A magnificent 300-year-old mansion nestled in the idyllic Laois countryside, Castle Durrow was the venue for primary school teacher, Laura Moloney's wedding to business owner, Eoghan Power on November 2nd, 2024. Captured by Studio Brown, from the velvet bridesmaids' dresses to the reception hall draped in fairylights, this winter wedding gets full marks for style!
The two met in 2016 through mutual friends at the Electric Picnic arts and music festival in Stradbally Hall. "Being from Laois, we both went nearly every year!"
"In early July 2023, we set off on a short break in Ireland. The plan was to stay in The Mustard Seed in Limerick and have afternoon tea in Adare Manor. To my surprise, the afternoon tea turned into a proposal and stay in the beautiful Adare Manor. We had a lovely few days, celebrating as a couple before going home to pop some bubbles with our families and our dog, Artie."
"My beauty journey was not extensive! I had a course of three hydrafacials in the run-up to the wedding and had BIAB done on my nails to prevent them from breaking." For her perfume, Laura wore Jo Malone Earl Grey and Cucumber. With notes of bergamot, distinct Earl Grey, and the cool succulence of crunchy cucumber, this mellow and delicate fragrance was the perfect fit for such a historic venue.
"I had an idea in my head of what I wanted, and although I never found exactly that, I fell for the material in the Jesus Piero dress, which I ultimately chose. The neckline and skirt shape matched what I had imagined but the slit was a bit different and made it so easy to walk and sit in. I actually had the top of one dress and the skirt of another, so I was nervous before it arrived. I was delighted that I loved it when it arrived in The White Room."
For Eoghan's ensemble, the couple ventured to Galvins in Tullamore and walked out with a classic three-piece black tuxedo with a velvet dickie-bow.
For her bridal party, Laura asked six wonderful women to be by her side: three childhood friends, Louise, Ciara (who also made the wedding cake!), and Emma; her friend from later in life, Katie; her sister-in-law, Kathleen; and finally, Eoghan’s sister, Anne-marie. "We tried a couple of places for dresses, and I ordered some online, but in the end, we found a dress that everyone loved on Folkster. As it turned out, the navy velvet was perfect for November and suited all of the girls so well."
"We had a church ceremony in Ratheniska, where I work and where Eoghan grew up. Fr. David Vard set the tone for the day – relaxed and easy-going (despite how late the bride was!). Heather, Gillian, and Ciarán performed beautifully in the church; I'm so glad we can hear some of it in the wedding video!"
"It is hard to pick a favourite part, but one highlight from the ceremony was when my brother, Michael, played my favourite piano piece after communion. He learned it years ago, and I always said I would love him to play it at my wedding, and he did! There aren’t many childhood dreams that come true, but that one did."
Eoghan had attended a wedding in Castle Durrow back in 2016, shortly after the couple met, and had always said he thought it was a lovely place to get married. The day the pair went to meet with Robyn, they were able to see the Castle dressed for a wedding, and their minds were made up!
"We loved the reception rooms, the outdoor corridor lit with lanterns and of course the ballroom with the beautiful stonework and chandeliers. After that, it was just a case of finding a date for us!"
Regarding the best decision, Laura said, "Without a doubt, it was our venue! Our wedding was initially planned for May 3, 2024, but unfortunately, we had to postpone it five days prior due to an essential surgery. We were fortunate that Castle Durrow was able to offer us a later date in 2024, and are forever grateful to Castle Durrow and all our vendors for their understanding and compassion at the time."
- Gráinne