Classic, elegant and timeless are just three words that sum up this fairytale destination Dromoland Castle Wedding. With exquisite details, dreamy florals and the most precious heirloom accessory, you will see exactly that in the details! US couple Joan and Tom began the new chapter in their love story with the most memorable celebration for their 98 guests that was as classic as love itself, featuring a church ceremony and fairytale reception complete with a princess-worthy Steven Birnbaum Bridal ball gown! Brosnan Photographic captured their love story, and we're so excited to share their inspiring day. Get ready to pinch yourself, because this enchanted wedding is going to have you think you're dreaming!
Bride Joan grew up in Lake Placid New York, after her parents relocated from New York City in 2001. As a young teenager, eager to see the rest of the country Joan readily swapped the beautiful mountains of the Adirondacks for the stunning scenery of the California coastline. Groom Tom grew up in Boston, Massachusetts, followed by Scottsdale, Arizona, followed by Dallas, Texas (where he spent his more formative years.) When it came time to choose a college – he was ready to continue his adventure westward towards California. While at USD, his parents relocated back to his mother's home state of New Jersey (not before taking a quick two year detour in D.C.)
Joan and Tom met at The University of San Diego where they were both California transplants. They officially met at a college "Wine Wednesday," introduced by two mutual friends. They've been inseparable ever since! Although Tom likes to continuously point out that Joan made the first move. The couple lives in New York City where Tom works as a lawyer and Joan as an associate producer.
On their five-year anniversary, Tom planned a "surprise" date in the city. They met up at a favorite bar and Tom told Joan they'd be taking the ferry to a new restaurant he wanted to try, so they walked to the St. George ferry terminal on the Hudson River – but instead of getting on the ferry, a private boat was waiting! The couple cruised around the Hudson River at sunset, enjoying champagne. Tom proposed in front of the Statue of Liberty. The boat dropped them off on the New Jersey side of the river for an intimate dinner with their two families.
Joan's show-stopping fairytale gown is a custom Steven Birnbaum Bridal design. The vanilla duchess satin ball gown featured a sweetheart neckline, satin covered buttons running all down the back and detachable puff sleeves.
Joan completed her bridal look with the Jimmy Choo Rosalia Pearl Pumps, a Marciano pearl clutch and an antique rose point lace veil worn by her grandmother and namesake, on her wedding day in 1953. How magical is that!? Joan tells us that wearing her grandmother's veil was such a surreal feeling. "Since she is no longer with us, it was so special to have that family heirloom. I could really feel her presence on the day."
The bridesmaids looked stunning in their matching Jenny Yoo Corinne dresses in latte satin.
The couples ceremony took place at the quaint St. John's Church in Cratloe, County Clare.
The couple have got only great things to say about their venue, Dromoland Castle, as well as sweet personal reason for choosing it also! Joan tells us, "my family and I took an unforgettable trip to Dromoland Castle when I was in college. Ironically, my parents had been there many years earlier when my mom was newly pregnant with me! When initially planning, Dromoland came to mind, so Tom and I went to visit as a couple and just fell in love with the idea. We loved that the venue had both the inn and the castle as options for guests to stay on property – as well as so many activities for people to participate in like golf, falconry (a favorite!) and archery. The castle itself is stunning and certainly invoked that timeless classic elegance we were looking for. We cannot say enough good things about Susan and Margaret of Dromoland Weddings; they were so warm and accommodating throughout our lengthy wedding planning process."
Joan describes their wedding day as, "elegant and timeless. We really weren't drawn to anything too "trendy" and wanted a classic feel for our day that we would look back on and appreciate thirty years from now. My mom is such a big proponent of candles and lighting so we really emphasized warm candlelight during our design phase. The candelabras and votives of various heights really made our vision come to life. I wanted soft and romantic flower arrangements that complimented the warm lighting – Patsie & Co Floral Design really delivered!
After travelling so far to help them celebrate, Joan and Tom were keen to give their guests an unforgettable wedding weekend experience in Ireland! "Together with the Robinson family we planned an epic three day extravaganza. My mother-in-law Beth hosted a fantastic Welcome Dinner on Friday with live music, signature cocktails and a full buffet dinner as well as an incredible day trip to the cliffs of Moher. My mom organized a beautiful tea party for the ladies on Thursday as well – complete with champagne, of course!"
Joan adds, "for the wedding itself, we really wanted it to feel like an classic old-school dinner party. Tom and I love a good dinner party! We chose a menu that included a lot of family style sides, as well as our favorite drinks to serve at home – gin & tonic's (rebranded as Joan & Tomic's) and espresso martini's! Followed, of course, by an epic dance party.
Joan tells us that her top piece of advice for engaged couples planning a destination wedding is to think about the weekend as a whole. " I loved having so much time to spend with all the people in our lives who made the effort to be there. We never felt rushed or added pressure on our special day to make time for everybody, because we felt like we had so much time in the lead up. Also – I really loved listening to The OneFab Day Podcast on planning a destination wedding! It's a must listen if you are planning one yourself."
The couple's beautiful all-white cake was created by Tara from Broken Spoon Cakes.
For wedding favours guests were gifted Dromoland tea towels and chocolate chip cookies also by Broken Spoon Cakes.
She adds, "we also chose an upbeat first dance song (Wouldn't It Be Nice by the Beach Boys) – it was just totally us. I'd say don't feel pressured to have a traditional "slow" first dance if that's not your thing – have fun with it!"
The couple had booked a trip to to the Algarve region of Portugal followed by a few days in Lisbon for their honeymoon. "The weather was fantastic and we really enjoyed all the food, sun and delicious drinks. If you can, definitely allow a few days at the beginning of your honeymoon to decompress from all things wedding. I swear we did nothing but lounge around and sleep the first few days -- it was blissful."
Thanks so much to Joan and Tom for sharing their fairytale Dromoland Castle wedding with us, and to Christina of Brosnan Photographic for providing the beautiful imagery! There are even more photographs to swoon over in the gallery below.
