Luxury Irish Castle WeddingIvana Patarcic

Luxury Irish Castle Wedding Inspiration

/0 Comments/in /by

Luxury Irish Castle Wedding Inspiration

Luxury Irish Castle Wedding Inspiration

In the off-peak season it is always a delight to take part in some inspirational wedding editorial shoots, when teams of vendors can get together to be creative, network and generally also have some fun. When destination wedding videographer Emma K Films got in touch over the summer to ask if I would like to create a cake for a Luxury Irish Castle Wedding shoot at Luttrelstown Castle Resort in October, it was a definite yes from me.

Luxury Irish Castle Wedding Moodboard

Emma send a moodboard for the shoot, which spoke of neutral tones, modern elegant fashion and an overall romantic luxurious feel. A fabulous source of inspiration from which to create a wedding cake.

Wedding Mood boardThe Wedding Cake Design

One of the features of the mood board that captured my imagination was the oversized sleeves on some of the inspirational bridal gowns. The dress chosen for the shoot from Love Ellie Bridal, had similarly modern voluminous sleeves, a current bridal trend which I adore, on a sleek columnar gown.

Bride on stairs with wedding bouquet

I chose to recreate this bridal style (somewhat in reverse!) in the cake, with a ‘puffy’ pearl-covered base tier and smooth top tiers. Simple white sugar roses, similar to those in the bridal bouquet, were the only other decoration.

White wedding cake with sugar roses

The cake was beautifully captured by photographer Ivana Patarcic, not least in this stunning image of the bride holding the cake, one of my favourites from the shoot!

Bride holding wedding cake

The Wedding Shoot

The overall style of the shoot was exquisite. Simply elegant stationery was by Ivory Feather Designs while modern flowers in shades of white were by Total Flower Designs. Table settings were coordinated by Infusion Weddings.

Wedding stationeryWhite wedding bouquet on brown leather chairWedding table place setting with white floral centrepieces Wedding Editorial Feature

With such modern romantic beauty, it was no surprise that this editorial shoot was snapped up to be featured on prestigious blog, Wedding Chicks.

Black and white photo of wedding coupleLuxury Irish Castle Wedding Inspiration Shoot Team

The best part of editorial shoots is getting to work with fantastic vendors and this was no exception. A huge thank you to the whole team who brough this together!

For more editorial shoots browse our Inspiration page.

Suzanne, x

 

 

 

 

Bride and GroomAdam and Grace Photo

Wedding Inspiration – It’s All In The Details

/0 Comments/in , /by

Wedding Couple

Wedding Inspiration – It’s All In The Details

The quiet months at the start of the year are always a time to not only plan for the year ahead, but also look to back on some of the highlights of the past year. And as I sit at my desk this January looking back on last year, there were indeed many highlights! One of which was being part of a fabulous team of wedding vendors working to make the vision of Aislinn and Tim a reality for their wedding celebrations. Today I am sharing some beautiful images of their day at Virginia Park Lodge, captured by Adam and Grace Photography. For this wedding inspiration, it’s definitely all in the details!

Wedding Inspiration – The Details

The elegance and style that ran throughout Aislinn and Tim’s day started with the timeless stationery by Lenka Calligraphy, which had beautiful detailing including wax seals and silk ribbon.

Guests were greeted at the church by oversized pots and urns of artfully natural flowers in shades of off-white with hints of soft autumn hues, created by the wonderfully talented The Rosehip and Berry.

The groom wore black tie and the bride wore a stunningly elegant dress, designed by herself and created by Emma Beaumont Atelier. Wedding Invitations

Bride and groom outside church

Bride and groom outside church

Wedding Inspiration – Reception Details

The function room at Virginia Park lodge was styled by House of Hannah Events, to create a warm romantic atmosphere on a cold November day. Soft green table linen was the backdrop for displays of florals and fruit by The Rosehip and Berry, on a tablescape that included gold cutlery and stationery by Lenka Calligraphy.  Twinkling lights and an abundance of taper candles in warm neutral tones created a warm and welcoming glow.

Wedding table numbers and flowers

Wedding table decoration

Wedding Inspiration – Cake Details

Aislinn was a delight to work with, having a clear vision for her wedding day and cake. Her dress had the most fabulous of oversized bows on the back of what was an exquisitely elegant gown. It was a natural choice for inspiration for the wedding cake – a simple white cake with silk ribbon by Betty Williamson. They choose delicious flavours of Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Rosemary, and Lemon Blueberry Coconut.

Key to the success of the cake design was of course the styling details. The couple chose to display the cake in the drinks reception area, a great idea to allow guests to see and take photographs of the cake. Three white plinths were used to display the cake, alongside flowers, an abundance of candles, and calligraphy cake flavour cards. Wedding dress with bowWedding cake with silk bosWhite wedding cake display Wedding cake flavour cards

Aislinn and Tim had a clear vision for creating a warm, romantic and elegant wedding day. Thank you so much for asking me to play a little part alongside an incredible team!

Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness together as husband and wife.

For more real weddings and wedding inspiration browse our Inspiration page.

Suzanne, x

Wedding champagne tower

 

 

 

 

Country Estate WeddingChristina Brosnan Photography

Romantic Country Estate Wedding

/0 Comments/in , /by

Wedding couple in estate gardens

Romantic Country Estate Wedding

Summer of 2022 has been such a busy one, I have a backlog of gorgeous client photos to share! First up is the romantic country estate wedding of Christina and Tom, beautifully captured by Christina Brosnan Photography.

Christina and Tom travelled with family and friends from the US to host their wedding celebrations in the gorgeous surrounds of Powerscourt Estate and Gardens. They employed the talents of wedding planner Lindsay of House of Hannah Events, to style their day. Having worked with Lindsay on numerous weddings, it was a delight to collaborate with her in creating the wedding cake for this beautiful event.

Romantic Country Estate Wedding

It is easy to see why Christina and Tom chose their venue. Powerscourt Estate is a country house estate comprised of 47 acres of formal gardens, sweeping terraces, ornamental lakes and rambling walks. Overlooking the gardens is Powerscourt House, a Palladian mansion house which has exquisitely beautiful rooms available for weddings and private hire.

Powerscourt HouseThe Wedding Style

The classic beauty of the house and gardens was inspiration for the overall wedding palette and style. Shades of pale grey, reminiscent of the stone of the house, mixed with deeper navy, pretty pastels and opulent tones. The palette and style was exemplified in the exquisite stationery by Lenka Calligraphy. Flowers by Patsie and Co were romantic yet informal in style, exuding that air of just-picked freshness.

Wedding Stationery Bride and flower bouquetThe Wedding Reception

Following drinks overlooking the garden, the wedding reception was held in the grand ballroom of Powerscourt House. The styling by House of Hannah was a feast of elegant details. Navy linen was the backdrop for gold cutlery, pale grey textured dinnerware and menus, gold candleholders and informal floral arrangements by Patsie and Co. A simple pergola of foliage and flowers provided a gorgeous frame for the top table.

Wedding place settingWedding tablescape

The Wedding Cake

The wedding cake design was very much in keeping with the romantic style. The 3-tiered cake featured a base tier of textured floral detail, as well as a pure edible gold leaf tier for a touch of opulence. A simple flower arrangement for the cake was provided by Patsie and Co. The cake was displayed in front of the grand doors opening into the ballroom, allowing guests to view the cake as they entered to dine.

Floral Gold Wedding CakeCouple Cutting Wedding CakeCongratulations!

Wishing Christina and Tom warmest congratulations and all the best for married life together!

Wedding couple walking in estate gardensThe Wedding Team

As always it was wonderful to work with such an amazing team!

Venue: Powerscourt Estate and Gardens

Photographer: Christina Brosnan

Wedding Planner: House of Hannah

Flowers: Patsie and Co.

Stationery: Lenka Calligraphy

 

For more real weddings browse our Inspiration page.

Suzanne, x

 

 

 

 

Modern Minimalism Cove Cake DesignAdam and Grace Photography

Modern Minimalism Wedding Inspiration

/0 Comments/in /by

Modern Minimalism Cove Cake Design

Modern Minimalism Inspiration.

I am thrilled to share images from this Modern Minimalism bridal inspiration shoot, coneceptualised and styled by talented wedding and event planner Laura of Betty Williamson Weddings and Events and beautifully captured by Adam and Grace Photo and Dear Oliver Wedding Videographer.

The Venue

Gloster House is a stunning property at the foot of the Slieve Bloom mountains in Ireland. Lovingly restored, it is surrounded by extensive gardens incorporating terraces, water features, woodland and lakes and is available for exclusive hire for weddings and events. The exterior stonework and neutral interiors were the inspiration for the colour palette for this modern minimalist shoot: ivories and greys, with accents of rust and black.

Gloster House

Gloster house

Modern Minimalist Styling

Stationary by Freckles and Fern Design embraced the modern minimalism brief with a neutral colour palette. The table setting used all white linen with white charger plates and simple black cutlery. Flowers in neutral tones by The Rosehip and Berry Floral Studio were arranged in modern minimal white bud vases by Zara Ceramics.  Slim black candles and modern glassware completed the tableware. Ghost chairs rented from SBD Events, added a modern feel without detracting from the setting.

The piece de resistance was undoubtedly the hanging floral installation acting as a stunning backdrop…I think every wedding should have one!

Modern Minimal Wedding Inspiration

Modern Minimal Wedding Inspiration

Modern Minimal Wedding Inspiration

Modern Minimalism Wedding Inspiration

Modern Minimalist Cake Inspiration

Of course this is the most important part (for all my cake followers anyway!). The cake was inspired by the neutral stone colour of Gloster House. Tall modern tiers were covered in stone-effect fondant and draped edible fabric, reflecting the fluidity of the bridal gown chosen for this shoot (see more on this below!).

We styled the cake on the table itself, giving it pride of place and allowing the floral installation to act as the perfect photographic backdrop. Placement of the cake on your table is a lovely option for intimate and even larger weddings.

Chocolate cookie place favours were inspired by the modern linear glassware and sophisticated setting.

Modern Minimal Wedding Cake

Modern Minimal Wedding Inspiration

Modern Wedding Cake Cove Cake Design

Cookie Cove Cake Design

Modern Minimal Bridal Inspiration

A flowing Luna Bea bridal gown from The White Gallery Boutique was exquisitely modelled by Alannah from Antipode the Agency. Hair by Oh So Boho Hair and makeup by Jen Ireland Make Up. Stunning handmade porcelain earrings from Lori Muldoon completed the look.

Modern Minimalism Bridal Inspiration

Modern Minimalism Bridal Inspiration

I hope you have enjoyed browsing this shoot and are inspired by the beauty and creativity! If you don’t want to miss out on any of our posts, subscribe to our mailing list for our monthly newsletter and occasional notes on all things cake.

Suzanne, x

Beach wedding inspiration Cove Cake Design

Beach Wedding Inspiration

/0 Comments/in /by

Beach wedding fashion

The Shoot

I was delighted to have been approached by DANU Collective to design a cake for an opulent yet intimate beach inspiration styled wedding shoot last summer.

DANU collective is a boutique creative consultancy specialising in luxury brands and experiences. Styling luxury weddings for couples with a modern and contemporary mindset, their bespoke wedding service ranges from  micro weddings with virtual guest experiences to planning and styling full weddings.

The Setting

The DANU aesthetic is influenced by travel and nature, from the infectious energy of a cosmopolitan city to historical landmarks, cultural rituals and the jaw-dropping backdrops of the world’s most idyllic settings. It was unsurprising then that Aisling at DANU chose a windswept Dublin beach as a location for this shoot which combines grandeur and opulence with wild and rugged nature.

Beach bridal style

The Colour Palette

The colour palette featuring pantone blue was selected in homage to the age-old Irish tradition where the bride wore blue, and  is also a nod to the 2020 pantone colour -blue.

Wedding details flatlay

Blue palette wedding tablescape

The Style

The concept was an intimate affair (a perfect reflection of 2020’s microweddings!), where nuptials were not overshadowed by extravagant flowers. Instead, the scene was set to the rugged backdrop of crashing waves, imbued with the wild and natural surroundings of Dublin’s Bull Island.

Beach wedding inspiration intimate tablescape

The Cake

For the cake design, I took inspiration from the opulence of the beachside scene. I chose a marbled sand colour and made sugar oyster shells and lustred pearls. The look was natural and luxuriant in equal measure. Aisling styled the cake to perfection as she drew in the blue colour scheme with natural linen and elegant taper candles.

Sugar oyster shells wedding cake Beach wedding cake Beach wedding cake styling

The Team

Of course none of this beach styled wedding shoot would have happened without an incredible team of creatives. These guys are always a joy to work with!

Planning, Styling & Design: DANU Collective, www.danucollective.com
Photography & Videography: Story of Eve, www.storyofeve.com
Venue: North Bull Island Nature Reserve
Hair: Danielle Garner, www.wearewildflower.com
Headpiece & Hair Embellishments: Moon and Mai, www.moonandmai.com
Make-Up: Lisa Shannon, www.lisashannonmakeup.com
Female Model: Katherine,  www.notanothertheagency.com
Male Model: Kevin, www.notanothertheagency.com
Florals: Tina McGrath, The Wild Bunch, www.thewildbunch.ie
Gold & Pearl Jewellery: Emma by Jane, www.emmabyjane.com

Beach wedding drinks trolley

For more of my wedding cake designs check out my portfolio.

Cheers!

Suzanne, x

Wedding inspiration Cove Cake Design

Wedding Inspiration – Rose of a Different Colour

/0 Comments/in /by

Eclectic wedding setting

I am delighted to have been a contributor to an inspirational wedding editorial, A Rose of  Different Colour, which was featured in the January edition of Ireland’s premier glossy magazine, Image. Victorian splendour meets modern eccentricity was the theme, with concept and styling by the talented Kate O’Dowd of Love and Gatherings.

Kate sent me through a design brief which incorporated Victorian style patterned fabric and vintage tableware alongside ultra-modern and vibrant floral centrepieces…probably one of my most exciting briefs to date!Wedding setting moodboard

The editorial was shot in the surroundings of the exclusive 5 star Castle Leslie hotel by talented photographer Paula O’Hara. Kate’s vision came to life in the gorgeous vintage-meets-modern tablescapes with contemporary florals by Holly of The Rosehip and Berry and modern stationery by Rome and Jules.

Eclectic wedding place setting

The colours and vibrancy of the florals were echoed in the use of real fruit as a decorative element.

Wedding table flowers

And for the cake…I was probably most decisive about this cake design than for any other photoshoot I have done! I took inspiration from the pretty scalloped edge of the napkins, turning it into a striking statement on the cake which was of complementary colour.

Modern wedding cake

Wedding place setting

Pink sugar roses, red anthurium lilies and sugar fruits echoed the bold yet soft florals of the tablescapes. (Unfortunately due to humidity my red sugar anthurium lilies succumbed to moisture and had to be replaced last minute with some beautiful fresh red roses…a testament to how sometimes things don’t go according to plan but can still work out in the end!)

Wedding cake flowers

Fashion was equally an eclectic mix of folk style dresses or pretty, modern and glamorous gowns. Modern bride

Ethereal bridal styleCheers to Kate, Paula and all the amazing suppliers who came together for this inspiring shoot for the modern bride!
Wedding cocktailsPHOTOGRAPHER: Paula O’Hara; STYLING: Love and Gatherings; VENUE: Castle Leslie; FLORALS: The Rosehip and Berry; STATIONERY: Rome and Jules Bespoke; MAKEUP: Orlaith Shore; HAIR: Lisa Babikian

For more of my wedding cake designs don’t forget to view my portfolio!

Suzanne x

 

 

Romantic wedding table setting

Old World Romance Wedding Inspiration

/0 Comments/in /by

Gloster House Wedding Venue

Award-winning stylist, wedding and event planner Kate O’Dowd of Love & Gatherings approached me last summer to contribute to an Old World Romance wedding inspiration editorial for Image magazine to be shot at Gloster House, a beautifully restored 17th century mansion that is a lived-in family home as well as a magically elegant wedding venue.

Kate has an effortless and confident style; unafraid to embrace maximalism and mixing patterns, bright yet delicate colours and vintage items for a fresh, romantic yet old world feel. Inspired by the venues antique details and patterned toile fabrics, the brief for the shoot was ‘chintzy maximalism’, mixing patterned decor and using a colour palette of dusty corals, powder blue and sepia to create a truly romantic old world story.

Wedding mood board

Kate had a clear vision for the cake, asking me to continue the maximalist aesthetic by recreating the signature floral borders of the custom-designed Emily Rose Ink stationary.

Wedding stationery

I chose powder blue and brown as my colour palette, echoing the muted tones of the walls of Gloster House and the vintage patterned crockery, faithfully recreating the floral border in delicate hand drawn detail.

Wedding cake details

The shoot was captured by talented photographer Paula O’Hara, who took advantage of the light and airy rooms of Gloster House to dramatic effect.

Romantic wedding table setting

Hollie at The Rosehip and Berry created soft and pretty floral urns that lent a soft romantic air to the toile prints of the table setting. Additional and varied floral installations were used for the fashion photographs, with my favourite being the orchid ‘cloud’, demonstrating how varying styles and arrangements can exist in a cohesive manner.

Wedding floral centrepiece

I loved how the cake complemented the patterns and tones of the stationary and venue…

Wedding invitations

Painted wedding cakePainted wedding cake details

 

The fashion was exquisite…with directional modern brands mixed with vintage and Irish-made pieces, styled against the bright and airy architectural backdrop and visionary floral arrangements. 
Modern bride style

Romantic bridal cape

Floral cloud

Romantic wedding style

As well as being featured in the June edition of Image magazine, we were all thrilled to see this Old World Romance Wedding Inspiration shoot get global coverage in prestigious wedding blogs Green Wedding Shoes and Magnolia Rouge. Follow these links to see more!

Thank you to Kate, Paula and all the amazing suppliers!

Suzanne x

PAULA O’HARA|LOVE & GATHERINGS|THE ROSEHIP & BERRY|GLOSTER HOUSE|EMILY ROSE INK|COVE CAKE DESIGN|MICHELLE GRIMES FOR HAIR MAVEN|ORLAITH SHORE|KATE AT NOT ANOTHER AGENCY|MIRA ZWILLINGER|EMILIA WICKSTEAD|DIRTY FABULOUS|HALFPENNY LONDON|AB ELIE AT ARCHIVE 12|HELENA KOLAN AT THE ONE

Secret Garden Wedding Inspiration Shoot

/in /by

Secret Garden Wedding Inspiration

I had the pleasure of being invited to collaborate on a photo shoot last July designed and planned by the talented Grace and Saviour Styling and photographed by Paula O’Hara Photography.  I am in love with this one and thrilled to see the full shoot now published on prestigious wedding blog Green Wedding Shoes.  In this blog post I wanted to give a little insight into the inspiration for the shoot and corresponding brief for the cakes…with a sneak peak of the result!

The inspiration for the shoot was ‘ vintage botanical illustrations from the 18th century’. The brief was dreamy,  ‘..to convey the wedding of a cool, relaxed, slightly bohemian couple who get married in a beautifully ramshackle glass house in a country pile…overgrown gardens and slightly too warm, glistening skin’.  The shoot was to feel earthy and relaxed so I created a mood board for the cakes, drawing on pretty, informal and delicious looking cakes as inspiration, with natural florals for decoration.

Mood board:

Secret Garden Location

The ‘country pile’ was Carncairn Lodge in Northern Ireland, an Irish Manor house with a beautiful garden and rambling greenhouse.  It was a glorious July day, creating the perfect atmosphere to convey a relaxed summer garden wedding. The shoot was centred around the greenhouse which was styled by Grace for an informal wedding lunch with draped linen, relaxed flowers, candles and fruits.

Secret Garden Wedding Cakes

For the cakes, I opted for a trio for an informal sweet table concept. A main textured iced cake adorned with oversized garden blooms styled by Grace was accompanied by un-iced Chocolate Salted Caramel and Prosecco Peach Thyme cakes (for more of our delectable cake flavours check our our menu!). Purposefully oozing peach and thyme jam, a cake slice, and the exposed chocolate cake layers were chosen to convey delicious homemade and summery sweet treats. 

Secret Garden Wedding Inspiration Team

This gives a little taste of what’s to come in this gorgeous summery shoot which features signature informal flowers by Petal Studio  exquisite gowns by Ivory and Pearl, stationary by Lenka Calligraphy, hair by Lynette Murray, and make up by Jennifer Ireland. To swoon over the full shoot head on over to Green Wedding Shoes!

Image Brides Alchemy Editorial Shoot

/0 Comments/in /by

Having always been a fan of the chic Irish fashion and lifestyle magazine, Image, it is no surprise that it’s sister magazine, Image Brides, has become my go-to read for following trends and finding inspiration in the wedding industry. It was hence a delight to have been invited to design a cake for an editorial in their current Winter/Spring edition.

The shoot took place at one of Ireland’s most exclusive wedding venues, Clonwilliam House, a gorgeous country house set amongst wooded hills in the Vale of Avoca in Co. Wicklow. Meticulously renovated and decorated, Clonwilliam exudes contemporary glamour in stunning period surroundings…I had serious house envy! (Image courtesy of One Fab Day).

clonwilliam-house-chandeliers

The theme of the shoot was ‘Alchemy’, with styling by Ciara O’Halloran of Style Serendipity, who specialises in beautiful wedding, interior and food styling.  Her brief and mood board were tantalising.  With inspiration taken from the earthy magic of crystal and mineral stones, the look was about capturing the simplicity and beauty of natural elements, with delicate jewellery , large blooming flowers and bohemian gowns in shades of ‘rose quartz, rich cream, shimmering gold and crystal grey’ creating an ‘effortlessly luxe’, romantic, mysterious and enchanting mood.

0ac22906258e1da26b6b78e2f53834d0

The photographer for the shoot was the talented Christina of Brosnan Photographic. Having admired her light, relaxed photography for some time I was thrilled to finally get the opportunity to work with her. It was a delight to watch Ciara and Christina at work throughout the morning and the final photos from the shoot were undoubtedly stunning!….

082

Love the colours and relaxed style of this flower arrangement by The French Touch!

037

Beautiful amethyst rings by Juvi Designs…

rings

And for the cake….Ciara briefed on a ‘luxe bohemian’ style, suggesting dripping caramel, fruits and blooms with additional elements such as gold leaf and macarons for added decadence. We opted for a natural blush buttercream finish, contrasting a smooth base tier with semi-naked upper tiers. A luscious caramel drip was complimented with simple yet elegant styling: gorgeous roses by The French Touch Flowers offset by contrasting blackberries..and of course those gold macarons for some luxury!

cake-1

Top cake view! Some detail of those roses, that drip and our macarons…

cake-2

It is always nice to see the different elements of the shoot come together and I think all credit to a great team who created this contemporary, romantic luxe beauty!

picmonkey-image

Stylist: Ciara O’Halloran

Photographer: Christina Brosnan

Model: Sarah Tansey at Andrea Roche Model Agency

Hair: Inch Hair Design

Make-up: Elysian Brows

Jewellry: Juvi Designs

Flowers: The French Touch

Stationary: Kerry Harvey Designs

Cake: ME!

See more of this shoot and indeed lots more inspiration, supplier guides and real weddings in the gorgeous Winter/Spring edition of Image Brides, on shelves now!