If you’ve been dreaming of renewing your vows we know today’s breathtaking celebration will provide endless inspiration. US couple Jessica (Jess) and Brock (Badger) celebrated their five-year vow renewal in epically chic style. Their intimate celebration took them to the quaint and scenic town of Doolin in Co. Clare. Their dream day was brought to life by Eloping in Ireland and the wonderful Michelle BG Photography captured every magical moment they would cherish forever.
With a moody and dramatic aesthetic, they incorporated many elements from their wedding day which made the celebration such a wonderful full-circle moment, they even rewore their original outfits which suited the theme perfectly. With a jaw-dropping black and white wedding dress, bold blooms, an intimate ceremony full of pure joy, a gasp-worthy photoshoot at Hag’s Head on the most southerly point of the Cliffs of Moher, and even a sweet pub pit-stop, you will be left utterly in awe by their magical celebration.
Brock is from Minnesota and Jess is from Wisconsin and they met through a mutual friend at a weekend country music festival in Northern Minnesota. Sparks flew instantly as Badger was captivated by Jess’s smile and Jess was smitten by Badger’s blue eyes. They spent that weekend singing and dancing in the hot August weather and while they lived five hours away from one another their connection was instant. They tell us, “After several long road trips to see one another, Badger eventually moved to Wisconsin while Jess pursued Law School and the rest as they say, is history.”
They fill us in on their engagement story, “In September of 2017, Jess and Badger had just completed two years of dating and one year of living together. A big milestone, Badger knew Jess was the one and they of course had talked about a future together. In December, they purchased a 10-day cruise to Alaska for the following May. An opportunity to travel together and explore the outdoors, Badger knew this was a great proposal opportunity. Badger bought the ring that Jess had wanted in February 2018. The ring was as unique and beautiful as Jess, a vintage (1920’s) ring made of rose gold, turquoise, and pearls. Badger wanted to first ask permission from Jess’s father, Joe, and stepmother, Georgie. Uncharacteristically nervous around Joe and Georgie, Badger found the words to ask them if he could propose to Jess (revealing the plan to propose in Alaska). A short pause followed (that felt like an eternity to Badger) with Joe then saying sheepishly, ‘What do you think she will say?’ as he smiled. ‘Hopefully yes,’ Badger laughed, both knowing Jess to be a wildcard at times.”
The proposal was intimate and it took place on an early morning in Denali National Park. Surrounded by a stunning landscape of mountain peaks with a river moved peacefully beside them, and Badger dropped to a knee to propose surprising Jess.
Based in River Falls in Wisconsin, the couple dreamt of a vow renewal ceremony that was very intimate, it was just the two of them, their officiant John and their photographer Michelle BG Photography. “It was a day truly dedicated to just us with no focus or accommodation for others.”
They explain how they paid tribute to their wedding day, “We used the same songs from our entrance and ceremony, and incorporated an original reading from our wedding day. Of course, we also added an additional reading, and our officiant John did a wonderful job incorporating personal touches into our vow renewal.”
As for the priorities of their vow renewal the couple wanted to restate their commitment to each other and to reflect and celebrate how far they have come together in their relationship and marriage. “It’s important to celebrate success along the way. We wrote our own vows for our wedding and wanted to do the same for our renewal so we each wrote our own vows once again and both referenced our previous promises as well as some new ones!”
While their two beloved pooches could not join them for the celebration their celebrant did a wonderful job at incorporating them into the ceremony. “We felt their love despite being thousands of miles away in another country. It was an amazing personal touch as they truly are our family and have been with us from the beginning.”
Jess surprised Brock with a new reading. Beautiful, whimsical and rooted in nature and the great outdoors it was a perfect combination of the two of them and he was so moved by it. Cue the happy tears!
Their first dance from their wedding day is such a cherished memory where they did a choreographed piece to Toploader’s Dancing in the Moonlight and they made a new memory at their vow renewal. “While we are not professional dancers, we like to have fun and thought it would set the tone for the evening celebration. For our vow renewal, we enjoyed a slow dance in a firelit cottage to Danny’s Song by Loggins and Messina.”
Jess’s magical monochrome gown is the Hayden by Rue De Seine which boasts a tie-front crop top, billowy sleeves and a pleated skirt with a high slit. She accessorised her breathtaking dress with suede black cowboy boots by Dolce Vita, turquoise drop earrings and a delicate necklace.
Brock sourced his rustic deep blue suit on ASOS which was so perfectly fitting for their west of Ireland vow renewal. He accessorised with elegant black brogues and his beautiful buttonhole added a gentle burst of romantic vibrancy.
It was a “moody and dramatic celebration of love” and the weather was rainy and overcast making the day wonderfully atmospheric and cinematically beautiful. “Sometimes, you need to lean into what you’re given!”
Eloping in Ireland made their wildest vow renewal dreams a reality. “After extensive searching online, it was a company that stood out. It was evident from their services and reviews that they cared about and respected the wishes of each and every company. The Cliffs of Moher offered breathtaking scenery as well as a quaint and traditional Irish feel staying in nearby Doolin. A special shoutout to Hotel Doolin and their amazing staff who even lent a tie to the groom on the day of the ceremony after discovering Badger left this item unpacked! Travel to and from the ceremony location was easy and made for a stress-free day!”
Jess wanted a more dramatic and statement bridal beauty and hair look than what she had on her wedding and she wanted to celebrate her Latina heritage. With hair by Hair by Katrina she opted for a look inspired by traditional flamenco dancers and her makeup by All Dolled Up With Elaine included a red lipstick shade to give a nod to them too.
They admit that they shed more tears during their vow renewal than on their wedding day “as the added years of memories and love have only grown more and more”. It was truly special to be able to mark the milestone just the two of them. They share, “No family or friends, no fanfare, and no pressure or expectations to host a great day. Just us, the love we share, and the Irish countryside. It was magical!”
The flowers were by the sustainable flower farm and wedding florist O’Sullivan Flowers in Tulla, Co. Clare. Her bouquet added superbly to her boldly beautiful ensemble with red and pink blooms including tea roses, dahlia and amaranth.
As for planning advice they say, “While it’s easy to stress about the details and the day of, stay grounded and remember why you are holding a marriage or vow renewal ceremony. The day should be about you as a couple and your journey and growth together. Love truly is a beautiful thing and it should be celebrated often!”
Huge congratulations to Jess and Brock, we were left spellbound by your vow renewal. Thank you also to Michelle BG Photography for sharing the wonderful photography with us.
Thinking of renewing your vows? Find out all about what’s involved in our Vow Renewal guide.
