massimo – Photographer Renata Dapsyte

I decided to write my first blog post about the weddings I photograph from the couple, who was really easy to photograph and I call their wedding DIY Wedding. They had a stylish and budget-friendly wedding. Have a look, maybe you will find some ideas for your wedding!

The Couple:

Erica and Joseph.

Photographer:

Renata Dapsyte (renatadapsyte.com)
Florist:

Mother and mother in-law

Cake:

My sister
Invitations and Calligraphy:

Homemade with lots of help from family and friends
Venue:

The station house hotel in Kilmessan, Co Meath, Ireland (https://www.stationhousehotel.ie/)
Jewelry:

My engagement ring and wedding ring made by Eily O’Connell (http://www.eilyoconnell.com/cms/), Joe’s wedding ring – family heirloom
Hair Styling:

Lorraine Browne (http://lorrainebrownehair.com/)
MUA:

did own make up!
Wedding Dress:

Timeless Bridalwear (http://www.timelessbridalwear.ie/)
Groom’s Apparel:

Massimo menswear Dublin (https://www.facebook.com/MassimoDublin/)
Bridesmaid’s Apparel:

They all chose and bought their own within a specified colour range
Groomsmen’s Apparel:

They all chose and bought their own within a specified colour range, ties and bow ties were from The tie room (https://www.tieroom.co.uk/)

Your wedding day soundtrack – which songs did you use? Feel free to add others if not prompted below.
Ceremony processionals/recessionals: Pachelbel canon in D for the processional, The Sound of Silence (piano/violin version) for the lighting of the candles, Hallelujah (piano/violin version) for signing of the register, A Thousand years (piano/violin version) for the recessional
First Dance: Dance me to the End of Love by Leonard Cohen
Tell about your love story! How did you meet? What makes your mate a perfect match? How was the question popped?

We met at a 21st birthday party and were together for 8 years before Joe proposed in front of both our families at a barbeque at my parents house.

Describe your wedding planning process. How long were you engaged? Who helped plan? Did you hire a planner? What planning tools did you use? What turned out to be your best decision surrounding the big day?

We were engaged for just over a year, both of our families and the bridal party helped with the planning and preparation, contributing to all the home made bits especially like the cake, the invitations, place settings, favours etc

Recap your big day for me. What made you laugh? What made you cry? What were the most memorable moments? What unexpected things happened that weren’t planned for?

The speeches were not too long and very entertaining, also Joe jumping ahead to the kiss during the ceremony before he was supposed to – I couldn’t stop laughing for 10 minutes! There were so many memorable moments that I couldn’t even begin to chose one. It was wonderful from the very begining to the very end, from getting ready and having brunch with the girls in the morning, to dancing to the fantastic band at the reception.

What about the details? What was your vision/theme? How did you bring it to life?
My vision was of a largely home-crafted, relaxed and comfortable day, without worrying too much about the little things and if everything didn’t go exactly as planned. It worked out brilliantly! The guests really seemed to enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and it made life much easier for me.

What’s the best advice you can give a bride and groom planning their wedding?

Don’t let it stress you out or you won’t enjoy your day, which is the most important thing.

What do you look forward to most as Mr. & Mrs.?

Settling down and starting a family

What has surprised you most during the first few months of marriage?

Nothing, life is exactly as it was before except that I keep having to remind myself to use my married name!