Real Weddings: Johanna Dooley’s dreamy pastel wedding in Co Wicklow
Fashion stylist Johanna Dooley tied the knot with her longtime boyfriend Conor in a picturesque church ceremony, followed by a fairytale reception at Powerscourt House and Gardens. Think pastel hues, vintage cakes, bespoke bows and, in true sustainable style, rented dresses for guests.
THE COUPLE
Johanna Dooley, personal stylist, and Conor Grogan, trainee solicitor.
THEY LIVE
In Dublin.
THE VENUE
Ceremony: Holy Rosary Church, Greystones – where I had always dreamt of walking down the aisle.
Reception: Powerscourt House & Gardens, Enniskerry, Co Wicklow.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Christina Brosnan.
THEY MET
We met through friends on a night out back in 2011. Conor and I have been together for 14 years!
THE PROPOSAL
What I thought was a birthday trip to Paris turned into the most magical moment — Conor proposed by the River Seine after lunch. It was a dream! We FaceTimed our family and friends straight after and then spent the next few days soaking it all in.
THE WEDDING ATTIRE
My dress was a custom gown by Emma Beaumont Atelier (Knutsford, Manchester). Emma understood my vision completely. Each trip to Knutsford was so special – my mum came with me every time! Conor’s suit was from Louis Copeland.
Each of our bridesmaids wore a different dress in shades of pink. I styled them myself and sourced the looks from a mix of rental companies. I wanted each of the girls to feel like themselves.
THE ENTERTAINMENT
We had Avoca String Quartet perform at the church and drinks reception. As we exited the ceremony, a singer performed All You Need Is Love (a nod to my favourite film, Love Actually).
Post-dinner, Riff Shop’s Love Sensation got the party started; they were so much fun!
THE DECOR
My mum and I planned and styled the entire wedding – it’s something we absolutely love doing together. I had a very clear vision, and each vendor brought it to life beautifully.
- Invitations: Designed with Eleanor Isabelle Art – featuring a unique twist: as co-founder of rental platforms, I included outfit rental codes for guests to use. My “something borrowed” extended to them.
- Place cards and menus: Romantic and whimsical – bow-shaped for ladies, tie-shaped for gents, and cake-shaped menus (I’m obsessed with anything die-cut).
- Bespoke bows: Satin bows outside Powerscourt by Aisling Kavanagh Design, and metallic silver bows inside the venue handmade by my mum.
- “Kisses from the Bride”: I gave each bridesmaid a handwritten letter and Charlotte Tilbury goodies the morning of the wedding.
- Cakes: We started with the idea of having one small cake… but ended up with five! Claire from The Fox and the Flour created the dreamiest vintage-style pastel cakes, each with a playful saying. They looked (and tasted) so good!
THEIR TOP TIPS
Get a wedding co-ordinator! I had Bella on board for the weekend – someone I’ve worked with for years and trust completely. She handled everything behind the scenes so I could truly enjoy every moment. It was the best decision.
THEY WISH THEY HAD
We have no regrets; we’re just so grateful we had this incredible weekend with our closest family and friends. We’re still feeling so lucky.
THEIR BEST MOMENTS
The whole weekend was magical. Having all our favourite people in one place to celebrate was incredibly special — something we’ll never forget.
THE FIRST DANCE SONG
Mr. Brightside by The Killers.
BRIDAL WARDROBE
- Rehearsal dinner: Custom suit set by Aisling Kavanagh Design, styled with Miu Miu Ballet Heels (sourced via Vestiaire Collective).
- Morning of: I wore pink feather Sleeper PJs. My bridesmaids wore Sleeper dresses – all rented from Irish and UK platforms.
- Wedding dress and veil: Custom dress by Emma Beaumont Atelier. The design included a unique built-in bow (a nod to my ballerina days) and a scalloped hem inspired by a vintage card – the perfect final touch.
- Shoes: Miu Miu satin ballerina flats from Vestiaire – elegant and timeless, and something I’ll wear again!
- Day Two: I wore a Paloma Wool skirt and corset, Chanel ballet flats (Vestiaire), and a Simone Rocha cake bag (cutest bag, ever!).
THE CREW
Wedding Dress: Emma Beaumont Atelier. Groom & Groomsmen’s Suits: Louis Copeland. Hair: Brysglam. Make-up: Kirstie Murphy. Wedding Bands: Chupi. Florist: Shop the Garden. Cakes: The Fox and The Flour. Videography: Little Bear Films. Secondary Photographer: Zoe Ardiff.
See more photographs from Johanna and Conor’s wedding in the gallery below.
Photography by Christina Brosnan.
Want to see your Real Wedding on IMAGE.ie? Email shayna.healy@image.ie with the subject line ‘Real Wedding’.
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