Suzanne Neville Couture for a Glamorous Winter Wedding in an Ancient Irish Abbey

6a0120a65f64b9970c019b01d279c3970c pi

‘Here before her was the scene she had pictured for months: all of the faces of the most important people in her life were smiling back at her, welling up at the vision of her exquisite custom made gown and wishing her well. And at the head of the aisle was the one man that knew her like nobody else, that wanted to spend the rest of his life with her – it was utterly perfect.’

‘It was no wonder that beneath her delicate veil, Jayne beamed with absolute certainty that this was better than she could ever have imagined. Every fibre of her being longed to be by Brian’s side and yet she fought against it, savouring the sensation of the slow walk, of her father’s powerful presence by her side, of the sonorous music resounding around the abbey.’

‘And then as she reached the end of the aisle, Brian’s bowed head looked up at last and for the first time he too saw the glorious vision that had already sent the congregation behind him into cascades of loving tears. He saw the glittering head piece beneath the veil, the delicate swathes of lace accented with a silver ribbon, but most of all he saw the gorgeous smile of his soul mate beaming back at him.’

‘Unhooking Jayne’s arm from his own, John leaned across and shook Brian’s hand. Together, the two men gently lifted Jayne’s veil, revealing her face fully as they tucked the delicate material behind her head. Brian leaned in, kissed her softly on the cheek and provoked more tears from the onlookers in the church. Together they shared little words beneath the crescendo of music, reassuring one another in the surreal moment and eliciting tiny giggles from each other.’

{An extract from Jayne and Brian’s Wedding Report}

Photography Copyright (c) 2013, Paul Kelly

Suzanne Neville Wedding Dress, Irish Wedding, wedding in Ireland, Christmas wedding, Winter wedding, Purple wedding, Photography by Paul Kelly

The Wedding Reporter is a tough act to follow, but I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to include some of her delicious prose in my post today. Emma’s words set the scene perfectly for a feature dedicated to the wedding of a very special couple. Jayne and Brian were married last year on December 1st at Ballintubber Abbey, Co Mayo, Ireland. Their traditional Catholic Mass was followed by a reception at nearby Ashford Castle.

Suzanne Neville Wedding Dress, Irish Wedding, wedding in Ireland, Christmas wedding, Winter wedding, Purple wedding, Photography by Paul Kelly

I feel particularly privileged to be sharing this wedding with you all as I happen to have met the bride and groom on more than one occasion at various industry gatherings. Alongside her mother Marian, Jayne runs Rainbow Celebrations, a small business specialising in lovingly hand painted, unique ceramics that are perfect for weddings and special events. Jayne’s creativity and artistic tendencies were evidenced throughout her wedding day.

Suzanne Neville Wedding Dress, Irish Wedding, wedding in Ireland, Christmas wedding, Winter wedding, Purple wedding, Photography by Paul Kelly

‘Brian and I were introduced by a mutual friend and met on a blind date. On St Patrick’s Day, 17th March 2011, we went for dinner and hit it off straight away. Our second date was two days later and Brian came to my shop to paint a mug, it was quite funny I don’t think he had ever painted before! We were engaged on the 17th December 2011.’

‘Brian had been planning his proposal for a couple of months. We had chatted lots about rings and getting married. We both knew we wanted to be together, I just didn’t know he had it all planned! That morning we were both a little delicate after a Christmas party the night before. Brian was getting breakfast ready and I was lying on the couch. He came in with a bowl and said he had forgotten to tell me he had the perfect hangover cure. He lifted his hand and there was the ring box! He bent down on one knee and asked me to marry him. He really got me! I was totally blown away and shocked that he had managed to surprise me! It was so lovely and relaxed… of course I said a big massive YES! We were engaged for 11 months before the wedding.’

‘The castle and the abbey were a big influence on our wedding style… the Old Worldly feel and the ancient grandeur. The castle itself is 12th century and so is the Abbey.  Purple was our main colour and we also included beautiful peacock feathers.’

Suzanne Neville Wedding Dress, Irish Wedding, wedding in Ireland, Christmas wedding, Winter wedding, Purple wedding, Photography by Paul Kelly

Jayne wore a spectacular couture gown by Suzanne Neville which she purchased from Miss Bush Bridal Wear, in Ripley, Surrey.

I am a curvy girl and, after the initial high of our engagement, I began to dread dress shopping. I was just was so nervous about going to some of the boutiques and not being able to fit into anything. My mum and I popped into a few places, but I didn’t try anything on. The samples were just too small… so I just browsed. I kept saying to myself, ‘I will end up getting something, but it won’t be the fairytale dress experience’.’  

Suzanne Neville Wedding Dress, Irish Wedding, wedding in Ireland, Christmas wedding, Winter wedding, Purple wedding, Photography by Paul Kelly

‘A few school friends recommended Miss Bush. We made an appointment and I was so nervous! I was expecting a similar experience to other boutiques. Once I met Emma it was just amazing. With big boobs in common we sat down and started talking and sketching. Her knowledge and experience shone through and she took so much time. It was as though as soon as she saw me she knew exactly what would work. With the fabulous Suzanne Neville they designed me the most beautiful couture gown.’

Suzanne Neville Wedding Dress, Irish Wedding, wedding in Ireland, Christmas wedding, Winter wedding, Purple wedding, Photography by Paul Kelly

‘The whole dress experience went from a source of massive dread to one of the best parts of the wedding for me personally. I felt so confident in my dress and for once I was excited about the prospect of people looking at me. Most of all I couldn’t wait to see Brian’s face. I really couldn’t wait to walk down the aisle! The service that Emma and her team provide is incredible.’

‘The in house alterations service in particular really sets them apart from other boutiques. They take such an interest in your big day… the details, the venue… they get the whole picture and you aren’t ever made to feel like just another bride buying a dress.’

Suzanne Neville Wedding Dress, Irish Wedding, wedding in Ireland, Christmas wedding, Winter wedding, Purple wedding, Photography by Paul Kelly

Jayne also wore Christian Louboutin shoes and a stunning headdress by Natasha Jane Headwear.

‘My earrings and necklace were blue and diamond sapphires. They originally belonged to my grandmother who unfortunately passed away a couple of months before the wedding. They were given to her by my grandfather as a gift. Brian also gave me a bracelet from Tiffany’s the night before the wedding.’

The couple hired all the suits from a formal wear company in Dublin that has since gone into liquidation. Brian wore shoes from Bertie and cufflinks from Tiffany.

Suzanne Neville Wedding Dress, Irish Wedding, wedding in Ireland, Christmas wedding, Winter wedding, Purple wedding, Photography by Paul Kelly

Suzanne Neville Wedding Dress, Irish Wedding, wedding in Ireland, Christmas wedding, Winter wedding, Purple wedding, Photography by Paul Kelly

Jayne’s bridesmaids wore dresses by Two Birds with shoes purchased from Next. Their fabulous shrugs, perfect for keeping the winter chill at bay, were handmade by Gillian Million. Jayne and Brian also treated each maid to earrings and a pendant from Links of London.

The classic flower girl dresses were by Nikki Macfarlane, while the younger male attendants were kitted out at Debenhams.

Suzanne Neville Wedding Dress, Irish Wedding, wedding in Ireland, Christmas wedding, Winter wedding, Purple wedding, Photography by Paul Kelly

Jayne and her father walked down the aisle to Pachelbel’s Canon in D.

‘I remember feeling so calm up until I walked down the aisle and then I just started crying ever so slightly. The emotion of holding on to my Dad and seeing my Brian at the end of the aisle… that was really very special.’

‘My mum was my partner in crime though! We had such a ball planning and styling the day. She also wanted to look fab! I always think she does, but she wanted to feel extra special, so we had a great time visiting Bruce Oldfield where she got her outfit. The hat, which my dad was charged with collecting and driving to Ireland, was from Edwina Ibbotson.’

Suzanne Neville Wedding Dress, Irish Wedding, wedding in Ireland, Christmas wedding, Winter wedding, Purple wedding, Photography by Paul Kelly

Suzanne Neville Wedding Dress, Irish Wedding, wedding in Ireland, Christmas wedding, Winter wedding, Purple wedding, Photography by Paul Kelly

Suzanne Neville Wedding Dress, Irish Wedding, wedding in Ireland, Christmas wedding, Winter wedding, Purple wedding, Photography by Paul Kelly

Suzanne Neville Wedding Dress, Irish Wedding, wedding in Ireland, Christmas wedding, Winter wedding, Purple wedding, Photography by Paul Kelly

Suzanne Neville Wedding Dress, Irish Wedding, wedding in Ireland, Christmas wedding, Winter wedding, Purple wedding, Photography by Paul Kelly

Suzanne Neville Wedding Dress, Irish Wedding, wedding in Ireland, Christmas wedding, Winter wedding, Purple wedding, Photography by Paul Kelly

Suzanne Neville Wedding Dress, Irish Wedding, wedding in Ireland, Christmas wedding, Winter wedding, Purple wedding, Photography by Paul Kelly

Suzanne Neville Wedding Dress, Irish Wedding, wedding in Ireland, Christmas wedding, Winter wedding, Purple wedding, Photography by Paul Kelly

Suzanne Neville Wedding Dress, Irish Wedding, wedding in Ireland, Christmas wedding, Winter wedding, Purple wedding, Photography by Paul Kelly

Jayne and her mother took a very ‘hands on’ approach to the wedding, adding numerous special touches to personalise the day.

‘We designed and made all the paper goods ourselves. I also painted the favours. We decided to go with a Christmas bauble as there was a hint of festiveness about the wedding. I created a peacock design with each guest’s name on one side and a ‘thank you for coming’ note on the other.’

‘I also designed and painted our table plan using plates and hearts. It was based on the famous 1950s film ‘The Quiet Man’ that was set at Ashford Castle and starred John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara. We named all our tables after characters from the film.’

Suzanne Neville Wedding Dress, Irish Wedding, wedding in Ireland, Christmas wedding, Winter wedding, Purple wedding, Photography by Paul Kelly

‘We held a cocktail party the night before the wedding. We filled teapots with ‘peacotail’ and I painted them in the same peacock design. The recipe for the cocktail featured on the other side.’

‘My mum and I also baked and iced 200 biscuits to welcome everyone on arrival at the hotel. We created our own sweetie buffet, sourcing glassware, sweets and bags etc. We had a wishing tree and tags and we collected lots of props for our photo booth from all over the place in the run up to the wedding.’

‘We wanted to scent the wedding so we would always have a smell to remember our day. We had candles running up the aisle in the church and in all the bathrooms at the castle. We used Bella Bougie and the scent was called winter. Andrea was fabulous and so lovely to deal with.’

Suzanne Neville Wedding Dress, Irish Wedding, wedding in Ireland, Christmas wedding, Winter wedding, Purple wedding, Photography by Paul Kelly

‘Raytus and Mark from Yes Flowers in Galway were unbelievable. I can only describe them as pure artists. We had lots of meetings with them and as they are based in Galway city they knew the castle and the abbey really well. From early on we decided on vanda orchids as our main flower and from there they just developed the most amazing displays. The orchid trees outside the abbey were particularly spectacular! From August they grew orchids around apple trees in preparation for the big day. They did an amazing job on our tables and bouquets and button holes too.  I can’t recommend them enough.’

‘Our cake was from Fortnum and Mason. My dad had to drive the cake from London to the West of Ireland. He said he has never been so nervous!

Suzanne Neville Wedding Dress, Irish Wedding, wedding in Ireland, Christmas wedding, Winter wedding, Purple wedding, Photography by Paul Kelly

The couple also organised plenty of entertainment for their guests.

‘In the church, we had Corrib Quartet and a soprano singer. Our drinks reception featured a jazz trio called the Rose Room Café {no website} and our band was The Bentley Boys. For our first dance we chose Frank Sinatra’s ‘It Had To Be You’. From the moment we met, we have always felt that about each other… that it just had to be you.’

Suzanne Neville Wedding Dress, Irish Wedding, wedding in Ireland, Christmas wedding, Winter wedding, Purple wedding, Photography by Paul Kelly

‘Another amazing aspect of our day was having The Wedding Reporter. Emma was fantastic and I am so glad we have our report to read through forever.’

‘The moment that really stopped time for me was the fireworks. They were a complete surprise! I had no idea they had been organised and, as we stood away from our family and friends looking up at them, we had moment to reflect on the amazingness of the day. I really don’t think we would have done anything differently. We have asked each other this question often over the last few months. Although obviously everything didn’t go exactly to plan, the way it went was perfect for us.’

Suzanne Neville Wedding Dress, Irish Wedding, wedding in Ireland, Christmas wedding, Winter wedding, Purple wedding, Photography by Paul Kelly

Suzanne Neville Wedding Dress, Irish Wedding, wedding in Ireland, Christmas wedding, Winter wedding, Purple wedding, Photography by Paul Kelly

Suzanne Neville Wedding Dress, Irish Wedding, wedding in Ireland, Christmas wedding, Winter wedding, Purple wedding, Photography by Paul Kelly

Suzanne Neville Wedding Dress, Irish Wedding, wedding in Ireland, Christmas wedding, Winter wedding, Purple wedding, Photography by Paul Kelly

Suzanne Neville Wedding Dress, Irish Wedding, wedding in Ireland, Christmas wedding, Winter wedding, Purple wedding, Photography by Paul Kelly

Suzanne Neville Wedding Dress, Irish Wedding, wedding in Ireland, Christmas wedding, Winter wedding, Purple wedding, Photography by Paul Kelly

Suzanne Neville Wedding Dress, Irish Wedding, wedding in Ireland, Christmas wedding, Winter wedding, Purple wedding, Photography by Paul Kelly

Suzanne Neville Wedding Dress, Irish Wedding, wedding in Ireland, Christmas wedding, Winter wedding, Purple wedding, Photography by Paul Kelly

Suzanne Neville Wedding Dress, Irish Wedding, wedding in Ireland, Christmas wedding, Winter wedding, Purple wedding, Photography by Paul Kelly

Suzanne Neville Wedding Dress, Irish Wedding, wedding in Ireland, Christmas wedding, Winter wedding, Purple wedding, Photography by Paul Kelly

Suzanne Neville Wedding Dress, Irish Wedding, wedding in Ireland, Christmas wedding, Winter wedding, Purple wedding, Photography by Paul Kelly

Suzanne Neville Wedding Dress, Irish Wedding, wedding in Ireland, Christmas wedding, Winter wedding, Purple wedding, Photography by Paul Kelly

Suzanne Neville Wedding Dress, Irish Wedding, wedding in Ireland, Christmas wedding, Winter wedding, Purple wedding, Photography by Paul Kelly

Suzanne Neville Wedding Dress, Irish Wedding, wedding in Ireland, Christmas wedding, Winter wedding, Purple wedding, Photography by Paul Kelly

Suzanne Neville Wedding Dress, Irish Wedding, wedding in Ireland, Christmas wedding, Winter wedding, Purple wedding, Photography by Paul Kelly

Suzanne Neville Wedding Dress, Irish Wedding, wedding in Ireland, Christmas wedding, Winter wedding, Purple wedding, Photography by Paul Kelly

Suzanne Neville Wedding Dress, Irish Wedding, wedding in Ireland, Christmas wedding, Winter wedding, Purple wedding, Photography by Paul Kelly

Suzanne Neville Wedding Dress, Irish Wedding, wedding in Ireland, Christmas wedding, Winter wedding, Purple wedding, Photography by Paul Kelly

Suzanne Neville Wedding Dress, Irish Wedding, wedding in Ireland, Christmas wedding, Winter wedding, Purple wedding, Photography by Paul Kelly

Suzanne Neville Wedding Dress, Irish Wedding, wedding in Ireland, Christmas wedding, Winter wedding, Purple wedding, Photography by Paul Kelly

Suzanne Neville Wedding Dress, Irish Wedding, wedding in Ireland, Christmas wedding, Winter wedding, Purple wedding, Photography by Paul Kelly

Suzanne Neville Wedding Dress, Irish Wedding, wedding in Ireland, Christmas wedding, Winter wedding, Purple wedding, Photography by Paul Kelly

Suzanne Neville Wedding Dress, Irish Wedding, wedding in Ireland, Christmas wedding, Winter wedding, Purple wedding, Photography by Paul Kelly

Suzanne Neville Wedding Dress, Irish Wedding, wedding in Ireland, Christmas wedding, Winter wedding, Purple wedding, Photography by Paul Kelly

Suzanne Neville Wedding Dress, Irish Wedding, wedding in Ireland, Christmas wedding, Winter wedding, Purple wedding, Photography by Paul Kelly

Suzanne Neville Wedding Dress, Irish Wedding, wedding in Ireland, Christmas wedding, Winter wedding, Purple wedding, Photography by Paul Kelly

Suzanne Neville Wedding Dress, Irish Wedding, wedding in Ireland, Christmas wedding, Winter wedding, Purple wedding, Photography by Paul Kelly

Suzanne Neville Wedding Dress, Irish Wedding, wedding in Ireland, Christmas wedding, Winter wedding, Purple wedding, Photography by Paul Kelly

Suzanne Neville Wedding Dress, Irish Wedding, wedding in Ireland, Christmas wedding, Winter wedding, Purple wedding, Photography by Paul Kelly

Suzanne Neville Wedding Dress, Irish Wedding, wedding in Ireland, Christmas wedding, Winter wedding, Purple wedding, Photography by Paul Kelly

Suzanne Neville Wedding Dress, Irish Wedding, wedding in Ireland, Christmas wedding, Winter wedding, Purple wedding, Photography by Paul Kelly

Suzanne Neville Wedding Dress, Irish Wedding, wedding in Ireland, Christmas wedding, Winter wedding, Purple wedding, Photography by Paul Kelly

Suzanne Neville Wedding Dress, Irish Wedding, wedding in Ireland, Christmas wedding, Winter wedding, Purple wedding, Photography by Paul Kelly

Suzanne Neville Wedding Dress, Irish Wedding, wedding in Ireland, Christmas wedding, Winter wedding, Purple wedding, Photography by Paul Kelly

Suzanne Neville Wedding Dress, Irish Wedding, wedding in Ireland, Christmas wedding, Winter wedding, Purple wedding, Photography by Paul Kelly

Suzanne Neville Wedding Dress, Irish Wedding, wedding in Ireland, Christmas wedding, Winter wedding, Purple wedding, Photography by Paul Kelly

Suzanne Neville Wedding Dress, Irish Wedding, wedding in Ireland, Christmas wedding, Winter wedding, Purple wedding, Photography by Paul Kelly

Suzanne Neville Wedding Dress, Irish Wedding, wedding in Ireland, Christmas wedding, Winter wedding, Purple wedding, Photography by Paul Kelly

Suzanne Neville Wedding Dress, Irish Wedding, wedding in Ireland, Christmas wedding, Winter wedding, Purple wedding, Photography by Paul Kelly

Suzanne Neville Wedding Dress, Irish Wedding, wedding in Ireland, Christmas wedding, Winter wedding, Purple wedding, Photography by Paul Kelly

Suzanne Neville Wedding Dress, Irish Wedding, wedding in Ireland, Christmas wedding, Winter wedding, Purple wedding, Photography by Paul Kelly

Suzanne Neville Wedding Dress, Irish Wedding, wedding in Ireland, Christmas wedding, Winter wedding, Purple wedding, Photography by Paul Kelly

Suzanne Neville Wedding Dress, Irish Wedding, wedding in Ireland, Christmas wedding, Winter wedding, Purple wedding, Photography by Paul Kelly

Suzanne Neville Wedding Dress, Irish Wedding, wedding in Ireland, Christmas wedding, Winter wedding, Purple wedding, Photography by Paul Kelly

Suzanne Neville Wedding Dress, Irish Wedding, wedding in Ireland, Christmas wedding, Winter wedding, Purple wedding, Photography by Paul Kelly

Suzanne Neville Wedding Dress, Irish Wedding, wedding in Ireland, Christmas wedding, Winter wedding, Purple wedding, Photography by Paul Kelly

Words of Wedded Wisdom

‘I have lots of friends in this position at the moment and I was also bridesmaid twice last year, so I’ve gained real insight into the stresses and strains of planning a wedding. I think it’s important to remember it is about the two of you and everything else really is insignificant.

I think throughout the planning you have a few of these sobering moments when things are spiralling out of control. Believe me it is going to be the most amazing day of your life! No one prepares you or can tell you just how amazing the feeling is.’

Suzanne Neville Wedding Dress, Irish Wedding, wedding in Ireland, Christmas wedding, Winter wedding, Purple wedding, Photography by Paul Kelly

All that remains is for me to thank Jayne and Brian for allowing us to share their beautiful wedding today. Annabel and I also want to send them lots of love and best wishes ahead of their upcoming anniversary. The couple recently welcomed their first daughter, Lily, and they’ve decided to celebrate her christening exactly a year to the day since they were wed. I can’t think of a better way to mark such a special occasion!

Much love,

Franky

Heart

 

 

Photographer – Paul Kelly
Venue – Ballintubber Abbey and Ashford Castle
Wedding Dress – Suzanne Neville via Miss Bush Bridal Wear
Headpiece – Natasha Jane Headwear
Brides’ shoes – Christian Louboutin
Bride’s accessories – Grandmother’s jewellery and a Tiffany bracelet.
Groom’s Attire – Hired
Bridesmaids – Two Birds
Flowergirls – Nicki Macfarlane
Page Boys – Debenhams
Flowers – Yes Flowers
Cake – Fortnum and Mason
Transport – Connolly Chauffeurs
Entertainment – Corrib Quartet and The Bentley Boys
Favours – Rainbow Celebrations
Hair Stylist – Local hairdresser Anne Marie from Klassi Kutz
Candles – Bella Bougie
Wedding Report – The Wedding Reporter

Follow Love My Dress on Google+

Annabel

Annabel View all Annabel's articles

Founder of Love My Dress. Passionate Podcaster and Editor. Annabel lives in rural North Yorkshire with her husband and business partner Philip, their two daughters and menagerie of furry hounds. She loves photography, meditation, walking, being outdoors and star gazing. She is fierce when it comes to championing talent within the wedding industry and when she's not working on Love My Dress, she supports her husband Philip in the running of the family's sustainable flower farm and floral design business, Moonwind Flowers. In 2013, she became a published author.

4 thoughts on “Suzanne Neville Couture for a Glamorous Winter Wedding in an Ancient Irish Abbey

  1. Thanks for the kind words! I had an absolute blast documenting Jayne & Brian’s big day and can officially say that there ain’t no wedding like a big Irish wedding…! I also wish blogs had a scratch and sniff feature as this was undoubtedly the best smelling nuptials I’ve ever been to.

  2. I completely love Jayne & Brian. The whole Redmond family & now baby Lily have become firm friends through the process of wedding dress shopping. It is no secret that Jayne & I have extremely fabulous boobs and a dress appointment that could have been awkward become the first step in a relationship that has seen us collaborate creatively & for me to be privileged enough to see tiny Lily from a few days old.
    Suzanne’s cutting is always exemplary and Jayne’s dress is a perfect example of British couture at its best.xxx

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Close
Top