Catholic. Celtic. Rustic. Regal. Music. Magic.

I ran across possibly the most beautiful Irish themed wedding I have ever seen while browsing on flickr recently. The wedding of Brian and Nataly Kelly in Birr, Co. Offaly was an absolutely stunning, picture perfect day with the most exquisite attention to detail, a real inspiration for how to do things just right.




The bridal gown was inspired by a Princess of Ireland doll, which the bride's mother recreated with delicate beading and embroidery, a work of art in itself. The detail can be seen in a sample she created which was later used to cover the couple's guest book. The groom and groomsmen wore kilts in his tartan and the bridesmaids wore regal purple gowns and carried bouquets of purple lisianthus tied with flowing raffia bows.




The reception took place at Kinnity Castle in Offaly, a magnificent medieval style banquet hall bedecked with candles and stunning fresh flower arrangements. Little details carried the theme... the couple brought the exquisitely hand-lettered place cards with them from home, and the cake was embellished with a delicate knotwork design.




To see more pictures, visit the couple's flickr page.

Bouquet Charms by Homespun Ireland

As a florist, I know how creative brides have become in choosing the details in finishing their bridal bouquets. Years ago it was enough to tie a ribbon around the stems and call it a day! Now it's a real feature, using co-ordinating fabrics and ribbons, and vintage brooches and charms.


Homespun Ireland is an etsy shop featuring mixed media art, including a collection of collage pendants. The pendants feature antique Irish lace and vintage Irish ephemera including maps and postage stamps. The pendants are perfect to be used as bouquet charms, adding a subtle bit of 'green' to your bridal bouquet.




The pendants are laced on to a length of organza ribbon, which can be tied on to your bouquet or else given to your florist to attach to the binding.

If you would like to incorporate your own ideas, photographs, or personal items into a custom bouquet charm, use the 'Alchemy' feature on etsy, or convo the seller directly...or else email homespunireland@eircom.net.

homespunireland.etsy.com

Antique Irish Lace

The Sheelin Antique Irish Lace Museum and Shop, located near Enniskillen in Co. Fermanagh in Northern Ireland, has an amazing collection of antique lace items, many of which are available for purchase. Among the items suitable for bridalwear are antique wedding dresses, wedding veils, shawls, collars, and bonnets, all exquisitely handmade by Irish women working in the cottage lacemaking industry which was widespread in post-famine Ireland, circa 1850-1900.

Among the collection are beautiful bodices, which can be combined with modern dresses to create a vintage style wedding gown with a unique Victorian Irish style. The belts are modern pieces created from antique lace.






The veils are breathtaking, including handmade cathedral length veils of Carrickmacross and Limerick lace. All of the items are well priced compared with modern, machine made veils...amazing when you imagine the hundreds of hours put into each piece by women who often supported their whole families with their handiwork.

A beautiful way to showcase your Irish heritage with traditional style, and an opportunity to create a family heirloom that your daughter will actually wear someday!

www.irishlacemuseum.com

Thyme2Dream Weddings

The beautiful headdresses and jewellery by etsy seller Thyme2Dream Weddings would be perfect for the Celtic bride. The artist is inspired by Mucha to create this Art Nouveau style wedding headdress, which can be customised to order...choose your own colour scheme and stones to complement your gown and theme.

Also worth having a look in her original shop, Thyme2Dream, which has a large selection of beaded and bejewelled headdresses, circlets, and combs. There are many other ideas in her etsy shops, gorgeous unique handmade jewellery, all of which can be custom ordered to create a one-of-a-kind piece.

Thyme2DreamWeddings.etsy.com
Thyme2Dream.etsy.com

Artful Beginnings

We found these beautiful save-the-date cards on etsy.com, by seller Artful Beginnings. 25 personalised cards with hand-painted gold edges, handmade folders, and matching envelopes for $25! Colourful and tasteful and so reasonably priced you'd think there was a recession on.

She has other products using this graphic, including scroll-style invitations in individual cushion boxes, and even printed silk hankies! Everything can be customised so there are lots of ideas for favours, bridesmaid and groomsmen gifts, etc.

ArtfulBeginnings.etsy.com

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Find inspiration for your Irish or Celtic themed wedding at The Emerald Aisle.

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