King & Queen of the Quays | Jenny & Gary’s Galway Wedding

 

All photos by Ivana & Sam Photography

This Galway wedding was absolutely joyful (and planned to perfection)! From the first look with the bride’s father and best friends, to the jaunt through Galway’s city streets, the sweet Pug-themed details, and an epic entrance and first dance, Jenny and Gary’s celebration was an example of an eventful yet relaxed and effortless day.

“Ivana and Sam photographed our wedding in August and we couldn’t be happier with the results.

Not only are the photos from the day absolutely beautiful but Ivana and Sam were such a calm presence on our day. We didn’t feel rushed from pillar to post, and they really understood the types of photos we wanted from the day!

I couldn’t recommend them enough, brilliant at what they do, and so personalised to what we wanted from the day.”

Table of Contents:

• A Galway Wedding at The Ardilaun Hotel
• Morning Preparations in The Ardilaun
• Heartfelt Ceremony
• A March through Galway, The City of Tribes
• Dining, Desserts, and Dancing!
• Visiting Galway & The West of Ireland

A Galway Wedding at The Ardilaun Hotel

Jenny had an eye for stylish simplicity; her bridesmaids were dressed in shimmery neutral tones; the florals were minimalist and perfectly complimented the palette of the day. Her and Gary had also laid personalised touches for their loved ones throughout the entire day. (Their marvellous planning will shine in this gallery so keep reading for some great inspiration.)

The Ardilaun Hotel was aglow with excitement when we met Jenny and Gary early that morning.

All photos by Ivana & Sam Photography

Jenny was surrounded by dear friends and family; her two sisters were Matron and Maid of Honour and they were both so consistently kind and helpful throughout the day.

All photos by Ivana & Sam Photography

Gary had a troupe of his best buddies at hand to endlessly tease and support him in equal measure. Bolstered by his brother, father, and dear schoolmates, Gary was in good company and he was at ease. He gifted Jenny a custom-made plushy of their dear pet Ronnie the pug. And Jenny’s thoughtful (and funny) gifts left Gary absolutely beaming too! 

All photos by Ivana & Sam Photography

 

The Ardilaun Hotel, Close for Comfort

Galway weather being what it is, the safest option for this fickle day was to gather everyone in the Ardilaun’s indoor ceremony room. The Ardilaun Hotel has a variety of spaces for all occasions; Tucked-away drawing rooms for a private laugh or a breather; the outdoor patio for fresh air and a garden stroll; and their bistro bar is ideal for a relaxed gathering (or Dutch courage).

All photos by Ivana & Sam Photography

The Adrilaun’s grounds are compact, so you don’t spend much time getting from A to B. This makes it easy to take a wide variety of photos quickly! Sam took Gary for his groom’s portraits in the garden, where we later held the family formals and a few newlywed portraits too.

All photos by Ivana & Sam Photography

Meanwhile, Ivana took bridal portraits with Jenny in the softly bright Bridal Suite. Another touch of magic was Jenny’s wedding cape (a great alternative to a veil)!

All photos by Ivana & Sam Photography

“How Falling in Love is Like Owning a Dog”

After the morning preparations, very thoughtful gift exchanges, and a few pints, Gary and his entourage waited eagerly for the ceremony. The Ardilaun’s ceremony room was lit perfectly with bright natural lighting and soft colours everywhere.

All photos by Ivana & Sam Photography

Their ceremony was deeply touching. The romantic tale of how they met brought a tearful smile (and a few laughs) to everyone. Jenny and Gary both knew each other for 2 years before their love story began. Gary eventually plucked up the courage to make a move and here we are!

With delicate and minimalist decorations, a heartfelt memorial table, and the sweet narration of their celebrant, Jenny and Gary’s love story took centre stage. The ceremony included sentimental self-composed readings; as well as a special ceremonial “Last Hug” from the newlyweds to their mothers. It was hard for us to not tear up too!

All photos by Ivana & Sam Photography

Of course, there was even a special reading in honour of their dear Pug, Ronnie.

All photos by Ivana & Sam Photography

With giddy nerves, beaming smiles, and a few joyful tears, the two were wed at last!

Beautifully transformed by Ardilaun’s staff as well as Siobhan Collins’ Florals, this ceremony room could house many guests while feeling light and airy. Atop leafy Taylor’s Hill, and a stone’s throw from Salthill, The Ardilaun Hotel is a welcoming and stylish wedding venue. It combines the vintage comforts of a manor house with modern design, practicality and open spaces. This was our first time shooting at The Ardilaun Hotel and we loved the venue!

The City of the Tribes

With the ceremony concluded and Jenny and Gary finally (and literally) tying the knot, we jumped outside into the dewy sunshine for family and wedding party photos.

All photos by Ivana & Sam Photography

As a Galway girl herself, Jenny wanted to take in the tone of the town during their wedding. With the family photos done, we hopped in the car with the couple and stormed Galway City! Our first stop was Quay Street…

Galway City is just over 2 hours drive from Dublin and is named Ireland’s Cultural Heart (so it’s well worth a visit!). The “City of the Tribes” is bursting with artisan restaurants (traditional and novel) and lively music venues (indoor and out).

Galway’s many sights and sounds include the Spanish Arch, Galway Cathedral, the University of Galway, Galway Harbour, the Long Walk, the Claddagh, and Galway City Museum. Eyre Square is the walkable centre of it all, so make sure you pass through on your tour.

Needless to say, the newlyweds stood out in Galway city and received a very warm welcome!

All photos by Ivana & Sam Photography

From Quay Street we crossed Wolfe Tone Bridge and strolled down Half Arch quay. Looking out at the Claddagh and Galway’s beautiful coastline, we could feel how happy Jenny and Gary were. This was a moment to remember.

All photos by Ivana & Sam Photography

Normally, changing locations during the day is something we don’t recommend. It can eat up a lot of time in your day – HOWEVER, these two had planned their day so well that a quick elopement to Galway City worked magically. Their secrets to a smooth and relaxed day?

• Don’t stuff the day with too many activities;
• Have your morning prep + ceremony in the same location (best decision you can make for a relaxed day), and;
• Delegate! Don’t be afraid to ask your bridal party for assistance and your dad for a lift to an epic portrait location!

Desserts, Dresses and Dancing

Back in the Ardilaun, guests cheered Jenny and Gary’s return. And when the dinner bell rang, everyone was stunned at the thoughtful, personalised postcards waiting for them! Also, each table was marked with a special mini-vinyl record of the couple’s favourite songs – the custom details really knocked everyone’s socks off!

All photos by Ivana & Sam Photography

After some hilarious speeches and a surprise dress-change, everyone hit the floor and danced the night away! Jenny and Gary had chosen an amazing wedding band (The Bentley Boys) that really kicked the room into gear. Partway through their first dance, the bridal party rushed the dancefloor and soon everyone was drawn in. This was a great idea as it shared the limelight with the wedding party and the guests (highly recommended if you’re nervous about doing a first dance)!

All photos by Ivana & Sam Photography

And with that, Jenny and Gary’s Galway wedding day came to a fantastic close.

Thank you for inviting us to participate in your incredible Galway wedding! We were delighted to capture your images and create your stunning wedding album too. We wish you many years of love and fun (with your dear pug Ronnie)!

Galway’s Ardilaun Hotel is a fantastic place to host your wedding; they have delicious food, great facilities, and everything is nearby when you host your entire day there.

All photos by Ivana & Sam Photography

Other things to see in the west of Ireland

If you’re visiting Galway and have enough time, it’s worth taking a drive around Connemara to the north. In fact, Connemara’s visually stunning landscapes are unlike anywhere else in Ireland! That ethereal, windswept quality made the perfect backdrop to a lovely honeymoon shoot we did there.

This wedding was also featured on One Fab Day  – congratulations Jenny & Gary 😉

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Ardilaun Hotel Wedding Vendors 

Photography: Ivana & Sam

Florals: Siobhan Collins Floral Design

Venue: The Ardilaun Hotel

Bride’s Gown: Pronovias

Bridesmaid’s Dresses: David’s Bridal UK

Dress Boutique: Teokath of London

Hair: Niamh Lee Hair

Makeup: Keira Smyth HMUA

Shoes: Charlotte Mills Shoes

Suits: Edit Suits & Moss Bros.

Stationary: PaperGrace UK

Cupcakes: Shir’s Delights

Band: Bentley Boys Band

Celebrant: Antoinette Coleman-Kelly