When a Bride's Eyes are Smiling - Carmel & Alan's Real Wedding in Kilkenny by DOK Photography

We couldn't help but break out in a huge grin as soon as we saw today's gorgeous bride Carmel. She has the most infectious smile! Carmel met hubby Alan on the rugby pitch when he came to coach her team and even though he thought she was 'out of his league' (his words, not our pun) the pair hit it off (is that a pun?) and were married in a wonderfully warm and personal ceremony in September. The very talented Deirdre O'Keefe of DOK Photography documented their day...

"I now believe other brides when they said it was the quickest day of their lives!"
- Bride Carmel reflecting on her wedding day

Wedding Date: 14th September 2012
Wedding Ceremony: St.Moluas church in Ballaghmore, Co.Laois | Wedding Venue: Hotel Kilkenny

Photographer: Deirdre O'Keefe, DOK Photography

We met... on the Rugby pitch! I played for Roscrea Ladies Rugby and Alan was our coach for a year!

Carmel’s first impressions of Alan... After matches we used to go for a few drinks and I have to say straight away I knew I had a friend for life. Not too long after we became more and I knew I would marry this man one day.

Alan’s first impressions of Carmel... She was beautiful, funny and fit what more does a man want!! I thought she was out of my league but we became great friends and not before long...

Our proposal... Not the most romantic! Maybe a typical Irish one! After a few drinks at home he hobbled on one knee and popped the question, I said "Ask me in the morning"! And he did with a lot more romance!

My dress... was a Paloma Blanca dress from Aibheil in Adare, Co.Limerick. 

Our ceremony... was in St.Moluas church in Ballaghmore, Co.Laois. Fr.Lorcan Kenny gave a beautiful ceremony.

"We would both agree the church ceremony was so beautiful and special. Fr Lorcan is a family friend and made it so personal, he nearly stole the show!"

We chose our photographer because... Deirdre has produced beautiful, natural albums. She made us feel so comfortable throughout the organising, the wedding day and choosing pictures for the album which in the end I let Deirdre choose herself as I trusted her and I was so delighted with it.

"I now believe other brides when they said it was the quickest day of their lives!"

Our honeymoon... We went to Monart Hotel & Spa in Wexford for three nights after the wedding to completely relax. Then in November we went to New York for a week to enjoy the festive season.

My piece of advice for other brides-to-be... Honestly try not stress - and the only way to ensure that you don't stress is be organised. Double check everything and (fingers crossed) nothing will go wrong. Also enjoy and take a minute to look around and take it all in, I now believe other brides when they said it was the quickest day of their lives!

_{By Karen Birney}

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