Anne and Aaron, our stylish real wedding couple, welcomed the first day of May as one they will never forget. Their spring Castlemaryt Resort celebration which is the epitome of classic elegance, is full of all of our favorite things: dreamy bridal style, beautiful blossoms, a super stylish bridal party, a scrumptious cake and a gorgeous couple madly in love. Complete with a jazz theme and a fresh seasonal palette, this day came together in the loveliest way.
Anne and Aaron's day starts with a with a heartwarming ceremony at the historic UCC where a jazz band played as they walked down the aisle, and is followed by a reception that incorporates pretty floral details and more nods to their love of jazz! In other words, it's perfection and all captured by White Cat Studios. Check out their fabulous jazz-themed celebration below.
![pearls for bride headband hair accessory and bridal heels shoes](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland20.jpg)
![white flowers initials letters ribbon ring box bands](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland24.jpg)
![satin pink wedding ring box bands](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland25.jpg)
![red pink flowers bouquet](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland39.jpg)
From the beginning, we are spoiled with lush details from the morning preparations. Divine glistening gold Loeffler Randall bridal shoes, accompanied with a back lace, earrings, and bridal headband from The White & Gold. Keep an eye out for Anne's something old and something borrowed and blue - her mother's Claddagh ring and a blue Jane Austen brooch pinned to the ribbons of her bouquet!
![piano forte sheet music and photo frames placed on top](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland14.jpg)
![cologne for groom male men silver watch and tie](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland8.jpg)
![groom gets ready in groom fixes watch or cufflinks](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland12.jpg)
![groom sitting in suit with groomsman](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland15.jpg)
![groomsman pours pint of beer into grooms glass](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland18.jpg)
This wonderful celebration is the result of a beautiful love tale that began as a college friendship. The couple started dating over numerous cups of tea after meeting while studying law at UCC!
![laughing bride with bridesmaids on either side holding glasses of champagne bottle](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland35.jpg)
![bride pouring champagne prosecco into bridesmaids glasses](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland34.jpg)
![bridesmaids open gifts and read letter from bride](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland37.jpg)
![bride and bridesmaid hug](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland36.jpg)
Regarding the proposal, the faith was sealed during a trip to Iceland in 2019. Aaron had intended to wait until they saw the Northern Lights, but after only a day and a half of the journey, he became anxious and asked Anne to marry him!
![bride putting on her earrings smiling](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland43.jpg)
![bride looks over shoulder wearing headband accessory](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland46.jpg)
For her wedding day look, Anne choose an Alexandra Grecco gown; an elegant and spectacular satin, a-line design that she sourced at The White & Gold. She completed her look with a unique selection of beautiful pearl bridal accessories. Her Hollywood wave hairstyle was accentuated with a pop of vintage flair through an eye-catching red lip.
![mother bridesmaid helps father with flower brooch](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland48.jpg)
![bride stands at top of staircase and begins to make her way down](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland49.jpg)
We love this sweet Dad moment as he adds his final button-hole touches as he prepares for Anne to make her bridal debut.
![father of the bride emotional with daughter holding bouquet](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland51.jpg)
![father of the bride emotional with daughter holding bouquet all smiles](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland52.jpg)
![mother wearing pink hat and dress with daughter bride](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland56.jpg)
The Pinterest-worthy flowers, handpicked and placed together with perfection, were from Flowers from The Secret Garden. Burgundy, soft pink and ivory florals come together creating a contrasting and eye-catching springtime bouquet.
![bride and bridesmaids](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland53.jpg)
![bride in the middle of her bridesmaids smiling](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland54.jpg)
![bridesmaid holds back of bridal gown dress as they begin to walk](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland55.jpg)
One of the biggest priorities for Aaron and Anne when planning their Cork wedding day was their loved ones. "It might seem obvious our big priority was family. We both gave speeches as we wanted to take this opportunity to tell them all how much they mean to us. Also, my brother was one of Aaron’s groomsmen and his sister was one of my bridesmaids, which felt like a nice celebration of the joining of our two families,” the bride says.
![close up of flowers bouquet](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland60.jpg)
![father of the bride in the wedding car](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland64.jpg)
![violinist wedding music plays the violin](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland59.jpg)
![groom at top of alter setting in church](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland62.jpg)
![bridesmaids in green walks down the aisle](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland69.jpg)
![groom awaits nervously at the alter for bride](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland72.jpg)
![father of the bride walks his daughter down the aisle](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland74.jpg)
"Having their wedding at UCC, the place where they initially met and had many mutual friends, was also very significant to them. “ Also, we both got ready at home, which was a very special time with our families and we chose our venues with that in mind,” they added.
![father of the bride walks his daughter down the aisle](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland75.jpg)
![bride and groom sit happily in front of priest/celebrant during ceremony](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland85.jpg)
![woman lighting the candle mother witness](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland86.jpg)
![bride and groom smile hold hands at the alter they read their vows](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland89.jpg)
One of their favorite ceremony song selections was the heartfelt piece of music the couple chose to play while they signed the register. It was Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds' "Into My Arms," in instrumental form. The couple also chose a handfasting ritual for their sentimental UCC wedding ceremony.
![bride and groom are bound with ribbon at top of alter with celebrant and witness](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland91.jpg)
![bride and groom hold hands at top of alter](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland103.jpg)
![portraits hanging on wall bride groom at top of alter in front of guests kissing White Cat Studio: Aaron & Anne RW Real Wedding](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland94.jpg)
The couple planned for a pop-up brass band to play at the ceremony's conclusion to signify the end of the formal part and the beginning of the celebration, adding a little fun and personality to the day! "Only a few people in the wedding party knew about it in advance so it was a fun surprise for guests and everyone was clapping and dancing as we left the room."
![wide shot of wedding band playing trumpet saxophone and trombone down the aisle](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland100.jpg)
![wide shot of wedding band playing trumpet saxophone and trombone down the aisle band is also playing drums](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland102.jpg)
![over view shot of guests seated during ceremony](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland104.jpg)
![wedding band musician playing trumpet](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland105.jpg)
![bride and groom clapping singing along to wedding band](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland106.jpg)
![groom and his groomsmen clap and smile singing](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland107.jpg)
![bride and groom bouquet in the air all smiles as they exit ceremony setting](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland111.jpg)
![bride and groom bouquet in the air all smiles as they exit ceremony setting](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland112.jpg)
Once the ceremony ended, it was time to kick off the celebrations 5-star style! But before the newlyweds and 166 of their loved ones, made their way back to East Cork to the magnificent Castlemartyr Resort, they stopped for some couple portraits in the grounds of UCC.
![bride and groom walk the pathway venue in background](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland139.jpg)
![bride stands in pathway smiling holding bouquet](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland143.jpg)
![bride walks away from camera pathway towards wedding venue](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland142.jpg)
![groom stands in garden bench in background he smiles](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland141.jpg)
![bride and groom laugh smile she holds bouquet in front of castle door tinted church windows in background](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland140.jpg)
The bridal party dazzled in contemporary mix-and-match green hues reminiscent of spring. The smartly dressed groomsmen sported three-piece charcoal and grey morning suits.
![bride and groom standing on the steps to wedding church venue hugging](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland118.jpg)
![bride smells her bouquet flowers as she looks away smiling](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland123.jpg)
![family portrait bride groom in middle exterior church setting with bridesmaids groomsmen and family members either side](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland128.jpg)
![groom and groomsmen walk along the pathway together garden forest setting](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland129.jpg)
![bride in the middle of her bridesmaids wearing different shades of green](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland164.jpg)
To honour their numerous memories at the Cork Jazz Festival, swinging jazz was added throughout the day. Their goal was to have fun, and they most definitely succeeded in doing so! "We had some significant moments in the early years of our relationship at that festival and those happy memories definitely influenced some of our decisions such as the choice of band and venues."
![bookcase interior library setting bride and groom hand in hand standing straight](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland130.jpg)
![bookcase interior library setting bride and groom hand in hand standing straight](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland131.jpg)
![bookcase interior library setting of grooms arms around brides waist and bouquet in shot they kiss](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland133.jpg)
![bookcase interior library setting close up of grooms arms around brides waist and bouquet in shot](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland134.jpg)
Anne and Aaron describe the moment they knew Castlemartyr was the one: “From the very first meeting, the team at Castlemartyr were extremely attentive to our plans for the big day. We loved the mix of old-world charm at the main house, which is where we had our drinks reception, and the modern comforts of a large hotel with plenty of rooms for our friends and family to stay and keep the party going into the early hours! There was a sing-song until around 6 am and they were incredibly patient with us. We also knew the food and service would be excellent, which was important to us.”
![bride walking with colourful bouquet in hand flowers](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland156.jpg)
![bride in the middle of her bridesmaids wearing different shades of green garden setting](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland163.jpg)
![bride in the middle of her bridesmaids wearing different shades of green](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland164.jpg)
More vibrant and fresh spring blossom magic made its way to the reception room where bud vases and tall vases filled with handpicked bouquets welcomed the guests to their tables from afar! Simple tablescaping at its prettiest!
![candles lit on table colourful flowers](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland177.jpg)
![empty dining room ballroom table setting](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland158.jpg)
![flowers pink roses in vases with water](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland175.jpg)
As music was such an important part of their day, another of the biggest priorities for Aaron and Anne when planning their Cork wedding day was the reception music. “From the beginning, we knew that we wanted the band to have a distinctive sound rather than simply being a good cover band. We were thrilled with Velvet Lounge as they made each song their own but still had a really broad repertoire so there was something for everyone."
![white wedding cake covered in flowers ivy ivory](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland157.jpg)
![macarons / macaroons sweet treats for guests](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland179.jpg)
![white flowers placed on white wedding cake](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland180.jpg)
When asked to provide some advice to our One Fab Day readers, they said: "It is one of the few times in your life that all of your favourite people will be gathered in one room so relax and enjoy being surrounded by their love and friendship.
![bride and groom enter the dining room ballroom holding hands guests clap](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland174.jpg)
![bride giving speech into microphone laughing](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland178.jpg)
![cheers with glasses of prosecco or champagne bride and groom at table](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland176.jpg)
After the celebrations, the lovebirds jetted off on the trip of a lifetime: "We went to Costa Rica on honeymoon straight after the wedding and loved it! A great mix of adventurous activities like white water rafting, amazing wildlife and luxurious jungle lodges," they added.
![bride and groom dance on the dancefloor together](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland189.jpg)
![wedding band musicians playing trumpet saxophone music](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxury-wedding-photographer-ireland195.jpg)
A very special thank you to Aaron, Anne and White Cat Studio for sharing this marvelously upbeat and glamorous Cork wedding day with all of our readers.