Real Weddings: Ambre and David’s gorgeous Dublin City Hall celebration

THE PROPOSAL

During Covid, we did a lot of staycations in the UK to escape London, and Cornwall became a regular fixture. We love being by the sea; there are amazing hikes, food and culture in Cornwall. David proposed in a rose garden near St Mawes overlooking the sea at sunset – it was perfect. We didn’t tell anyone for a few hours, and enjoyed a romantic candlelit dinner in our little love bubble.

THE WEDDING ATTIRE

I had a unique experience as my mother owns a bridal boutique, Marian Gale, so I felt very lucky. The designer of my Dublin ceremony dress was Rosa Clara and we were invited to preview their couture collection at the Barcelona headquarters. It was great to have the quality time together on a girls’ trip to Spain, where we made a weekend of it. I felt totally at ease, I knew I was in great hands with my mum, who has just celebrated 45 years in business – she knows what she’s doing!

I loved the simplicity of the silk in this dress and long sleeves for drama; it’s timeless but modern. My headpiece was actually designed for me by my mother Marian, but it got so many compliments that we now stock it in the boutique permanently. The blazer I wore was also custom, made in Venice by an Italian family we work with. April can be a tricky time of year weather-wise – you just don’t know what you’re going to get, so I felt I needed something over my dress but still wanted it to be chic for our city nuptials.

My handbag and sunglasses were Chanel, my earrings were Simone Rocha and my shoes were Aquazurra – I consider these as investment pieces that I’ll have forever and will always remind me of our special day. David wore a double-breasted suit in a Prince of Wales check from British designer Oliver Brown of Sloane Street. His shoes were from Church’s and his sunglasses were Tom Ford. He kept it classic and timeless for the historic setting of DCH.

THE CEREMONY

While this was a civil ceremony, a friend of our family, Fr John, kindly led the ceremony and made it hugely personal to us; he also brought a spiritual element that made the day so special. We had friends and family speak and recite poems, and we lit candles to remember those no longer with us.

THE RECEPTION

We had a champagne reception and dinner in the private rooms of Suesey Street in Ballsbridge. Our family homes are nearby and we love going there when we’re back in Dublin. The food and service led by our friend John Healy is just wonderful and our wedding day was no exception.

THE DECOR

We kept this minimal and fresh, lots of candles with white and green flowers and true to the spring season. Our arrangements had roses, sweet pea, and lush greenery. My own bouquet was mostly ranunculus and anemones with some sweet daisies – I loved how it turned out.

THEIR TOP TIPS

Just focus on what you can control and the rest will all work out. The weather forecast was apparently horrific (I didn’t look!), but we ended up getting a beautiful, dry and sunny day.

THEY WISH THEY HAD

More time! The day flies by, so really savour every minute.