Planner Gabby of Banks & Leaf and photographer Lisa O Dwyer came together at Ireland’s historic Gloster House to produce this breathtaking inspiration shoot. The estate of the venue is stunning with old-world architecture and landscapes while the moody glam of the details give it a fresh, romantic tone. Rose-centric florals by Dash Caffrey are gathered and gorgeous, Lenka Calligraphy updates classic calligraphy with bold colors and whimsical lettering, and Cupcakes and Counting steals the show with a spectacular three-tiered black cake with gold leafing and decadent sugar roses. Check out the romantic inspiration story and these gorgeous Lisa O Dwyer below.
The story of this inspiration shoot is of a beautiful red-haired Irish girl who lives in a very classical romantic country house in the countryside. She falls in love with a city-boy from Dublin. She shows him the beauty of the Irish countryside and the classical beauty of the house where she grew up. She envisions two looks for her wedding.
In the first look with a gold silk dress from House of Delphine (a French designer living in County Kerry), she is the Irish Queen Maebh. The meaning of the Irish of her name is “she who intoxicates” or “mead woman” (mead is the Celtic honey-wine which is the origin of the word “honeymoon”). Her crystal crown is from Gems & Bones. Her bouquet has tones of copper and autumn, foraged around the florist’s property in County Cavan.
The second look that the bride envisions is classic and timeless, a white lace dress and veil by House of Delphine. The lace reminds her of her ancestors and the legacy of her family and Irish lace-making. Her bouquet is lush with tones of red. The red reminds her that winter is coming and that the red berries of the rowan tree and holly will be decorating the Irish landscape.
The dinner will be set for the wedding inside her home at Gloster House. She loves the dark richness of the centuries-old family table for the wedding meal. She has a dark cake with handmade sugar flowers by Cup Cakes and Counting. Her stationery is in navy, cream, crimson, and gold by Lenka Calligraphy. Her family heirlooms play a part in the dinner setting…she is home for now.
Photographer: Lisa O Dwyer // Stylist / Planner: Banks & Leaf // Floral Designer: Dash Caffrey // Stationery: Lenka Calligraphy // Venue: Gloster House // Film Lab: Boutique Film Lab // Dress Designer: House of Delphine // Cake Designer: Cupcakes and Counting // Quartz Crowns: Etsy // Makeup: Beth W Makeup // Hair: Michaella OHalloran