A "Foreign" Garden Party Wedding at Ashley Park House: Evette & Brian

With swoon-inducing scenery and bridesmaids in whimsical tiered tulle!

You would be forgiven for thinking that this Irish real wedding was in fact a destination wedding. Evette and Brian tied the knot at the enchanting Ashley Park House on the edge of Lough Ourna in Co. Tipperary in a sunshine-soaked wedding day. We'd be shocked if they didn't have the Child of Prague in the garden the night before as temperatures soared to 30 degrees, so much so that their big day ended up feeling like a "foreign garden party wedding". From the bride's wedding gown with show-stopping lace sleeves to her bridesmaids looking phenomenal in tiered tulle, the seriously scenic lakeside ceremony and the chic cream aesthetic of their elegantly relaxed reception, there is so much to marvel at. If you're dreaming of a summer wedding then get ready to be inspired beyond belief when you see the gorgeous wedding images from narrative wedding photographer Syona Photography.

So, let's get better acquainted with our West of Ireland sweethearts. Evette is from Limerick and Brian is from Cork. While they originally met in University College Cork their paths would cross again eight years later when they were both living in Dublin.

While Brian's proposal plans were scuppered by the weather, their engagement story is still so magical. "It was the second summer of Covid and we were going on a staycation in the West of Ireland. We drove up to Mayo and Brian had planned to propose in the Mayo dark sky park, but clouds ruined his plans."

"He quickly checked the weather in Achill and thought of Keem Bay as a back up. Brian proposed in front of the sea while we were drinking cans and waiting for the BBQ to heat up! He was so nervous that he practically shouted at me and I got such a fright! A hiker in the hills above saw the whole scene and took some lovely photos for us. It was really special." Today, they live in Cork.

It was love at first sight for Evette and Brian when it came to choosing their dream wedding venue. "It was the only venue we actually viewed! From the minute we got to Ashley Park we knew that we didn’t want to get married anywhere else." The stunning lake views and picturesque gardens at the beloved Tipperary venue acted as the inspiration for their wedding aesthetic.

Their wedding took place on August 11th, 2022. "We wanted it to be a very relaxed day full of craic and that’s exactly what we got. The overall theme of the day was garden party. It also turned out to be the hottest week of the year so in the end the theme became more foreign wedding in County Tipperary." As it was 30 degrees on the day, one of their top priorities was keeping their guests cool and hydrated.

We couldn't take our eyes off the phenomenal lace puff sleeves on Evette's bespoke wedding dress which also featured a square neckline, a lace bodice and an elegant skirt with a flowing train. She added a dreamy cathedral veil and floral drop earrings while her bridal shoes had twinkling jewel straps. Her bridesmaids enchanted in whimsical cream tiered polka dot midi dresses and the flower girls were beyond adorable in their dresses with ruffled sleeves which they wore with cute Mary Jane shoes featuring ruffled straps.

The couple tied the knot in the The Boathouse, a converted structure with a glass extension boasting breathtaking lake views. It was their loved ones who made their ceremony so magical and memorable. "From the get go we wanted the wedding to be all about the people so we tried to include our guests as much as possible."

Dapper groom Brian opted for a slick made to measure suit from Louis Copeland & Sons which featured a deep blue blazer with black lapels and he accessorised with a black bowtie, white shirt, black patent shoes and a cream floral buttonhole.

They couldn't recommend their celebrant more. "He made such an effort to get to know us before the wedding and the ceremony was really personal as a result. Half of the ceremony was through Irish and Billy did an ancient stone circle blessing with us which was really special."

Evette and Brian are real music lovers and it played a special role in their ceremony. "We took a long time trying to decide the music we wanted played during the ceremony in particular. It was really special to have Evette’s brothers Dan and Barry and our friend Sam Pendlebury to perform the ceremony music."

Brian had organised a very special surprise for Evette during the ceremony with a sentimental song that played a key role in their love story. Eve, the Apple of My Eye by Bell X1. "For context, Brian met Evette’s family for the first time while at a Bell X1 concert in Limerick. Afterwards Barry, Evette’s brother, told a friend of hers that he would be singing that song at their wedding one day."

"He stayed true to that promise and it was one of the highlights of the day. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house!"

156 of their nearest and dearest joined them on their wedding and the couple felt blessed as family members journeyed from far and wide to celebrate the most special day of their lives. "It became very much a family wedding and reunion for everyone. We were very lucky to have family on both sides travel from all over the world to be there for the day."

Bride stands in woodland during her foreign garden party wedding at Ashley Park House

From the beech woodlands to the walled gardens, the idyllic countryside venue boasts so many remarkably beautiful wedding photo locations. We wonder if the couple met the resident peacocks on their travels?

The exclusive-use venue is famous for its warm atmosphere and the attentive wedding team that goes the extra mile to ensure a stress-free wedding day. There is a strong focus on great food with chefs at the venue working alongside an organic gardener to produce seasonal menus with a passion for flavour and freshness.

Reflecting on their experience at Ashley Park Hotel, the couple says: "Margaret and her staff go above and beyond for you. The food is fresh and delicious. Overall, we felt the lovely relaxed nature of Ashley Park suited us perfectly. The fact that you’re the only people in the venue make it all feel very personal too."

We were curious to know what advice Evette and Brian would have when it comes to wedding planning. They say: "It may sound cliché but just try and enjoy every moment of the day. Don’t sweat the small stuff in the lead up to it as it will all come together. Just remember that everyone is there to celebrate the two of you and that’s the most incredible feeling."

The glass-fronted pavilion seats up to 300 guests and it boasts marvellous lakeside views so it is an awe-inducing spot to hold a reception.

The reception room was styled with a fresh white palette with fresh cream blooms and lush foliage giving a nod to the incredible natural surrounds there were colourful bouquets dotted on the tables along with table signs created from treasured old photos of Evette and Brian - how sweet.

You know we love making a wedding music playlist around here. There are so many wonderful alternative first dance songs to choose and to hit the dancefloor for the first time as man and wife they selected This Modern Love by Bloc Party.

They kept the good times going with their day two bash which was held in Curragower pub in Limerick.

The newlyweds picked the immensely glamorous Amalfi Coast as their honeymoon destination.

Congratulations Evette and Brian on your magical wedding day, we were delighted to share it on One Fab Day. Thank you to Syona Photography for providing the wonderful imagery. There are even more photographs to swoon over in the gallery below.

Dreaming of a sun-soaked wedding day? Check out more Summer Real Weddings and follow One Fab Day's Instagram for even more inspiration.

Recommended Suppliers

Suppliers 

Photographer //
Syona Photography
|
Wedding Dress Designer/Label //
Orlaith Carroll
|
Bridal Shoes //
Lace and Favour
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Bridal Accessories //
One Dame Lane
|
Bridesmaid Dresses //
Sandro Paris
|
Bridesmaid Shoes //
Mango
|
Groomsmen Suits/Page Boy Outfits //
Esquire Formal Wear
|
Flower Girl Outfits //
Next
|
Mother of the Bride Outfit //
The Attic Bridalwear Boutique
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Mother of the Groom Outfit //
Ela Maria
|
Flowers/Bouquets & Boutonnieres //
Lawless Flowers
|
Stationery Printers //
Thomond Painting
|
Wedding Rings //
Ger O'Donnell Jewellers
|
Ceremony Music //
Hermitage Green
|
Reception Music //
Toucan Boogie
|
//
Emmo
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Celebrant //
Billy Mag Fhloinn
|
Day Two Venue //
Curragower
|
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