Real Weddings: Deanna and Jack’s autumnal castle wedding
Deanna and Jack tied the knot in in the picturesque Kilkea Castle in Co Kildare. Wanting something truly unique, the bride donned a lace-detailed, bespoke gown and a rose-trailing bouquet inspired by the groom's grandmother's.
THE COUPLE
Deanna Kahlout, digital marketing manager, and Jack Burke, finance manager.
THEY LIVE
Castleknock, Co Dublin.
THE VENUE
We had a magical three-day event at Kilkea Castle, Co Kildare.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Wedding Day – Michelle Prunty
Rehearsal & Day Two – Michael Black.
THEY MET
We first crossed paths in 2008 while we were both in secondary school. We were in the same year; I was in Mount Sackville and Jack was in Castleknock College. We occasionally mixed within the same social circles without really speaking to one another. It wasn’t until 2013 when our wider group of friends spent the summer in Ios, Greece, that we finally became friends. In the months that followed, we very quickly fell in love and we have been together ever since.
THE PROPOSAL
After 10 years together, Jack planned a gorgeous weekend for us at The K Club in Kildare. We arrived with the intention of grabbing some lunch while we watched the Six Nations in the bar – something to settle the nerves before heading on a stroll around the grounds, where Jack was hoping to find a quiet and romantic spot. However, being me, I insisted we drop our bags in the room straight away.
Unbeknownst to me, the staff were in on the proposal, and they had so kindly upgraded us to the Bridal Suite. I walked into the room, and when I saw balloons and champagne on the table, I immediately thought there had been some sort of mistake. But when I turned around, Jack was down on one knee! I was stunned. It was so perfect as it meant we could enjoy our private moment in a beautiful suite with a glass of bubbles. Being so close to home, our families hit the road to join us for the afternoon as we celebrated, followed by a gorgeous dinner just the two of us that evening.
THE WEDDING ATTIRE
I always had an exact vision for my wedding dress. I went to several appointments around Ireland, but nothing came close enough. After some research, I decided to meet with Niamh Lynch from Bespoke Bridal, and together we designed my dream dress. It was a scary decision to go fully bespoke, but ultimately it turned out to be the best decision I made. Niamh is truly exceptional at what she does.
Our bridesmaids were in Rotate by Birger Christensen, and Jack and his groomsmen wore Louis Copeland tuxes.
THE CEREMONY
The ceremony was in the Delacey Suite at Kilkea Castle. We kept it light and humorous, but incredibly personal. Both our mothers lit a remembrance candle to honour our family and friends who were no longer with us. We had two readings, one an Arabic reading to honour my Palestinian heritage, and the other: “Love is a friendship caught fire”.
Our songs were…
- Entrance: Power of Love by Celine Dion
- Signing of the register: From This Moment by Shania Twain.
- Exit: Islands in The Stream by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton.
THE RECEPTION
Avoca String Quartet played as canapés were served and champagne flowed. The drinks reception was one of our favourite parts of the day. It was the first time we both really relaxed, as we were able to mingle with all of our guests. The castle reception area had a lot of different nooks where people could take a seat and group together.
Our dinner reception was just magical too, we entered to Latch by Sam Smith & Disclosure, which was so fun and really got everyone on their feet. Speeches started immediately, which is a great idea because it meant that after they’re finished, everyone could enjoy their meal. There was great humour from all four speakers, so the atmosphere was electric! The food at Kilkea was 10 out of 10. Our guests still mention the mushroom soup; it was absolutely gorgeous and perfect for that time of year. Sea bass and fillet of beef were offered for mains, followed by a classic apple crumble – my death row meal!
THE ENTERTAINMENT
- Band & DJ: The Event Band
- Fireworks by Rocket Pyrotechnics
- Reception Music: Avoca String Quartet
THE DECOR
Laura from Betty Williamson brought our dreams of a moody, earthy and romantic wedding to life, enhanced by incredible florals by Hollie at Rosehip & Berry. Hollie also created my amazing rose-trailing bouquet, which was inspired by Jack’s grandmother’s bouquet.
THEIR TOP TIPS
From the beginning, we were very guest-focused in our planning, so we decided to put our money into reputable suppliers whom we knew we could count on, and spend more on elements we knew would be appreciated by us and our guests on the day. We cut costs on things we felt wouldn’t have a major impact on our day. A few examples: We created and printed most of the stationery ourselves, opted for a small and simple cake, my wedding shoes were from Mango (and they were perfect), and I picked up my bridesmaid’s pyjamas from Pennys while getting a bargain on my own wedding morning set on Rebride.
WE WISH WE HAD
Immediately following our ceremony, we greeted all of our guests as they entered the drinks reception, and after that, we were whisked off for our couple photos. In hindsight, as people who don’t feel particularly comfortable having photos taken, a breather and a glass of bubbles with our guests before we went off for our photos would have relaxed us more. Luckily, Michelle worked her magic regardless and was able to adapt on the fly by prompting us to join our drinks reception for an hour before beginning family and bridal-party shots.
BEST MOMENTS
The fireworks display was truly amazing, and we were surprised at how spectacular it was – all of our guests loved it! We all danced to Girl On Fire by Alicia Keys, followed by a crowd sing-song to Bruce Springsteen’s I’m On Fire. We got the most amazing photo and video shots too.
Top tip – it was also a great way of moving guests outside as the staff moved tables to make way for dancing.
THE FIRST DANCE SONG
We were indecisive on this all the way until the week of the wedding, finally settling on All Night Long by Lionel Richie. It was such a fun crowd-pleaser, and within minutes, both of us (along with our parents) were up on guests’ shoulders dancing. It is our favourite memory of the night.
THE CREW
Wedding Dress: Bespoke Bridal. Groom and Groomsmen’s Tuxes: Louis Copeland. Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Rotate by Birger Christensen. Wedding Styling: Betty Williamson. Florist: Rosehip & Berry. Invitations: Hello Snowflake. Celebrant: Aoife Bolger. Ceremony Singer: Weddings by Laura. Reception Music: Avoca String Quartet. Band & DJ: The Event Band. Make-up: Natasha Ray. Hair: Lou Merryweather. Cake: Wild Rose Artisan Cakes. Fireworks: Rocket Pyrotechnics. Videography: Michael Black.
See more photographs from Deanna and Jack’s wedding in the gallery below.
Photography by Michelle Prunty.
Want to see your Real Wedding on IMAGE.ie? Email shayna.healy@image.ie with the subject line ‘Real Wedding’.
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