As part of a big Irish family, Clair had always imagined having a traditional big wedding, but fiancé Aaron had ideas on a much smaller scale – what better way to start their married life together than with the perfect compromise! The magic of a small wedding is no longer a secret - Ariana Grande’s stylish California Micro Wedding with a guest list of just 20 definitely proved that to the world.
Clair and Aaron eventually chose Treseren as their wedding venue, a Georgian country house in the Cornish countryside, offering opulent Austen-esque interiors and sprawling gardens, for an exclusive guest list of 20 of their closest friends and family. The wedding party had exclusive use of Treseren for three nights, with a welcome feast on the arrival evening, before the magical garden ceremony the following day, which took place under a 200-year-old walnut tree. Champagne and garden games on the front lawn made for a picture-perfect afternoon, with the shade of the stretch tent welcomed during one of the hottest weeks of the summer.
Tell us a little about how you met/the proposal!
We met through a mutual friend in a pub! Almost 7 years later on New Year’s Eve Aaron was waiting outside the hospital where I work at 8pm when I had finished my 12 hour shift. He took me to the Ned hotel in London. There was a big fancy party with a band and food. He surprised me with a hotel room that he booked for 2 nights. I was most shocked that he had packed a few of my favourite outfits, all my makeup and hair products and my swimsuit so I could use the spa. Of course he proposed at midnight with a beautiful ring that surprisingly fitted me perfectly!
Did you always know you wanted a small wedding?
No, I never could have imagined my wedding being so small. In Ireland, most wedding venues ask for a minimum of 120 people. These are the types of weddings I am used to and really enjoy. My husband is completely different. He said from the beginning that he would love a small wedding of 20 people. I was hesitant at first, but when I found Treseren online, it looked perfect. It was a wedding venue that was specifically designed for up to 20 guests. It seemed like the perfect compromise for us. An intimate wedding in such a beautiful setting means that you can have it fancy and tasteful but equally relaxed and comfortable. The perfect combination that reflects both of our personalities.
Clair, we know your family are used to big Irish weddings, what did they think of your small wedding?
My family loved my wedding. My dad will describe it as a midsummer night’s dream. My dad being quite introverted in nature felt very comfortable in a small crowd. We have never seen him pull dance moves quite like it! My wedding was simple and unique and all my guests were raving about how good it was and how special they felt being invited to such an intimate wedding. Some of them said it was the best wedding they have ever been to.
Why did you choose Cornwall?
The first holiday we went on as a couple was Looe. That was 9 years ago. We loved it and always said we would come back. Aaron had always said he wanted a destination wedding but with the pandemic, it wouldn't have been possible to go away. Cornwall worked out perfectly. It was 30 degrees for the week of our wedding. My Irish guests were delighted and we spent the day after our wedding at the beach!
Tell us about your gorgeous dress!
My dress was Jenny Packham. I saw my dress on the cover of a magazine in 2019 just after we got engaged. It had a cornflower blue ribbon belt with the headline ‘wild romance’. I was determined to try it on. I didn't think I would love it as much as I did when I put it on. It was the first dress I tried on. I also couldn't believe that they were offering NHS staff 30% off because of the pandemic. I said yes to the dress straight away.
What were your highlights of the day?
The whole day was amazing from start to finish. Aaron and I woke up at about 6am and we decided to get up before everyone else and have coffee together before the chaos. That was really lovely. My sister and best friends made the morning so special. They surprised me with a small photo of my late grandparents for my bouquet which was just amazing. I absolutely loved our ceremony. It was such a beautiful setting. We were very lucky that we were able to legally marry outside. I was quite nervous so I was relieved at that point that I only had 20 guests! We had dinner at about 8pm outside. It was lovely to relax, eat and drink those gorgeous cocktails in such a beautiful setting!
Photgraphy – Lyra and Moth Flowers – Brookside Flower Farm Hair and Make-up – Ione Hair and Make-Up Dress – Jenny Packham Garden Games – Stargazey Hire Food – Kerra’s Catering