Real Weddings: Hannah and Ruairí’s dreamy nuptials at Powerscourt House
With the Sugarloaf providing the breathtaking backdrop, college sweethearts Hannah and Ruairí planned the perfect wedding at Powerscourt House.
THE COUPLE
Hannah Tracey and Ruairí Brodigan, both public servants.
THEY LIVE
in Co Louth.
THE VENUE
Powerscourt House & Gardens, Co Wicklow.
PHOTOGRAPHY
THEY MET
One summer in college, we both found ourselves working in ‘the local’. We quickly became friends, and in the months that followed, we fell in love. Fast forward ten years, and we’ve qualified in our respective fields, lived abroad, adopted Mabel (our fox terrier), bought our first home, and got married!
THE PROPOSAL
We got engaged in Central Park, New York. Ruairí had intended to rent a rowboat and propose on the water, but as it was March 30, and the boathouse didn’t open until April 1, his plan didn’t come to fruition! Unphased, he improvised in real time and instead popped the question as we sat on a park bench overlooking the lake. It was perfect. From there, we made our way to Tiffany & Co. on 5th Avenue and celebrated with champagne in The Plaza.
THE DRESS AND THE SUIT
My wedding dress was a custom Sharon Hoey. I saw it modelled at an event for brides-to-be and fell completely in love with it (I made an appointment with Sharon the following week). Ruairí’s tuxedo was made-to-measure by Abrahams on South Anne Street.
THE CEREMONY
Many years ago, my family took a day trip to Powerscourt, and on that particular day, there was a wedding on the grounds of the estate. I always laugh and say that I chose the wedding venue there and then!
As we exchanged vows in Powerscourt House, with its exposed brick walls and marble sculptures, it felt as though we had stepped back in time. We were also handfast, as we loved the symbolism of this Irish tradition.
THE RECEPTION
We had drinks on the terrace in the sun with our guests (we recall the rosé went down particularly well!).
THE ENTERTAINMENT
The talented Castle Strings played at our ceremony, including covers of It’s Time by Imagine Dragons and Sweet Disposition by Temper Trap. The music took our breath away and moved many to tears.
The Bratz Band were amazing (would highly recommend the six-piece band with two brass players).
The Sugarloaf was also a paid actor on the day!
THE DECOR
Powerscourt is really beautiful, and we wanted to respect the integrity of the House and all its features. It was the decor! To add some colour, my mum picked up 25 bouquets of blue hydrangeas on Grafton Street the day before the wedding for our table centrepieces.
For bouquets, I thought the calla lilies were so elegant and emulated the movement in my scarf. Our written materials (invitations, signage, table numbers, etc.) were all black and white as well.
THEIR TOP TIPS
If timings allow on the day, defer the photographs for an hour and attend your own drinks reception. You won’t regret it.
Lastly, remember it’s your day, so do it unapologetically your way.
THEY WISH THEY HAD
We wouldn’t change a thing. Everything fell into place on the day, with thanks to those who worked so hard to make it perfect for us.
THEIR BEST MOMENTS
- Getting ready – Was just so fun!
- The ceremony – We still tear up thinking about it.
- The reception – As we were blessed with a gorgeous day, we were able to enjoy drinks out on the terrace, which was everything we’d hoped for.
- The meal – The burrata was *chef’s kiss*.
- The party – We danced all night!
- At the heart of it – Bringing together the people that we love. We had friends travel from all over the world to be there, which meant more to us than they’ll ever know.
- Lastly – Wishing all the very best to any brides/grooms-to-be reading this. It’s such a special time. Enjoy it all.
THE FIRST DANCE SONG
This Will Be by Natalie Cole.
THE CREW
Venue: Powerscourt House & Gardens. Rehearsal Dinner: Powerscourt Hotel. Wedding Coordinator: Orlaith Roe, Feast. Content Creator: Just Murried. Dress: Sharon Hoey. Tux: Abraham’s South Anne Street. Rings: Tiffany & Co. Shoes: Manolo Blahnik. Earrings: Wolf & Badger. Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Meskhi. Flower Girl’s Dress: Reiss Kids. Make-Up: Celine Slamon. Ceremony & Reception Music: Castle Strings. Band: The Bratz Band. Flowers: Forever Flowers.
See more photographs from Hannah and Ruairí’s wedding in the gallery below.
Photography by Elaine Barker Photography.
Want to see your Real Wedding on IMAGE.ie? Email shayna.healy@image.ie with the subject line ‘Real Wedding’.
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