Rathsallagh House Wedding

We share the wedding of Michelle and Frank who got married in July 2018 at Rathsallagh House in Ireland. Their day was beautifully captured by wedding photographer Butterfly Photography.

Michelle and Frank share their story and details about their wedding day.

10 years ago, outside the local chippers after a night out. Not a very romantic start! But I went away for the summer a few months later and we wrote to each other for 3months – I still have all the letters. When I came back, we made it “official” and haven’t looked back since!

For the proposal Frank’s brother was working in the amazing Patrick Guillbaud’s and we had been talking about going for months but seemed to be busy every weekend. I eventually booked it for a random Thursday evening and so absolutely was not expecting a proposal. I was upstairs getting ready and when I came down I went into the sitting room to find a heart of roses and candles on the floor with Frank at the centre.

He got down on one knee with a token ring and had appointments booked with 3 jewellers on the Saturday morning! It felt like we floated in to Patrick Guillbaud’s and had the most incredible, special meal that night – and a glass of Champers to celebrate!

Rathsallagh House Real Wedding

About the Venue

We loved Rathsallagh from the moment we first visited. Joe showed us around and was all about the “flow” of the big day. That was something that we felt was so important so it was like we were on the same page right from the start.

The wedding coordinators were absolutely fantastic, Gillian in particular who met us the day before and was there on the day of the wedding. In the run up to the big day I emailed them with so many little queries (the measurements of the mirrors for the table plans, where could my granny stop for a cup of tea in Dunlavin and many more) and they got back to me on every little detail.

I couldn’t say enough about the service at Rathsallagh; They welcomed our guests with their room keys as they drove in, they made us feel like the house was our own. Getting to have our drinks reception in the walled garden in the sunshine was a dream come true! As promised, the day flowed seamlessly and we partied into the small hours!

About the Planning

I loved it! So many special moments along the way. Choosing suppliers was sometimes tough because there are so many great suppliers out there. When I was struggling to make a decision I’d narrow it down to 3 and then get Frank to decide!

My friends got me a wedding notebook as an engagement present and it was a great place to keep all my notes and plans. My sister even made little sketches in my notebook of each of the wedding dresses I tried on. Now its such a lovely memento to have all the details in the one place!

Budget

I suppose we spent our money on the things that mattered most to us – a venue we loved, good food, a great band. We saved hard and booked suppliers we loved.

The dress

I loved it so much. It was actually my sister who picked it out and made me try it on. I wasn’t sure about it on the hanger but once I tried it on that was it! I adored all the little details. The flowers tying into the bow, the back, the delicate straps, the train, the soft pink colour. And it was so light and comfortable on the day!

Favourite memories of the wedding day

I think mine was walking up the aisle. It was so special and I absolutely loved it, my peak of the day! I felt like I was walking on air! I also loved the band’s last song – an acoustic version of Elvis’ Fools Rush In, everyone standing around in a circle singing their hearts out with Neil from The Trips accompanying on ukulele. We literally felt surrounded by love!

Wedding Advice

The day is so special and goes so quickly. Pick out 3 or 4 moments in advance where you are going to remind yourself to really pause and take it in – and do!