On an atmospheric spring day, Claire and Connor wed in a breathtaking wedding in West Clare surrounded by the love of 150 of their family and friends. They exchanged vows at the luxurious Armada Hotel in Spanish Point with the Atlantic Ocean serving as a hypnotic backdrop to their happiest day. Timeless, unique and absolutely magical, Claire spearheaded the planning and their fabulous celebration is filled with thoughtful touches.
The stunning contemporary style included a superbly sleek Alexandra Grecco wedding dress matched with an ethereal 3D floral veil, wonderfully elegant suiting from Louis Copeland & Sons while the fabulous mix and match bridesmaids dresses and eco-friendly blooms brought a gentle burst of vibrancy to the proceedings. From first look to first dance, Paul McGinty Photography captured every dreamy detail and unforgettable moment. Let’s dive right in, shall we?
Our lovely couple first met on a night out in Dublin. Claire reflects, “It’s a tale as old as time really. By the end of the night I was eating half his burger and chips in McDonald’s, the measure of any true romance!”
Conor proposed 10 years later when they were in Australia. He popped the question while they were cycling back from a winery down in the Mornington Peninsula, south of Melbourne. “We took a break after cycling up a big hill to look out at the view and that was it! I had previously mention that it would be really lovely if there was no one around, and a couple of drinks had been drank (not too many though), all requests were met which was very much appreciated, and the wine definitely added to the special moment!”
The couple had two main priorities, they wanted their ceremony to be personal and special and they wanted to plan a wonderful weekend that their guests could look forward to and be looked after.
Johnny Burke’s pub in the hotel was the perfect venue for the night before. They began the wedding morning with an invigorating cold dip in the ocean which definitely helped shake off the cobwebs.
The couple had an absolutely beautiful first look by the ocean which was coordinated by their photographer Paul McGinty Photography. “It was one of the most enjoyable parts of our day! We got an hour to hang out and take in the day before we met everyone, which Paul captured on camera! Despite neither of us being big photo people, we thoroughly enjoyed getting our photos taken! Paul put us at ease, interacted with us, and we had a laugh whilst also enjoying such a special moment! Paul even had Conor lifting me up and spinning me around, we had a such a laugh and absolutely love these photos!”
The groom and his groomsmen looked effortlessly sharp in black-tie suits from Louis Copeland & Sons.
So enchanting! Claire stunned in a structured Alexandra Grecco gown with a wide scoop neckline which she sourced at The White and Gold. Her accessories were just as magical which included A.B. Ellie gold droplet pearl strand earrings that oozed sophisticated minimalism, an ethereal fingertip veil adorned with statement 3D florals and a pretty pearl bag.
They tied the knot in the bright and modern ceremony room which boasts views of the majestic Atlantic Ocean. Giulia Eco Flower Farm created garden-style arrangements which were placed in woven baskets up the aisle.
“Gráinne, our Celebrant from Atlantic Vows, was such a lovely energy and gave us the wedding we wanted and will always remember,” she says. Their friends Sarah and Declan made their ceremony even more memorable as they performed their ceremony music.
“Apart from the absolutely stunning and very obvious backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean, at Spanish Point, it was 100% the staff and the atmosphere that they created at the Armada for us,” the bride reminisces. “They were all so easy going and helpful, always a pleasure to deal with! We felt so well looked after, and always looked forward to our calls with the wedding team and our visits down (as we are not from Clare). The food is also amazing there, and you get so much as part of your wedding package in the Armada! The ceremony and reception rooms are bright and modern and really make the most of the beautiful backdrop!”
The atmosphere was relaxed and casual as they made memories to cherish for a lifetime with all their favourite people. “The food is also amazing there, and you get so much as part of your wedding package in the Armada,” she adds.
The tablescape styling complemented the stunning natural surroundings with neutral tablecloths, wooden accents and a lush swipe of foliage.
We absolutely love Claire’s bridesmaids’ dresses from Reformation as they mix and matched in joyous shades of green and yellow with a pop of vivid floral prints. Neck scarf bridesmaid dresses are making the chicest comeback and her leading ladies showed how to rock the trend.
The party started well before the dancefloor opened as the innovative and energetic trad band megaTRAD had everyone on their feet.
After poring over all the details of their spectacular celebration we asked them for their top piece of wedding advice. She says, “Plan a day that you will enjoy, look forward to, and feel comfortable in!”
Their textured, one-tier white wedding cake dotted with dainty blooms was all kinds of gorgeous!
Their photographer Paul captured the very essence of their sublime spring celebration. “All the joy, craic and the special moments, we couldn’t be happier with the end result. We are very grateful to have photographs that bring back the emotion of the day. Paul was easygoing yet organised, making the whole process straightforward.”
The high-energy supergroup Spring Break ensured the dancefloor was bursting all night long.
Post wedding, the couple celebrated with a honeymoon in Paris and the South of France.
A very special thanks to our wonderful couple Claire and Connor for sharing their incredible Armada Hotel wedding with One Fab Day and to Paul McGinty Photography for the beautiful, modern and timeless photography. You can see even more photos in the gallery below.
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