The wedding of Chelsea and Brian who got hitched at Rathsallagh House, their day was beautifully captured by wedding photographer Butterfly Photography. Chelsea talks us through their day, and first off, how she met her husband.

Brian and I met in Dublin at a pub in Temple Bar back in February 2009. I’m from Canada and was living there on an exchange program during my final year of University.

The pub was hosting an international party, so it was full of exchange students…except for a booth in the back full of Irish boys! I sat down with them and found out one of them (Brian) was planning to go to Canada after he finished college that year.

We exchanged numbers and met up a few days later for drinks and hit it off! Dated throughout my stay in Dublin and he moved to Ottawa shortly after!you all!

We were visiting his family in Ireland and on our very last day we went to Howth and did this gorgeous cliff walk along the ocean. It was a beautiful sunny day. At one point we took a seat to enjoy the view and shortly after Brian said ‘chels what’s that rock behind you?’.

I turned around in confusion as all you could see were rocks, but he continued and said, ‘no right behind you’ and behind me was the engagement ring in its open box! It was perfect. Even though we’d been together for 7 years at this point it was still a surprise!

Rathsallagh House Wedding

About the Venue

Rathsallagh is such a special place and my husband and I couldn’t be happier with our choice. It is a dream! Walled gardens, gorgeous rooms, beautiful drawing rooms with cosy fires.

As I was planning from Canada and had never seen the venue in person, I was a bit nervous, but Joe, Catherine and the staff were so helpful with all the back and forth e-mails leading up to the day, nothing was a bother.

Words cannot describe how I felt pulling up to Rathsallagh in person and walking around the grounds for the first time, it was beyond my imagination. We had made it a 2-day celebration with a BBQ on the 2nd day.

The rooms were stunning, and we managed to get a gorgeous day so were able to have the ceremony in the outdoor gardens along with the reception. The walled gardens were also perfect for our first look with our photographers. From the moment we were on site the staff took such good care of us and really made it feel like it was our home for the 3 nights we were there.

© Butterfly Photography
© Lima Conlon
© Clare Wilson

They all went above and beyond and all our guests took notice. From start to finish any dealings we had with Rathsallagh were brilliant. The food was delicious, 5 stars on both the wedding and the BBQ and the breakfasts were also delicious with so many options! The golf course was beautiful, and a few of the guests enjoyed a game on the morning of the wedding. We did not want to leave! It was the most magical venue.

About the Planning

Planning was a bit difficult from Canada however we had a lot of friends and family to help us out. It was a ton of emails and calls leading up to the wedding and when booking everything. Rathsallagh really made it easy to plan from another country as did all our other vendors. We had to arrive a week and a half before the wedding and that was a bit busy!

Getting the signs printed, the favours put together and organizing the marriage license. I also did a makeup trial and hair trial that week. Brian’s cousin Aisling Hamill took care of our hair and did an amazing job! Did such a great job on the day and kept me calm! Brian’s Aunt made our cake which was stunning, topped with some local beautiful flowers. We couldn’t have done any of it without all our family and friends!

The Budget!

We focused our money on the most important parts of our wedding which were the venue, food, music and a great photographer to capture all of it! We were very fortunate to have both our parents help us out with the venue which we are forever grateful for!

The Dress

I fell in love with my dress when I tried it on. I wanted something comfortable that would fit in with the outdoor garden wedding. I loved the detailed lace and the gorgeous train.

Favourite memories of the wedding day

Chelsea – There are so many to choose from, but Brian’s vows were my favourite. The ceremony was so special and there was lots of joy and laughter but when Brian read his vows to me it was like only him and I existed in that moment. Also, the speeches were the best, we laughed so hard!

Brian – Seeing Chelsea walk up the aisle. Even though we did a first look it didn’t feel real until I saw her smiling face walking up. And the speeches as well!

Wedding Advice

Enjoy every moment of the day. Try to be present for every little thing as it goes so fast. I would love to do the day all over again! Don’t forget to eat! We barely ate a thing and really wish we did! Take a moment just the two of you during the day to soak it all in.