real wedding –  Relaxed, design-led wedding in Ireland (at Mount Druid, Co. Westmeath)

14 October 2021

What do you get when a modern wedding stationer gets engaged, and plans her dream wedding day? One hell of a lot of inspiration, that’s what. Today’s blog, a stunning, alternative wedding in Ireland, comes courtesy of Hannah, founder of Stock Stationery, and her husband Lewis.

Their vibe for their wedding in Ireland was “laid back, fun, basically a big party!” Hannah explains. They chose Mount Druid as their venue: nestled in 100 acres of parkland, it houses a custom-built Tin Chapel, Boathouse, and Barn on its grounds, all of which Hannah and Lewis utilised for their wedding day plans.

Obviously, with a background in Illustration and a career as a wedding stationer, Hannah’s eye for design is second-to-none, and this was evident in her incredible bridal style. She wore a sublime polkadot Nikeen Asar jumpsuit and two-tiered Lola Varma Bridal veil, both bought from The Fall Bride, which she wore with her hair in a sleek low bun, a bright red lip (courtesy of MUA Nicki Fanning) and dropped pearl-and-gold earrings. Lewis looked dashing too, in a kilt and sporran, with an inky blue jacket and waistcoat and slate blue tie to finish.

After getting ready separately, Hannah and Lewis had their ‘first look’. This is when a couple decides to see each other before the ceremony, usually with the photographer present so they can capture both reactions (and how happy do they both look in theirs, captured by Kyrstin Healy?!) With the first look done, tears of joy wiped, and a fair few dance moves busted out too (thanks, in no small part, to Lewis’ groomsmen), it was time for some portraits of the bridal and the groom’s party, before heading to the ceremony.

Mount Druid is an alternative venue with buckets of character, perfect if you’re looking for somewhere slightly different to hold your wedding in Ireland. The wall of the Tin Chapel directly behind the top of the aisle features a huge canvas decorated with bold brushstrokes in earthy colours. A huge vintage chest of drawers sat at the top of the aisle itself. Hannah and Lewis’ florist, Sally Horn, not only used this to place flowers on top of, but also in, artfully placing blooms in the open drawers themselves for a wilder look. The decor flowers, as well as Hannah’s oversized bouquet, were heavy on the gorgeous greenery, with warm pink, red and orange flowers as the focal pieces. Her bridesmaids each held bouquets of bountiful greenery with one feature white flower, tied with mismatched pastel ribbons that matched their dresses, whilst Lewis and his groomsmen all wore earthy boutonnieres.

Once pronounced husband and wife (which actually nearly didn’t happen, as Hannah told us: “We very nearly had to fake the legal part of the day thanks to a slip up with registering the paper work… We only found out the afternoon on the day before that we could be legally married the following day!”) and some more portraits outside, they enjoyed champagne and speeches in The Boathouse before moving through to the Barn for the meal and reception.

As previously mentioned, Hannah is the genius mind behind Stock Stationery. If you’re aware of her already, you’ll know her for her bold, playful use of graphics and colour, all translated into luxury papercut wares, so of course these featured on the day too! Each table was laid with bold place names and table numbers, whilst guests found their tables from a large Stock table plan, adorned with beautifully typed names, pastel numbers, and an effortless bough of neon orange tulle that gracefully framed a bottle of blooms and bunnytails.

I know what you’re thinking: an incredible day so far, right? But for Hannah and Lewis, the best was still to come. Having demolished the delicious food, and with the wonderful The Lightrunners now on stage, it was time for dancing. The Lightrunners are a reggae band from Co. Cork, and dancing to their rendition of Sunshine on Leith was both bride and groom’s favourite part of the day.

When we asked what the #1 piece of advice would be from planning their knockout wedding in Ireland, Hannah said: “Don’t worry about trying to please every single guest. Just enjoy yourself and don’t sweat the little things.” Exceptional wisdom, if you ask us.

Make sure to check out the full gallery below for all the modern wedding inspiration – and congratulations Hannah and Lewis!