Waterford Weddings: Waterford couple have quirky wedding
Photo: INFOKUS The bride's hair was done by Envy Hair Salon and her make up by Contour By Sherise
Virginia Giani and Eric Kiely were married in Gardenmorris Estate, Kill, Co. Waterford on the 30th of August of this year.
Virginia is the daughter of Deirdre Giani and Claudio Giani Snr. Eric is the son of Maria Kiely & Paddy Kiely.
They met in school; they were in the same year at St. Jekyll's. They were never really close friends there, but Eric’s friends were in Virginia’s class, and most of them were there on the big day.
It wasn't until many years later, four years ago, that they matched on Tinder. They chatted for a few days, and then realised that maybe it wasn't the right time for them.
But fate had other plans. Virginia’s very good friend and bridesmaid, Jessie, encouraged Virginia to text him and agree to meet up for a coffee.
Virginia said: “We chatted for about a month before meeting up and had some ridiculous WhatsApp conversations, including me being called Martin and owning 2 small sheep and a hill. Anyway, he seemed to have went for that cause we are getting married now. He only wants me for my sheep.”
They met in Dunmore East on their first official date. Virginia also met Bobby, the couple’s Belgian Malinois, who was only a puppy at the time. Virginia said: “So it was me and Bobby’s first date too!”
Their first date lasted six hours along the cliff walk in Dunmore East, and through all the little beaches in Dunmore East. From then on, they continued to meet up in beautiful locations.
They went on loads of hikes together around the country and long beach walks in Tramore. They also went on campervan adventures around Ireland with Bobby!
Virginia said: “We are very different but opposites attract as they say and the differences have brought us balance. He being a little on the quieter side and me being a little on the wilder.”
Their wedding was a unique one, focusing on spirituality and nature rather than tradition.
During the ceremony, the couple passed around Rose Quartz heart-shaped crystals and everyone made a wish for them and then these were placed in a glass jar, which they now have at home.
They also had a handfasting ceremony which was carried out by Sarah Fox, Priestess of the Land and a Yoga Teacher Trainer.
It was raining on the morning of the wedding and Virginia worried that her hair and make-up would be ruined, but the skies started to clear and they made last last-minute decision to hold the ceremony outside by the water, like they had wished for.
However it was not all smooth sailing!
Virginia said: “We had forgot to decorate the cars so there was a big panic to do that and was still raining. My uncle brought me and my dad to the wedding in his vintage 'Morris 10-4', which, just as we got into Gardenmorris, we noticed a trail of petrol the whole way back. They got it started again and we pretty much rolled the last few metres inside the gates. Phew!”
But it all worked out beautifully in the end. Virginia walked down the aisle to 'Sunshine of Your Love', by Cream. A belter! The blue skies and sunshine for the outdoor ceremony were stunning!
All the family and friends were hands-on on and everyone had little jobs to do. Eric's mam Maria Kiely made our handfasting chord for the ceremony. Virginia’s sister, Alessandra Giani, made the broom for the ceremony. One of their nieces did a cartwheel up the aisle before Virginia!
All of us here at the Waterford News and Star wish Virginia and Eric a long and happy marriage!
If you or someone you know would like to be featured in the Waterford News and Star Wedding of the Week, please email libby at Libby.marchant@waterford-news.com
