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Real Weddings: Gregory and Kelly tie the knot with an elegant ceremony in Bellingham Castle
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Nick O'Keeffe Photography

Real Weddings: Gregory and Kelly tie the knot with an elegant ceremony in Bellingham Castle


by Shayna Sappington
24th Jan 2025

From the first date in a Manhattan wine bar to their engagement overlooking the fjords of Norway, Gregory and Kelly’s love story blossomed despite the challenges of a global pandemic.

THE COUPLE
Gregory, world-class violin soloist, consultant, and speaker; and Kelly, senior vice president of communications for Shamin Abas.

THEY LIVE
in Manhattan.

THE VENUE
Bellingham Castle, Co Louth.

PHOTOGRAPHER
Nick O’Keeffe Photography.

THEY MET
While we initially connected online, our love story really began in an unlikely sanctuary — a quiet South African wine bar called Kaia on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. On a chilly December evening in 2019, just a few months before the world was plunged into COVID restrictions, we decided to meet for a drink. Our conversation flowed effortlessly as we bonded over our shared heritage, travel dreams, and love of wine. We shut down the restaurant at 11pm and moved to a bar where the conversation continued well into the night. We ended up shutting that venue down at 2am! That chance encounter blossomed into a love story that flourished even through the challenges of a global pandemic.

THE PROPOSAL
Greg proposed in Bergen, Norway, on the top of a mountain overlooking the fjords. We had been visiting Dublin the week before, so I was thinking Greg would propose there since it’s his hometown, but he had me fooled! He got down on one knee with a majestic view behind him and popped the question.

THE DRESS & THE SUIT
I chose a Pnina Tornai gown adorned with intricate lace detailing, beautifully complementing the timeless elegance of Bellingham Castle. The dress embodied both sophistication and romance, with delicate appliqué that mirrored the lush greenery surrounding the castle.

Greg wore a custom black Irish linen tuxedo by Proper Cloth, celebrating his Irish heritage with a modern twist. Each accessory held sentimental value, honouring loved ones who had passed — I wore Gregory’s mother’s engagement ring, his grandmother’s opal, and my own grandmother’s angel pin, secured to the ribbon of my bouquet. Greg wore his late friend Christo’s pocket square and his father’s cufflinks, while his boutonniere included lily of the valley, his mother’s favourite flower, making his attire profoundly personal.

THE CEREMONY 
Held on October 2, 2024, the wedding took place at Bellingham Castle. We exchanged vows in an outdoor ceremony surrounded by lush castle grounds/gardens and 120 of our closest family and friends from all over the world. Our dear friend, David O’Leary, served as the officiant. As one of the first individuals who got to know us as a couple, he delivered the perfect mix of humour and heartfelt commentary.

One thing that was incredibly special for us was having two of our godparents serve as our ring bearers. My godfather, Jeffrey, travelled from Michigan to attend the wedding, while Greg’s godmother, Caroline, in her 80s, came all the way from New Zealand to celebrate with us. It meant so much to have them both there with us.

THE RECEPTION
The reception took place in the Bute Suite, an elegant yet welcoming space where guests enjoyed a beautifully prepared gourmet meal, punctuated by humorous and heartfelt speeches and toasts. Amongst the courses, we chose to serve nettle soup as part of the dinner — a meaningful nod to Irish tradition and a tribute to the many loved ones who had travelled to be with us. Greg also curated the playlists for the reception and dinner, incorporating songs that had personal significance for everyone in the room – some of which were his late parents’ favourite pieces.

THE ENTERTAINMENT
Since Greg is a violinist, music played a central role in the celebration. He arranged all the ceremony music, performed beautifully by Eleanor Norton and Ailbhe McDonagh on cellos. The band, POPLIFE, was incredible, getting the entire wedding on the dance floor within seconds and keeping the party going all night.

THE DECOR
The décor was simple yet elegant, incorporating elements of Irish heritage and modern touches. Laura Chalcroft, owner of Iris & the Bee, curated all the floral arrangements for the day. Knowing our style well, she used local Irish greenery with touches of white florals, Lisianthus Alissa Pure and David Austin Patience Roses to enhance the romantic ambiance of the venue. The arrangements added a natural beauty to the castle’s charm, creating a romantic, timeless atmosphere.

THEIR TOP TIPS
Take time to pause and take it all in. The day flies by, but those small moments shared just between the two of you make it truly unforgettable. Don’t stress over the things that don’t go exactly as planned — it will all be okay because everyone is there for you.

THEY WISH THEY HAD
Honestly, everything went exactly as we visualised it. Since we plan events regularly in our own professions, we were meticulous in our preparations in the 12 months prior, focusing on making everyone feel included. The structure and checklist we put in place allowed us to enjoy the day without any stress. The castle staff were absolutely amazing when it came to execution. They made it all feel so seamless!

THEIR BEST MOMENTS
Listening to Kelly’s vows, which included a letter to my parents who had passed away, was incredibly emotional. Giving my speech and looking around the room at everyone we love gathered together felt absolutely magical.  Greg

The song that Greg composed for me is something that I will never forget. It was such a beautiful moment. — Kelly

THE FIRST DANCE SONG
Rather than a first dance, at the end of dessert, Greg performed two songs. While I knew he was going to play, I did not know what songs he had selected! His first song was one he performs often and is one of my favourites, Zombie by The Cranberries. For his second, I didn’t know he had spent months composing a new piece specifically for the occasion that he dedicated to me! Entitled ‘Til The End Of Time, Greg had me – and the entire audience in tears with his sweet surprise.

THE CREW
Bride’s Dress: Pnina Tornai. Groom’s Suit: Proper Cloth. Flowers: Iris & the Bee. Photography: Nick O’Keeffe Photography. Wedding Content Creator: Your Story. By Elle. Make-up: Jess Mulpeter. Hair: Michelle O’Halloran. Ceremony Music: Eleanor Norton and Ailbhe McDonagh. Band: Poplife.

See more photographs from Gregory and Kelly’s wedding in the gallery below.

Photography by Nick O’Keeffe Photography.

Want to see your Real Wedding on IMAGE.ie? Email shayna.sappington@image.ie with the subject line ‘Real Wedding’.

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