If there was ever a wedding that would have me wanting a winter wedding, it would be Aoife and Adam's dreamy day! A day complete with a white and Champagne palette, a totally swoon-worthy frothy tulle gown, stunning florals with fluffy feather details, and a sprinkle of snow, it's enough to make anyone want to plan a winter celebration! Their vision? To create an inviting winter wonderland that transported guests to a magical evening full of merriment and Christmas cheer.
Wholesome and heartfelt, it was their DIY details that hit us in the feels, like the DIY timber bench guest book idea to represent Adam's love of nature and wood. Meanwhile, our talented bride Aoife DIY'd the epic dried flower arrangements outside their church ceremony. Behind the camera at their Tankardstown House wedding was The Fennells, so it’s no wonder every single photo is 11/10 stunning. So many beautiful winter wedding details just waiting to be pinned!
First things first, let's get to know our lovely couple a little better. Aoife and Adam both hail from the small village of The Naul in Co. Dublin. They first met at a Halloween party, Aoife telling " We met on a Halloween Bank Holiday night out, dressed as Captain Jack Sparrow & The Grudge. (love at first sight) We went on a date about two months later and the rest was history."
The proposal happened while the couple were holidaying in Torremolinos, Spain. "We had a fancy meal on the Marina, Adam then suggested to walk over to the lighthouse, attempting to make a picturesque proposal.. I said I was too tired to walk all the way out there and wanted to go back to our apartment, resulting into the proposal out on our balcony."
We have to take a moment for that dress! Aoife wore the Alena Leena Armeria gown with custom made sleeves which she sourced at Ivy & White bridal boutique in Belfast.
She completed her wedding wardrobe with the Autumn ankle strap kitten heels by Badgley Mischka, a bespoke veil by Blue Meadow and a beautiful pair of delicate handmade clay flower earrings by Kyna Maree.
The bridesmaids complimented the neutral winter wedding palette perfectly in champagne-toned bridesmaids dresses with chic one-shoulder bow detail from Lavish Alice, paired with shoes which Aoife sourced on ASOS.
Adam and his best men looked oh-so-dapper in black tie tuxes from Dorian Black. Adam personlised his groom look with patent tuxedo shoes also from Dorian Black and a Daniel Wellington watch. While the couple's adorable nephews looked adorable in their pageboy outfits from Zara and H&M.
Choosing their favourite season to get married, the couple opted for a cosy, festive wedding with a gorgeous neutral palette. "Our wedding was like a winter wonderland/fairytale", bride Aoife says. She adds, "I always dreamed of having a winter wedding, its our favourite season of the year for us both and we couldn't have had a better day. There was snow on the ground, with the sun shining at the same time, Tankardstown House lit up with Christmas lights, it was the beginning of the festive season & we just remember how happy everyone was. It really was a day to remember filled with so much fun and laughter, the dance floor was never empty, it was a real party!"
"We knew we didn't want typical reds & greens for that time of year, we wanted something simple and neutral. We liked the rustic look, especially with Adams love for trees, we included lots of timber. Along with winter whites & golds, champagne, winter wonderland, fairytale and festive!"
Aoife arrived in style in a Mercedes G-Class wagon. A quick dress adjustment, and she was ready to walk up the aisle to meet her beloved Adam.
On the 1st December 2023, the couple exchanged vows in front of loved ones at Church of the Nativity of Our Lady in Naul, Co. Dublin. The pair said "I do", exchanged rings from Voltaire Diamonds, and sealed their nuptials with a kiss!
We do love a good confetti toss!
When it came to their main planning priorities, they couple say it was to "spend as much time as possible together, really enjoy the whole day and take it all in.. and have a real party! We wanted good food and good music, Tropical Storm really got the party started from early on at the reception all the way through
the meal."
And the perfect spot for their festive fairytale day? The wonderful Tankardstown House house in Co. Meath. When asked what made it “the one” for them, Aoife says, "As soon as we drove into Tankardstown House we loved it. With Adam being a tree surgeon he loved the landscape and all the big trees surrounding the grounds."
"The staff were amazing, we loved the look of the menus, and when we seen the Orangery we knew it was “the one”, it was the perfect size room to hold the numbers we had. Location was also perfect, just a short 30 minute drive from our ceremony."
Sharing their favourite wedding memory Aoife says, "Knowing that all of our friends and family in the one room made our day special. Myself and Adam Sang Fairytale of New York, its a very memorable moment of the night with our guests singing along with us, We did it in memory of Shane Mac Gowan, who passed away 30th November, the day before our wedding. We by no means can sing but we gave it our best shot".
Representing the couple's love of nature, they created their own alternative wedding guest book from a large piece of timber created into a guest which they made into a bench/table for their 212 guests to sign on the day. Aoife says, "We will cover the top with glass and have it in our home forever. Delighted with how it turned out!"
Taking to the floor for the first time as newlyweds, Aoife and Adam's first dance was to Sky Full Of Stars by Coldplay. This was followed by a night of floor-fillers by their band & DJ Long Time Coming Wedding Band.
Looking back, these newlyweds were glad they went for an elegant day with a relaxed vibe which worked out perfectly. Their advice? " Be organised from the beginning. Put in the hard work effort from the start and everything will work out." They also add, "Remember that its YOUR day, and that is what matters most. Enjoy and soak up every moment because it really is the best day & night of your life!"
Aoife and Adam celebrated their union with an epic multi-destination honeymoon. We went on honeymoon December 28th. We spent NYE in Dubai where we stayed for 3 days, then onto Kuala Lumpar, Singapore, and ended in Bali. We were away for the month of January and we both said it was the best time to leave for honeymoon.. We loved everywhere but especially Singapore. We spent the first 3 weeks exploring and doing activities, and the last week relaxing before heading home."
Thank you to Aoife, Adam and The Fennells for sharing today's incredible winter Tankardstown House wedding with One Fab Day. Check out the gallery for even more gorgeous images!
Planning your own winter wedding day? Check out our Winter & Christmas Real Wedding section for more inspiration!
