Rachel and Kevin’s Cashel Palace Hotel wedding was a celebration done entirely their way. From Rachel’s non-traditional bridal look—a beautiful white dress by Natalie Rolt costing just €355—to having her sister officiate the ceremony, every choice reflected their personalities rather than tradition. They skipped a first dance and many other typical wedding customs that didn’t feel right for them, instead focusing on a relaxed, intimate day filled with laughter, love, and cherished moments with their closest family and friends. Every memory was captured beautifully by Love Story by Anouska Proetta Brandon, preserving the spirit of a day that was unmistakably theirs.

Rachel, originally from Tipperary, and Kevin, a Galway native, are now happily settled just outside Clonmel, County Tipperary. Their love story began in an unexpected but serendipitous way—through the Fat Fox coffee shop. Both were regular customers and had struck up friendships with the staff independently. Spotting a spark that neither had yet realised, the coffee shop team decided to play matchmaker and set the two up on a date.

What started as a friendly introduction over coffee soon blossomed into something much deeper, leading Rachel and Kevin to a life together filled with laughter, warmth, and shared adventures. When the moment was right, Kevin chose a place close to Rachel’s heart for his proposal. At sunset, on a scenic hike near their home on Slievenamon, he asked her to marry him. The setting—peaceful, breathtaking, and personal—was the perfect backdrop for the start of their next chapter together.

Once engaged, Rachel and Kevin set about planning their wedding day for the 31st of October 2024. They chose to celebrate with 45 of their closest family and friends, keeping the guest list intimate and meaningful. From the very beginning, their priority was clear: creating a relaxed and joyful atmosphere where everyone could feel included.

For the couple, it was important to spend quality time with their guests, celebrating the occasion together rather than getting lost in the formalities. A beautiful dining experience was also high on their list, ensuring their loved ones could enjoy great food and drink while sharing in the happiness of the day. Above all, they wanted their wedding to feel warm, welcoming, and fun—a true reflection of who they are as a couple.

Rachel shared a special first-look moment not just with her groom, Kevin, but also with her dad—a touching and heartfelt start to the day.

The perfect backdrop for their warm, welcoming, and fun celebration was found at the Cashel Palace Hotel. With its stunning setting and close proximity to their home, it quickly became “the one” for Rachel and Kevin. As self-confessed foodies, the couple were especially drawn to the exceptional dining experience the venue offers. They chose a tasting menu for their wedding meal, wanting their guests to enjoy the same passion for food that they share. The Cashel Palace Hotel combined elegance, convenience, and incredible cuisine—everything they had envisioned for their special day.

Rachel began her wedding day surrounded by her small bridal party, enjoying a relaxed and joyful morning together before the celebrations began. She wore a gorgeous bridal robe from Irish bridal label A Stór, the perfect start to her wedding-day look.

For her bridal look, Rachel chose a simple yet elegant white dress by Natalie Rolt, embracing a style that felt authentically hers rather than a traditional wedding gown. “I didn’t try on a single wedding dress. Saw this, loved it, and ordered online. Thankfully I still loved it when it arrived,” the bride recalls, capturing her relaxed and confident approach to the day.

She paired it with chic Zara shoes and delicate accessories from MoMuse, adding subtle finishing touches to her ensemble. A ruffle-edged veil completed the look. Her hair was styled by Grace O’Meara, and Michelle Field created a soft, natural makeup look.

The couple said “I do” in a heartfelt ceremony that reflected their personalities and values. One of the most memorable moments came when Kevin’s niece and nephew recited a poem, a touching contribution that set the tone of warmth and family connection. This was followed by a traditional handfasting, using beautiful Anamchara cords, a symbolic ritual that added meaning and depth to their vows.

Adding to the intimacy of the day, Rachel’s sister, Rebecca, had the honour of officiating the ceremony—something that made the occasion deeply personal and unforgettable. Music was provided by harpist Eimear Coughlin, whose beautiful playing created a serene and romantic atmosphere throughout. When it came time to exchange rings, the couple chose delicate designs from Irish jewellery designer Chupi.

Music played an important role in creating the relaxed and joyful atmosphere Rachel and Kevin wanted for their wedding. For both the ceremony and the reception, they chose harpist Eimear Coughlin, whose performance perfectly captured the elegance and intimacy of the day. In the evening, the couple booked X, who played traditional music in O’Donoghue’s, bringing energy and fun to the celebrations—much to the delight of their guests.

Rachel’s sister, Roz, was her perfect “something blue” wearing a stunning column gown—the Jasmine Baby Blue Maxi Dress by designer Deme by Gabriella.

Looking back on their wedding day, Rachel and Kevin describe it as “very relaxed and intimate.” Rachel adds, “I don’t think we stopped smiling all day.” With their smaller guest list, the couple were able to spend plenty of time with everyone important to them, making the day feel even more special.

The wedding décor embraced a moody, autumnal palette, with Rachel’s bouquet featuring red and pink roses, chocolate cosmos, and trailing ribbon—a perfect complement to the season. The reception tables were adorned with centrepieces that mirrored the bride’s bouquet, creating a cohesive and elegant look throughout the room. The finishing touch was a stunning cake by The Fox and The Flour, adding both beauty and sweetness to the celebration. All of the floral arrangements were crafted by Layla’s Flowers, led by Paula Dunne, bringing the couple’s vision to life with artistry and flair.

What made the day truly special for Rachel and Kevin was how personal and reflective of them it felt. “We didn’t do a very traditional wedding,” Rachel explains. “We didn’t have a bridal party, do speeches, or a first dance. We very much did it the way we wanted.” This freedom allowed them to focus on celebrating with their closest family and friends, creating a day that felt relaxed, intimate, and uniquely theirs.

When asked what advice they would give to other couples planning their wedding, Rachel and Kevin are clear: “Do what you want. Don’t feel you need to stick to traditions or follow what the norm is,” Rachel says. Kevin adds, “Of course, if that is what you want, that’s brilliant and you’ll love it.” Their message is simple: focus on what feels right for you as a couple, and the rest will fall into place.

For the evening celebrations, Rachel changed into a second dress, The Babette by One Addington—a chic white mini with long sleeves, perfect for a relaxed and fun party atmosphere.

After the wedding, Rachel and Kevin spent a few days in Seville to unwind. “It was bliss,” Rachel says. “Such a great city with loads to offer in terms of sightseeing, delicious food, and good weather!” The short getaway gave them the perfect chance to relax together after their special day.

A huge thank you to Rachel & Kevin for sharing their exquisite intimate Cashel Palace Hotel wedding with us. A special mention also goes to Love Story by Anouska Proetta Brandon for these amazing photographs. There are plenty more in the gallery below if you want some more dreamy wedding inspiration.

Check out more Irish Real Weddings to get inspired!