Now I have attended a lot of weddings, helped with the planning of a lots of weddings and given my opinion on a lot of weddings! But I can say with confidence I have never been at a wedding filled with so much absolute personality and love as I witnessed on Saturday.

This couple did not want to spend a fortune on your typical Hotel wedding, they are moving to Australia next year and felt as many of us do that there are many other things as they start their life together that money could be spent on. However, of course, their wedding day was so so important to them both and wanted it to be as unique and personal as possible.

So what was it like? A wedding on a budget trying to achieve something special? Was it possible? Let me tell you it was the most unique and memorable wedding I have ever attended. The couple decided to get married mid week in their local church surrounded only by close family. This beautiful ceremony inclusive of their own vows, handmade booklets and a wonderful family dinner in Ballykealey Manor in Carlow was intimate and romantic completed only by glorious sunshine.

The couple then decided that of course they did not want all their friends to miss out on seeing them marry and having got engaged in Perth 6 months ago set about the task of organising a garden party in the bride's home the weekend after they were oficially married. This included a blessing followed by afternoon Tea followed by cocktails, canapés and dancing into the early hours, all in the brides happy home in the countryside in Carlow!

But what made this gathering so special was the love and effort that was put into every little detail. They had a budget and worked their imaginations around this. And boy did they succeed. We all gathered at 4pm, with the sun shining where we were greeted by raspberry cocktails complete with fresh raspberries and cocktail sticks with stickers saying ‘I do’! The bride and groom mingled with friends, laughing and reminiscing about the past. The bride wore a fantastic lace gown made by her Mum. It flowed straight down and swept along the ground. Her hair was in loose curls with little pearls throughout. Minimum make-up, just a glowing smile and utter happiness so clear to be able to share such a special day with friends at the home she grew up in.

We all took our seats in a small marquee placed strategically in front of their huge front door, using the step as the alter. It was truly unique. They were blessed and this was followed by some lovely words by Father of the bride, best man, bride and groom and sister of the bride. Afternoon tea was served in two separate marquees as well as in the house. This consisted of feeling like you had walked straight into a Martha Stewart Wedding book! Colourful tablecloths, fine china, three tiered cake stands complete with fairycakes all decorated with different coloured icing. Fresh scones, cream and personalised Jams jars. Each place setting had their own Jam jar complete with yellow ribbon (the grooms favourite colour) and wax strips which they had made themselves with their first initial. Little candles with fresh flowers aswell as tea lights with painted sunslowers (the bride's favourite flowers).Tea and coffee was served while photos were taken in the garden.

It was so relaxed and informal yet; it had all the formalities and more expected of your average wedding. You just got this really strong sense that so much thought had gone into every little detail. The bride’s aunt had done all the flowers, including two massive arrangements either side of the front door for the blessing, the bride’s simple yet elegant cream bouquet. Cocktails were flowing all day, with menus going around to explain the different cocktails available. The three tiered cake was made by the bride and groom! Complete with yellow roses. The couple decided not to have a first dance but wanted all their guests to be as relaxed as possible while they mingled, oustide and were served several drinks! Just fabulou