Have you ever dreamt of tying the knot in a castle wedding loaded with bright blooms? That was the fairytale vision for US real wedding couple Kyrsten and Sean and their dreams came true at Bansha Castle in the verdant Tipperary countryside. Joined by 12 of their nearest and dearest, their summer celebration was filled with sublime style (including a jaw-dropping black wedding dress), whimsical decor, fantastic food, and unique twists. Nina Val Photography was a part of the magic and she captured every perfect moment of this love and laughter-filled celebration which included a sensational secret garden ceremony officiated by Enda Harte. We don't want to wait another second, let's go!
Both from Cincinnati in Ohio, Kyrsten and Sean's happily ever after began when they met on a dating app in 2022. They didn't have a typical proposal, they did things their way. They explain, "It was more of a decision that we made one day because it felt right and that it was the next step in our relationship to show our love and commitment for each other." Today they are based in Dayton, Ohio.
Planning a destination wedding can present a unique set of challenges and the couple enlisted Annie Byrne of Elope to Ireland to bring their dream day to life in all its glory.
Gorgeous flowers loaded with colour were amongst their priorities. They also wanted an amazing photographer to capture all the beautiful memories they would cherish forever and they were in the best hands with Nina Val Photography!
Black-tie brilliance! Sean exuded timeless elegance with his ensemble from The Black Tux.
Breathtaking in black! Kyrsten's lace and glittering tulle black wedding dress was by Rebecca Ingram from Enchanted Bridal Couture. She accessorised with black lace slingbacks by Betsey Johnson and accessories by Olive and Piper.
Reflecting on the atmosphere of the celebration Kyrsten says, "I would describe my wedding as a whimsical secret garden. The day was filled with laughter and love from all of our family."
It was the secret garden full of lush greenery that made Bansha Castle 'the one' and their florist Elderwoods Floristry enhanced the magic of the setting with meadow-like clusters of bright blooms along the aisle and a sensational deconstructed ceremony arch.
Brimming with elegant period features, Bansha Castle is majestically located in a private parkland by the Glen of Aherlow, it is a verdant world of romance to celebrate your happiest day.
Kyrsten and Sean's first look was as dreamy as they come!
Wow, wow, wow! Colour-loving brides will fall head over heels for Kyrsten's bouquet which was bursting with joyfully bright hues including peonies, delphinium, roses, and daisies.
Skipping to forever!
Harpist Alannah Thornburgh brought their sun-kissed ceremony to new heights of ethereal elegance.
As she made her entrance Kyrsten was given away at the beginning of the aisle and she walked the rest of the way herself. What a beautiful way to amplify the magic of the unforgettable moment.
Their beautiful ceremony which was officiated by Enda Harte was packed with sweet rituals including a ring-warming ritual and a hand-fasting.
Their ceremony readings included a moving excerpt by the Dalai Lama, Instructions for Life in the New Millennium which included heartwarming notes such as, "Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk. And that a loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life."
Their wedding day aesthetic was driven by the bride's love of bright and colourful flowers and the whimsicalness of a garden wedding.
While it had been raining every day while they were in Ireland, the sun shone splendidly on their special day. We wonder did they have the Child of Prague or even a sausage buried in the garden?
The floral fantasy continued with the reception styling with the tablescape including colourful candles in tall glass holders, whimsical clusters of blooms, a foliage-print tablecloth, colourful place settings with tassels, and menus boasting floral illustrations.
The couple opted for a pastel-hued cake which sported pretty and colourful floral icing motifs. So superbly sweet and stylish for a summer wedding.
Caterers Catering with a Difference served up a sumptuous spread, is your tummy grumbling? Ours are!
Smoke bombs are a firm favourite with couples because of the colourful, dreamy vibe they add to wedding pictures!
The fact that their wedding party could stay at the castle was another huge winning factor. "The thing that made our wedding day really special to us was that we were able to spend all day with our closet family. Bansha Castle was the perfect location for our intimate wedding because of this," they add.
Their top piece of wedding advice is to remember the meaning of the day and from that everything will flow perfectly.
Kyrsten and Sean opted for a first dance in the gorgeous garden with Feels Like Home by Chantal Kreviazuk as their song.
The couple went to Scotland for their honeymoon where they took bus tours through the Highlands and went castle hopping.
Thanks so much to Kyrsten & Sean for sharing their absolutely spectacular castle wedding and to Nina Val Photography for providing the absolutely gorgeous imagery! There are even more beautiful images to peruse in the gallery below.
Want to tie the knot in fairytale style? Check out 27 Fairytale Castle Wedding Venues in Ireland!
