A Hero's Wedding dream Photographer

May 31, 2020 Sarah Foy

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.

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.

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

May 31, 2020 Sarah Foy

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.

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

Keep dreaming

Sarah

Capturing A Hero's Wedding Dream on Film

May 28, 2020 Sarah Foy

The finally count down is here. A full wedding for a lucky frontline worker. Gifted to them by the best of the best of Irish wedding suppliers. Capturing the day, the memories, the feel of your day is a talent indeed. Vowart are just the guys to bring your day to life time and time again. They tell us their story, their dreams and how they are dealing with Covid -19.

We were always creative, in love with art, music, cinema. Tom on the top of being a music
photographer, played many years in a band, co-started photojournalism agency Uspecto.
Photographed, designed and co-wrote a book, Atlantic Tabor. Nadia studied the history of art, visited every gallery and museum in Europe, is deeply in love with ancient greek culture.
After many non-wedding related but also fun video projects, we decided to film our first
wedding. We loved it, and here we are!

We feel that a couple's love is one of the most extraordinary things in the whole world and that a wedding should reflect the uniqueness of that love.

Whether it's an elopement in the Wicklow Mountains, an intimate wedding on a Cliffs of Moher where no one has been married before, or a cozy backyard ceremony that ends with your favourite people dancing until sunrise, we are always drawn to the raw love stories of couples whose day is genuinely their own.

Like for anyone else from the wedding industry business-wise, it's hard right now, but we are staying positive. The most important thing is to make the whole process of rescheduling/postponing super easy for our couples. At the moment, we probably know our 2021 calendar by heart. But the feedback we are receiving is fantastic, and we can't wait to meet all of our couples next season.

Our big dream is to keep doing what we love, in the years to come be still full of passion and creativity!

Thank you, Tom and Nadia for sharing. Check out and send some love to Vowart on social

www.vowart.ie

Instagram @vowart_wedding_Films

Keep dreaming

Sarah

A Hero's Wedding Styled By Amber

May 22, 2020 Sarah Foy

As a creative business it is hard to find time to create - I know that sounds crazy , I am only realising in this lockdown how little time I have given myself to really create - to let my mind wander, to dream and see what develops. At about week three all of a sudden ideas , projects and collections have started to pop into my head. I may have stayed up for hours watching macrame videos on Pinterest - obsessed. I’m excited again about creating and a lesson learned to take more time out for this part of my brain.

This brings me to Styled by Amber - I have a little design crush on this lady and her work. 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.

I’ve worked as an interior designer for over 12 years and have always been obsessed by the little details that give a space soul and personality. It’s those little touches that add magic and character. As a child I was always drawn to ‘fancy pages’ and unique little trinkets and have amassed an ever-growing collection of unique décor, props, vintage and antique finds that I use now for my events. I’ve always loved being the host, throwing parties and get-togethers for friends and family and I believe in going all-out for these happy occasions because, why not?! After styling my own wedding five years ago which I absolutely LOVED, I did the styling for some family members and friends and then previous interior design clients approached me about styling their wedding and it took off from there. I love the design process and capturing my clients’ vision for their big day, helping them refine their mood board to suit their venue, the time of year and how they want their day to feel – as this to me is most important. I want the love and romance of the occasion to be celebrated and enhanced by a beautifully styled setting that the couple and their loved ones can enjoy and remember for years to come.

Most of my couples have postponed until next year due to the COVID-19 crisis which has been a hard decision for some of them who live abroad as so much planning as gone into their big day already. It is upsetting and disappointing for any couple having to reschedule or put other things in life on hold but on the whole I think people are being positive and hopeful and realise that it is necessary for the safety of everyone attending including themselves. I have reassured all my couples that their new date will be even more magical with all of this behind us and everyone will be only dying for a right old knees up by the time the wedding comes around!

I’ve just rebranded my logo and am happy to be adding furniture and prop hire to my services in the coming months. Mostly I am so excited to get back to styling beautiful weddings and shoots and being creative!

Thank you, Amber for sharing. Check out and send some love to Styled by Amber on social

www.styledbyamber.com

Instagram @styledbyamber_com

Keep dreaming

Sarah

A Hero's Wedding Florist Dream

May 22, 2020 Sarah Foy

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

Keep dreaming

Sarah

Hero's Wedding Dream Team

May 20, 2020 Sarah Foy

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

“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

Keep dreaming

Sarah

Hero's Wedding Stationary Dream

May 18, 2020 Sarah Foy

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

“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!

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

www.lastcolourdown.com

Instagram @lastcolourdown

Keep dreaming

Sarah

A Hero's Wedding Dream

May 16, 2020 Sarah Foy

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.

“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.”

“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

Keep dreaming

Sarah

Stronger Together

March 16, 2020 Sarah Foy

Hello from sunny Wexford. What a strange few days for us all.

I spent the last couple of days reaching out to my current brides and checking in with them with a plan for finishing their designs and what the plans are if this continues into April. I will be keeping in touch with everyone every week with updates and plans.

For all the brides and couples that had to cancel their wedding. I am so sorry this is happening to you. I know how big this is for you all and I have no doubt that when your wedding does happen it will be a celebration like no other. I know self- isolation is so important to get us through this but I see you guys and know how hard it is to cancel.

Thinking over the weekend of how I can help brides, I’m going to get out of my comfort zone this week and get on Instagram (@sfoycouture) to answer questions from both brides who have had to cancel and for clients that are in the planning stage. Message me any questions you have about anything wedding dress related and I will do my best to answer them.

I am also setting up Facetime consultations for brides that would like to talk about their wedding dress. That maybe a bride that is just starting to look for their dress for the end of the year or 2021. There will be limited slots for this everyday as both my husband and I are working from home with two crazies to entertain.

You will need to email me at info@sarahfoycouture.com to book a slot. What you will need for this is to send me a couple of images of what you have in mind for your dress, a little description of the type of wedding you are planning. You can also send me your Pinterest board to look over. I will help you narrow down the style you are looking for and get clear on what you want for your wedding dress.

So, if you have questions email me I am working between nap times, beach walks and dance parties with my babies.

Chat soon and stay safe

Sarah

Our Bridal Muse - Anne Marie

February 4, 2019 Sarah Foy

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

January 1, 2019 Sarah Foy

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

December 31, 2018 Sarah Foy

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

December 24, 2018 Sarah Foy

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

Christmas Wishes

December 23, 2018 Sarah Foy

Wishing you Love

Wishing you peace

Wishing you a Merry Christmas

Image by Butterfly Photography and flowers by Wild Bunch

To all of our brides and brides to be wishing you a wonderful Christmas with your loved ones.

Creatives We Love - Noeleen At EF Creative Studios

December 17, 2018 Sarah Foy

Make up is another big decision to be made for the big day. You need someone that knows their stuff, that can create your imagined look, but that also compliments your natural features. You just need to take a look at todays creative Noeleen Cunningham’s Instagram feed to see that you would be in safe hands. Today she shares with us her inspiration and work.

Who is your bride?

I think I'll have to say Megan Markle. Since I did Megan's make up 3 years ago, I get a lot of requests for her look. What is not to love about a timeless, elegant and natural look. But truthfully, it's a really difficult question to answer as every bride is unique. I think that's what I love most about bridal makeup, the character and personality of each bride, our partnership to create a look that helps them feel amazing. This is our ethos at EF Creative Studios, tailor making looks that capture a bride's true personality. I also love being involved in one of the most important moments of their lives.

When do you feel most creative?

As a deaf make up artist living in a world without sound, my whole life revolves around my visual sense. Nature, the changes in seasons and the colours of the earth have always inspired me when it comes to creating mood boards. I love bringing this inspiration into my work, I have created signature bridal looks which we will be launching soon.

How do you feel meeting a new bride to be?

At the trial, I always feel a little nervous as I am keen to give my brides exactly what they are looking for. On the big day, I always feel calm and relaxed as myself and my bride know the look we are going for and I just need to ensure that she has the best day ever. The bridal trial is crucial for me, as I can't hear the sound of the bride's voice over the phone I rely on seeing them in person to get a sense of who they really are, allowing me to harness their natural beauty. I love it when brides bring photos or inspiration with them, it is so exciting to watch the spark in their eyes as they describe the look they want.

What do you like to hear from a bride?

I absolutely love it when I'm asked, ''can you do this?'' as they show me a photo or describe a look they want. I love the artistic licence this allows me. No look will be the exact same on two different people and no two people are the exact same so I have the opportunity to use their natural beauty and my makeup skills to create a look that will be unique to each bride.

How did you find your calling?

I have always been extremely creative and enjoyed working with people. Initially I worked in fashion design and child care before finding my true calling of being a makeup artist. I also enjoyed a brief stint of a modelling representing Monaghan in the Rose of Tralee in 2005. I soon realised that I preferred being the artist rather than the canvas. I moved into makeup because I loved the connection with people. I initially worked as a freelance hair and makeup artist, but joined the EF Creative Studios team a couple of years ago. It is so brilliant to be part of an amazing team of creative artists, we learn from each other and push each other to try new products and techniques and be the best artists we could possibly be.

Thank you Noeleen for sharing with us. Want to see more? Check out Noeleen’s instagram feed for your bridal make up inspiration - @noeleenmua or www.efcreativestudios.com

Our Bridal Muse - Claire

December 10, 2018 Sarah Foy

This dress has it all - stunning lace , high low hem, separates and a matching lace floral crown. I love that my job is to make a brides vision come through and Claire trusted me with that task. Isn’t she stunning.

What is your best memory of your wedding day?

We got married in No. 5 South Leinster Street at the National Gallery. It was a small wedding with just family and close friends, 28 guests in total. So my best memory is walking into that room with my dad, towards Dermot, surrounded by all the people I love most in the world. The emotion of it all just hit me like a tonne of bricks! It was lovely and I’ll never forget it.

What is your advice to a bride to be?

My advice is to make the day as personal to you and your partner as you can. Don’t feel pressure to do things because you are “supposed to” or someone tells you that you “have to”. The only things you really “have to” do are the legal bits! We had a humanist ceremony and our celebrant, Eithne Dempsey, was amazing. Instead of readings during the ceremony, we had each of our dads sing a song which was really special. We included our mammy’s in a sand ceremony. We were lucky to have extremely talented friends to take part, one performing beautiful acoustic guitar and one to take amazing photos. It all felt truly personal to us.

Also, don’t sweat the small stuff! It’s a happy day and everybody is there to celebrate with you. It doesn’t matter if things don’t go exactly to plan, just go with the flow! We had a small reception at the Gallery with some nibbles and drinks before a dinner reservation in Eden Bar and Grill. However the nibbles ran out about an hour before the reservation so we just headed across the road to Lincoln’s Inn and had a drink in there. It was really relaxed and great fun with strangers coming up to congratulate us and offer best wishes.

What was your biggest worry about getting your dress made?

My biggest worry was that people would think my dress was odd! I had a few definite ideas about what I wanted – separates, one high-low skirt and two tops, one for the ceremony day and one for the party on the following day. Whether or not they would work together I had no idea. But I could not have been in safer hands with Sarah. Sarah took my disjointed ideas and made them whole, she created a look better than I could have imagined and I couldn’t have been happier with the end result.

What part of the process was most fun for you?

Having your dress made means you are there for every part of it. Getting the sketches at the very beginning, picking the fabrics and lace, and seeing it all come together through each fitting. It was all fun and exciting. And because you are there for each step, you can see earlier on if something works or not. I bought a flower crown to wear on the day and brought it with me to a fitting. As soon as I had it on with the dress, we knew it wasn’t right. Luckily for me, Sarah was able to create a beautiful flower crown that worked perfectly.

How relaxed and comfortable does Claire look? One big tip for finding the dress, be sure to be comfortable - you need to wear the dress not the dress wear you.

Creatives We Love - The Wild Bunch

December 3, 2018 Sarah Foy

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

Our Summer In Pictures

September 11, 2018 Sarah Foy

I am back at the computer finally this week after a hectic summer season of creating one of dresses for our one of a kind brides. Finishing August off in style with the arrival of my new baby son Conor. So in between new born cuddles I have some new exciting posts coming this way. First up, my favourite pictures of the summer in studio.

It was a summer of accessories. Along with our custom made gowns we designed some of the most fun capes, veils, cover ups and our show stopper gold wedding dress. Creating our own embellishments is what makes us unique - it is also my favourite part of the whole process.

To finish of the summer as a finalist at the Wedding Journal Reader Awards and getting the hubby into a tux was an added bonus.

So whats to come in the following months? Well our summer brides are sending in their stunning images so watch this space for more bridal muse interviews and chats with our favourite wedding suppliers.

Ask the designer - what questions have you about choosing your dress? What can you not get your head around? I have a couple of ask the designer pieces coming up on the blog so drop me an email with your dilemma - info@sarahfoycouture.com

Finally, I will share one last picture of my little treasures as you can imagine this was my highlight of the summer

Our month in pictures - April

May 1, 2018 Sarah Foy

We are heading towards brighter, longer days and feeling the energy rising in the studio. New fresh designs along with exciting plans developing this month.

Shot! The amazing talented team from Waterlily Weddings caught this blue beauty at Markree Castle. Can't wait to see all the final pictures from this amazing shoot.

April saw a short much needed break in Royal Lemington Spa. Hanging out with my best girl and checking out the new Hotel De Vin opening today in Shakespeare home, Strafford.

Lots of hand finishing and embellishment this month. Truly my favourite part of creating our dresses. Along with new designs for photoshoots with the most talented wedding suppliers of Ireland in great locations such as Slane Castle and Markree Castle. Watch this space for the pictures to come.

Finally a great photo by Moat Hill Photography who kindly took part in our Creatives at Work series on the blog this month.

Creatives at work - Butterfly Photography

January 28, 2018 Sarah Foy

It is a delight to work with this months creative. I have been so lucky to have collaborated with Ashling on editorial photoshoots over the years and her work is incredible. Everyone of her images capture something special, a mood, a feeling, it is captivating. So today I introduce to you Butterfly Photography and their beautiful work.

Who is your bride?

The immediate thing that springs to mind is self-assured. Our brides tend to have an amazing network of lifelong friends, who they have had life adventures with, and travelled and lived with. Along the way, these friends have provided an incredibly loving and supportive system in which each of these ladies have grown up to be confident, happy and so much fun. They bring you into this wonderful dynamic with open arms, and their men are so obviously in love with these fierce and fabulous women. We’ve been lucky enough to be invited back by the ladies of these friendship groups to document each of their celebrations and it really is a joy to see them time and time again.

When do you feel most inspired?

Oooohh! When we’re in front of love. Gosh, I can’t tell you how excited I get when a couple realise that they JUST GOT MARRIED. When they realise that all their planning has paid off, and they just dive into enjoying the moment and the day that’s in it. It’s when they’re laughing away to each other, or pulling into an embrace when I’m dancing around them, clicking away, with an ear-to-ear grin. It’s why I’m in this business – the love and connections we witness at weddings. Whether that be between a couple, a father and daughter, a grandfather and grandson, or a couple and their pooch - Hopeless romantic here.

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How do you feel meeting a new bride to be?

Nervous as hell. I’ve always been shy and I’m definitely not a natural salesperson, but after a few minutes I relax and can’t wait to hear about all the wedding plans, how they met, and how the dress hunting is coming along.

What do you like to hear from a bride?

If a couple is getting married in a stunning location (Wicklow Mountains, Ring of Kerry, near a beach – you get the idea) and they’re up for adventuring for an hour, I am in HEAVEN. We LOVE exploring the gorgeous countryside with our couples.

We also love to hear them say they’re not fussed about group photos. We always insist on the immediate family photos and one with grandparents, but apart from that we advise our couples to enjoy the drinks reception while we run around capturing candids and impromptu group shots. Trying to organise a long list of big group shots can be a nightmare and mean the couple is stood waiting for an hour while people are sent off to find those guests who are gone to the bar/bathroom/hotel room. Not fun for the newlyweds.

How did you find your calling?

Both myself and Dan trained as architects (it’s how we met – at uni), but I fell out of love with the profession after about 3 years, and didn’t know what else to do. It wasn’t until after our own wedding that I fell in love with this whole industry. So I stole Dan’s camera, took a couple of night classes in the local college, devoured a few books, found a few couples who took a chance on me, and I haven’t looked back since. Best decision I ever made!

Thank you Ashling for sharing your passion for photography. It shines through in all your work.

Check out more of Butterfly photography

www.butterflyphotography.ie

hello@butterflyphotography.ie

Or hit them with some love over on

Instagram @weddingsbybutterfly

Facebook @Butterflyphotographic

Twitter @ButterflyUKEire