Contemporary Irish Elopement Inspiration, at Cliff Townhouse
When I planned this shoot, the world was quite a different place. No-one had ever heard of Covid-19 and the only risk posed to a bride planning a wedding, was that she might go a little too far with the Bridezilla behaviour and end up jilted.
The past few months have seen mass cancellations in the events industry, weddings certainly suffering at least their fair share; a worrisome turn of events for those of who work in the industry… and a thoroughly disappointing place for an excited couple, to end up.
Wedding industry professionals have begun using the hashtag #postponedontcancel encouraging couples to keep their wedding plans live and spreading some hope in an industry that doesn’t feel all that hopeful, right now. The bottom line is that most people in the event industry want your business and will do whatever they can to ensure your wedding happens, so rather than panicking over the non-refundable deposits you’ve paid, open the lines of communication with as many of your suppliers, as you can, to find a solution that doesn’t have to feel gloomy.
Meanwhile, a little escapism can’t hurt. So, here’s a calming elopement inspiration shoot I worked on recently, with a lovely bunch of wedding creatives. I hope it takes you to a worry-free place, today… it’s worked for me.
Stationery is designed by our regular collaborator Keady Row, as ever the perfect mix of clean modernity and textural warmth. I love how the mix of greens, only subtly diverse, is reminiscent of Ireland’s patchwork of rolling fields. Pretentious description of a paper suite? You ain’t seen nothing, yet.
Cakes are by new lady on the block Fern Cakery, whose mastery in the art of simplicity is a slight to behold. If those confections weren’t grown in a meadow, somewhere, I don’t know what was.
The Wild Bunch brought a country field into to this gentile space in Dublin's Cliff Townhouse. Foraged Irish foliage and cultivated spring blooms combine to create the most wonderfully lush floral aesthetic; minimalist in essence and yet completely luxurious in feel. This is the kind of green that I think we take for granted, in Ireland... it's life, in a colour.
This dress. Well, coat, really, but WOW. It’s by Varca, a Chicago label stocked at The One, Dublin’s most exciting bridal shop. I love the range of contemporary labels and the unstuffy atmosphere Sinead fosters in her gorgeous store.
The tablescape is based on a a mix of textural Irish linens, rough earthenware and delicate taper candles, all in neutral tones, to let that luscious greenery take centre stage.
Incidentally, inspiration for this shoot came from an extremely cute Arklow Pottery coffee set (you can see the saucer peeping in there beside the placesetting), which was a wedding present my parents-in-law received over fifty years ago, and I lust over each time we visit their home. It’s peppered with shamrocks, has a gloriously metallic interior and iconic midcentury vibes - I swiped it recently, to give it its screen debut, with promises to return unsmashed (so far, so good).
And as for the touches that make a bride glow? Well hair and makeup by Michelle Grimes and Aoife Callaghan of the gorgeous Maven Bridal team certainly can’t hurt. While, jewellery from our favourite Irish “maker of sparkly things” (direct quote), Chupi, by way of her Irish coin pendant necklace and delicious grey diamond engagement ring and wedding band duo, is the final touch of magic.
PLANNER & DESIGNER Love & Gatherings, loveandgatherings.com @loveandgatherings PHOTOGRAPHER Ivana Patarcic, ivanapatarcic.com @ivana_patarcic FLORIST The Wild Bunch, thewildbunch.ie @wild_bunch_flowers STATIONER Keady Row, keadyrow.com @keadyrow BAKER Fern Cakery @ferncakery VENUE Cliff Townhouse, clifftownhouse.ie @theclifftownhouse HAIR Michelle Grimes, hairmaven.ie @hairmaven.ie MAKEUP Aoife Callaghan, aoifecallaghanmakeup.com@aoifecallaghanmakeup MODEL Ciara at @notanothertheagency JEWELLERY Chupi, chupi.com @chupi RUFFLED GOWN Varca Bridal at The One, theonebysineadcorcoran.ie @theonebysineadcorcoran CHAIRS Selecthire, select hire.ie @selecthire
