Newtown Castle Wedding | Megan + Raymond

What a dream these sweethearts are. Megan and Raymond flew all the way from sunny Philadelphia with their loved ones to say I do in the heart of Ireland Wild Atlantic Way. Their Newtown Castle wedding blew our minds! Starting off the day in the stunning Gregans Castle, an 18th century manor house. Set in its own lush magical gardens, with spectacular views that stretch across the Burren hills to Galway Bay.

The mist was thick across the land when we arrived to the castle. Transforming the grey land in a rain bow of vibrant autumn colours. Megan and her ladies are full of laughter as we arrive to hair and make up. Chatting back and forth all the while trying not to make it obvious that we were wowed by this beauty, who really was mystical presence in the castle that day. Raymond was a little more quiet when we found him. Like most grooms he just couldn’t wait to see his bride and best friend in the world.

Megan’s dad helps Ray get that tie just right we promise that there is nothing to worry about all will be just fine. We decided that the first look should be out by the crazy looking giant plant, that no one could quite remember the name of.

The mist turned to rain as Megan strolls through the rusty carpet of leaves to Raymond. Tears of love mingled with the fat drops of rain as they turned embraced for their first look. Sean looks at the weather app, mildly concerned about the rain that is forecast for the afternoon. Me, well I just can’t take my eyes off these two. I know what ever happens from here on in, nothing will break the magic that is before us.

The wind howled around Newtown Castle as Dara blessed Megan and Ray with the four elements. Earth, Water, Fire and Wind. The fire blazed, tears were shed during readings, all the while the energy between our couple was buzzing. At one point you practically see it, never mind just feel it from them.

We made a dash for the Cliffs of Moher in the rain, Megan not at all bothered by the freezing November conditions or the serious amount of mud, which from the rain was cascading in very which direction like rivers of uneatable chocolate (it’s the most polite description I can give). For-filling their wish of having a least one image of themselves at the cliffs while on this Irish adventure we are about to leave when some over excited tourists slide across to us deciding that they wanted some pictures themselves with the lucky couple. Mud notwithstanding we all fall around the place laughing when Mr tourist nudged his wife and Raymond out of the way so he could get a photo alone with our blushing bride!!!

Back into the car and across country we now mud soaked fell in the door to Margaret, the beloved owner of O’Loclainn’s Whiskey Bar whiskey bar. If you do not already know, Margaret is a legend and we couldn’t love her any more if we tried. The sing song is in full flight as Megan and Ray warm up with some Irish Coffees and nibble on the delicious feast in front of them.. All cooked by the lady of the house herself. Speeches and stories aplenty are now shared before the bus arrived to bring everyone back to Gregans for a night of splendour.

The crowd demand one last song before we leave. The voice of an angel sings out from behind the bar causing everyone to be silent. You could have heard a pin drop as the lyrics sang out….

“I am a sailor and you’re my first mate
We signed on together, we coupled our fate
We hauled up our anchor determined not to fail
For the heart’s treasure together we set sail
Withnomaps to guide us we steered our own course
We rode out the storms when the winds were gale force
We sat out the doldrums in patience and hope
Working together we learned how to cope.
Life is an ocean, love is a boat
In troubled waters it keeps us afloat
When we started the voyage
There was just me and you
Now gathered around us we have our own crew”

Queue tears and screams of joy as every one stood up and joined in the last chorus of John McDermotts famous song “Voyage” I for one was totally over come, I had to stifle a sob as the tears rolled down my smiling face. Maybe it is because it is the last wedding of the season, it always gets me, or maybe it is the genuine love buzz that could be felt in the bar. It had been there all day, that electricity. Never have I felt such a powerful force of love and happiness for one couple, two families, and friends, that were now one entity, in this one perfect moment.
When I tell people we do our job because it is a drug that I can not get enough of, well this is the high.

Love is all around and just some times it shakes you to your core.