Image courtesy of martinskukulis.com
THEIA creative director Don O’Neill, in the throes of fantasy and creativity, is busy getting his THEIA fall 2017 collection catwalk ready for New York International Bridal Week that officially starts on October 7. While his spring 2017 collection featured the “futuristic bride,” for fall 2017 the THEIA bride in O’Neill’s mind is “escaping the frigid cold and heading to a warm tropical island.” He describes it as “simple and easy with a bohemian relaxed vibe.” Sounds like the perfect collection for a destination wedding, right!?
Irish Designer Don O’Neill tied the knot with his long-time partner Pascal Guillermie this summer, heading home to his birthplace in County Kerry, Ireland, where the couple exchanged wedding vows on the grounds of Ballyheigue Castle. “Our vision for the wedding was rustic but elegant and had to incorporate the natural stunning beauty of Ballyheigue,” he says, “having it play a major role in our wedding.”
Don O’Neill and partner Pascal Guillermie image courtesy of urbanreturns.com
The castle, once a grand mansion built in the 1800s is now basically in ruins and its grounds now serve as a golf course. But it is the history and romance that is the allure of the castle destination wedding. “The outdoor ceremony at the castle, to which the guests arrived along a sweeping driveway, up to the imposing ruins, was magical,” O’Neill remembers. “Guests sat facing the view over the magnificent bay.”
In 2000 Madonna married Guy Riche in Scotland’s 13th century old Skibo Castle, kicking off a 21st century trend which continues to grow for celebrity weddings and gaining traction among mainstream consumers. Tom Cruise and Katy Holmes married in the 15th century Odescalchi Castle in Florence, Italy. Ciara married Russell Wilson, quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks, this summer in Cheshire, England at Peckforten Castle.
Image courtesy of cdn.com
The 2016 brides and grooms are focusing on incorporating distinct elements and seeking new-to-them locale elements that they can share with loved ones, according to a recent report by the Destination Weddings Travel Group.
Mr. O’Neill can testify to the unique experience. “It was incredible and unforgettable,” he says. “As we walked up the driveway towards the castle, our guests, who had no idea we would be walking, suddenly spotted us and immediately started cheering and whistling. The wave of excitement and love that washed down over us was so unexpected and surprising, so heartwarming and so lovely—yelling and cheering and roars of excitement as we arrived at the castle.”
While celebrities are usually not as cost conscious as the rest of us, destination weddings now offer great economic advantages. “While the price of at-home weddings has increased rapidly over the years, the average cost of destination weddings … has remained under $10,000 for over a decade. When couples take their wedding on the road, they can uncover savings throughout many points in the planning process,” explains Richard Calvert, President and CEO of Destination Weddings Travel Group.
Rustic glam decor, according to the report, is the new shabby chic, with couples are embracing this blend as a way to incorporate luxury accents while still maintaining a down-to-earth vibe. Also, locally sourced foods and florals are on the rise as a cost-effective strategy, showcasing the culture of the chosen destination. Mr. O’Neill’s partner, Pascal, did exactly that for their wedding.
The reception was held under a glass walled marquee with a transparent crystal roof, in the middle of the golf course, looking out on the bay. The decor was what he called “rustic-chic.” As floral designer for Fleur De Pascal, he sent drawings of his vision and to their dear friend Eleanor Groves, an Irish florist. “She recreated everything on the wedding day to perfection.”
—Francesca Simon
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