Today was our last day in Clontarf and I planned to go back into the city to do a little bit of shopping and try and see a few more sights. I navigated my way to St Stephen's Green. Here I spotted some pretty beautiful flowers and even some wildlife.
Grey Squirrel
White Swan
Robin
I wandered through a few shops but wasn't inspired enough to purchase anything. Too many souvenirs to choose from - ahhh decision paralysis. I was planning to meet the parents and Peter at the Zoo at 2 so keeping an eye on time I meandered through lane ways and stumbled onto the grounds of Dublin Castle.
I'm not entirely convinced that I was in the right place as all the buildings were painted in what I would describe as Lego colours.
I would have liked to visit the Chester Beatty Library but my time was short - so I motored on to find a knight in a shining taxi to take me to my next destination...the Dublin Zoo.
Gemma and Peter kindly hosted a late lunch the day after the wedding. It was a relaxed event and Gemma again cooked up an amazing meal. We were all a little sluggish from the previous days adventures and so enjoyed sitting back and soaking in the sunshine streaming through the windows.
Georgia, Lizzie, Alison and Rhianna taking it easy couch-side.
Carol, David and Grace (Gemma's sister)
Silly grins
It was so great to catch up with John and Rosie who had lived with Craig in Melbourne. And Rosie was keen to hear about my new home in Kerang - not far from where she grew up!!
John and Rosie from Kent/Australia
David enjoying a pint of Bulmers
Peter telling stories
Harry getting tickled by Craig.
We even had some live Irish performers sharing their talents with us:
We all went home quite early and it wasn't long before we were tucked away for the evening - some of us in what I've learnt is called a "spoon-train":
Ireland won the Rugby much to enjoyment of most of the wedding crowd. There may have been a few heckling Australians barracking for Scotland just to get a rise out of a few of the more committed Irish supporters.
Back to Fallon & Byrne and the room had been transformed. Large round tables had replaced the rows of seating and candles illuminated the room with a gentle glow. Slate with chalked table numbers, created by Craig, were propped up by wine corks donated by family and friends. I didn't get photos of this - but take my word for it, it was gorgeous.
The food was amazing - and many have said, a-typical of the Irish wedding feast which usually consists of two options, fish with overcooked vegetables or chicken with overcooked vegetables. I personally wanted to swim in the raclette but those who tasted the sea bass were going back for more.
Tina made the most amazing wedding cake, her very first attempt, three layers, fruit cake, chocolate and lemon - yummo.
Apparently it is an Irish tradition for each table to bet on the length of the speeches. You each put 2 euro in to a glass and place your bet. Our table did a variation on this with the glass passing around the table each time one of the speakers said "thank you" or a variation of the phrase. Apparently though you don't want to win the kitty because you're then meant to buy each person on the table a drink of their choosing and there is inevitably never enough money in the kitty.
The speeches were recorded for posterity by Georgia - the coolest grooms-maid ever. Here are Craig and Matt's speeches - the others are on their way.
The Groom's Speech:
The Best Man's Speech:
Roisin kindly bought 4 shots of jagermeister and then each person at our table nominated a person to drink each one by giving their dessert spoons away. Needless to say I got a lot of spoons, followed by Catherine and Brent, who were absent during the spoon giving ceremony. Here they are shortly before the jager took effect.
When neighbours become good friends!!
Amy managed to do a Superwoman costume change at some point and then with the formalities of the evening concluded sang a song to Craig, accompanied by the band. She was amazing - that girl has skills!!
And then came the first dance with Amy wearing the pants and Craig wearing the skirt - a true testament to the fact this couple is not traditional!
Craimy set the tone - have a drink, enjoy good food, remember to laugh, have fun, dance like no one is watching and that is what everyone did until shoes were thrown off! A huge thank you to Craimy for allowing us all to share in their happiness and celebrate this great day with them.
The Wedding Party detoured via Craig's barber to get a lesson in tying up laces. Turns out the barber is in a marching band so he had the tricks. Craig and Matt arrived giving each other a once over to make sure they were looking grand!
Georgia led the way down the isle as a grooms attendant and the bridesmaids followed so quickly I couldn't take any photos.
Friends of Amy and Craig's read readings beautifully.
Roisin
Alison
Tina
The groom was asked whether there was any impediment which may prevent them from marrying to which he responded by stumbling over the word impediment, a sister may have been heard to have said, "other than a speech impediment".
The vows were exchanged and the couple celebrated by high-fiving and fist pumping the air - oh yeah and sharing a kiss (somewhat belatedly remembering this bit).
During the signing of the register, Beth and I sang, Rather Be, by Clean Bandit, accompanied by Rachel the harpist. Beth then sang Counting Stars by One Republic.
The ceremony was short and very sweet - with Amy and Craig sharing many smiles with their family and friends (and each other).
To shouts of applause the married couple raced down the isle and proceeded to greet guests.
We would be taking this party around the corner to The Stag's Head where snacks, bubbles and the Irish v Scotland rugby match would be enjoyed by all. Unfortunately I didn't taken any photos at this point so you'll just have to imagine a very lovely room full of beautiful people and loud conversations.
"If there's one thing Amy and I know how to do well, its have fun."
~ Craig Stewart, Dublin, March 19, 2016
The day had finally arrived which had bought people from Wellington, Hoppers Crossing, Kerang, London, Kent, Spain and all over Ireland: the wedding of Craig and Amy #craimy.
Craig and Matt went into the city early to drop some last minute supplies at the Stag's Head and Fallon & Byrne. They dropped in for some manly beauty treatments, where Matt, taking his Best Man duties to heart allowed Craig to remain un-intoxicated to drive them home and consumed all the offered whisky shots for the both of them.
Meanwhile in Clontarf, Georgia, Craig's grooms attendant, mum and I went and got our hair done at Hession a local salon.
The boys got back and the donning of the traditional Scottish garb commenced.
Craig and Amy's wedding day wasn't the traditional Irish wedding day. The Bridal Party and the immediate family were meeting at Gravediggers, a favourite local pub just outside the Glasnevin Cemetery and walking distance to the Botanical Gardens where some photos were going to be taken. Here we enjoyed a pre-photo drink and Craig appeared to be getting some last minute advice from his father and soon-to-be father-in-law.
Amy, meanwhile was enjoying a Guinness but making sure her dress wasn't in harms way.
After a quick beverage and some relaxed photos we exited the Gravediggers and made our way toward the Botanical Gardens.
Craig showing off his snazzy clothes
Some man-scaping occurring under Amy's watchful eye.
Julie, Beth and Ciara looking bright and beautiful (if also a little chilly).
Some more formal photos were taken in front of one of the greenhouses. It may go down as one of the quickest photo shoots of all time!
The Bridal Party: Georgia, Julie, Amy, Craig, Beth, Matt, Ciara
The Parents with the Bride and Groom: Gemma, Peter, Amy, Craig, Carol, David
The Anslow Family: Julie, Peter, Amy, Craig, Gemma, Beth
The Stewart Family (Reps): Carol, Meghan, Amy, Craig, David
A couple more photos before we took off for a warmer locations.
The gorgeous happy couple
Amy was a little bit excited!
Matt helping Craig with his laces!
The Bridal Party showing off some leg while waiting for a taxi!
Still waiting for the taxi!
Ha'Penny Bridge
At this point I ran off (walked quickly - lets be honest - running was not an option - even in my sparkly sneakers) to practice with Beth and the harpist, Rachel. The rest of the bridal party stopped in at the Merchant's Arch Bar for some more photos and a warming beverage. They would walk up through Temple Bar to Fallon & Byrne the location of the wedding.
Here are some pre-wedding shots of the venue and the beautiful decorations Amy and co had created to form the background to a fantastically fun day.
