Llama’s and Laidback Love | Kirsty and Ben’s Rustic Barn Wedding

Llama’s and Laidback Love | Kirsty and Ben’s Rustic Barn Wedding


You are about to experience something incredibly refreshing about Kirsty & Ben’s authentically rustic barn wedding. Everything from the aesthetic to the unique venue, dried flowers and the smallest of elements that made up a lasting impression! Kirsty, the bohemian-inspired bride, wore a custom-made wedding dress and a delicate flower crown to compliment the most awe-worthy autumnal florals last October. As for the idyllic venue, The Village Barn, nestled in  Co. Westmeath came to life with seasonal accents, cosy candlelight and an abundance of family love! Thanks to a wonderful and admirable concept that resulted from the pandemic, Aoife O’Sullivan gave the couple much more than just the most memorable imagery. Keep on reading to find out…

Lace wedding dress hanging up in room
Rose white roses flowers bouquet
White bridal bride heels shoes flowers
Behind shot of brides hair details flower crown

Kirsty and Ben first crossed paths, back in 2016, during a very important All-Ireland GAA final between Mayo and Dublin. Ben found himself working in Mayo at the time and took up the offer of a night out in Westport with close friends who travelled across from Meath hoping to join in on All-Ireland celebrations. Meanwhile, Kirsty had similar plans and made her way to Westport from Dublin with her housemates. Thankfully, both Ben and Kirsty ended up in the Castlecourt nightclub that night and eventually crossed paths. And like good ole fashion courtship, it all started off with a shimmy and a dance. The rest, as they say, is history, and as Kirsty says “Mayo might have lost that day, but Ben most certainly won!”

Wedding this way arrow
Midleton Whiskey in a box
Up close detail on grooms suit tie detail
Man close up suit flower tie
Man close up suit flower tie

A short while later, a few dancefloor steps had changed into a trip along a cliff walk along Cork’s coastline when the proposal arrived. Kirsty tells us more: “We were perched on top of a sunny cliff face along the Ballycotton coastline in East Cork when Ben bemusingly caught me off-guard with a cheeky poem that ended with the all-important words “will you marry me?” and of course, I said yes!”

Little girls smiling
Bride getting her makeup done MUA
Little girl redhead smiling

Annie & Érin, daughters of Kirsty and Ben were on hand providing an overload of cuteness the morning of the wedding. The beautiful bride wore a custom wedding gown, designed by Sarah Foy Couture. A free-spirited celestial queen is embodied by the gorgeously crafted lace sleeves! She also made the decision to wear a stunning flower crown, loose-flowing curls, and the most radiant makeup.

Bride holding pink white flowers roses bouquet
Bride holding pink white flowers roses bouquet
Bride holding pink white flowers roses bouquet

Kirsty and Ben were incredibly lucky to be awarded the services of a whole host of wedding suppliers for their rustic barn wedding of dreams. A nationwide competition called Hero’s Wedding Dream, were inspired by the hard-working frontline workers around the country who were dedicating their time to saving lives and making lockdown as smooth as possible for the rest of the population. “We knew we were in exceptional hands from the get-go so we didn’t have any major priorities from the beginning other than to be forever grateful for the amazing once-in-a-lifetime opportunity given to us by winning the competition which was the brain-child of both Aoife O’Sullivan & Tina McGrath. Huge thank you to you both Aoife & Tina!” said Kirsty.

Wedding venue church exterior flowers
Writing text exterior
Tree pumpkin Halloween autumn

Believing there is beauty in simplicity, is wedding stationery designer Last Colour Down. The contemporary wedding stationery and event signage fitted into the alternative venue and unique season style perfectly. 

Confetti in a stand
Candle flowers interior church
Rings wedding bands

Whilst the opportunity to celebrate their wedding at The Village Barn came as part of winning A Hero’s Wedding Dream competition, Ben was lucky enough to have previously run an event there. His experience left a lasting impression, and on several occasions, he imagined tying the knot with Kirsty at the venue. Once they both had a chance to visit the venue together, they were in unanimous agreement that it was the one, they explain: “The Village Barn offers an amazing space to celebrate the occasion – small and compact in a physical sense, which really enhances the intimacy and atmosphere, and big in personality. The team here have done an incredible job to create a style and atmosphere in this quirky wedding venue that is laid-back and fun, with a healthy bohemian twist for good measure. The eclectic décor ensures there is something new to catch your eye at every corner,” they said. “The pew benches gave a nice traditional church feel to the venue which we liked but the rustic style of the building and our ability to decorate it as we liked gave it a more personal stamp.”

Bride groom holding bouquet flowers guests church kissing

The decor was executed perfectly by Styled by Amber and The Wild Bunch who together worked their magic to add an extra stylish boho touch throughout the venue, reflecting the crisp and cosy autumnal time of year. “From the vibrantly coloured dried floral buttonholes and bouquet to the rusty ferns and fruits, we just loved our floral scheme. Amber’s close attention to detail on the day couldn’t be missed either and we were particularly smitten with her inclusion of traditional Irish musical instruments underneath our table plan, complementing the eclectic style of the rustic barn wedding and reflecting our own personal interests,” said Kirsty.

Bride groom holding bouquet flowers
Groom bride baby daughter church
Bride groom interior church officiant officiate ribbon
Bride groom lace dress detail embrace flowers bouquet exterior venue confetti guests

The most cherished memory recalled by the newlyweds was being able to share the experience with their two little girls, Annie & Érin. “It was incredibly special for us to have them play their part in our ceremony, which was perfectly crafted by Coastal Ceremonies. She made it a really personal family occasion, creating treasured memories. To be also in the position to celebrate our wedding with as many close family and friends as we did is something we didn’t take for granted either following what was a rough few years for all. It was pure joy to see everyone together and having fun!”

Bride lace dress detail embrace flowers bouquet exterior venue
Bride groom lace dress detail embrace flowers bouquet
Bride lace dress detail embrace flowers bouquet exterior venue
Bride groom lace dress detail embrace flowers bouquet exterior venue

The autumn bouquet of dreams!

Bride and groom with alpacas on farm
alpaca farm

Two gorgeous llamas who are dressed up for the occasion are taking full advantage of all the admiration and attention by the wedding guests!

Bride bridesmaids flowers bouquet

The bridesmaids wore a beautiful deep shade of bottle green, with flowy sleeves and the most delightful bunch of rich burgundy and peachy florals.

Groom groomsmen suit tie

The gentlemen looked super stylish in their navy three-piece Benetti suits, breaking up the cool tone with a fresh neutral waistcoat with navy stitching. The florals that have whimsically wowed us from the beginning, are seen throughout making their way into the beautiful reception. Keep reading to see…

Exterior decor autumn barrel
Plants seeds flowers grow love
Plants seeds flowers grow love

Let love grow! Wildflower seeds are seen above as wedding favours for the guests to take home ‘grow with love!’ A super sustainable approach and a gorgeous concept for guests to take a piece of Kirsty & Ben’s love home to blossom. The adorable little pumpkins dotted everywhere are giving us all the seasonal feels! The main room as we see below is utterly kissed with floral perfection! From the floor to the ceiling – literally – and everywhere in between, we witness the most spectacular displays of autumnal blooms. Down to the leaf placement on every single name setting, a very beautiful special touch.

Exterior decor autumn barrel pumpkins
Interior wedding dining room flowers
Flowers roses
Table 1 pomegranate fruit
Flowers pomegranate
Interior wedding dining room flowers
flowers table cutlery

For those who are in the midst of wedding preparation, Kirsty and Ben have some excellent advice to share: “Take advantage of the time you have before the wedding to get organised and don’t leave anything – like your speech –  to the last minute to prepare. That’ll give you the time and space to enjoy the run-up. On the day itself, take 20-30mins where you are away from everyone and just let everything sink in. And most importantly, just have fun!” The couple took their own advice and escaped the crowd to enjoy some quality time in an epic Volkswagon vintage mini-van!

Red wedding car van bride groom
Groom drinking prosecco champagne in wedding car
Bride groom wedding car
Champagne roses wine glasses prosecco
Bride groom autumnal embracing forest park
Bride groom autumnal embracing forest park
Bride groom autumnal embracing

After their dreamy woodland wedding photos were taken, the couple returned to the beautiful venue and rustic wedding barn to enjoy the rest of their day with their family and friends. The drinks reception took place in the Orangery, also known as another amazing space owing to the attractive interior. “The old stone walls, lush vines which grow internally at one end of the building and huge panes of glass looking out to the garden reaffirmed the rural rustic feel we were after. Once our drinks reception wrapped up here, everyone moved into the main barn for an absolute feast served by way of ‘help-yourself’ with sharing platters for both mains and dessert. Our Eton mess and warm chocolate bake with homemade ice-cream sharing bowls stole the show!”

Cake flowers
Cake flowers
Bride and groom cut the cake
Bride groom autumnal kissing
Night time shot exterior wedding venue
Bride groom couple first dance black and white B&W

Thank you kindly to both Kirsty and Ben for sharing their beautiful rustic barn wedding day with us. An extended thank you to Aoife O’ Sullivan for providing us with the gorgeous photo album, we hope you all enjoyed them as much as we have!

We have some more beautiful unique venue inspiration to look through here. Take a look at 14 Arty and Industrial Wedding Venues in Ireland, 26 Best Restaurant Wedding Venues in Ireland, or best of all The One Fab Day 100 Best Wedding Venues 2024/25!

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