#9 Irish Eyes are Smiling

Our Brides – Emma

Derbyshire-based bride Emma wanted to keep things relaxed for her rustic wedding in the bluebell-filled woodland near Cork in Ireland. And the laid-back lace and flowy boho look of Rembo Styling’s Galante dress is Goldilocks levels of just right.

If you’re after simple wedding ideas that leave a beautiful setting – and the dress! – to tell the big-day story, then look no further. I love the fact that Emma knew her dress was the one when I pointed out how much she was smiling in it during her appointment. Sometimes it’s something as simple as that that makes all the difference!

Congrats Emma! You look amazing. Now can we meet your 3 year-old nephew? He sounds adorable!

Jess x

 
 

THE LOW-DOWN

How would you sum up the style of your wedding?

Rustic, relaxed and simple!

Where did you tie the knot?

Ballyvolane House in County Cork, Ireland.

And what was your wedding dress?

Galante by Rembo Styling.

 
 
 

THE DRESS

Did you have an idea of what you wanted when you first started looking for your wedding dress? And did you stick to it?

Yes, I really liked Rembo Styling dresses but hadn’t quite found the right one in other shops.

I was coming to Alexandra Anne to see an Eliza Jane Howell dress, but completely changed my mind when I found the Rembo dress that exactly fitted as I’d hoped for.

How did you find the whole experience of searching for the right dress?

I really enjoyed it. I went to Dublin for a few days to look with my Mum and sister, but had always booked an appointment in Alexandra Anne in Derbyshire to see what was available more locally to where I lived, and I was blown away by this amazing boutique!

What was it about your dress that made it ‘the one’?

It felt like exactly my style, was so comfortable, and made me smile – which Jess at Alexandra Anne had to point out to me!

I knew then it was ‘the one’. I just felt like me in it.

How did you feel once you’d made the big decision?

Very happy. I couldn’t stop smiling and was excited to tell my Mum and sister.

Do you have any top tips for other brides out there shopping for their bridal gown?

If you go to Alexandra Anne for your wedding dress, listen to Jess!

My appointment there was so relaxed, no pressure whatsoever and she knows exactly what to say, just pointing out to me that I was smiling lots was exactly what I needed to hear and helped me realise this dress was different to the others.

 
 

THE BIG DAY

Tell us more about your outfit on the day. How did you complete your look?

I kept it simple with my sister’s veil, strappy sandals from Dune, and natural flowers in my hair.

And your bridesmaids?

My sister had just had a baby, so I left it to her to find something she was comfortable in and would work on the day for her.

She found a lovely multicoloured dress in Asos, which fitted in great on the day.

Who did your hair and makeup?

Carolina Mua and Dominika Laureckis from Hair Passion in Cork.

Who took your wedding photos?

Conor Brennan Photography.

Did you follow any traditions? Or was there anything unusual about the ceremony?

We said our own vows which was the highlight. It was so personal and special and we had most people in tears!

How did your dress feel when you were walking down the aisle?

Amazing! So comfortable and easy to walk in, I never had to worry about falling over or anything!

Apart from my 3 year-old nephew who got loose and ran down the aisle to me and my Dad – lucky I didn’t fall over him!

 
 

THE MEMORIES

What are your favourite memories of your wedding day?

The ceremony – out in the woods with loads of bluebells, perfect setting.

Saying our vows.

Cutting the cake which I made myself.

All the dancing and fun with everyone!

What gave you the biggest laugh?

My nephew completely stealing the limelight of me walking down the aisle!

It made everyone laugh and is a special memory which I’ll embarrass him about when he’s 18!

What got the tears flowing?

Our vows!

If there was one piece of advice you could give to a new bride-to-be, what would it be?

Don’t be nervous on the morning: it will all work out as planned!

And last but not least, where is your wedding dress now?

At my parents’ house in Cork.

 
 

THE RECAP

Dress

Galante by Rembo Styling

Accessories

Sandals by Dune
Natural flowers

Venue

Ballyvolane House, County Cork, Ireland

Photography

Conor Brennan Photography

Hair and makeup

Hair Passion (Cork)

Decor

DIY

Flowers

Ina McCarthy for Flowers

Stationery

DIY

Entertainment

The Cosmonauts (band)

First dance song

Kiss Me by Sixpence None the Richer

Have you only got eyes for Emma’s dress?