Real Wedding – Alex and Rory
Introducing Alexandra & Rory….
A unity of New Zealand and Ireland
The Engagement
As tradition would have it, Rory had to ask Alex’s Dads permission but he was in Dubai and this meant that a trek to Dubai was a must. They were living in London at the time. Rory took Alex’s dad out for a pre dinner drink and asked for his blessing. I love the next part, Alex’s Dad sounds like a hoot!
“Before saying ‘yes’ Dad asked Rory a list of questions which Rory had to answer positively, including whether he would switch allegiances from Ireland to NZ in rugby…. The answer to that was a no. But overall he passed.”
Two weeks later, Alex was sick and Rory arrived home with a handful of balloons and got down on one knee. Of course Alex said yes!
The Wedding
Preparations moved swiftly along and there was never any doubt that there would be an Irish wedding. Rory being from Ireland and Alex feeling right at home here made the choice very easy. They searched for the perfect venue and it didn’t take long or much persuasion to choose Rathsallagh House.
Everything was planning meticulously with the A Team planning team – Alex, Rory and her parents.
“As I am a non-Catholic New Zealander born in Sharjah, U.A.E. and Rory is Catholic Irish person living in the UK getting our paperwork together was quite challenging!!! Everyone laughs that Rory (the non-lawyer) did the legal work. We managed to pull it together and the relief was immense.”
The Wedding Week
There were so many guests travelling from abroad. Alex and Rory planned a jam packed itinerary to ensure that those guests got to take in Ireland as well as enjoy their wedding day. The day before, there was a relaxed party which tee’d up the following day. The morning of the wedding, Alex’s parents joined her in her room for breakfast, I love this idea!
The day was respectful of tradition and very elegant. As you will see from the pictures, Rathsallagh House was beautiful and the attention to detail is obvious. I love the brides dress and if i’m right, I think its a Hayley Paige.
During the ceremony, there was a nod to Alex’s New Zealand heritage, ‘Pokarekare ana’ was sang beautifully by Orla Fallon wedding singer.
The following day, they just did not want the party to end and opted for a BBQ in Rathsallagh House.
Parting Advice
“Listen to people’s advice, people love to share their experiences but this does not mean you have to follow it…..Don’t sweat the small stuff…..Remember the wedding is about you and your partner”
Scroll down to see the pictures!
Suppliers
Venue Rathsallagh Country House
Photographer – Couple Photography
Videographer – Richard Gill
Cake – Cove Cake Designs
Hair and Make-up – Powder Room Girls
Hair Stylist – Susan Peggs
Makeup Artist – Rhona Cullinan
Cars – Instyle Wedding Cars
Coaches – Eamonn Deering
Wedding Planning, Theming and Floristry – Floristry, Stationery & Styling by Lulabelle
Irish Entertainment – Celtic Rhythm Dancers
Harpist – Orla Fallon
Band (and DJ) – Johnny Be Goodie:
Band – Kings River B
