Miami couple Emily, who works for a non-profit, and Ryan, a real estate developer, are jetsetters – they got engaged in Quito, Ecuador, when Emily was on her way back from a trip to the Galapagos – so when it came time to pick an unforgettable destination for their Jewish wedding, the sky was the limit.
So when they Googled “best buy outs for weddings” and came up with Ireland’s Adare Manor as the first result, they were all in. And was it ever the perfect spot for their dreamy day, an absolute floral fantasia in white and green, with candles everywhere – don’t miss the incredible floral chuppah in the pics by Brosnan Photographic!
And we can’t get over how elegant Emily looked in her stunning Zuhair Murad ballgown, which she followed up with a gorgeous afterparty dress by Vera Wang! Read on for the full story in the bride’s own words…
Venue
Emily, the bride: Adare Manor was a dream. There is no place that compares. It was the first Google search we found after looking up ‘best buy outs for weddings.’ The first said castle in Ireland and we looked at each other and said DONE. It took a total of one minute. We paid for it without seeing it. We knew it was going to be perfect just off the pictures.
Magic and Candles
I don’t think we had a theme. It was important for it to be very white, green, and magical with candles everywhere. The wedding day was absolutely filled with stunning green and white florals. At the ceremony, organic arrangements of greenery, white roses, and small white blooms lined the aisle on the way to a gorgeous chuppah.
Trailing blooms, beautiful hydrangea, and plenty of greenery held together the elegant construction. The florals made their way indoors as well. The castle’s grand staircase was bursting with similar arrangements of greenery and white florals. A gilded mirror seating chart at the entrance of the reception space also had organic blooms at its base.
The reception ballroom was transformed into a floral wonderland thanks to an incredible overhead installation of greenery and white florals over the dance floor. The tables were elegantly set with black linens, tall taper candles, and dramatic white floral arrangements with garlands that led to the floor. Tall trees on round tables also made quite the statement.
The invitations said black tie or kilt. When I started seeing all of my best guy friends in skirts and high socks, I think that was the hardest I have ever laughed. One of the best parts of our wedding was our wedding planner. Having someone take control and make a lot of decisions for you makes the world a difference. Listen to what an expert has to say because they know what is best. My wedding was perfect but only because of my wedding planner, Tara Fay.
A Zuhair Murad Dress
I wore a stunning ball gown with a sweetheart neckline and off-the-shoulder straps. My dress was the first one I tried on from Zuhair Murad and then my after party dress was Vera Wang. I had such a nice experience with everything. I was much happier in my after party dress because it was so light and I was able to dance.
Ceremony & Chuppah
I started to cry when I got in the horse and carriage and the horse started to walk taking me to the ceremony. It was like a true fairytale.
Cake
The wedding cake was a seven-tier confection adorned with white blooms. The design by MM Cookies was placed on a table filled with white florals. The couple used a sword to cut into the towering cake. The couple hosted a seated reception dinner with multiple courses. The meal began with a fresh fig salad and finished with a selection of desserts.
Advice to couples currently planning their wedding
Hire a wedding planner.
EMILY & RYAN’S LITTLE WHITE BOOK
Photography – Christina Brosnan Photography
Venue – Adare Manor
Planner – Tara Fay
Bride’s dress – Zuhair Murad
Bride’s after party dress – Vera Wang
Hair + Makeup – Christine Lucignano, David Cashman
Flowers – The Garden
Band – The Event Band
Cake – MM Cookies
Stationery/Invitation – Appleberry Atelier
Smash The Glass Pouch – Smashing The Glass Etsy Shop {or join Smashing The Glass’s Brides Club and get one for free!}
If you’re a Jewish or Jew-ish bride-to-be, you’ll want to join Smashing The Glass’ Brides Club. Guided by the world’s number 1 Jewish wedding expert, Karen Cinnamon, Brides Club is the private community for Jewish and Jew-ish brides that removes wedstress and indecision and gives you what you need to plan with confidence during these uncertain times. Join our Brides Club here.
