A heartwarming conclusion to any story is often the hallmark of a memorable experience, but what about when it’s the beginning that steals the show? For Tara and Raul, their tale took an enchanting turn with our previous feature on their engagement photos, beautifully captured by Mary Brown last Spring. The picturesque setting, complete with tulips and a bicycle, showcased the couple’s undeniable chemistry.
Now, we’re thrilled to share the next chapter in their love story – their stunning winter wonderland wedding at Leixlip Manor, where snowflakes gently fell around them. As Tara is Irish, while Raul hails from Mexico, it was a global celebration brought together by love. His family traveled from afar, braving the chilly temperatures to join in the festivities. And though the cold may have been a shock, the warmth and affection that filled the air made every moment worthwhile.
A Little Inspiration
When it comes to planning their special day, couples often strive for a unique reflection of their personalities. For Tara & Raul, this meant creating an atmosphere that was warm, inviting, and infused with a touch of country charm. They set out to eschew traditional wedding colors in favor of a bold statement piece: deep purple, reminiscent of old Hollywood glamour.
This color scheme became the guiding principle for their day, influencing everything from the church in Tallaght to the Liffey Valley House, and even the vintage car that played a key role in setting the scene.
To further personalize their celebration, Tara and Raul opted for customized stationery, invites, mass booklets, menus, and a guestbook.
These bespoke elements were designed using engagement shots from Mary Brown Photography, perfectly capturing the intimate tone they aimed to achieve. An added touch was the inclusion of a bicycle trip, paying homage to Raul’s passion for cycling – a thoughtful nod that tied in beautifully with the overall aesthetic.
The Golden Age of Hollywood…
To achieve the style I envisioned, I opted for an old Hollywood glamour look over a traditional bridal aesthetic. My dress, designed by Ronald Joyce, was a sleek satin masterpiece adorned with an ostrich feather jacket and a birdcage veil to complete the glamorous ensemble. The bridesmaids’ attire consisted of stunning deep purple floor-length gowns paired with black fur stoles that not only added warmth but also a touch of sophistication.
The talented Powderoom Girls arrived early on the snow-covered day, their expertise resulting in a flawless look for the entire bridal party. As Rhona and Susan worked their magic on all seven of us, the stress of preparations melted away, replaced by an air of elegance and refinement. The ceremony took place at the picturesque St Anne’s Church in Bohernabreena, followed by the reception at the Leixlip Manor and Gardens (formerly known as the Liffey Valley House Hotel).
As I gazed upon Tara, I was struck by her breathtaking resemblance to Vivien Leigh – a true embodiment of old-school Hollywood glamour. One word: Stunning.
Love
Tara’s effortless poise and elegance during her snowy and icy wedding negotiations were finally revealed – a must-see moment! Her pink and leopard print wellies are a perfect blend of glamour and practicality, making her a true fashion icon. These candid and relaxed shots perfectly encapsulate the essence of a couple in love, and it’s no surprise that Mary Brown, an incredibly talented photographer, was behind the lens.
With Christina Brosnan by her side, Tara and Raul had the best possible team to capture their winter wonderland wedding, making for unforgettable memories.
Snow Joke!
Friends and Favours…
When it comes to making a wedding truly unforgettable, there’s no better way than having loved ones contribute their unique talents and creativity. For Tara and Raul, this was exactly what happened when they enlisted the help of friends and family who were eager to make their special day shine.
Among them were two incredibly talented individuals: Monica Daffy, who brought her exceptional skill to the flowers and church decorations, and Tina Cosgrove, whose masterful cake-making skills resulted in a truly show-stopping wedding treat.
As for Tara herself, she added her own personal touch by transforming the venue with an array of purple Christmas decorations, which, when paired with twinkling candles, created a warm and inviting atmosphere that perfectly captured the magic of their big day.
The Sweetest Things
As I gaze out, a tantalizing treat catches my attention – a decadent dessert bar that’s quickly become the star of many 2011 wedding celebrations. Remember when we first hinted at its rise to fame? It seems our crystal ball was spot on!
The first dance
The Irish-Mexican union’s soundtrack featured two special songs, one in English and another in Spanish. The first was ‘By Your Side’ by Sade, which I have a soft spot for due to its smooth vocals and the sentimental moment it plays in Sex and the City – when Richard’s tender gesture melts Samantha’s heart. Next was ‘Besame Mucho’ by Luis Miguel, a song that holds special meaning as it was playing during Raul’s proposal in Mexico – a truly romantic moment.
What Are Your Favourite Memories From the Day?
As we look back on the day, it’s hard to pinpoint specific moments that stood out – every moment was truly special. I cherished the time spent with loved ones in the hotel that morning, surrounded by family and close friends as we got ready together. The pampering and champagne flowed freely, setting the tone for a wonderful celebration. It wasn’t until we left in the vintage Rolls Royce, accompanied by both my parents, that the reality of getting married really sunk in.
The scenic drive through the Dublin mountains under a blanket of snow added to the magic. Our approach up the winding mountain road and entrance into St Anne’s Church in Tallaght was particularly memorable – I did get emotional with my parents at this point! What followed was an unforgettable stroll down the aisle, culminating in a joyful reunion with Raul at the top.
The dancing was another highlight – the dance floor remained packed all night long thanks to the band’s infectious energy and the DJ’s Latin beats, which seemed tailor-made for our international guests from Mexico.
And Any Wise Words For Other Brides & Grooms?
With your budget in place, it’s essential to prioritize the top three areas that will make your special day truly unforgettable. To maximize your funds, take the time to shop around and negotiate – after all, if you don’t ask, you won’t get! And why not tap into the talents of your friends? If they’re as excited about celebrating with you as you are about marrying them, they might be willing to offer their skills in lieu of traditional gifts.
With these savvy strategies under your belt, you’ll be well on your way to a day that’s truly yours. Congratulations again to Tara and Raul – we hope you had an incredible honeymoon adventure in Cuba and the Riviera Maya, Mexico, and are now basking in the joy of newlywed life. A huge thank you as well goes out to Mary Brown for generously sharing her stunning wedding photos with us. As always, we’re honored by her contribution.
For more breathtaking visuals from Mary’s experience, be sure to visit her website and Facebook page.
The Wedding Suppliers
When it came to planning the wedding, The Powder Room Girls were the ultimate authorities. From the bride’s stunning dress by Ronald Joyce to her sleek shoes from Marks & Spencers, every detail was carefully considered. Meanwhile, the groom looked dashing in his Kenneth Cole suit, and the bridesmaids made a beautiful statement in their Romantica gowns from Hickey’s Bridalwear. The groomsmen added a touch of sophistication with their Black Tie suits.
As for the music, Catherine Byrne’s soulful melodies set the tone for the ceremony, while The Midnight Specials got everyone moving on the dance floor. Of course, no wedding would be complete without an exquisite cake by TÃna Cosgrave (01 4513220), and a vintage car from Cassidy Chauffeurs added a touch of classic charm. To tie everything together, Modern Printers in Kilkenny created beautiful stationery that perfectly captured the couple’s style.
