A Dash of Whimsy: An Eclectic Summer Forest Wedding in Ireland

Summer Forest Wedding

We’re heading to the forests of Kilyon Manor in Ireland for today’s eclectic + whimsical wedding! Eustelle + Darragh are majorly into music; Darragh is in a band — so music played a big part throughout their day and guided a lot of the overall feeling. The duo had their friend + fellow musician play and whistle from the top window of the church ruins in the forest, which as you might guess, was totally magical.

Every detail of the day was completely DIY, done by the couple and their family. Eustelle grew mini trees by collecting acorns and seeds to give as favors to everyone (so cool!). Eustelle shares: We wanted our day to be all about family and friends: relaxed, easy, full of laughter, music, good food, and all with our own personal touch. This is how and why we came to pick the stunning Killyon Manor to be our venue. Apart from being incredibly beautiful, it had an intimate relaxed feel that we were after. With help from Whimsical Weddings Ireland, we created the look we wanted throughout this amazing venue.

Ready to be enchanted? Let’s take a walk through the woods in the captures by The Lou’s!

pastel bridesmaids

Beauties in pastel gowns! Who else is loving this collection of sweet dresses?

whimsical bouquets

Summer Forest Wedding

Talk about enchanting… From Eustelle’s ruffled and layered gown from Mikaella Bridal, to the floral arch!

Summer Forest Wedding

groomsmen

The gents donned crazy cool suits + shirts to match the eclectic nature of the day.

bride stepping out before her wedding day

first look

forest little ones

Our Musical Choices

Processional: Love Song by Larry Beau

Recessional: Divine Chemistry by Larry Beau

First Dance: I’ve Been Loving You Too Long by Otis Redding

Summer Forest Wedding

Summer Forest Wedding

Sitting above all the guests, musician Larry Beau serenaded the entire crowd.

Summer Forest Wedding

Summer Forest Wedding

Summer Forest Wedding

We carefully planned the ceremony design choosing poetry and music that was close to us and with the right sentiment. We wrote our own vows and had a traditional Irish hand fasting at the end. At our ceremony finale Larry Beau led us in song and dance back to our drinks reception — in a very Pied Piper fashion.

Summer Forest Wedding

Summer Forest Wedding

Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding

The whole wedding day was filled with lots of amazing moments and memories. But perhaps the highlight was walking down a forest aisle together with Larry Beau singing his enchanting ‘Love Song’, passing photographs hung carefully in the trees, of our lives to date.

Summer Forest Wedding

Summer Forest Wedding

So darling!!

Summer Forest Wedding

Summer Forest Wedding

Summer Forest Wedding

From the musical genius, Larry Beau, the forest ceremony, to the Craic and Ceili of the traditional Irish band: Whiskey You’re the Divil. Later followed by the powerful singing of Clara Rose, finishing with the New Orleans-style funk of Blutack and the Green Horns. Not only did every band or artist give their own unique sentiment to each moment of the day, they enthralled and entertained our guests beyond belief.

vintage frames

potted plants favors

The little acorn trees we mentioned in the intro… Such a fun gift + idea!

drinks

Summer Forest Wedding

tents

Summer Forest Wedding

Okay, you STYLIN’ bunch.

Summer Forest Wedding

Summer Forest Wedding

Our Advice To Those Planning Now

Get the right people in to help plan and design the day. Whimsical Weddings Ireland were brilliant right from the start. They took all the pressure off us and gave us the time to enjoy the run up to our big day. Music and entertainment was a big part of the day and we picked bands that tied into the mood and feel. We would advise when planning your wedding, pick bands and a designer that reflect both your thoughts and feelings and who are able to incorporate them into what they do best.

Summer Forest Wedding

HOLY WOAH, that ceremony space! Like a modern day Alice in Wonderland tea party, no?

Summer Forest Wedding

whimsical reception

whimsical reception

paper butterflies

Full of whimsy and delight!!

pastel drip cake

The final touch? This epic + candy-coated cake by Little Toppers Cakes!

Congratulations, E+D!!

photography: The Lou's // venue name: Killyon Manor, Killyon, co.meath, Ireland // event design: Whimsical Weddings Ireland  // planning: Whimsical Weddings Ireland  // florals: Whimsical Weddings Ireland  // wedding dress: Mikaella wedding Dress  // hairpiece: Flowers from Frances Clerkin Flowers // bride's shoes: Rachel Simpson // hair stylist: Aisling Hamill // makeup artist: Michelle Kinsella // groom attire: Terry Brady in DT one menswear Cavan // videography: John Mc Keown Videographer // paper goods: Excel Print Navan // catering: Green Olive Catering // cake: Little Toppers Cakes // music: ceremony music by Larry Beau // officiant: Stevie O Brien // second dress: TK MAXX // reception music: Whiskey you’re the Divil  // gifts for the bridesmaids: Ruby Robin boutique // reception music: Clara Rose and Band  // reception music: Blutac and the Green Horns

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