Alicia and Brad’s Ireland wedding at Gloster House was a weekend straight out of the pages of a Jane Austen novel. The couple got engaged at Stourhead Gardens, specifically the Temple of Apollo. If you are a fan of Pride and Prejudice, you’ll know exactly what scene this location appeared. When Alicia told me of her engagement there, I immediately knew that this wedding was going to be utterly romantic.
Little did I know how romantic, though. Alicia had a specific vision of her wedding weekend as almost a theatrical event and less of a wedding. Each event of the day was carefully curated. The vision for the welcome dinner was to have a Yuletide Christmas-themed dinner, but she ultimately pivoted when she saw this moody, autumnal shoot that I photographed.
A Banquet of Light and Shadow
Her inspiration unfolded as a Dutch Master’s painting brought to life by the incredible planning prowess of Kristine Hayes. It was a “Banquet of Light and Shadow” set within Gloster House’s chapel, where abundance meets the quiet decay of autumnal time.
Hundreds of candles of all sizes flickering their warm candlelight on three long tables. Their tops, layered with crushed velvet cloth, featured sculptural arrangements by The Irish Flower Farmer in varying moody hues of wine, burgundy, and bordeaux.
Also used in the design: Plums, pears, figs, and pomegranates! The fruit, used as symbolic messages, meant love, sensuality, devotion, affection, and ephemeral beauty, paying homage to Dutch painters of old who used symbolism in their work, such as de Heem, Ruysch, and van Huysum.
For the welcome dinner, Alicia wore a stunning Rococo lace gown from Lacemade in a lovely shade of ivory paired with sparkly Louboutin Ballalla Strass flats and pearl drop earrings. To complete the romantic heroine look of a Jane Austen novel, Alicia styled her hair into an alluring halo braid updo with cascading tendrils.
Not to be out-styled, Brad leaned into the moody theme of the night and wore a delicious velvet jacket with black trim, reminiscent of a vintage smoking jacket. He paired his look with a classic bow tie, sleek black pants, and classic black Louboutins. Bond, James Bond, approved.
The couple enjoyed a quiet evening under soft light, serenaded by local Irish musicians, Niamh agus Daith. With introductions between new friends and old friends, and an abundance of lively conversation about the following day’s celebration and delicious fare provided by Green Olive Catering. The ‘Banquet of Light and Shadow’ was such a beautiful way to kick off Alicia and Brad’s Ireland wedding at Gloster House!
Stay tuned for Act II: The Shades of Pemberley
In the meantime, check out their engagement session here!
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