Summer Lovin’: Jean and Aisling’s Colourful Day at Tankardstown House

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The prettiest Summer wedding with the perfect pop of colour!

In today’s real life wedding, Jean who is professional rugby player for Munster and primary school teacher Aisling, planned the perfect country house wedding on August 14th filled with love, style and lots of laughter!

HOW THEY MET

Jean and Aisling of Limerick met like many modern-day couples, online! When they finally got the time to meet in person, their new-age fairytale blossomed.

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“Jean and I are a very new–age couple and met online,” Aisling says. “We never would have met otherwise, as I love a dancefloor and Jean is more into his weekly pint in at the local! Unfortunately, at that stage in life all my phones had a short shelf life so it took us a while to organise a date.

“We first met in October 2017. The first date was interesting. I was a little late coming from Dublin, after watching Ireland Vs Moldova, the night before in the Aviva. As a result, we missed our original plans but we settled on a coffee date.

“After a coffee and green tea, we got chatting about life and it seemed so effortless. He upped the stakes for the second date and we had a lovely candle lit Italian dinner. I must have done something right!”

THE PROPOSAL

After three years of dating, Jean flew to Japan to play for Ireland at The Rugby World Cup in August 2019 which forced them to spend three months apart. When Aisling finally got the chance to visit, something amazing happened!

“The proposal was really special as we got engaged on a Safari in South Africa,” Aisling says.  “Jean, being from there, wanted it to be a part of our journey. With both of our work, time is always valuable which often requires us to be apart.

“The time apart reminded us of how much we both meant to one another. When I went to Japan to visit, Jean sneakily bought me a souvenir gemstone ring to gage my ring size. After the World Cup, we flew straight to Cape Town.

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“We went to Inverdoorn Private Game Reserse and had three days visiting lions and cheetahs at their sanctuary. On the last day at sundown, we stopped at the highest point of the bush and Jean popped the question. I was in shock and bewildered that I didn’t see it coming. So bewildered that I forgot to say yes!!” 

THE PLANNING PROCESS

Aisling and Jean enjoyed their engagement bubble and celebrating with family and friends before securing their venue at Tankardstown House.

“After about three or four months, we started viewing venues and got such a welcoming feel from Tankardstown House.” Aisling continues. “We knew it had an incredible reputation for food and the drive alone into the estate is stunning, so it was an easy choice for us.

“We had a narrow window in relation to dates as the rugby season is quite specific. Once we had that done, we chose the band and photographer and left everything for a full year. It wasn’t until then, I started shopping for a dress, bridesmaids dresses and so on.

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“Covid did effect our wedding by limiting numbers and some novelty elements of the day but we said to each other, we got engaged to get married and that was what we did. Looking back now, I wouldn’t change the day for the world.”

DREAM WEDDING TEAM

Aisling continued: “Sarah who was the wedding organiser at Tankardstown House, was amazing and knew exactly what we wanted – even when we didn’t know ourselves! Tadgh also went over and beyond to make our day special and unique, while adhering to Covid guidelines.

Jean and Aisling also made their own cake for their wedding and their flowers were by Flowers by Moira who added the perfect pop of colour to their day.

“My flowers were always going to be my main accessory,” Aisling says. “I love colour so I asked Flowers by Moira to create a colourful, wild bunch of flowers and they outdid themselves.

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“Jenny with Flowers by Moira also created my flower arch, barrels and the roof of the orangery. I knew these guys were amazing at what they do, but the talent behind these creations really stood out on the day!”

CAPTURING THE DAY

Pawel Bebenca Photography captured Jean and Aisling’s day perfectly with an array of stunning candids and picture-perfect moments.

“Pawel Bebenca was one of the first suppliers we booked,” Aisling says. “I loved his style of photography and ability to capture the small moments that make your wedding day your own.

“He takes charge, positions you and directs you when required, which is exactly what I needed. Photos are snapshots of memories, and we are beyond delighted with ours. I cannot recommend Pawel enough!”

WEDDING WARDROBE

Aisling looked like a dream in a princess-style dress by Madi Lane from Jill Jones Bridal in Belfast, featuring a sweet heart neckline, floral lace detailing and statement sleeves.

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“For me comfort and lightness was key as it was a Summer wedding. I went to five stores, all in which I found dresses I liked but when I tried on Adalyn by Madi Lane at Jill Jones Bridal, I felt utterly confident yet feminine at the same time.

“I altered the dress ever so slightly to make it my own. I rose the neckline and created a more exaggerated sweetheart shape and added puffy sleeves for drama.”

The bridesmaids rocked soft dusky pink dresses from an online boutique, Oh Hello, with accessories and clutch bags from Coast. The groom and groomsmen also looked sharp in navy numbers from Esquire Man in Limerick.

FAVOURITE MOMENTS

With such a unique and memorable day, Aisling and Jean found it hard to narrow it down to just one favourite moment.

“We have two!” Aisling shares. “During the meal, I looked up and it occurred to me that it was the only time I would have everyone in one room. It was amazing to see family and friends mix who hadn’t met before. I wish more of Jean’s family from South Africa could have been there, but I really appreciated who we did have there.

“Tankardstown House has this beautiful, wooden tree swing which makes for amazing photos. We went to sit down and all of a sudden did a full 360 and before I hit the ground, there was a rip of material. It was nice to have that moment where we remembered ourselves and how we have so much fun as two!”

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BRIDAL ADVICE

For all the busy brides-to-be planning their big day, Aisling has some wise words of advice to follow.

“My advice would be to let go,” she says. “Delegate jobs to people and trust in your suppliers. If I look back at Pawel, Tankardstown House, Flowers by Moira and our amazing band ‘Free Beer’, they ran the show seamlessly so it’s important to let them.

“You should also create a Pinterest board of the photos you want and send it to your photographer to give them an idea and act as a guide for your photos. If there is a supplier you really want, make sure to enquire early. Some require you book a year or two in advance!

“Overall, plan the wedding you and your partner want. I loved the chats with friends and family pitching ideas, but at the end of the day only you as a couple can choose. I had the best day marrying my best pal and we will never forget it!”

If you’re looking for more real life wedding inspo, check out all our real life weddings HERE

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