Planning from afar took new meaning while the couple temporarily lived in Japan leading up to their wedding. In fact, Aureana and Gerhart had never been to Ireland before their big day! Yet they embraced the inviting and celebratory spirit of the Irish to be the perfect setting for their wedding week. And I joined the team as their destination wedding planner to make sure it was just as they wished! The hosts wanted to entertain and delight their 60 guests with days packed full of experiences only Ireland has to offer – from the city to the countryside. Or simply, as the groom stated, “We wanted to create a wedding with no time constraints and show up without the stress of it coming together.” And so, we made it so!
Planning From Afar
To pick the venue, the pair had three simple requirements. First, for the wedding to be on the lucky date of 8-18-18. Second, the ceremony and reception had to be on the same property. And finally for a grand feast – with white tie attire and tiaras encouraged. To review venue choices, we were able to set up video calls and weblinks planning together across the globe. Gloster House in Central Ireland was an easy decision, and the famed peacocks on site led to wedding table décor inspiration.
Kicking the week off, all guests stayed in central Dublin for three days. We lined up the parties and coordinated dress codes for the events. Particularly, a Hawaiian shirt theme was a hit for the guests and locals. Touring experiences around Dublin included visiting the quintessential Guinness Brewery, iconic Dublin Castle, and a rooftop cocktail party overlooking the River Liffey (Dublin’s central river). Post-Dublin extravaganzas led to the couple hosting their guests for three unforgettable days at Gloster House.
Wedding Experience
Aureana, an internationally recognized Hula dancer, wished to incorporate Irish music and dance for the wedding events. At the ceremony, a traditional Irish harpist and vocalist performed in the garden, and the reception entertainment included Irish troupe dancers (encouraging guests to join in!). The true and tearful moment though, was the bride’s dress change and stunning choreographed dance for Gerhart later in the evening.
Since the grand wedding feast was an important part of the wedding experience, we mixed Irish and Hawaiian influences for the menu. Gerhart’s love of Guinness was honored again during cocktail hour, and Aureana’s favorite champagne flowed, appropriately matching the sparkles in the tiaras. The tables were dressed with exquisite velvet linens, romantic centerpieces of varying heights and greenery, and emerald flower patterns on the plates echoed Irish design. Guests particularly loved their humorous and personalized place cards, giving nod to inside jokes between the couple and their loved ones. Finally, the menu of locally sourced Irish produce and suckling pig perfectly tied the Hawaiian and Irish roots paired together.
The week was certainly unforgettable for all! No palm trees needed. We partnered with Tara Fay Events to bring you this wedding, as always thank you for supporting our sponsors!
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