Borris House in October is a rather wonderful setting and I have been meaning to blog about about Colm and Silke's wedding for a while now and here we are. As usual (and as I normally and happily expect) there was a good deal of emailing and conversation before we decided on a package to best suit the couple. After contacts were signed the time flew by and pretty soon the 7th October and the sumptious Autumn colours were upon us. Driving under the gate lodge I pulled in to take some photos and noticed some conkers (horse chestnut seeds) on the wall which brought me back to my childhood and the competitive games we used to play. The drive up to Borris House revealed itself gradually - I was heading for the saw mill where I knew Colm was staying close by, having driven up in his wonderfully refurbished Volkswagon Transporter camper van, it beaming out in royal blue. I noticed an ancient tree leaning toward a gate and immediately thought of a scene from LOTR (Lord of the Rings). There is so much to see around the estate, plenty of woodland walks which hold much character. The ice house itself looks almost like a mini Newgrange.
Silke hails from Germany and Colm is from the capital and they both enjoy potholing or caving as it is known internationally. If I remember correctly this is where they initially met. I introduced myself to Colm and Silke then set about watching the day unfold moving back and forth between the couple, keeping my eyes peeled for interesting conversations, ongoing preparations and wedding day detail that would tell their story. The chapel on the grounds was being prepared for the ceremony so this provided for another focal point between bridal prep and other ancillary stuff Colm and the lads were looking after. The coffee van also arrived, we were ready to go.
After guests were refreshed and had been seated Silke appeared and greeted her dad at the end of the stairs. It was a rather touching moment, Silke wiping a tear from her dads eye. She was then driven with her bridal party and mum in the Transporter around the corner to the church. The ceremony was stunning, friends sang and played music, kind and light hearted words were spoken, there was a traditional hand binding and a tree planted, all symbols of the love this couple have for each other and the gestures made to celebrate it. The newly married couple were then driven back to the house in the Transporter (of course) for refreshments and to begin the celebrations.
Colm being a keen brewer had a couple of kegs lined up for guests to sample as the chatted around the Transporter. The weather was beautiful for early October, a warm sun lifted spirits higher as a selection of canapés and traditional teas were provided. There were kids of all ages at the wedding, some very young and it was lovely to see such inclusivity. We took some family family photos over near the couples favourite tree then and I took the couple for a brief walk as they wanted to spend as much time with their guests as possible prior to the meal. Colm and Silke said a few words outside when we arrived back and then everybody was called to sit for the meal. The remaining speeches were undertaken during the meal.
I left the wedding party and headed back to dublin not before grabbing a photo of the imfamous camper van against the majestic Borris House. I wish Colm and Silke the very best for their future together.
Supplier list
Photographer: Aidan Oliver Photography www.aidanoliver.ie
Wedding Venue: Borris House, borrishouse.com
Catering: Blackstairs Catering https://www.facebook.com/blackstairscatering/
Flowers: Tina from the thewildbunch.ie/
Hair and Make up: Christine http://snipsandlips.com/contact.aspx
Silke's Cape: Roisin Cross Silks http://silks.ie
