In picturesque Killaloe, Ireland, Jaclyn and Ronan meticulously planned their dream wedding from afar, surrounded by nature’s serenity. On June 24th, 2017, the loving couple exchanged vows in a warm-hearted ceremony, flanked by their families and the gentle Irish landscape. The idyllic setting was a perfect backdrop for their joyous celebration.Jaclyn shone in her stunning Grace Loves Lace dress, a perfect blend of elegance and whimsy. The flowing garment allowed her to effortlessly glide into dancing mode later in the day. Meanwhile, Ronan exuded style and sophistication in his three-piece tweed suit, matching Jaclyn’s poise and charm.The lush florals added a touch of tropical paradise and meadow-like whimsy, perfectly capturing the essence of their summer wedding. The couple’s personal touches infused the day with warmth and beauty, making it a truly unforgettable celebration.Honey and the Moon Photography beautifully captured the magic of the day, including enchanting couples’ shots that are simply captivating. We’re thrilled to share these wonderful images with our readers today, courtesy of Jaclyn and Ronan.
The Proposal
Ronan and Jaclyn’s whirlwind romance was put to the test as they navigated the bustling streets of New York City. En route to visiting Jaclyn’s family in Canada, they found themselves on a mission to find the perfect spot for Ronan to propose. The first hurdle came when he tried to book a trip to Ellis Island, only to discover that it required months’ notice. Undeterred, he opted for a cruise around the Statue of Liberty instead, but this too was marred by screaming children and a filthy boat. Next up was a fine dining French restaurant in Manhattan, where they found themselves seated beside a boisterous group of 15 women celebrating a hen’s night. The evening took a further turn when Ronan suggested a romantic walk in Central Park, only to be met with the harsh reality of the city at night – think drugs, homelessness, and public urination. Desperate for a better outcome, Ronan led Jaclyn towards Times Square, where they stumbled upon an old lady offering her newspaper-wrapped cart as a makeshift bench. As the snowflakes fell gently around them, an art show burst onto the screens at midnight, prompting Ronan to finally drop to one knee and pop the question. With no hesitation whatsoever, Jaclyn said yes, drenched in the wet snow.
The Vision
Jaclyn and Ronan’s dream wedding was all about bringing together their two families, along with their close-knit group of Australian friends who had become like family to them. With Jaclyn hailing from Canada and Ronan from Ireland, they wanted a celebration that would seamlessly blend the cultural traditions of both heritages with the relaxed atmosphere of their adopted home. The couple’s vision was a low-key, stress-free day surrounded by nature’s serenity, allowing everyone to unwind and enjoy each other’s company in a beautiful outdoor setting.
The Planning Process
In planning their Australian nuptials, Jaclyn and Ronan relied heavily on recommendations from friends and family. A significant portion of this planning was carried out by Ronan’s mother, Margaret, who visited the Anna Carriga venue on behalf of the couple. Her experience was nothing short of transformative – she was struck by the breathtaking natural beauty that surrounded the venue and deeply moved by the warmth and generosity of the owners and managers at both the village and the wedding site.
The Venue
Nestled on the Clare side of picturesque Lough Derg, just 5 minutes from the historic town of Kilaloe, Anna Carriga offered an idyllic setting for the wedding. The venue’s permanent marquee structure boasted glass windows all around, providing breathtaking views of the lake to all guests. As a popular destination, the village itself comprises approximately 30-40 villas and town homes that could be rented by attendees, allowing families to stay on for a short holiday and enjoy quality time with loved ones without the pressure of rushing off after the celebration. Over the course of the three-day event, the atmosphere was electric, with guests socialising, enjoying festive drinks, dancing the night away, and engaging in traditional activities like Canadian horseshoes – leaving everyone feeling merry and well-acquainted by the end.
The Readings & Music
At St. Molua’s Church in Ogonnelloe, Loinnir’s enchanting church music left a lasting impression on the wedding guests. To this day, Jaclyn and Ronan still receive inquiries about the talented musicians who performed at their special day. Meanwhile, Pat Mac and his friend brought the energy with lively accordion tunes during canapé hour at Anna Carriga. As the evening unfolded, Gary Lonergan from Wedding DJs Dublin took center stage, effortlessly blending cultural styles to keep the dance floor packed until the wee hours of the morning. With Irish sets, bride-and-groom-on-shoulders moments, and Luke Kelly’s iconic tunes, the night was an unforgettable celebration of love, music, and merriment.
Your Outfits & Accessories
Jaclyn’s stunning wedding look was completed with a dress designed by Australian fashion brand, Grace Love Lace. Specifically, she opted for the ‘Alexandria’ design, a fitted halter-style lace gown featuring a keyhole back and a daring slit that ran from the knees down to showcase her Dosa heels – also crafted by Grace Loves Lace. A 120cm long lace train provided an effortless and lightweight solution for styling after the photo shoot.
Beauty
Ahead of her big day, Jaclyn treated herself to a girls’ getaway in Cork City, where she was joined by Ronan’s two sisters, his mother, and a family friend. The group kicked things off with a hair trial at Hair Passion by Dominika, who later traveled to Kilaloe on the morning of the wedding to style the tresses of seven women, including the bride herself. Everyone in attendance was thoroughly impressed with the quality and style of the work, which set the tone for an unforgettable experience. Following her hair trial, Jaclyn and her entourage paid a visit to Jo Malone, where they worked together to create a custom scent for her wedding day. In the end, she opted for a nectarine body lotion paired with a blackberry perfume. As the big day approached, Jaclyn’s cousin Tawnya took charge of makeup duties, crafting stunning looks for Jaclyn, her mother, and her sister using MAC products. Meanwhile, Fiona Coyne, a talented makeup artist from Galway, made the trip to Kilaloe to pamper the rest of the bridal party and groomsmen’s significant others.
Your Photographer
Jess and Karoline from Honey and the Moon Photography traveled from Northern Ireland to capture Jaclyn and Ronan’s special day. The couple chose them for their unique ability to freeze sentimental moments, natural beauty, and create lasting memories. From dawn till a few songs after the first dance, they effortlessly blended in, making Jaclyn and Ronan feel at ease throughout the shoots. With no need for direction, the photographers took charge and delivered stunning results. As a lovely surprise, the couple received a beautifully crafted wooden box at their Australian home, containing digital prints, photos on a USB, 100 of their favorite prints, and one framed print – a treasured keepsake of their magical day.
Your Filmmaker
As Robin Wallace expertly wove himself into the fabric of our daily routine, his cameras and drones quietly documented every moment from dawn till dusk. With no need for guidance, he effortlessly blended into the background, his unobtrusive presence allowing him to capture the day’s nuances with precision. His creative output included a concise five-minute montage that encapsulated the essence of the day, as well as a two-hour video masterpiece that Ronan and Jaclyn lovingly revisit on their anniversaries. The exceptional quality of his work is truly remarkable.
Bridesmaids
In a picturesque display of sisterly solidarity, Jaclyn entrusted the creation of her three bridesmaid dresses to renowned dressmaker Nancy Khau, based in Brisbane, Australia. The trio of gowns, each featuring a unique shade of blue, was carefully crafted by Nancy’s skilled hands, reflecting the harmonious bond between Jaclyn and her closest friends.
Groomsmen
Ronan’s sartorial choice for the special day was a navy blue tweed three-piece suit, adorned with a copper pocket watch – a thoughtful wedding gift from Jaclyn received the night before. His groomsmen and the two fathers, meanwhile, opted for identical three-piece navy blue suits, albeit without the tweed material. The suits themselves were sourced from the esteemed Dublin tailor Suits You, adding an extra layer of elegance to the proceedings.
The Details & Décor
To complement their rustic charm, Jaclyn and Ronan opted for a décor that harmoniously blended with the great outdoors. Wooden elements and an abundance of fresh flowers brought warmth and serenity to the setting. Meanwhile, bespoke printed menus and cards were carefully crafted by Jaclyn’s cousin Danny DuBreil, infusing each detail with personal touch.
The Flowers
The Cake
Ronan’s school friend, Siobhan Butler from Tipperary, played a crucial role in ensuring the wedding’s rustic charm was reflected in the cakes. Her impeccable coordination with the florist and venue manager allowed Ronan and Jaclyn to relax, knowing that all details were taken care of. As an added surprise, Siobhan presented the couple with a bottle of champagne upon delivering the cake, a thoughtful gesture that further showcased her attention to detail and dedication to making their special day unforgettable.
The Honeymoon
Following their special day, Jaclyn and Ronan embarked on a relaxing eight-day getaway to Belgium and the Netherlands. Their itinerary took them to charming destinations such as medieval Bruges, historic Leuven, bustling Brussels, picturesque Geithoorn, tranquil Valkenburg, and vibrant Amsterdam, allowing them to unwind and take in the unique cultures of each location.
Memorable Moments
Advice For Other Couples
A crucial tip that the couple’s friends shared with them was to select a venue where the bar is strategically located adjacent to the dance floor. This clever layout ensures that guests remain mingling throughout the night, making it effortless for the guys to stay and join in on the dancing fun.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
We’re thrilled to share the enchanting wedding story of Jaclyn and Ronan, brought to life by Honey and the Moon Photography. The lovely couple’s special day featured a stunning dress by Grace Loves Lace, as part of their membership in Bridal Fashion. The picturesque venue was provided by Anna Carriga, setting the tone for an unforgettable celebration. To add to the magic, Loinnir’s beautiful ceremony music filled the air, while Suits You brought their A-game with the stylish suits worn by the happy couple and their guests.