M & C // Cloughjordan House
This wedding was a dream and with a Covid postponement, it was one we were all eagerly waiting for. It has so many elements I adore - everything on site with a first look and portraits before the ceremony, beautiful and meaningful handwritten vows, bursting with taste and style, the loveliest team to work with and the most chilled-out stylish couple. I can’t wait to share it with you!
The lovely Michaela and I have followed each other on Instagram for years. I’ve loved following her story and career path in New York - she’s incredibly dedicated and ambitious but still has managed to remain the most gentle, kind and humble soul in a city that’s supposed to make you tough! We had the opportunity to meet and spend some time together in New York a few years ago when I won a competition she was running. So, needless to say when she got in touch after her engagement, I was truly over the moon.
When asked why she chose me as her photographer, she said
“Have loved your work for years Claire, I knew that you would capture our day to reflect the joy and love around us perfectly.
Also having met you and Paddy before I knew you would be a calming presence on the day.”
After nearly nine years together, Cathal proposed while they were home for Christmas. They take a short road trip every Christmas Eve and that year decided to head to Connemara. “We were just driving along, and he pulled up along the side of the road and asked me to get out to take a picture of him,” she remembers. “There we were standing in the rain taking a picture, and he just proposed right there in the middle of the street.”
Once engaged, the pair decided to wed at Cloughjordan House in Tipperary. The aesthetic goal was countryside chic with a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.
The talented Mine + Kindred set the tone for the wedding weekend with a stunning watercolour invitation suite, featuring sentimental florals and greenery, the venue, and the couple’s beloved dog, Duke.
The bouquet was beautiful ethereal white blooms by The Garden adorned with a black velvet bow.
I couldn’t wait to see the dress Michaela had chosen. Her style is glamorous and fun. She went for an off-the-shoulder gown with dramatic floral-inspired detailing by Tatyana Kochnova, all the way from Russia. She looked incredible. She went for her signature beauty look with a classic low bun, winged liner & red lip with the help of Patrycja Rusiecka and Melissa Moran.
Despite it being a July wedding, the weather was against us on the day. However, the fact that everything was happening on site allowed us a lot of flexibility to work around the rain which is always a huge plus. We were able to catch a clear window and pop out for their first look, portraits and family photos, all wrapped up before the ceremony kicked off. This is something that’s a huge advantage when deciding to have everything at the venue, which I highly recommend.
Cathal looked so handsome in a Ted Baker tuxedo with a Tom Ford bow tie and Stubbs & Wootton shoes.
Despite their own fur baby not being able to make it, they had some other furry well-wishers that popped over for a little hello and some pats!
Their ceremony was officiated by their mutual best friend, Jennifer which was a beautiful touch. Michaela’s sister read a meaningful poem and they exchanged their own personal vows and rings by Chupi. “I didn’t feel very emotional in the days leading up to the wedding or even the morning-of, but the second I walked into the ceremony space and saw the faces of literally all of my favourite people in one room, including those who travelled across the world to celebrate with us, I was so overcome with emotion and literally ugly cried the entire way up the aisle which made everyone laugh,” Michaela remembers.
For the reception, Michaela’s talented friend, Maisie Kate, designed a gorgeous tablescape featuring green and white table linens and black ribbons. Sprawling greenery by The Garden hung from the draped ceiling. The bright white marquee was light-filled and the black candles added drama to the ambience. This was a total delight to photograph.
After dinner, the newlyweds cut their cake by Sandra’s Cake House. It consisted of three flavours: madeira with raspberry buttercream, carrot and walnut, and chocolate biscuit. The pair then opted to give a speech together, which was a lovely touch.
The party kicked off with Good Times, a DJ, and a saxophonist. The couple skipped a first dance, so the day wouldn’t feel too regimented, and instead had a “last dance” to “New York, New York.” Michaela says, “Because we’re both from Ireland but have lived in New York for 6+ years, it felt a once in a lifetime opportunity for our two worlds to come together, which is exactly what happened.”
Upon receiving her preview, Michaela replied
”Oh my god CLAIRE IM CRYING THESE ARE SO STUNNING! I can’t believe it! Thank you so so much for everything!” which is always so lovely to hear! Thank YOU Michaela & Cathal, it was an absolute pleasure.