The couple, who have been living in Los Angeles for the past 3 years, chose the medieval city famous for the Palio – the annual bare back horse race – as the location for their nuptials.

Over 35 metres of  Italian deluxe silk zibeline went in to the one off gown designed by the bride which took award winning Irish bridal designer Kathy De Stafford and her team 8 months to create.  The groom also opted to wear something Irish, choosing a bespoke suit crafted by Louis Copeland.  Four bridesmaids wore four different style gowns in the same lilac silk chiffon from The White Room in Mullingar.

Continuing with the Irish theme, the couple flew in myself and my good friend and colleague, Julien Behal, to document their special day.  While hair stylist Christian Shannon was drafted in from Dublin salon Brown Sugar to tend to the tresses of the bridal party.

110 guests enjoyed the 3 day wedding celebrations which began with a Tuscan banquet at the 17th century Villa Catignano in the heart of the wine making region of Chianti Classico.

Proprietor Sofia Marmoross, whose ancestors have resided at Catignano since the end of the 17th century, remarked that not even dark clouds could  dampen the couples’ spirit.  “We had a big banquet planned in the Italian garden over looking Siena but an unexpected storm moved in to the area and we were forced to move everything at the last minute.  But despite the change of plan, everyone had an amazing party.  There was no stress, only fun!”

After the wedding ceremony, celebrations continued at Borgo Stomennano a palatial residence dating back to the 13th century where local caterers Terra di Siena prepared a six course meal of traditional Tuscan cuisine.

Afterwards Milanese band Maniac kept the party going until the early hours.

“We wanted the day to be relaxed and fun.  When we saw Castle Leslie we knew it was the venue we had been looking for — it was our house a for a day and a night.  We made sure from start to finish that we had arranged things to keep the atmosphere going.  The morning of the wedding the boys went clay pigeon shooting and Andrew had arranged a surprise present for Louise.  In the box, among other things, was a photo book from our Circus Engagement Shoot with KOH Weddings.

When we landed back in Castle Leslie we had some time to relax and talk to all our guests and the photo book of the Circus Engagement Shoot was a focal point.  We went for a wander around the grounds resulting in stunning photos.  Heading into the evening we had the tradition Castle Leslie cutting of the cake with Normans Sword and some very colourful speeches as the best man and Farther of the Groom had printed up large (embarrassing) photos as visual aids.

We had arranged a selection of wigs and props for when the band started.  These were a huge hit and and guests in feather boas and wigs wielding inflatable guitars filled the dance floor for the night!  Some of the most stunning photos were the last ones taken beneath the stone coat of arms that line an outside wall.”