WEDDING BLOG

Allyson and Emily’s wedding took place along Ireland’s rugged coastline, where the Cliffs of Moher set the tone for a celebration that felt both intimate and deeply personal. Surrounded by a small group of loved ones, they exchanged vows in a setting that spoke for itself, with a meaningful celtic handfasting at the heart of it all.

Their story didn’t start with perfect timing, but with shared change. “Both of us had been through a lot. We were living our lives as unauthentic versions of ourselves,” Allyson shared. Without knowing it, they were moving through similar chapters—ending relationships, choosing themselves, and figuring out what felt right. A dating app brought them together on what was almost the last possible day for both of them. After a few missed attempts to meet, one final message shifted everything. “We met the very next day. As they say, the rest is history.”

The idea for Ireland had been there from the beginning. Just a month into dating, Emily sent a photo of two women getting married on the Cliffs of Moher, sharing a dream that felt both bold and certain. That early conversation stayed with them and eventually became the starting point for the day they would create together.

What We Love About This Clifftop Elopement:

• A ceremony that leaned into the natural beauty of the cliffs without over-styling
• A heartfelt celtic handfasting that included all four children
• A small guest list that kept the experience close and intentional
• Vintage details and live music that added character without taking over
• A warm, candlelit reception that felt like a complete shift from the open landscape

Choosing a Wedding Location That Feels Personally Meaningful

For Emily, Ireland was never just a destination. “Being half Irish, I’ve always felt a deep connection to the country,” she shared. Years of Irish dancing and a lifelong pull toward the landscape made the Cliffs of Moher feel like the only place that made sense.

That connection shaped everything that followed. Instead of building a concept and finding a place to match it, they started with meaning and let the rest take shape from there.

If you’re planning a destination wedding, it helps to begin with a place that already resonates. It gives your decisions more clarity and keeps the experience grounded.

Planning a Private Moment Before the Ceremony

Before the ceremony, they built in time to see each other privately on the cliffs. Arriving separately in vintage cars added to the anticipation.

“When we turned around and our eyes met, it felt almost suspended in time,” Allyson said. “I didn’t know it was possible to love someone this deeply.”

At that exact moment, the sun broke through the clouds and lit up the cliffs. It was one of those instances that felt bigger than anything you could plan.

Designing a Ceremony Around the Natural Setting

The ceremony location itself was a surprise, chosen by their planner. Set on private property, the space felt quiet and untouched, with stone walls, wildflowers, and sweeping views of the cliffs.

Guests stood just a short distance from the edge, with a simple line of rocks marking the boundary.

Rather than adding layers of decor, they let the setting speak for itself. It’s a good reminder that when the surroundings are already striking, less really can be more.

Including Family in a Celtic Handfasting Ceremony

The ceremony centered on connection, not only between the two of them but with their children and loved ones as well. The priest invited all four children to join them at the altar, and the rings were passed around to guests for blessings before the ceremony continued.

Their celtic handfasting became one of the most meaningful parts of the day. Each child held part of the cord as their hands were bound together. “I remember looking down at them… in that moment, standing together as a family, my heart had never felt more full.”

Planning a Wedding Abroad With the Right Local Support

Planning from abroad came with its own challenges, but finding the right planner made a noticeable difference. Shortly after getting engaged, Allyson reached out to planners in Ireland and connected with Susan Eyles.

“Susan was incredible, she provided us with a list of trusted vendors she had worked with before,” Allyson said. With those connections in place, the process became easier to manage. They built out a spreadsheet, mapped their budget, and worked through decisions step by step.

Making Travel Easier for Destination Wedding Guests

With loved ones traveling internationally, Allyson and Emily focused on making the experience comfortable and memorable from start to finish.

They hosted everyone at the Falls Hotel for three nights, planned a rehearsal dinner, and prepared welcome bags with itineraries so guests would feel taken care of as soon as they arrived.

“We focused on creating an unforgettable experience not just for ourselves, but for the people who traveled so far,” Allyson shared.

Letting Go of Traditions That Don’t Feel Right

They approached the day in a way that felt natural to them, even if it meant stepping outside of tradition. One of those choices was going dress shopping together. “We’re each other’s best friend, so it felt natural to share that experience.”

Their outfits reflected that same mindset. Emily chose a more relaxed dress that immediately felt right, while Allyson gravitated toward a gown with a soft, feather-like texture and a high neckline. Matching Converse added a playful detail, complete with “Bride” on the sides and subtle rainbow accents.

The morning of the wedding carried that same energy. They got ready in the same room, keeping to opposite sides but still sharing the moment. When the kids came in to have their hair done, it added an extra layer of warmth to the start of the day.

Shifting the Atmosphere for the Reception

After the ceremony, the celebration moved to a nearby pub with a private back room reserved for their group. The change in setting created a completely different mood.

A tree growing through the center of the room became the focal point, surrounded by greenery, candlelight, and soft string lights.

While guests settled in with music and refreshments, Allyson and Emily stepped away briefly for additional photos. “It gave us a moment to pause and take it all in,” Allyson said.

Bringing Personal Passions Into the Celebration

One of the standout moments of the reception came when the band began playing a lively reel. Emily stepped onto the floor and started Irish dancing, joined by her daughters and a close friend.

“The energy in the room shifted instantly,” Allyson said. “Seeing that joy and pride on her face… made it one of the most memorable parts of the entire celebration.”

Incorporating something that already feels like a part of your life can create moments that feel effortless and memorable.

Handling Weather Uncertainty for Outdoor Weddings

Leading up to the wedding, the forecast showed a high chance of rain. Like many couples planning an outdoor ceremony, they found themselves checking the weather often. But on the day itself, the rain held off. A light drizzle passed through, followed by clear skies and sunlight over the cliffs.

“It felt almost magical,” Allyson said. With her mother having recently passed, the moment carried even more meaning. “It felt like a quiet little sign that she was with us.” Having a team in place that could handle the logistics made it easier to stay focused on the experience itself.

Focusing on What Matters Most When Planning

Looking back, their advice is straightforward. “Make the decisions that feel right to you as a couple and create a day you’ll look back on without regrets.”

If there’s one thing they would do differently, it would be hiring a videographer. “Photos are wonderful, but having the movement, voices, and little moments on video would have been incredible.”

For Allyson and Emily, the day came down to intention. Every choice reflected who they are and what matters most to them, from the setting to the experience they created for their guests. At the center of it all was their celtic handfasting, a moment that captured not just their commitment, but the life they’ve built together.