Thought we’d share some highlights for those that couldn’t be with us. Writing this brings back a few welcome memories for us.

Before the Ceremony

  • It was certainly an early day for all of us. A sunrise ceremony meant Greg and I were up at 4:30am! That’s right. 4:30. AM.
  • Our photographer Lisa Daly was a trooper, getting up at the wee ours of the morning to capture both of us getting ready.
  • Logistics to get to the ceremony… Earlier in the week we had driven the road from Doolin (where we were staying) to the castle in Balleyvaughan and found that the road was very narrow, winding (part of the road is actually called ‘corkscrew road’, need I say more?), not to mention having to drive on the other side of the road. We didn’t want anyone to drive to the ceremony themselves so we hired transportation for us and our guests. The amazing staff at Hotel Doolin were ready and willing to make the arrangements for us at the last minute. The challenge? Not too many folks are willing to get up at the wee hours of the morning! In the end, we were able to book a shuttle for our guests, and one awesome driver took Greg and I over separate 30 minute trips.

The Ceremony

  • Instead of wood, the fire was peat (or turf). Peat is a common source of fuel in Ireland as it comes from bog land and there’s plenty of that on the island. It’s not out of the ordinary to drive by fields where the turf has been harvested and left to dry out. In fact when we arrived at the B&B in Birr, our hostess had just come in from harvesting her own turf, in preparation for the winter.
  • During the ceremony, one of the blessings performed by Dara Malloy (our officiant) was a Blessing of the Elements where he used items to bless us and our guests. Earth (turf) for our journey together, water for our relationships, air (feather) for our inner thoughts and feelings, fire (match) for our loves, passions and enthusiasms.
  • Another element of our ceremony was the handfasting ceremony, an ancient Celtic ritual where the clasped hands of the bride and groom are bound and tied together with an Aran crios (woven cord made in the Aran Islands). In fact it’s this ritual that gave us the term ‘tying the knot’.
  • We chose three readings, from Canadian, American and Irish origins. To reflect our own origins. The Canadian reading was the song Dance Me Til the End of Love by Leonard Cohen. Interestingly enough, Leonard Cohen was playing in Dublin on the very night of our ceremony.
  • The ceremony ended with a champagne toast. There weren’t enough glasses to go around, so Greg and I toughed it out by toasting with the bottles.
  • Mario and Claudia who we met in Limerick the morning of our civil marriage took us up on our invitation and were there to celebrate with us. It was such a lovely surprise.

After the Ceremony

  • We had pictures following the ceremony inside and then outside of the castle. It was cold and wet and windy. Exactly what most would think of as Irish weather. But Lisa our resourceful photographer came prepared with an umbrella for some truly unique pictures.
  • While our guests were warming up at the Hotel ahead of our breakfast, Greg and I headed down to the pier for pictures at the Atlantic. The landscape was breathtaking, but let me tell you…in a thin lace dress with the back cut out, it was COLD!
  • After a celebratory toast, more pictures, breakfast and Greg pouring Guinness for everyone, we settled in for a special concert by a trio of traditional Irish musicians.
  • We met Maizey and Anya, who had stayed at the hotel the night before. Anya sang a song with the musicians then she and the mother of a band member showed Greg and I how to dance an Irish jig.
  • Later that day, after some of us had a much needed nap, the group met for drinks @ McGanns, dinner at the Bistro, then landed at Fitz’ pub to see another great trio of musicians, called Foolin in Doolin. They even dedicated a song to us.

In all, it was a perfect day.

If you haven’t done so already, check out our wedding pictures to see the highlights!