Autumnal Virginia Park Lodge Wedding | Claire & Kevin
Claire and Kevin’s Virginia Park Lodge wedding took place at the start of November, one of the most atmospheric times of year for an Irish destination wedding. The skies are clear and the trees are, as WB Yeats put it: “in their autumn beauty”, a kaleidoscope of scarlet, amber, and gold that sets the landscape on fire. But, while the couple wanted to celebrate the autumn-winter season, they also wanted to distinguish their event from any elements of Halloween or Christmas that would give it a holiday feel. Instead, we envisioned the day as sumptuous and elegant, with a lush autumnal palette of berry and navy blue. Inspired by overblown florals and winter fruits, we were able to bring this vision to life, with a cosy but opulent feel from beginning to end. This beautiful Virginia Park Lodge wedding was featured recently on the fabulous Carats & Cake, so be sure to pop over and check out the full feature here.
Virginia Park Lodge is that rare find, a country house wedding venue that exudes warmth as well as luxury. Just an hour away from Dublin, the 18th-century hunting estate is set in over 100 acres of beautiful parkland near the charming village of Virginia in Co. Cavan. It was the perfect place for Claire and Kevin to host their guests in privacy and style. Although the lodge is licensed to hold civil ceremonies and partnerships, the couple instead opted for a church ceremony at the beautiful St. Brigid’s Catholic Church in Oldcastle, around fifteen minutes away. After the vows, it was on to the reception at Virginia Park Lodge’s stunning lake view pavilion, with its glass walls and vistas of Lough Ramor. It holds up to 300 guests and is truly a highlight of any Virginia Park Lodge wedding!
Claire and Kevin wanted their reception to have the intimate atmosphere of a dinner party. We used navy velvet linens on a mix of round and long tables, with overflowing florals and fruits as centrepieces. At each place setting, plush velvet ribbons hand-painted with guests’ names acted as place cards. A lush display of flowers and greenery hung above the main table, while thousands of lights twinkled from the draped ceiling like a canopy of stars. As a finishing touch, beautiful coloured candles imported from Denmark were incorporated into the table design, creating the warm, sumptuous party feel that the couple had always envisioned. The brilliant London Essentials band entertained the guests, going table to table, before famed Irish musician, Paul Harrington, finished the night with song and dance that lasted well into the wee hours.
The menu is a central part of any Virginia Park Lodge wedding since the hotel is owned by Michelin-starred Irish chef, Richard Corrigan, and benefits from seasonal produce grown on the estate. Claire and Kevin’s guests dined on fresh Atlantic seafood, autumnal pumpkin soup and ravioli, and the most delicious prime Beef Wellington. Instead of a wedding cake, they opted for a cheese wheel tower.
Another favourite element of the day was the stationery details. Grosvenor Stationers in London not only created the stationery suite but the day-of paper products as well. It was all about the little details, including a bespoke monogram that the couple commissioned from Sarah O’Dea. The suite also featured delicate calligraphy and gold-lined envelopes. For the velvet ribbon that was used to tie the programs, as well as in the bridal bouquets and on the tables, we drew inspiration from the peach-toned tiles in the church. The stationery truly set the tone for the guests, both before the wedding and on the day.
Congratulations again to the gorgeous bride and groom!
Slán go Fóill,
Tara
Planner: Tara Fay Events | Venue: Virginia Park Lodge | Photography: Brett Harkness | Flowers: Flowers by Moira | Bridal Dress: Suzanne Neville from Sharon Hoey | Bride’s Shoes: Manolo Blahnik | Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Ghost | Video: Dreamcatcher Productions | Stationery & Invitations: Grosvenor Stationers | Linens: Total Event Rental | Tabletop Rentals: Whitehouse Crockery | Monogram: Sarah O’Dea | Church Music Tenor: Simon Morgan | Ceremony Music Instrumental: Mamisa Quartet | Reception Music: The London Essentials | DJ Wedding Night: Gordon Johnson | Late Night Music: Paul Harrington | Hair: David Cashman | Makeup: Paula Callan | Cheese Cake: Sheridans Cheesemongers
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