Paula and Michael's Black Tie Wedding At Virginia Park Lodge
They met in DCU college while studying accounting. But they only got to know each other on the way home from a college trip to Tenerife, when they ended up sitting next to each other on the plane back. "We chatted the whole way and instantly clicked - it turned out we grew up in the same area and Michael played rugby with my brother. I quickly gained a big interest in rugby. After standing on the sidelines & hanging around the rugby club a few weekends, Michael finally got the message and asked me out - the rest is history!"
Michael proposed on a beautifully sunny afternoon in May 2017 in the picturesque sunken garden of Farmleigh Park. "After surprising our families, we spent a night in The Heritage in Killenard where we tried to get our heads around what was to come."
Talking about their favourite part of the day, Paula explains, "my favourite part was the church. It was such a surreal & amazing moment walking up the aisle with my dad seeing everyone you love in one room there for us. It was a beautiful ceremony and I got to finally marry Michael! Michael - "my favourite part was also in the church. It was such a great moment on the altar with Paula, just the two of us; having just said our vows. Fr Brendan was great and really put us at ease, and allowed us to enjoy every minute of it! And of course then the dancing!!
Watch Michael and Paula's Wedding video Highlights below by Shane Prunty Films
Check out the wedding highlights video by Shane Prunty Films
Advise for couples getting married soon
"We would advise any couple getting married to RELAX. It is important not to lose focus on what the day is really about and the less you worry about the finer details the more you will enjoy it. For our part, we put full trust in our suppliers and venue, and didn't try to micromanage the day. This allowed us to enjoy each other and the whole day was stress-free. Appreciate the run up to the wedding - the days out dress and suit shopping, the excited conversations with family about the day, and the menu tasting. These were all some of our greatest memories of the whole occasion".
About the venue
"We both fell in love with Virginia Park Lodge from the second we walked in the door. It was the only place myself and Michael looked at. We booked it there and then. The house and the grounds are beautiful , the pavilion is gorgeous with the hanging flower centre piece, fairy lights & view over lake and the food is second to none. It ticked every box. Deirdre and the team are just brilliant. They couldn't do enough for us on the run up to the wedding and you couldn't fault the service on the day. It was the best day of our lives , everything was just perfect".
The dress - "My Dress was from the Spanish brand Pronovias. I fell in love with the dress on the Pronovias website but couldn't find it anywhere in Ireland. I went to The White Room in Mullingar and there it was - It had just arrived that morning as new stock - it was meant to be!! The White Room was such a lovely experience, the girls there are so friendly and helpful and they have a gorgeous selection of dresses."
Hair and make-up "My make up was done by Michelle from MRS Make up. Michelle is married to my brother, Mark and was one of my Bridesmaids so it made it extra special on the day. Michelle is an incredible make up artist, I absolutely loved my make up on the day - it didn't budge! Debbie from Makeup Masters did the make up for the bridesmaids. Debbie is brilliant, all the girls were stunning and she was great fun on the morning. April from Red Velvet Hair Salon styled everyone's hair. She is amazing at what she does, and really calm so creates a lovely atmosphere on the morning."
The Flowers - My Flowers were from Stephanie & The French Touch. Stephanie is so creative - I adored the flowers & the styling of the church & venue. I wanted loads of greenery & pops of colour on the day. Stephanie, Justin & their team delivered above and beyond what I imagined.
The Groom's Suit - Louis Copeland.
What bridesmaids and groomsmen wore - Groomsmen's suits were from Protocol, on Dawson St. The bridesmaid's dresses were from Covet in Powerscourt Shopping Centre - they custom make bridesmaid dresses.
Special Mention to suppliers:
Second Photographer - Aoife O'Sullivan Photography
Videographer - Shane Prunty
The Band - Soul Purpose
Music at reception - The Kooky Ukes
Fraser O'Reilly, Paula's aunt, for the incredible wedding cake. Which tasted as great as it looked!