Amongst the beauty of Donegal, Ireland’s rolling green mountains, sea cliffs, waterfalls, and magical woods, Nick and Kelly chose to tie the knot in a sweet and intimate fashion.

“We were heading on a 12-month European holiday and thought what better way to kick it off than eloping in the wild and beautiful landscape in Ireland and then heading off on the most epic European honeymoon ever!” the couple explains. Shortly after, the couple got to planning. 

“We wanted to get photos in the mountains, by the ocean, in castles, and with a stunning seaside sunset to finish so we started researching photographers in Ireland and came across Wild and Green Photography, and we instantly fell in love with Shauna’s work, contacted her and booked the date!” Kelly says. 

Once the couple locked in the perfect photographer (who just so happened to double as an elopement planner), they researched accommodations and found the beautiful Lough Eske Castle. After getting to know Nick and Kelly better, Shauna put together a dreamy itinerary with stops at the area’s most captivating locations. 

“Our only concern was the weather since Ireland can be so windy and rainy,” the couple admits, “but we got really lucky and it didn’t rain in the places we visited, though it was definitely freezing cold!”

For the ceremony itself, Kelly and Nick chose to incorporate an Irish handfasting ritual. The couple got in touch with Liz Christy, a local maker of the Irish crios (a belt traditionally woven and worn by Irish fishermen).

“We drove to her shop in County Monaghan the day before our elopement to pick up [our handmade crios], and we also got a tour of the shop where they hand make the crios’ it was so special!” the bride says.

After sharing in the sweetest and most personal moments of their wedding day, Nick and Kelly are walking advertisements for eloping overseas. For those of you who are afraid to take the leap, know that according to this real-life couple, “it’s the most unique and intimate experience with your loved one that you’ll never forget or regret!”