Today’s wedding at a beautiful sixteenth century manoir in the south west of France will give you a joyous boost of sunshine, and if you’re considering a French wedding, lots of inspiration, too.
Against this lovely backdrop we have a fun and relaxed day full of laughter and smiles and lots of personalised details. Meet Aisling, a doctor and Ciaran, who works in the film industry. They were married on the 26 June 2018 at Le Manoir du Bout du Pont, on the border of Dordogne and Lot et Garonne, France, in a beautiful day planned to perfection by the team at Marry Me In France.
The couple chose Richard Skins as their photographer – his wonderful work has featured many times on these blog pages (take a look here), and he’s also a member of our brilliant wedding directory, Little Book.
“Richard went above and beyond and we could not have been happier with him. He’s very easygoing, relaxed and communicates well. Such a pro and we love his work. Couldn’t recommend him more highly.”
Images by Richard Skins Photography
“We love all things French, the language, the wine, the food, the weather. The owners of the Manoir are two of the loveliest people you could meet and the Manoir itself and the grounds are beautiful…We wanted the vibe to be relaxed, fun and personal.”
Aisling and Ciaran first met in Dublin in 2012, although they didn’t go on their first date until twelve months later.
“Ciaran proposed on a camping trip on the beautiful Northumberland coast, and we were engaged for 12 months before the wedding.”
Beautiful, elegant stationery by Lilac & White.
“Ciaran and I unknowingly ended up getting each other a Tom Ford perfume as a present on the wedding day, for me Plum Japonais, my favourite, and for him Oud Minerale.”
Aisling chose an elegant crepe gown with cap sleeves and beautiful applique guipure flowers at the waist and around the dramatic back, with delicate illusion tulle. The gown is the ‘Devin’ by Rime Arodaky, from The White Gallery in Co. Down.
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“I didn’t actually love the wedding dress shopping experience, I personally found it a bit overwhelming. I saw my dress in an online sample sale from The White Gallery in Ireland, bought it over the phone and got it altered by the amazing Dawn in Tailored For You (no details provided) near Newcastle where I live. And I absolutely loved my dress, it was so beautiful and comfortable!”
Aisling borrowed her veil from her Maid of Honour, and on her feet wore comfy block heels from Zara. To complete her outfit, she wore earrings from Sezane and a bracelet, which had been previously gifted to her my one of her bridesmaids.
In her chic, wavy half up-do by Debbie Willes, there was a pretty pearl and antique gold hair comb from Mignonne Handmade, and Aisling’s fresh and summery make-up look was created for her my make-up artist Lucinda Matthew (sadly, no further details for Debbie or Lucinda).
Aisling carried a neat bouquet of pastel roses, with sprigs of waxflowers and fragrant lavender, with lots of foliage and dramatic thistles – created by talented florist Jenny Moss (Jenny does not have a website).
“Jenny Moss arranged our flowers – we wanted a simple natural look with lots of greenery. She was really lovely to deal with and was really accommodating to work within our budget.”
Ciaran wore a fantastic bottle green suit from Paul Smith with a brilliant bow tie handmade by his sister, The Best Man and groomsmen wore matching light wool trousers from Massimo Dutti with white shirts and braces from ASOS.
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Aisling’s niece wore a sweet and dreamy tulle and lace dress from Monsoon with a silk flower crown of cheerful daisies.
“When we first got engaged, of my six bridesmaids, two were in Australia, one was in New York, one in Canada, one in Belfast and one in Dublin, and I was in the UK.”
“Despite this, it was relatively easy process. We went with three bridesmaids in skirts and tops from Folkster and three in navy dresses from Chi Chi London, and they all looked amazing.”
“My dad walked me down the aisle to the song Higher Love, sang by our friend and accompanied by violin, played by my one of my bridesmaids and her sister.”
Aisling and Ciaran exchanged rings from Galway-based jeweller, Diamonds By Julia (no further details), and the heartfelt ceremony was conducted by Aisling’s brothers, Barry and Eoin.
“They blew us away with such a thoughtful, considered, warm and loving service. We had a humanist ceremony with hand fasting and ring warming traditions.”
“We did not select any readings. We gave our selected friends and family free rein to say various things through spoken word, poetry and song. It was a really special and personal ceremony.”
This is such a lovely idea! Some loved ones opted to write their own pieces for the ceremony, while Aisling’s mum read the poem Time Travelers by Terah Cox.
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There was live music, too – Ciaran’s mum sang the Bette Midler song, The Rose, while Aisling’s cousin played the ukulele and sang Can’t Help Falling in Love. What an amazingly talented bunch! For Ciaran, the ceremony was his favourite part of the day.
The cool, weathered stone walls of the old manoir provided welcome respite from the summer heat, and the space was decked out for a feast, with garlands of greenery around the chandeliers, sparkling festoon lights and long tables laid with classic white linens, decorated with more seasonal foliage and pillar candles.
“In spite of the heat, it was just such a joyous loving occasion enjoyed by all.”
The couple sourced organic and biodynamic wine from Cave d’Eymet, and a delicious feast of French flavours were created by Chez Amis, including confit duck and orange sauce, sole parcels, dauphinoise potatoes and tarte au citron.
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“Amy from Chez Amis did a brilliant job and also did our BBQ the following day.”
On the day stationery, including place names and table numbers were made by Aisling, and a simple and elegant calligraphy table plan came courtesy of Lilac & White.
“My amazing sister spent two days before the wedding, with some help from my mom and sister-in-law, making the best three tiered chocolate biscuit cake. The bottom two layers were more conventional and the top was a vegan recipe from The Little Green Spoon, and was so good. It was devoured.”
The evening festivities began with a joyous and upbeat first dance from the newly married couple, to Hall & Oates You Make My Dreams, followed by live music from band Vanderbilt – friends of Aisling and Ciaran.
“I loved every minute, getting ready with my bridesmaids and family in the morning, the ceremony was particularly special, seeing our family and friends enjoying themselves… I think the huge smile in every photograph says it all, it really was the best day.”
Words of Wedded Wisdom
“Focus on what is important to you as a couple, and everything else will fall into place. Don’t stress the small things, no one notices them! And enjoy every minute!”
Aisling and Ciaran – what a beautiful day! Thank you so much for sharing with us, and thanks to Richard Skins for these glorious images, too. If you loved Aisling’s super-stylish gown, get some more Rime Arodaky inspiration on our blog pages, right here.
Until next time!
With love,
Laura
