It's no secret that I love elopements (they always end up being my favourite weddings of the year), and today's real wedding is no exception - between the bride and groom's effortless style, and the magical location along the Wild Atlantic Way, this one had me gasping from the very first image! Karen and Patrick came all the way from Stapleton, Alabama to exchange vows in Corcomroe Abbey, a 13th Century abbey in North Clare, with just their officiant Pat Mangan, and their photographer, Philippe from Philippe Photography, present. Their destination wedding in Ireland was the epitome of chic simplicity, and although I can't speak for the couple, I think it's safe to say that it was worth the 8,000-mile round trip!

Karen and Patrick tell us that they met on a blind date. "We were set up by mutual friends in 2009." Karen says. "We had been together for almost nine years before we married."

The couple's engagement sounds right up our alley! "It was a very intimate proposal at home after a special dinner," Karen says. "People ask me if I was surprised. I remind them that we have been together nine years, so it was a huge surprise in that it was so unexpected!"

It warms my heart to see couples getting ready together on the morning of their wedding - I can only imagine the excitement in that room! "We were staying at the Brookville House B&B in Ennis the morning of the wedding," Karen tells us. "The host, Maury Healy, went out of her way to make it stress-free and was so welcoming to everyone coming to her home to prepare for the wedding day. We were so excited. Of course, there must be one bump in the road, the motorway was closed due to a car fire, so we were almost an hour late to our own wedding!"

Patrick's groom style is hopelessly cool, and perfect for a summer wedding. Just wait until you see the full ensemble!

Now this is a ceremony space worth travelling half way across the world for! The ruins of Corcomroe Abbey are so dramatic, and the fact that it's just a stone's throw from the Atlantic ocean makes it a really special spot. Karen tells us, "I saw a picture of Corcomroe Abbey online and I knew it was perfect for our ceremony."

The couple tell us that they wanted a really intimate ceremony. "Pat Mangan worked with us months prior to the wedding to ensure we included special quotes and verses that were meaningful to us."

This looks like such an enchanting ceremony! "It was very personal," Karen says. "We said our vows to just each other, not for guests. We also wanted to include Irish traditions into our wedding like handfasting and ring blessing. We made the hand ties to represent our children, and to incorporate them into the ceremony."

Isn't Patrick a total heartbreaker in his wedding-day look?! We did warn you...

I just love a handfasting! Some couples tell us that they've displayed the hand ties in their home afterwards, which is such a good tip, particularly when they're this lovely!

Ireland was both the elopement and honeymoon destination for Karen and Patrick, who went travelling around the country after they tied the knot!

We are massive fans of Karen's undone updo, which features a loose braid and some pretty, weaved-in florals.

I think we can all agree that Karen is an absolute knockout in her wedding dress! She designed this gown herself in collaboration with Custom Couture in Alabama, choosing a classic style with a flash of boho thanks to the layered lace and flared sleeves.

How gorgeous is Karen's greenery-heavy oversized bouquet by Mulqueen's Florist in Ennis? It's got such a wild, naturalistic feel that really reflects the beauty of the location.

Karen's advice to engaged couples is to, "Make it simple. Enjoy your day and laugh. And if you are not one who enjoys planning and juggling small details, hire someone, it’s worth every penny."

After their ceremony, the couple went to a Galway pub for a few drinks. What a perfect way to wrap up an Irish elopement!

So there you have it, proof that small weddings can be truly epic! Thanks so much to Karen and Patrick for giving us a peek inside their day, and to Philippe Photography for sharing the beautiful images.