and unconventional styles. In this enchanting setting, Rosalie and Ryan cherished their first moments of married life surrounded by their nearest and dearest.
THE DINNER
The Connaught Room at Ashford Castle offered a moment of tranquillity amid the enchanting outdoor spaces. Bright and airy, natural installations allowed guests to dine serenely. Cascading floral urns welcomed guests at the entrance, introducing a whimsical, elegant garden atmosphere. The florals, wild and imperfect, seamlessly reintroduced a natural feel to the dining experience. Combining textures and metals created intriguing contrasts, representing nature. Blush pink velvet linens, sage green satin napkins, and antique gold accents collectively formed a calm, romantic, and elegant environment.
The stationery, meticulously crafted by Appleberry Atelier, seamlessly wove the essence of the region, Rosalie and Ryan, and their passions into the wedding’s narrative.
LATE NIGHT PARTY
As the clock approached late-night revelry, The Greenhouse transformed into an otherworldly haven of curiosity. Guided by unique symbols crafted from hand-woven willow, timber, and driftwood, guests strolled along Lough Corrib’s edge, entering a new realm of enchantment.
With the soft pulses of the lake’s waves audible against the shore, the guests walked through the forest where willow arches served as guides for their journey. Each arch was meticulously crafted by a local artisan, dedicating three days to complete each one. The integrated symbol on every arch represented harmony and luck.
The Greenhouse, bathed in deeper hues of greens, purples, pinks, and blues, became a canvas for foliage and wildflowers to twist and twirl. While nature remained the foundation, additional lighting, furnishings, and accessories played a vital role in crafting an immersive experience. Nature was an integral element of the design and immensely important to Rosalie and Ryan. The focal point of the Greenhouse featured a willow tree handmade, wrung and installed by an incredible local artisan.
Rosalie and Ryan, having walked through the enchanted forest under willow trees and symbols, initiated their first dance inside the transformed Greenhouse, serenaded by the melodies of Rónán Ó Snodaigh & Myles O’Reilly. As the couple danced, guests arrived to discover the magic of the late-night party. The marquee invited exploration, with antique furniture nestled within cozy snugs, immersed in florals, offering guests spaces to sit, soak in the atmosphere, and partake in the enchantment of the otherworldly experience.
The most remarkable aspect of this wedding celebration resonates in the genuine friendships, authenticity, and the profound connections forged among guests. To witness and be part of such an authentic and heartfelt celebration was truly breathtaking and a tremendous honour. Rosalie and Ryan’s deep interest, knowledge, and ingrained connection to Ireland’s history, folklore, stories, and myths provided an abundant source of creative inspiration. The rich tapestry of Irish folklore became a canvas for creative expression, driven by Rosalie and Ryan’s passionate dedication.
However, the true heart of this experience lies in the guests who brought the celebration to life. Their fascinating stories and impassioned spirits created an atmosphere that felt like being part of the most incredible community.
Behind the scenes, our dedicated vendors worked tirelessly to breathe life into this celebration. Our team worked swiftly, ensuring every detail respected each guest’s experience.
Executing with precision, our team operated like clockwork to construct an extraordinary celebration for Rosalie and Ryan. The bonds forged in the process left an indelible mark on everyone involved. The prospect of reliving this exceptional experience is a sentiment cherished by all who had the privilege of being part of this remarkable celebration.
WEDDING CREATIVE VENDORS
Planning & Design | Olivia Buckley International
Venue | Ashford Castle
Photography | Story of Eve
Videography | Dreamcatcher Films
Floral Design | The Garden
Bridal Gown | Danielle Frankel
Make Up | Tara O’Farrell MakeUp
Hair Stylist | Dylan Bradshaw
Stationery | Appleberry Atelier
Summer Solstice Music | Cormac Begley
Drinks Reception Music | Seána Davey
Wedding Entertainment | Rónán Ó Snodaigh & Myles O’Reilly
Wedding Entertainment | DJ Gordon Johnson
Catering | Ashford Castle
Sound | CAVS
Staging | Gorilla
Marquee | Eventus