Alison and Ross’s wedding on 6 June 2026 began with a ceremony at Drumboylan church that felt deeply personal. Two close friends, Fr Brendan and Fr Padraic, led the service while Alison’s brothers, Ross’s sister, and her uncle Padraic provided the music. Their teenage friendship had grown into something more over the years, sealed with Ross’s New Year’s Eve proposal during a 2024 holiday in Australia.
The reception was held at Drumhierny Woodland Hideaway, a venue Alison co-founded and helped build alongside Ross. The couple’s connection to the place stretched back nearly a decade. Alison first imagined it as a wedding venue in 2017, and after five years of shaping the estate, celebrating their own marriage there felt like the natural next step. Ross’s involvement in the early construction made the day feel especially intimate. “We had both played a part in creating the place it is today, so standing there surrounded by our family and friends, celebrating our own marriage in a venue we had helped build, made the day feel incredibly personal,” Alison said.
The wedding style leaned into the woodland setting. Alison wore a bespoke dress by Dinagh Modes Design, complete with a cape that gave her a whimsical forest look. Ross chose a beige linen suit by Gerard Anthonys Carrick On Shannon, pairing it with an ivory tie and buttonholes of tulips and ferns from Leitrim Flowers. Bridesmaids wore olive green satin dresses that blended into the leafy backdrop, while groomsmen sported darker linen suits with olive green dicky bows.
At Drumhierny, the natural landscape set the tone. The couple used seasonal flowers and woodland elements sourced from Leitrim Flowers, reflecting their focus on sustainability. Despite some mixed weather, the mood was easygoing. Outdoor seating and a stretch tent created a relaxed atmosphere. A pop-up bar and styling details added by the couple themselves personalized the space. Photos spanning their school years and relationship were placed around the estate, inviting guests into their story.
David and Josh of CMC Photography captured the day with a light touch. “They made us feel completely relaxed and brought such a fun energy to the day, while making sure everything felt natural and unhurried, which was really important to us,” Alison said. Emma from Edit House filmed quietly in the background, catching candid moments without interrupting the flow.
Music was a constant throughout the evening. Manila Strings kicked off the drinks reception, followed by a surprise set from singer Sean O’Dowd, arranged by Alison’s parents just before dinner. Afterwards, an Irish céilí led by Aideen Burke brought guests to their feet. Later, Electric Circus took over, keeping the dance floor full until the early hours. The night ended with Alison’s brothers orchestrating a fireworks display over the estate.
The wedding brought together close family and friends for a day that mixed personal history with the couple’s shared creation. Alison’s advice to couples planning their weddings is simple: “The best advice I could give is to do what feels right for you both. It’s your day, so make the choices that reflect who you are, what you love and how you want to celebrate, do it your way.”
According to Weddings Online.
