Bright spring sunshine pushed the April clouds aside for the joyful marriage of our real wedding couple, Fiona and Lynsey. Caramel florals, terracotta hues and warm embraces enveloped the surroundings of the idyllic Martinstown House for the wedding celebrations. Music played a huge role in the brides' love story, from The Killers being the introductory topic, an ABBA hit as Lynsey walked down the aisle, to Led Zeppelin concluding their ceremony. Alongside these music-lovers, this real wedding had four musical entertainers that ensured their guests danced their socks off into the early hours. Olga Hogan Photography captured the magic and now we're going share with you a country cool wedding day bursting at the seams with personality. Let's get this love show on the road.
Recalling the moment as love at first sight, Lynsey first set her eyes on Fiona four years ago at Dublin Pride in a bar called Street 66. The spark was instantly ignited when Fiona - in her space buns - locked eyes with Lynsey. Although it took another nine months before their paths crossed again, the next time Lynsey ensured she was not letting Fiona go. "I said I would try to flirt with Fiona by buying her shots at the bar but this of course went completely over her head and she continued to show no interest. Shortly after, I messaged Fiona on Instagram about a Kings of Leon album and the chats and banter began. Eventually, I plucked up the courage to ask Fiona on a night out 'as friends!' It was after a little Dutch courage, during a conversation that I decided to kiss Fiona – much to the surprise of us both!" says Lynsey. Finally, a first date was arranged in May of 2019, where Fiona remembers how she instantly felt so comfortable and protected in Lynsey's company. As for Lynsey, it was Fiona’s funny accent and dry humour she remembers the most.
The proposal came not so long after, in January 2020 at Donade Forest in Co. Kildare. Lynsey had a romantic plan in place, but needed a little tiny helper to assist her to execute it to perfection. Her baby nephew Theo played the important role of wearing an adorable T-shirt with a very important question printed on the front. As the lovebirds and Theo strolled through the forest, Fiona was feeling the cold and proceeded to put gloves on - even when Lynsey tried to convince her not to. At a certain point, Lynsey said she wanted to get a picture with Theo but said she no longer liked the jumper Theo was wearing and asked Fiona to change it, Lynsey explains: "Fiona looked at me as if I was a mad woman because there was no way she was removing a warm cosy jumper from a six-month-old child in a forest in the middle of winter - not a chance. Eventually, after some “loving” banter between us, Fiona gave in and unzipped his jumper to reveal the printed T-shirt that read “will you marry my aunty Lyns?” A shocked and speechless Fiona turned around to find Lynsey on bended knee with a ring. After a big yes was said, they got straight to planning the wedding of their dreams.
The morning prep was peppered with laughter, smiles and the finest of details. Beautiful bride Fiona complemented her style with a pair of Viola 101's from Jimmy Choo - utterly fabulous. She finished off her look by donning a stunning pair of borrowed earrings and a diamond necklace that belonged to her aunt, and of course her lavish wedding scent, Coco Madamoiselle by Chanel.
A much more grown-up Theo waiting for the brides to arrive.
The magical wedding took place in Martinstown House, a beautiful 19th-century country house and marquee nestled amongst idyllic farmlands and woodlands in the heart of Kildare. "Once we went to Martinstown House and we met Jess and Edward and discussed all the possibilities, within five minutes without even saying a word to one another, we both knew it was the one. When we saw the ceremony area we knew we couldn’t get married anywhere else!" The venue can cater anywhere from small weddings in the drawing rooms to bigger weddings in the vintage-style marquee. Best of all, the venue can lend a 1966 VW camper van.
With special touches added to every corner and gorgeous memories made, one that jumps out, was when Lynsey arrived at the ceremony in a tractor, the highlight of the event. After a good clean and polished off with wedding ribbons, the bride was chauffeured in style by Fiona’s little brother, Eoghan. As the couple didn’t have a religious ceremony, they still wanted to give the ceremony structure by incorporating personal readings and quotes instead of religious prayers. "It was a nice touch to include our family members in the ceremony. Fiona knew their wedding stylist could bring their dream setting to life. "She has such an amazing style and could give us everything we wanted. After we had our consultation we knew Laura could make our dreams come true and we trusted all her recommendations!" they say.
Lynsey and Fiona chose the Celtic tradition of handfasting for their ceremony, a symbolic unity ritual in which a couple stands face to face as their hands are tied together - hence the phrase, tying the knot. "We honestly loved everything about our ceremony. We put so much thought into the flow and what we chose. Our final reading was the full lyrics to Thank You from Led Zeppelin and Fiona's entrance song was a slow piano version of Dancing Queen by ABBA."
The two brides looked breathtaking in their gowns. Lynsey opted for an A-line laced detail dress complementing the lace overlay of Fiona's off-the-shoulder gown. The 'same but different' trend continues through their florals, full of white blooms and toffee coloured roses. Lynsey added a delightful pop of sunflowers and Fiona chose delicate white orchids. If we have already mentioned the shoes - sorry not sorry - Fiona's Jimmy Choos are getting a second mention, but can we please take a moment for Lynsey's awesome white Dr Martens? Chic, comfy and so cool.
When we first laid sight on the stunning tablescapes, we had the same reaction as Fiona. A sweetheart table for the bride and bride overlooked the beautiful marquee and dining tables draped with a terracotta cheesecloth runner. We love how the florals were repurposed from the ceremony, lining the end of the rows. The copper table name holders, the table plan holder and even the menus all marry in wonderfully warm harmony.
The newlywed's aesthetic and overall vibe were inspired by the couples love of fun. They explain: "The day revolved around our love for music. Everyone had a great time dancing and singing into the night which is exactly what we wanted. There were so many people covered in glitter, that says it all!" they laugh. "Our priorities from the beginning were our photographer, videographer and all our entertainment. All of our musical touches made it really feel like our day."
We planned every minute, not many weddings I know have four or more entertainers!" The cake was made by the creative brides using two styrofoam blocks covered in sugar paste and wrapped in orange ribbon. To top it off - literally - they added a Mrs & Mrs topper and a little German Shepherd figure on top, in honour of their adorable dog Milly.
For some well-deserved R&R, the brides took time off to spend together. Lovely evening meals, adventure day trips and extra cuddle time with their dog who missed out on all the attention.
"We also went to Portugal just to mark the occasion but money wasn’t allocated at the time as we are in the middle of building a tiny home. I would recommend going away or even doing a staycation, it doesn’t have to be a big expensive trip - just taking time out to spend with your spouse is all you need!"
Last but not least, we had to ask the ladies for their wedding planning advice. "Try not to sweat the small stuff. A second-day event is not always necessary, the more informal and relaxed it is the better. And lastly, don’t let people bully you into decisions or choices you don’t want, stick to your guns within reason. And just because you know what you want doesn’t make you a bridezilla!"
As the night began to come to an end, they shared their first dance to Love You till the End by The Pogues. They were in search of a song that was full of meaning and sentiment, but equally not your typical love song. Lynsey’s favourite movie is PS. I Love You and whilst they often listened to music from the movie, one evening as they were driving and singing, they both laughed and said - that’s the one. The Panoramics took over and ensured the dancefloor was full all night.
And that is a wonderful wrap to the beautifully cool wedding of Fiona and Lynsey, showing us that a little bit country can bring a lot of fun. Thank you very much to the talented Olga Hogan for capturing such beautiful images.
We have plenty more rustic wedding inspiration for you to gaze upon. If you're still in search of your dream wedding venue, our 100 Best Wedding Venues 2024/25 Guide is available to buy now.
