Designing Your Dream Dress

How on earth do you get started with designing your own wedding dress with Sarah Foy Couture? For some brides-to-be they never even considered having a dress made. For others, they just couldn’t imagine finding their dream dress in a shop. So today I am going give you the run down on how it works. The first few simple steps I have for designing your dress 

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Step 1- Start dreaming 

The sky is the limit with designing your own dress so don’t hold back. Let your imagination run wild – there will be plenty of time later to rain yourself back in. But for now, think big

Think colour, think separates, think outside the box. Look at your wardrobe, what style and shapes do you like to wear. How does this help? If you can get a feel for what necklines, bodice shapes and general looks you like on yourself, they can be translated into a wedding dress style. Or simply give you a feel of what you know looks great on you.

Start asking yourself questions like how do I want to feel on the day? Regal, elegant or maybe you want to feel relaxed and stylish.

Step Two- Consultation

Honestly, this is a chat, a sit done with me (or zoom currently) to chat all about your wedding. I ask a bucket load of questions to get a real feel for your day, your personality and style. It gives you an opportunity to get to know me. Because here is the deal - The relation between a designer and a bride is a very personal one. You need to know and feel they have a clear idea of what you need and want. That you can trust them with your vision.

Don’t panic if you have no idea of what you are looking for or only have ideas for elements of your dress. It’s my job to help you get clear on what you want and what will get you the vision you have in your head.

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Step 3- Sketches

After chatting with you and getting to know you and your wedding. I set about gathering ideas. I play around with rough sketches and what I can only describe a doodle, flesh out ideas. I always want to have a dress that is balanced and that works well 365 degrees around. So, making sure that features and elements of the dress you want to include work well together and still gives the overall look you are after

Then I sit down and put together four designs that really work for your wedding dress. Variations of particular features you are looking for. This helps to give you a feel for the options you have with your design. 

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Step 4- Your Exclusive Designs 

Your exclusive designs are delivered by post so you will have a lovely sketches in your hand to dream over. When you have had time to look over and digest the designs. We work together to discuss what you love and what didn’t work for you. Mix and matching between the four designs till we get the outline idea of what we want to create for you.

We start to explore deeper into the design with fabric swatches and creating embellishment samples that we may like to work with.

To this day – 15 years on I still adore this process. Yes, you can design your dress and I am here to guide you and make sure it’s the best possible design for you for your wedding day. 

Tell me what your big worries are about getting your dress made. What problems are you having with the vison you have for your wedding day?

Want to book a virtual chat with me? Email info@sarahfoycouture.com

 

 

 

 

 

Supplier Love - KinnOir

I believe in Ireland we are a country with deep roots in creativity and design. So to see this beautiful business, not just get through a global pandemic but thrive is fantastic. Today we chat with the woman behind KinnOir, Michelle

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Tell me how KinnOir came about and what makes you so passionate about what you do?

My mum made her own wedding dress, veil, silk turban, headpiece and cake. She also made my communion dress from fine lawn muslin, a Carrick Mac cross veil and headpiece. So, I have grown up in a very creative house with an emphasis on practical skills. I could use a sewing machine at the age of 6 or 7. I did wire work and jewellery making as a hobby in my teenage years and made some pieces for friends and family.

It was while I was searching for a beautiful hair accessory for my wedding day that I went back to that hobby to create a unique piece for myself. When I wore my own headpiece I absolutely loved it, knowing it was made to the absolute highest standard - I remade it 3 times until I was 100% happy. It was then I noticed companies re-selling products from Ali Express and it made me realise that there was a gap in the market for luxury Irish hand-made veils and headpieces.

After making bespoke veils and combs for friends weddings, I threw myself into preparing my brand and developing my first collection and all the work behind the scenes that come with opening a business. I officially opened KinnOir in July 2019 and celebrated a year in business last year!

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What are you doing in your business and for your clients though this last year and Covid 19?

I have pivoted my business by being able to design pieces with brides remotely. My favourite part is when I send the reveal slide show and the reaction from brides. Then when the luxurious box arrives by post and they get to open their headpiece or veil. 

My collection called “In bloom” which I released June 2020, took a completely different direction to what I had originally planned. I was meant to release it in March 2020 but due to the Coronavirus I put it on pause. Being only in the fledgling stage of a business, it was very hard to be hit with the pandemic. I had just left my day job and for the first time I was able to work from home and walk around my local area taking in the nature, really “see” the flowers and leaves. I decided to take my time with the collection and base it on Irish wildflowers. I was also desperately home sick for my parents and granny and all the places I spent my happiest childhood memories, so there is a hint of nostalgia with vintage style laces and point d’espirit tulle. 

What is your big dream for KinnOir?

I am now working on some 2021 editions for the Signature Collection and Summer Blossom Collection and have a range of crowns coming as well. My bespoke service is the most popular. I work with my brides creating sketches and ideas for their piece. Sending regular photo and video updates so they can see their piece come to life. If it’s a veil I am working on, I send a swatch sample and then they can match it to their dress and give me the measurements and I am able to make it and send it. I have had so many happy brides. I love to create something unique for them that they will treasure and give them a special experience of designing it with me.

My plan going forward is to create new collections and products to build on my bespoke service and expand my stockists in Ireland and abroad. I am looking forward to growing the KinnÓir team and focus on building my luxury brand and putting Irish design on the map! 

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 What an inspiring story and  to see how the creative process works for you . Check out KinnOir collections at www.kinnoir.ie and send some social love to @kinnoir

Is Irish design important to you when planning your wedding? I think more than ever there is a focus on supporting and nurturing our small but mighty Irish businesses – Let me know if there is any wedding suppliers that you found particularly amazing when planning your wedding. 

 

Our Bridal Muse

Fancy a little escape into a pre-covid wedding - me too! Things are a little heavy at the moment for brides so let’s find the joy in the little things and dream of when we will all dance at a party again.

I am delighted to finally share this beautiful bride Grainne and her fantastic wedding day

Photographys by Jenny McCarthy

Photographys by Jenny McCarthy

What is your best memory of your wedding day?

The best memory was the whole entire day! I loved every minute of it and didn’t stop smiling from ear to ear all day. It was so much fun to have all of our family and friends together under one roof, mixing and mingling and enjoying each other’s company, it was exactly how I had hoped our wedding would be.

What is your advice to a bride to be?

My advice would be to try and do it all step by step and enjoy all of the little steps along the way. I really miss it all and would love to do it all over again…I never thought I’d say that!

What was your biggest worry about getting your dress made? 

My biggest worry was that I couldn’t see how the finished product would turn out. I’m not a naturally creative person so I often tried to picture the dress in my head and found it difficult. But I trusted Sarah’s craft and creativeness and I’m so glad I did as I was absolutely delighted with the end result. It was also so comfortable which was  an important factor for me. I didn’t need any help to go to the loo and was able to dance all night long

What part of the process of having your dress made was most fun for you? 

It was a lot of fun from start to finish. I loved seeing the progress as the dress started to come together. I loved how much time I got to spend with my mam and bridesmaids. It was so nice to meet up for the various dress fittings in Clontarf and make an afternoon out of it going for lunch/coffee. 

And I really loved how informal and relaxed the whole process was. I always felt so comfortable with Sarah which is the opposite way I felt whenever I walked into bridal boutiques prior to discovering Sarah! 

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Grainnes Dream Team

Photographer - Jenny McCarthy

Videographer – The Garage project

Hair - Aisling Hamill

Make-up – Ailbhe Lynch

Flowers – Caroline Slevin (@cacaslev)

Venue – Bellingham Castle

Cake – Emelie Matthews (@e_cakes)

Stationary – Zara McGonigle @The Little Wedding Studio)

A big thank you to Grainne for share this day with us - simple stunning.

Creating dresses is my passion, if you have ideas floating around for your dress drop me a line info@sarahfoycouture.com and I can make that dream come to life.

Sarah




 




Shimmering Beauty

Yippeee! I am back seeing brides this week. I can’t wait to see, chat and fit dresses again. I am so lucky to design unique dresses for my brides. I love how every dress is different and that every bride gets to have a dress that is tailor made for their style, shape and personality. Todays bridal muse Ciara was meant to wear a fully beaded sea green dress and when I see these photos I couldn’t imagine her in anything else. Thank you Ciara for the fun chats and for sharing your day with us .

Whats your best memory of the big day?

We hired the band tropical storm for the drinks reception and start of the meal. They are a 3 piece Filipino band and go around to different people and take requests of songs. One table requested Sweet Caroline and the room exploded. Everyone up on their feet dancing, swinging napkins, holding hands, and this was all before dinner. I turned to Richie and said ‘all of these people are here for us’ and we just had a look around, laughed and got back to singing! It was such a brilliant moment and set the tone for the evening of partying!! 

What advice would you give brides planning their wedding?

Where to start! As a make up artist who has been involved in hundreds of weddings, and I’ve also been a bridesmaid five times, I think I know weddings quite well!! Be organised so that you can just enjoy the last few days of lead up without having to run around and get things you could have done weeks ago! Then for the morning of the wedding make things as easy as possible so you can enjoy it. Have people around you that you really want there and have a bit of craic and no stress. Then once you get to the venue enjoy every minute. If something goes wrong laugh it off, there is nothing you can do about it. Enjoy the day, it only happens once and goes by so quickly!

What was the biggest worry about getting your dress made?

I suppose being a curvy girl I just wanted to have a dress that fit me and ‘would do’ I kind of never thought that I could actually feel really amazing in it. But I did. I felt amazing, it was special! It was also so ‘me’. I never once felt pressured to wear a white dress or a veil. I love them on other brides, but it’s not for me. Sarah was brilliant at giving me what I didn’t know I wanted!! 

What part of wedding dress process was most fun? 

Apart from seeing Sarah and having the craic? Hmm, maybe knowing that my dress was not going to be traditional and every time I saw it I loved it more. I kept thinking of peoples reactions to a green fully jewelled wedding dress and it would make me laugh! I never do anything traditional! I also loved what Sarah did with my mams dress, getting a dress my mam had previously loved and completely reinventing it to a new dress. My mam was so happy with her dress.

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It was such a pleasure to design and make this dress for Ciara and what a spectacular day she had. Check out her amazing suppliers.

Ciara’s Dream Team

Photographer; Julie Cummins

Videographer: Keith Malone

Hairdresser: Megan Murphy Hair

Ciara’s rings and earrings: Chupi

Flowers and room decor: Frog Prince

Mother of bride and flower girl hair pieces: Rosemary Keating Design

A Hero's Wedding dream Photographer

It is the final day of A heroes Wedding Dream competition and who better to talk to today then the lady behind it all. Not only did she rally us all together, she worked incredible hard to get the website up and the competition under way. Today we chat to one lucky frontline works photographer Aoife O’Sullivan.

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I’ve been a photographer in one guise or another since graduating from Art College back in 2009 (this is despite my final degree being in sculpture!) . Photography had been a hobby of mine for many years (can’t believe I’m old enough for it to have started out in the dark room!) and when I graduated I moved abroad to San Francisco for a year and landed my first job as a photographer. I haven’t looked back since!

I know it may sounds cheesy but I really do thank my lucky stars every day that I get to do photography as my job, and even more than that, the fact I get to capture weddings – often one of the most important days in people’s lives. I ADORE weddings, they are full of so much happiness and love and I walk way from every single one on a total high. I am there alongside the couple and their families for every single important moment of their day and it really is such an honour.

Covid 19 has hit the whole wedding industry so badly. We have seen many broken hearts and indeed had our own hearts broken many times too. What I can’t get over however is the selflessness, the compassion, and the hope that all my couples and my peers in the industry are showing during this time. I have been very overwhelmed by it all at times and along with the heart ache my heart has soared with pride and happiness. The number of wonderful vendors coming board our A Hero’s Wedding Dream Competition has been a real highlight for me. What started off as a small idea in my head has now grown in to the most amazing giveaway that has far exceeded my wildest dreams. I simply can not wait till we choose and tell our one lucky and deserving winner that they have won. It will be a thank you and recognition from us that they so so deserve . I feel like a huge portion of the country have ridden out Covid -19 in our homes protected by a bubble...but yet there have SO MANY selfless people going out to work and facing it every day. They have been battling to keep us safe, keep us alive & keep us in comfort and this competition really is about saying thank you from the bottom of our hearts to those incredible people who have been working on the frontline throughout.

Honestly my dreams for the future are simple...I just want to get back to doing what I love. I was already eternally grateful for the job I got to do and having to take this forced break from it has given my time to reflect and realise if anything that I appreciate it all the more. How many people can say they get to spend their work days at wedding capturing people’s memories? It’s a job I will never take for granted and really all I want is to go back doing it again and to embrace every love filled, tear filled and gratitude filled second.

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Thank you Aoife for sharing with us. Check out and send some love to Aoife O’Sullivan Photography

www.aosphoto.com

instagram @aoifeosphoto

The front-line workers are the people keeping this country running and this is our way to give back. If you work in a grocery shop, if you spend your days on the road delivering all our packages. If you know a nurse, a doctor, anyone helping their community we want to hear their story. Check out www.aherosweddingdream.com.

Keep dreaming

Sarah





A hero's Wedding Dream Hair

I love designing dresses, but as I always say to my brides you need to think about the whole look. A dress can look beautiful but if you have everything right - the hair, the makeup it can be spectacular. Today I have Hair Maven here to tell a snippet of their story.

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I have been in the industry 25 years and love every aspect of hair. I have a loyal salon based clientele as well as being a wedding and editorial hair stylist. I get great joy out of the different aspects of my work and I have been feature in Irish and international publications.

It was Aoife Callaghan who gentle nudged me into the wedding industry and I have not looked back since. It is an honour to be part of a couples wedding day, meeting their families and friends. Helping a bride feel completely amazing on her big day is what I love about being involved in the wedding industry.

My signature look is laid back texture but i’m also a fan of Hollywood and super sleek looks. I want my brides to feel like the best version of themselves for their wedding day. So it is all about the journey from trial to wedding day building a friendship and understanding my bride - it is my favourite part of my job.

Thank you, Michelle, for sharing. Check out and send some love to Hair Maven on social

 www.hairmaven.ie

Instagram @hairmaven.ie 

The front-line workers are the people keeping this country running and this is our way to give back. If you work in a grocery shop, if you spend your days on the road delivering all our packages. If you know a nurse, a doctor, anyone helping their community we want to hear their story. Check out www.aherosweddingdream.com.

 

Keep dreaming

Sarah

 





A Hero's Wedding Celebrant

We are heading into the final week of the Hero’s Wedding Dream competition. Last chance ladies and gents. We are a group of wedding suppliers gifting a wedding to one lucky frontline worker. Pop over to www.aherosweddingdream.com and tell us your story.

Today I am introducing you to your celebrant. Clara Malone runs Coastal Ceremonies with Orla Cronin.  They are based in Co. Clare with the Wild Atlantic Way on their doorstep.  They both trained with the Irish Institute of Celebrants and are members of the Irish Ethical Celebrant Society.

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I really believe that there are paths, some seen and some hidden, that lead us to where we are meant to be, and mine was always leading up to be a celebrant.  I had just had my two kids, finished a fifteen year career in HR and moved to Co. Clare and thought, “what next”.  I had attended a celebrant led wedding and my cousin turned to me and said “you would be great as a celebrant” so that sparked something in me. I was doing a bit of research in to it but nothing was jumping out until I saw an interview in the Irish Times by Louise Bruton who wrote about training to be a celebrant with the Irish Institute of Celebrants in Dublin.  I hadn’t even finished the article before I rang them and left a message.  They called back and before I could even think about it I had enrolled.   The six month training course was an invaluable start to my career as I learned not only the ins and outs of being a celebrant, but also storytelling, ceremony traditions and cultures, ceremony enhancements and crucially the business side.  

So, just before I graduated I heard that a friend whom I hadn’t seen in years was also training as a celebrant and due to graduate a month after me.  She too, had just moved to Ennis with 2 kids and was living around the corner from me (literally).  So many coincidences so it was meant to me.  Orla and I now work together and love what we do.  I love telling stories, I love meeting people and I love family celebrations so therefore I really have my dream job.  To be a part of someone’s special day and helping couple’s create lasting memories is an honour and to see couples saying “I do” at the end of the ceremony is literally the “icing on the cake”.

We are also incredibly lucky to live so close to the sea.  We spend a lot of our time officiating ceremonies in the Cliffs of Moher, or Loop Head and in castles, ancient ruins and even lake side gardens.  We also get to work in the most incredible venues like Hotel Doolin and Dromoland Castle, and alongside some of the best wedding suppliers.  The relationship with each couple doesn’t start on the day of the wedding but many months before so I am so invested by the time the wedding day comes around that it is quite emotional watching the couple say “I do” to each other.  I also love staying in touch with couples afterwards and hearing about all the milestones they celebrate, like welcoming a new baby or renewing their vows. As I said, it’s my “dream job”.

 This is such an unprecedented time and my heart goes out to all of the couple’s who have had to cancel or re-schedule their weddings.  I know from planning my own wedding how much time and effort goes in to planning your big day so it’s heart-breaking to see the stress couples are going through.  We have been in regular touch with our couples since the start of the pandemic and luckily we have been available to accommodate any couples who re-scheduled their wedding to later in the year and next year.  Unfortunately some have had to cancel their wedding but when they begin to make future plans we are hopeful we can work together again.  I wrote a blog to hopefully give couples ideas about how to mark their original wedding date while in lockdown and also how to celebrate their weddings bearing in mind the new restrictions which will be in place regarding numbers and so on.  It’s on our website here https://coastalceremonies.ie/ceremony-options-during-covid-19/   

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What is so lovely to see (and not surprising) is how amazing all of the wedding suppliers are being. Everyone has rallied around and are doing their best to accommodate every couple who have had to change their plans while also managing the unexpected business impact.

At the moment, my biggest dream is be to back on the Cliffs of Moher (or anywhere on the coast of Clare) witnessing another love story unfold.  Dreams do come true .

Thank you, Clara for sharing. Check out and send some love to Coastal Ceremonies on social

www.coastalceremonies.ie

Instagram @coastalceremonies

The front-line workers are the people keeping this country running and this is our way to give back. If you work in a grocery shop, if you spend your days on the road delivering all our packages. If you know a nurse, a doctor, anyone helping their community we want to hear their story. Check out www.aherosweddingdream.com.

Keep dreaming

Sarah

A Hero's Wedding Florist Dream

It is all Tinas fault , hahah!. It was the lovely Tina at The Wild Bunch that contacted me back in April about this exciting new project to bring a team of wedding suppler’s together to create a dream wedding for one lucky frontline work . It was an immediate yes for me , so a big thank you to The Wild Bunch for joining us here today.Between now and the competition deadline on the 31st May I am going to introduce you to the team behind the scenes. A small snippet of their story, their big dreams and how they are dealing with the covid-19. 

We never set out to be florists! 14 years ago we’d just bought our home in Kilkenny; a little old stone farmhouse that everyone advised us to knock down and replace with “something decent” (we didn’t.) It came with an acre of land, and being slight hippies, we were determined to do something useful with it. We’d both been working in horticulture in various guises for some time and when I came across a magazine article about a small flower grower in England, it made perfect sense. That winter we ploughed up the whole garden and got planting.   

We started by selling at farmers’ markets; mixed bunches and lots and lots of sweet peas. Then, through the market in that first year, we booked our first wedding. 

That wedding was a baptism of fire but we were instantly hooked and have been ever since. I truly love weddings, all the emotion and the excitement. I love the creativity and spontaneity, the way every wedding is different and designed around so many factors; the couple, the season, the location. I love meeting couples, hearing their plans and their stories… and absolutely cherish seeing them again on the day. I love flowers but could never work with them without the “people” part.

In the first few years there were almost no other grower-florists in Ireland. There was none of the community or support that there is today for newcomers, and we really had to find our own way. On the other hand I suppose we were fairly unique at the time in what we offered; home grown natural, seasonal flowers; and we were surprised by how quickly things took off. We certainly had to learn on our feet in those early years but I think that has stood to us; we've learned to carve our own niche, which is so important in an industry that changes all the time.

Photography by Ivan Patarcic, Niall Scully, Alice Ahn and Louise Scott


Our hearts have gone out to all the couples that have had their plans affected by covid 19, some having been forced to change dates two or three times in the ever-unfolding crisis. We’re keeping in touch with all our couples and doing the very very best we can to accommodate new dates. Then we’re working with them to adapt their plans and their original style and aesthetic where necessary. For example, they might find themselves planning for a different season, or changing from an outdoor to an indoor ceremony, and we’re really enjoying finding ways to make things work.

Mind you we’ve found that some couples haven’t the time or the will to start over, and we get that completely. The Hero’s Wedding Dream Competition has been an eye-opener in this respect; from stories of cancelled weddings, to frontline workers on 12 hour shifts and partners struggling to work from home while caring for family. For lots of couples we’re just working quietly away in the background as much as we can, making sure that everything comes together when their big day finally comes. 

I have to say though that creatively we’ve been really enjoying the shut down! We’ve a garden full of flowers and for the first time in years we’ve been free to just enjoy them, to really see them again. And to play around with them, without any restrictions or limitations. Much-needed food for the soul. I’m currently waiting for the first big flush of roses so I can turn our front porch into something fit for a Vegas wedding chapel. Our neighbours barely bat an eyelid these days. 

 

This is a tricky one! This time last year I might have had a list. To work more with “big” wedding planners. To design big weddings. Possible world domination? But like many other people, shutdown has taught me a lot about what’s important; about family, about community and simply about our shared humanity. I've come to realise how very lucky we are with our little garden and our business.   

I want to continue to be able to get to know the couples we work with. I want to be there on the day feeling like I’m part of the family (yep I’m sad.) I want to continue to do weddings where we stay true to our aesthetic of seasonal, natural design.  I want a clear head to be able to walk around the garden and see all the creative possibilities. I don’t ever want to lose sight of those things that make this job so rewarding and so much fun. So strangely enough, the big dream was there all along, we just never spotted it before now.  

 

  Thank you, Tina, for sharing. Check out and send some love to The Wild Bunch on social

www.thewildbunch.ie

Instagram @wild_bunch_flowers

The front-line workers are the people keeping this country running and this is our way to give back. If you work in a grocery shop, if you spend your days on the road delivering all our packages. If you know a nurse, a doctor, anyone helping their community we want to hear their story. Check out www.aherosweddingdream.com.

 Keep dreaming

Sarah

Hero's Wedding Dream Team

Not long now ladies and gents, the final entries for the hero’s wedding dream must be in by 31st May. We are gifting a lucky frontline worker a wedding. The venue, the dress, hair ,makes up, singer, llamas –yes you heard right wedding llamas. Want to know more about the suppliers involved . Between now and the competition deadline. I am going to introduce you to the team behind the scenes. A small snippet of their story, their big dreams and how they are dealing with the covid-19. Today I have Catherine from Nails by Cathy

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“My career started when I was in college doing special effects makeup for tv and film. Obviously like any student I needed a part time job so I decided to do a nail course to make extra money. It turned out I was pretty good and I loved the effect nails had on people’s self esteem, they would literally walk in one person and leave a fresher more confident version of themselves and that was the reason and I ended up choosing to stay in the beauty industry.”

“Its knowing you can make the impossible a reality. I have done clients who’s bodies have abused by illness and medications where they believed I had my work cut out for me but I love nothing more than proving them different. Which I have for so many women, throughout the years. I have had clients burst into tears of joy with the results so there really is no question where my passion is. Also if you ask any nail addict, there is really nothing like being told your nails are gorgeous!! It’s a complement that people can accept without any down play or excuse.” 

“Through the the COVID 19 crisis there is not a lot I can do for my clients only good home care advice. I am however preparing to return to work with protection screens and new sanitation measures in place “

“In my future, as well as looking after my loyal clients, I would love to promote myself as a nail consultant, offer the full bridal experience and be the go to person for bridal nails in the country. Also, I would like to do more session work such as ad campaigns and editorial work.”

Thank you, Catherine, for sharing. Check out and send some love to Catherine on social

Instagram @nails_by_Cathy

 The front-line workers are the people keeping this country running and this is our way to give back. If you work in a grocery shop, if you spend your days on the road delivering all our packages. If you know a nurse, a doctor, anyone helping their community we want to hear their story. Check out www.aherosweddingdream.com.

 Keep dreaming

Sarah

Hero's Wedding Stationary Dream


Into week ten we go. It is hard to believe that we are in May, summer has arrived and no weddings are happening. No rails packed with dresses for final pressing, no exciting final fittings with our brides. I miss my brides. However, my involvement with hero’s wedding dream has me very excited. One lucky couple from the front-line community will win a wedding. Gifted to them by the most amazing suppliers in the industry.

 Between now and the competition deadline on the 31st May, I am going to introduce you to the team behind the scenes. A small snippet of their story, their big dreams and how they are dealing with the covid-19. 

Today, I’m introducing you to another member of the dream team Deirdre from Last Colour Down

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“Last Colour Down has been more of a gradual process over a number of years to be honest. I officially set up the company in January 2020, but I had been dabbling with wedding stationery for a number of years before this. I’ve always been interested in print design. Even when I was working as a graphic designer in the digital space, I free-lanced on the side doing print work for small businesses, brands and of course, wedding stationery. Not to be clichéd, but it finally feels like I’ve found my calling! In an increasingly digital world, I find the physicality of working with paper to be therapeutic, it really makes you slow down and appreciate the process. I love working with traditional methods and incorporating contemporary designs. If you like minimalist modern design and are looking for something non-traditional, I’m your gal.”

As my job with couples is such a collaborative process, open communication is so important at the best of times, but is especially during this pandemic. Maintaining this line of communication has been my goal since this all began. I have started a blog, which has been on my to-do list forever! I’ll be sharing helpful tips for couples in relation to COVID-19 and their wedding stationery, guides on printing, help with wording your invitations and just general inspiration. On a more practical level, I am working on a range of ‘Change the Date’ cards, both digital and printed, that will be available soon!

The big dream for Last Colour Down would be to have a dedicated workspace, with a studio/showroom upstairs and a gorgeous retail store below, which would sell the most amazing stationery imaginable. While I love working from home, my tiny desk can’t cope with much! I would also love to explore more specialty printing and how these methods can be used in more contemporary ways. I want to push the boundaries of what makes a traditional wedding invitation. If any couples out there are looking to try something new and different, please get in touch!

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Thank you Deirdre, for sharing. Check out and send some love to Last Colour Down on social

www.lastcolourdown.com

Instagram @lastcolourdown

The front-line workers are the people keeping this country running and this is our way to give back. If you work in a grocery shop, if you spend your days on the road delivering all our packages. If you know a nurse, a doctor, anyone helping their community we want to hear their story. Check out www.aherosweddingdream.com.

 Keep dreaming

Sarah

 

 

A Hero's Wedding Dream

A hero’s wedding dream, how good does that sound? An opportunity for the Irish wedding industry to give back and say thank you to a front-line worker. I am lucky to be involved in this competition and I even had the opportunity to chat on 2fm this week telling Tracy Clifford about this amazing collaboration. Yes, I did have to hide in my car from my kids to do so -the most peaceful 10mins of my week.

Between now and the competition deadline on the 31st May I am going to introduce you to the team behind the scenes. A small snippet of their story, their big dreams and how they are dealing with the covid-19. First up, Clara Hutchinson your wedding singer. Telling us her story. 

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“As far back as I can remember I always loved to sing. I sang at school shows, ceremonies and local competitions. As soon as I finished school, singing was all I wanted to do. I studied music and then went on to travel all over the world singing and playing piano with Piano Club International-a dream job."

“I started performing at weddings of friends and family and from there my business grew as people enjoyed my performances. I adore my job and feel so lucky to do what I love every day! Singing is my passion and I feel so grateful to bring this passion to the couples that trust me with their wedding music. Music is such an emotive part of the wedding ceremony and I take such pride in bringing their story to life through music.” 

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“The COVID-19 pandemic has been so difficult for couples getting married. I have been in contact with all couples to assist in re-scheduling and helping in any way I can.”

“My big dream is to continue doing what I love and continuing building my business. Singing with an orchestra again would be cool too”

Thank you, Clara, for sharing. Check out and send some love to Clara on social 

https://www.clarahutchinson.com 

https://www.instagram.com/singer_clara_hutchinson/?hl=en

 The front-line workers are the people keeping this country running and this is our way to give back. If you work in a grocery shop, if you spend your days on the road delivering all our packages. If you know a nurse, a doctor, anyone helping their community we want to hear their story. Check out www.aherosweddingdream.com.

Keep dreaming

Sarah

Spring Wedding

My mission today - bring a little sunshine into your lives. This time last year I was hand stitching the final little flowers and petals to this beautiful dress. So forget about self isolation and postponed plans for 5 mins and take in this stunning wedding, full of love and happiness. Start dreaming again about how your day may look.

All images by the talented Christina Brosnan

Living in the states and planning a wedding in Ireland is no easy task and Kate put her trust in her mammy Maggie and I to pull of this dress -I think we did well.

What is your best memory of your wedding day?

My best memory from my wedding was walking down the aisle, it was so great seeing all my friends and family who had traveled near and fair for the first time. I felt like I floated down the aisle with all their well wishes and love. Seeing Barry for the first time and having my Father Mike hand me off to him was an emotional and happy experience that I will never forget.

What is your advice to a bride to be?

Savor every minute of your wedding, enjoy the planning process....the late nights after work deliberating over details such as stationary and flowers. You will be so happy with the time and attention to detail you invested into planning. But most importantly on the day remember it is about you and your future husband and the people you surround yourself with. Enjoy the moment!


What was your biggest worry about getting your dress made?

My biggest worry was that the dress wasn't going to turn out as I expected. To be honest having a dress made from half way across the world , in which I would only be able to have a few fittings, sounds like madness. However the minute I met Sarah and explained my vision to her I knew I was in great hands. Sarah has such a calming influence and knows her craft so well, her confidence and calming nature was infectious which made the whole process so enjoyable.

What part of the process of having your dress made was most fun for you?

I really enjoyed every fitting as it was amazing to see the dress come together. My Mother came to each fitting and it was a great bonding experience, I think we cried with joy every time Sarah brought the dress closer to perfection. The quality of fabrics and embellishments Sarah used were like nothing you would see at some of the bridal boutiques so we really enjoyed choosing those together also!


Kate’s Dream Team

Christina Brosnan - Photographer https://www.instagram.com/christinabrosnan/

Emma Walking Edit House - Videographer https://www.instagram.com/edithousedublin/

Joanne Kelly - Hair stylist https://www.instagram.com/joannekellyhair/

Kate Rose Crean - Make Up Artist https://www.instagram.com/katerosecrean/

Apple Berry Press - Wedding Stationary https://www.instagram.com/appleberrypress/

Paula K Flowers - Wedding Flowers https://www.instagram.com/paula0casey/

McDowell's Jewellers - Wedding Jewelry https://www.instagram.com/mcdowellsjewellers/

The Cake Cuppery / Catherine Lawlor -  https://www.instagram.com/thecakecuppery/

Laduree - https://www.instagram.com/ladureeireland/

 

Thank you Kate for sharing your day with us and trusting me and you mom with this beautiful dress. I can’t believe your anniversary is around the corner .

Stay safe everyone and keep dreaming

Sarah






 

Our Bridal Muse - Anne Marie

What a January , meeting new brides has been so invigorating. To explain - Sarah Foy brides are amazing, they love to be unique, march to their own beat and truly a dream to work with. This little lady Ann- Marie is no exception. From day one she had a vision of how she wanted to look and trusted that vision to me

What is your best memory of your wedding day?

My best memory of the day for me was straight after dinner we had drummers play they really put everyone into gear for the dance floor.

What is your advice to a bride to be?

Your going to have so many opinions. I would say write your dream day down at the beginning and when you feel yourself going of track to refer back to it.

What was your biggest worry about getting your dress made?

My biggest worry was that I wouldn’t find the right person to do it. But after finding Sarah from the very first meeting she put me at ease and I knew she was the one.

What part of the process of having your dress made was most fun for you?

Every time I went for a fitting I didn’t want to take off the dress. It was so amazing watching it come to life piece by piece my very own dress that no one has tried on before or even set eyes on - It was one of a kind.

Thank you Ann-Marie for sharing your truly unique day

The Dream Team

Our photographer was Susan Jefferies www.sjphotography.ie

Our Videographer was Adrian Carton www.amcfilms.ie

Our hair was Mia Kane 086 888 4894

Make up was Lesley Nugent 083 863 4761

Our Venue was Rock Farm Slane http://rockfarmslane.ie.


Our Bridal Muse - Amy

Creating embellishments is my favorite part of making a brides dress. Developing a unique design for our brides every single time. Amy wanted a bodice detailed with 3D flowers pearls and crystals - Your wish was my command.

What is your best memory of your wedding day?

There are so many, its hard to pick one. I actually loved having our pics taken. It was a little time to ourselves after a very emotional and nerve racking morning. Our photographer was great, we had lots of giggles, the chance to talk about the day so far and spend a bit of time together, I finally felt totally relaxed.

What is your advice to a bride to be?

Just really try to chill and be in the moment. Easier said than done I know. Everyone says how quickly the day goes by but you just can’t comprehend how true that is, blink and its gone.

What was your biggest worry about getting your dress made?

I didn’t have a worry, Sarah made me feel totally at ease. I had gone and bought a dress previously and realized it was not ‘the one’. After a chat with Sarah I felt confident selling it and leaving my ideas for my dream dress with her

What part of the process of having your dress made was most fun for you?

 I loved the regular fittings and seeing it come together… really felt a part of the dress being made and it kept up the excitement.

The Dream Team

Our suppliers were all amazing. We got married at Coolbawn Quay in Tipperary and the staff there went so out of their way to ensure everything run smoothly and everyone was having a great time. They also did their very best to calm me down and take any extra tasks off my hands, cannot recommend them enough. The food was also out of this world and people are still talking about the lamb 3 months later.

Our photographer Derek - Memento photography had us giggling and feeling relaxed all day. He was also really quick so we didn’t miss much of the reception and had plenty of time with our loved ones. When we received the photographs it brought back the whole day, he caught so many natural moments and that is exactly what we were looking for.

Hair by Joanne, Nenagh. Joanne was so great on the morning of the wedding. Kept everyone calm and managed to please four very different bridesmaids.

Make up  Jane Greely

Videographer  Blat Garcia, Edithouse

Flowers Elizabeth Rose, Nenagh

Band Poplife really did make our day… we had to of them play the ceremony and reception drinks and then the full band on the night. Absolutely loved them and all of our guests commented how great they were.

I loved our fittings too Amy, designing for you was a dream.


A year in pictures

For me pictures speak volumes - I’m a visual girl so what better way to sum up my year.  

Wishing you all a wonderful 2019  

Our Bridal Muse - Fiona

How do you have it all? How can you have a romantic dress and a slinky evening wear style ? How can you incorporate the lovely details you have pinned on your secret Pinterest board ? Todays bridal muse Fiona was exactly like you. She had a dream of what she wanted to wear on her wedding day and I helped her to bring those ideas to life.

What is your best memory of your wedding day?

Myself and my husband walking around the streets of Sorrento (Italy) town with our photographers. By that stage we were more comfortable having our photos taken and most of my nerves had subsided after the ceremony. It was lovely having some time together and having so many passers by congratulate us and compliment me on my dress. I had removed my overskirt for this part of the day so it was easy to walk around in the main slimmer fitting dress and I didn't get overheated at all.

What is your advice for a bride to be?

This is by no means unique advice as I myself had heard it so many times before my actual wedding but it is "enjoy ever second as its over so fast". Also, don't care what anyone thinks, its your day, as you've invested so much time, money and energy planning it, you want to enjoy every moment and have no regrets, for instance if your nervous remind yourself this is what you wanted and enjoy all the attention as you only get one day! Also, enjoy all the lead up to the wedding as much as possible while it lasts, as everyone is so interested and happy for you and your hubby to be!

What was your biggest worry about getting your dress made?

That what I wanted overall wouldn't work, as I would have liked various aspects of different dresses that I had previously tried on but no one dress had it all! Sarah knew exactly what I had in mind when I showed her some photos from my Pinterest board. I had confidence that Sarah would advise on what would work and not work all throughout the design process and at each fitting I might have had a new idea to run by her, and I always worried that I was asking for too much or being too fussy, but Sarah was open to all my ideas along the way and would always say that we can try this and see if it works and if not we can remove that part.

What part of having your dress made was the most fun for you?

Having my own input into my dress was the most exciting as I ended up with exactly what I wanted and was able to merge different styles and end up with something modern, romantic, with vintage aspects and overall unique. I also enjoyed attending the fittings every couple of months with my mam and/or mother in law to be. We would make an afternoon of it and go for lunch somewhere nearby afterwards or a walk on Bull Island. It was exciting being able to share this with them and talk about the progress that had been made with the dress after each appointment.

The Dream Team

Location Sorrento in Italy

Hair and makeup Joanna Falanga www.makeupartistsorrento.com

Photographer Enzo Campitelli

Wedding planner Sorrento Sunland - They were extremely organised and provided visibility from the start on prices unlike a lot of other wedding planners that I had contacted. Sorrento Wedding Planner (@sorrentosunland) • Instagram photos and videos

Dream location and dream wedding thank you so much Fiona for sharing your day with us. It was such a pleasure to work with you and bring your vision alive

Have you got a dress in mind that you want to create for your wedding? This is what I love to do so drop me an email now info@sarahfoycouture.com

Creatives We Love - The Wild Bunch

It all started with a panicked search to find a florist for a photoshoot last January. Tina came to the rescue, unfazed by the random ideas I had, she set about creating and transforming - bringing the outdoors in. The Wild Bunch is her company and today we ask her all about her inspiration.

Who is your bride?

Our bride is someone with a strong sense of style and a fairly good idea of the feel they want for their wedding. They aren’t necessarily flower lovers or “inspired by nature” but they are increasingly influenced by trends, especially from Australia and the US, for organic, natural designs, and more dramatic focal points for their wedding; whether a ceremony backdrop, an elaborate entrance, or a large hanging installation over the reception tables. They are open to ideas and are less concerned about formulas or set ways of doing things. They want something different from the norm, designed for that venue, that season, their wedding.

And they are the loveliest! I’ve heard all the stories, but we’ve never had anything even close to a “bridezilla”! (am I allowed say that?!)

When do feel most creative?

The first spark or idea always comes from nature, from the landscape. The shapes, the colours, the “mood” of each season, each month. How dependant that is on the location, the weather. My first aim is always to capture that mood, because it’s that connection to the natural world that stirs something in all of us.

After that, from a lot of places. Any form of art really; paintings, photography, sculpture, interiors, metalwork, textiles. Anything that looks good. Kilkenny’s craft scene is brilliant, and I could spend hours just looking at other people’s work. I like to get a feel for a piece, and then try to figure what makes it feel that way; is it the colour, the lines, the form, the weight or texture? I try to imagine the process; how the piece started in the designer’s head, the dreaming, then the practicalities, the trials and tweaking (in so far as my knowledge of that craft allows!) I find the whole process fascinating. Then I have to quench my sudden desire to become a silversmith, or a furniture maker, or a photographer!

Workshops are an essential way of developing your own style and are my weakness; I’ve been known to blow the budget on workshops! There are so many amazing and inspiring florists in Ireland and in the UK and the opportunity to learn from them is invaluable.

Finally I get involved in any photoshoots I can. It’s a fantastic way to get creative, and there is a real energy when different artists get together, working together and feeding off each other’s ideas.

How do you feel meeting a new bride to be?

Honestly, it’s the best part! I love meeting couples, talking to people, hearing their plans and their stories… and absolutely cherish seeing them again on the day. I delude myself that I’m part of the family (I know how sad that sounds.) It’s just such a fantastic time, so full of emotion and excitement. I love flowers but could never work with them without the “people” part.

Once we’re chatting I find that lots of brides will make a point of telling me that they “don’t know much about flowers” but they don’t need to. They just need to have an idea of the style they want for the day and then we can translate that together, in context of the season and the venue. I tell my brides to send me any photos they‘ve come across and liked; regardless of the flowers or the season or the actual arrangement; just to get an idea of their aesthetic, the style and colours they are drawn to.

Many of our couples live abroad and we don’t get to meet before the day. It’s surprisingly easy to arrange everything by email, exchanging photos and ideas to and fro.

What do you like to hear from a bride? The best question they could ask you?

I love when a bride understands the importance of the season; that when the flowers are part of that bigger picture outside the window, it makes them so much more than when they are in an isolated little wedding “bubble”. That doesn’t mean lists of available or unavailable flowers, it comes back to capturing the “mood” of the season, through colours, textures, form.

But the best thing to hear from a bride is “I trust you”. All of our loveliest work comes about when we have some freedom to design the flowers the way we think best, and freedom on the day to “go with it” and add creative touches. It’s not about me just doing my own thing, it’s entirely based on the bride’s own style, her colours, the season, the venue, but in the best way possible.

How did you find your calling?

The idea came about 12 years ago when we’d just bought our house in Kilkenny. The garden was huge and being slight hippies we were determined to do something productive with it. We’d both been working in horticulture in various guises for some time and when I came across a piece in a gardening magazine about a similar grower-florist in England, it made perfect sense. That winter we ploughed up the whole garden and got planting.

In the first few years there were almost no other grower-florists in Ireland. There was none of the community or support that there is today for newcomers, and we really had to find our own way. On the other hand I suppose we were fairly unique at the time in what we offered; home grown natural, seasonal flowers, and we were surprised by how quickly things took off. We certainly had to learn on our feet in the early years but I think that has stood to us; we've learned to carve our own niche which is so important in an industry that changes all the time.

Want to see more of Tina’s work?

Check out her Instagram account wild_bunch_flowers

Facebook WildBunchWeddingFlowers

Website www.thewildbunch.ie

Ask The Designer - Cover Ups

You have the most stunning backless creation, had it fitted to perfection. Your hair, make up and accessories that you thought hard about are exactly as you imagined. As you get set to head to your ceremony you realise it’s 2 degrees out side and you are likely to spend the next couple of hours trying to keep the shivering at bay! It is well worth taking a little time to thing about a coverup that will compliment your over all look for the day

Our bride Melissa in a dramatic wool crepe cape

There was a time when your only option was a fur shawl or cashmere wrap, thrown over the shoulder - all perfectly fine but today the options are endless and fun. Brides are making a statement with their cover up, adding their drama to this rather then their dress. So today I give you tips to consider when looking for your cover up

Your need for a cover up will help you decided on what to go for. If it’s warmth you need for those snowy winter weddings then picking a heavier fabric like velvet or wool will keep you cosy. You may need a lighter coverage in the warmer months for church weddings or unpredictable Irish weather - silk chiffon’s and organza are beautifully sheer, light and flow beautifully.

Our Bride Naomi in a Wool Cape creation

Think about the elements of your dress that you wish to highlight or hide for the early part of the day. For example, some brides like to cover the back detail to reveal later at the reception. How would you like it to sit with the dress, completely covering your bodice or just hanging from your shoulders to show off the front detail. Do you want to add a little drama to your simple dress, by adding a train for the ceremony ? These are all really excellent questions to ask before deciding on what will work for you.

As I always say to brides it is about everything working together not just the dress. So it is really important to look at all your elements, accessories, headpiece and veil, make sure your cover up design blends perfectly with your overall look for the day.

Finally don’t be afraid to mix it up. Invest in a beautiful wool cape that you can wear well past the wedding date. A beautiful tailored jacket that can be worn for special occasions. Also colour can really inject something very special into your outfit so don’t shy away from it !

 

 

Timeless pieces, handcrafted with passion.

I have been very lucky to have inherited some beautiful jewellry from my great grand mother - a seamstress and my own much loved nana. Two simple rings, beautifully crafted pieces that I cherish dearly. I have come to see them as part of my history, something to pass to my daughter that will tell her a story, connecting her with these amazing women.

Captured by Paul from Moat Hill Photography 

Somewhere in those first hazy months of new mother hood a spark of an idea came. I dreamt of designing a collection of very special pieces. Garments that would become heirlooms. Irish designed and crafted, that would be worn again and again. Wearing them would bring back memories of a special day, a moment in time to be cherished.

This spark grew into my first accessories collection. I have designed accessories for my brides over the years but this gave me the opportunity to explore new ideas and create something to treasure. These statement pieces are designed to complete a brides wedding look whether to highlight their dress or add the finishing detail. But also to be worn again and again.

So it may have taken longer then expected - thank you baby Niamh for keeping me busy. But 2 years later I finally launched the first of my accessory collections. Each piece will be made to order through our online shop, hand crafted with passion and loved well past the wedding day.

Amazing picture of our Super Star Cape by Johanna King Photography