What do you get when you marry the timeless elegance of a traditional black tie affair with a simple and classic colour palette? Today's utterly gorgeous real wedding. Prepare to be enchanted by Judy and Will's spring celebration with a mesmerising monochrome aesthetic.
They dreamt of a sophisticated and classic celebration that was relaxed and fun and their dreams came true in the luxurious surrounds of Tankardstown House in Co. Meath. With photography from Francis Meaney get ready for exceptional bridal style, decor infused with delicate clouds of baby's breath and sleek satin bows, a breathtaking ceremony and candlelit reception in the Orangery, and the most bow-utiful wedding cake...
Judy is from Ballymena in Co. Antrim and Will is from Naas where they are currently renovating their first home. Their love story began when they met in Dublin in June 2020, fast forward to August 2023 and Will popped the question during a romantic picnic on the shore of the lake at Castle Leslie Estate. Judy reflects, "I was completely surprised, I thought we were only popping in for a quick lunch en-route home to see my family in the north. I was wearing the most casual of outfits in jeans and sliders, not my proposal outfit of choice lol, but the proposal was just perfect."
From Judy's lace-dappled robe to her bridal BFF's in lustrous ivory satin sets, we are swooning over the bridal party PJs.
When it came to venue hunting, Judy and Will wanted a breathtaking setting that could accommodate all their celebrations from the rehearsal dinner to the day two. "Our goal was to ensure that all our guests had an unforgettable weekend, with the celebration flowing seamlessly from one event to the next, so the party never had to stop."
Will enlisted the tailoring experts at Louis Copeland & Sons for his made-to-measure tux which included a velvet blazer with contrasting satin lapels.
They opted for a neutral palette for their ceremony in the Orangery. The ambiance was calm, inviting and utterly fresh with delicate baby's breath arrangements and ceremony books tied with glossy black ribbons.
Re-imagined corsets and statement bodice wedding dresses have been trending hugely over the past seasons. The bride exuded contemporary romance wearing a WONA Concept ballgown with a ruched bodice with exposed boning which she styled with a cathedral veil, pearl Jimmy Choo heels, pearl and diamond earrings, and a diamond tennis bracelet.
The wedding morning was filled with unforgettable moments with so many more to come.
"It was important to us that the day felt both sophisticated and classic, while still maintaining a relaxed and fun atmosphere for our guests to enjoy," Judy says.
With Jenny Cullen Music performing during the ceremony, the bride made her incredible entrance to From This Moment by Shania Twain.
"My brother-in-law, Tommy Seymour, actually conducted our ceremony, with the celebrant stepping in only for the legal formalities. It was incredibly special to have such a personal and meaningful touch to mark the start of our marriage," Judy reflects.
While they fell in love with the breathtaking surrounds of Tankardstown House instantly it was the team and the incredible attention to detail that was brought to every aspect of their wedding weekend that made the venue so special. "Gemma, Tadgh, Sarah-Jane, and Fran were an absolute dream to work with from day one. Fran, as our coordinator for the wedding weekend, was exceptional – we honestly believe our day wouldn’t have been the same without him. The team at Tankardstown made sure we created memories that will last a lifetime."
Couples can expect second-to-none service at the effortlessly luxurious Meath venue. No request was too big or small for the Tankardstown House team as Judy highlights, "We even had Diana from reception sewing a bridesmaid into her dress just 30 minutes before the ceremony!"
Black bridesmaids dresses are bewitching whatever the season. Her ladies made a sumptuous statement in fit and flare gowns from Oh Hello Clothing.
The bridesmaids carried long-stem roses bouquets which brought a delicate pop of blush to the proceedings. Refined yet uber-romantic!
After seeing all the stunning details of their celebration of course we were going to ask for Judy's wedding planning advice. She says, "Really focus on each other and what you want from your day, don’t second guess yourself or worry about what your guests will think. Everyone is there for your day and to celebrate your love, they will love every aspect of your wedding whatever you decide. Enjoy every second of your wedding, because you will never again have all the people you both love most all together to celebrate you."
The groom's sister Victoria created their beautiful bow wedding cake! We adore the drama of the long ribbon tails.
Danielle Mahon created the glow-from-in radiant bridal party makeup looks. This carried on a sweet tradition as Danielle has done all the makeup for the family weddings, Judy shares.
How epic was the wedding party entrance?
Tommy wasn't only their celebrant, he also MC-ed their dinner! "There truly was no better man for the job. As a former British & Irish Lion, he's no stranger to public speaking, and he brought such an amazing vibe to the day."
As massive country music fans, the couple took to the dancefloor for the first time as husband and wife to Spin You Around by Morgan Wallen.
The newlyweds enjoyed a mini-moon in The Europe in Killarney straight after the wedding. They followed it up with a honeymoon in two sun-kissed hot-spots, Santorini and Crete. "We booked with Susan from the Travel Counsellors who specialise in planning honeymoons, and they have been fab taking away all the stress of planning a big trip."
We wish you a lifetime of happiness Judy and Will! A very special thank you to our fabulous couple and Francis Meaney for sharing this utterly spectacular Tankardstown House wedding with One Fab Day!
Keep the stunning inspiration coming by checking out our Irish Real Wedding section!
