A beautiful Ireland engagement session at the Irish National War Memorial Gardens. Rory and Mia enjoyed an evening together celebrating this milestone in life. With lovely scenery and such a beautiful couple this session is both dreamy and fun! 
This couple’s session was taken at the Irish War Memorial Garden in Dublin, Ireland. The beautiful couple, Rory and Mia met when she was over from the US. Mia is a dancer and Rory works in IT. What was supposed to be a year in Ireland turned into a definite move once they figured out they were meant to be. I shot this session both digital and film and I’m so happy with how it turned out. -Jessica Lemes of Under the Veil
Describe a hurdle you had to overcome in your relationship or during your wedding planning. In our second year together, Rory was working in Dublin and Mia was finishing her degree at New York University so the long-distance struggle was real! We sent countless handwritten letters and surprises to each other and didn’t see one another for 8 months which we vowed never to do again. A really special moment was where Mia’s mom Ronda and Rory conspired and flew Rory to NYC to surprise Mia at her graduation and she spotted him in seconds in an auditorium of 2000 people (perhaps it was his gleaming Irish complexion?) and got teary-eyed.
Any special ways you incorporated your family or family history into your wedding day? As part of our tree planting ceremony, both our moms gathered stones from their favorite beaches. Rory’s mum Dora brought one’s from Skerries and Mia’s mom Ronda brought stones from Martha’s Vineyard in the USA. As Rory and Mia planted their native Irish white beam tree, they embedded these stones in the soil, grounding their new beginning in rootedness to both their homelands.
Also, their friends and family read lighthearted poems, sweet stories, and shared funny personal anecdotes. Mia’s friend Aditya from university played violin during the ceremony. Since it was an intimate wedding of 30 people, everyone’s presence was felt and a big part of the day.
What part of your wedding day was/is most important to you? The main thing was that everyone had fun and felt cared for! Delicious unforgettable food at Bellinter House, our incredible band The Suitcase Trio which kept us dancing all night, and local businesses that worked with us to make the day so special such as the beautiful blooms by Brigid at Fernwood Flowers and cake by Niamh at Little Topper Cakes – all made the day unique!
What part of your wedding day was/is most important to you? The main thing was that everyone had fun and felt cared for! Delicious unforgettable food at Bellinter House, our incredible band The Suitcase Trio which kept us dancing all night, and local businesses that worked with us to make the day so special such as the beautiful blooms by Brigid at Fernwood Flowers and cake by Niamh at Little Topper Cakes – all made the day unique!
What is the best thing you’ve learned from one another? Rory – Mia has taught me to enjoy life to the fullest. She finds joy in the little moments and helps me to slow down and enjoy the journey.
Mia- Rory has taught me to live generously. He has a huge heart and cares for others so well. Whether it’s helping my dad organize his files (I mean COME ON!) or picking up groceries for people through the pandemic, he’s always looking to help.
Photographer: Jessica Lemes/ Under the Veil
Venue: Irish National War Memorial Gardens
Film Lab: Conns Lab
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