Looking for chicer-than-chic city wedding inspiration? We know you'll be swept away by the magic of Sarah and Paul's Dublin wedding. Joined by 80 of their loved ones, their intimate spring wedding was loaded with sweet ties to their love story. With a ceremony at the ornate Smock Alley followed by a reception at the glamorous eatery Marco Pierre White in leafy Donnybrook, you can't miss this wonderfully stylish and utterly unique celebration.
It was a glorious marriage of timeless monochrome style and florals with bright and deep hues. Nina Val Photography who is a dear friend of the couple was behind the camera capturing every unforgettable moment, get ready for a joyous and fun-filled adventure!
Sarah's day of joy began in the Penthouse Suite in the Morrison Hotel as she soaked up the city sights as she made memories to last a lifetime with her leading ladies.
Sarah and Paul are both from Dublin and their love story began in the heart of the city. "Nine years ago, we both swiped right. We met in The Mercantile Bar followed by pizza in DiFontaine's. It was instant chemistry, and we never looked back. Soon we realised we were only ever a few minutes away, and despite many links we had yet to meet. We lived five minutes up the road, got the same Dart to work, had mutual friends, and used to work in the same shop as teenagers."
Paul popped the question while they were on holidays in France. Sarah explains, "We were away for two weeks, staying in Hendaye. On the first night, out on the deck Paul proposed. It was just the two of us, and it was perfect. Paul proposed with a token ring, so when we came home, we went ring shopping together. This was a special day, and we had a great experience with Rocks on Grafton St. Jean and Maria were amazing!"
The couple wanted an intimate Dublin city celebration with their nearest and dearest and great food and drink was the top priority. "The date was integral as our anniversary falls over the May Bank Holiday weekend. Dublin city was also an important factor; we wanted our guests to have the option to go home. We didn’t want to go away, or ask people to travel far, and our venues held a special place in our hearts."
Natasha Ray created the bride's radiant makeup look which included a stunning shimmer on her eyes and an elegant nude lippy. "I have never met a better make up artist, her energy was infectious," Sarah says.
The bride shopped in various boutiques for her wedding day ensemble and she was breathtaking in a Caroline Castigliano gown featuring clean lines, sheer silk georgette sleeves and a fluid fit and flare skirt. She added a magical monochrome twist with her accessories which included a black belt boasting glittering crystals and her Jimmy Choo heels.
They held their ceremony at Smock Alley which is not only am enchanting location to exchange vows, but an utterly unique one too. The banquet hall in the restored 17th-century historical building in Dublin's oldest district boasts beautiful stained glass windows and ornate plasterwork on the walls and ceiling.
They did a first look before they left the hotel which took a lot of pressure off them and gave them more time to spend with each other before the ceremony. They had family photos taken and then both families walked from The Morrison Hotel across the river to Smock Alley. "Thankfully the weather was beautiful, so we were able to get great pictures walking across as one group. Nina Val, our good friend and trusted photography genius, played a huge role in the day when it came to the photos, and we still get chills looking back over our wedding album. The wedding catalogue we received is amazing!"
Their venues were non-negotiable for the couple, they chose Smock Alley for its sentimental connection to Sarah's family. "It holds a close place in my heart as it’s where my grandparents were married when it used to be a church."
Music played an essential role in their celebration and they we wanted to ensure they had live music throughout the day. "Tracy Gallagher was incredible, and went above and beyond when we were choosing our ceremony music. Between her and our celebrant, Denise Lawlor who is an absolute lady, they both ensured the ceremony was original and reflected us as a couple." Their favourite ceremony song was All That Really Matters by Teddy Swims.
One of their top planning tip is to map out the timeline for the full day early on with a clear time allocated for everything. "Nina was brilliant here with guidance on how to fit everything in. We shared this timeline with everyone in the run up to the day, so everyone knew what to expect, and knew where we needed people to be and when. On the day Nina was brilliant in ensuring all our 'wish list' shots were captured."
Black bridesmaids dresses are so elegant and her bridal besties wore mix and matched styles from In the Style and Next.
Dapper groom Paul sourced his slick wedding day look from Aston Formal Wear which comprised of a black suit with a flourish of lightness coming with his elegant check waistcoat and his soft yellow tie. His groomsmen also wore sleek suits from Aston Formal Wear.
The newlyweds made sure to stop off at DiFontaine's pizzeria for a scrumptious slice, the sweetest throw back to their first date!
Sarah and Paul adored the fabulous food and stylish atmosphere of Marco Pierre White in Donnybrook when they dined there a few years ago. "From the moment we walked into the courtyard we were hooked. What an amazing, beautiful little setting it is. The trees and the lights against a nighttime setting, it was simply perfect. Visualising friends and family celebrating in the sunshine in the courtyard was a big pull for Paul. When we set the date, we didn’t consider anywhere else beyond Smock Alley and there. We couldn’t have picked a better venue for great food! Everyone raved about the food and service. Request Rado to look after you, he was brilliant."
Their stationery which included painterly depictions of flowers was created by The Ivory Feather. Sarah reflects, "I’m an event planner and have never been so impressed by a printing supplier!"
Their reception styling included a romantic palette with rich red table runners and tonal pink taper candles. With glints of gold throughout, the place cards boasted elegant floral motifs.
Sarah wanted bright and deep colours for the flowers to match the monochrome palette of the style. "I am flower obsessed and wanted to tie in a lot of what we grow at home. Lisa Thurlow was beyond helpful and supportive when we were making decisions. She was brilliant here with ideas and suggestions on what would work. The choice of venue met with our vision perfectly! When we sat down for dinner to take it all in, we could see all our close family and friends. The décor matched the restaurant, vibrant colours and candles, Lisa did a fantastic job."
It’s never too early to start planning, they say. "We booked our venues in June 2023 and followed with key suppliers quite quickly. Also, don’t scrimp on suppliers. Our day was a great success based on having dedicated wedding professionals on hand, particularly our make up artist, photographer and reception venue!"
Donuts make for such a scrumptious wedding cake alternative!
Their beautiful celebration included handmade wedding favours, a sensational second short wedding dress change from the bride and a first dance to Ain’t Nobody by Chaka Khan and Rufus. The Good Times Band had the dancefloor full in seconds!
The couple went to Biarritz in France for their mini moon, they fell in love with the elegant seaside on France's Basque coast after they got engaged and they always wanted to race back. They chose Brazil as their honeymoon spot!
The biggest congratulations to Sarah and Paul. A very special thank you to our lovely couple and Nina Val Photography for sharing today's ultra-chic city wedding with One Fab Day!
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