Seven years after a chance encounter at Forbidden Fruit, Rebecca and Nathan got married in a beautiful humanist ceremony at Clonwilliam House.
THE COUPLE
Rebecca, a radio presenter and podcaster and Nathan, who works in IT Sales.
THEY LIVE
in Dublin.
THE VENUE
Clonwilliam House, Co. Wicklow.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Adam and Grace.
THEY MET
We met at Forbidden Fruit 2016. We chatted for a bit but then went our separate ways. Later on, after some encouragement from my best friend, I went over to Nathan and asked him to join us for a drink at the bar. We’ve been together ever since!
THE PROPOSAL
We got engaged in August 2021 when Nathan surprised me with a trip to Adare Manor. A tiny part of me was a bit suspicious because I’m always the planner. After a stunning afternoon tea and several glasses of champagne, we went for a walk in the garden in the sunshine where he got down on one knee and popped the question. It was perfect.
THE WEDDING ATTIRE
I wore the Cora Cocotte dress from Vivienne Westwood. It was my dream dress. I had always loved Carrie Bradshaw’s wedding dress in Sex and the City and the second I tried it on, I knew it was the one. Nathan wore a custom tux from Louis Copeland. It was so classy and fit him like a glove.
THE CEREMONY
We had a humanist ceremony outdoors and it was so special because it felt so personal to us. It included our story, favourite songs, quotes and readings. There had been a huge storm the night before but miraculously, the clouds parted and the sun was shining as I walked down the aisle to “Simply The Best” by Tina Turner. When I saw Nathan and all of the most important people in our lives there, time stood still. It was magic.
THE RECEPTION
We loved that our ceremony and reception were in the same venue. It saved lots of time in terms of people travelling and meant we could spend more time with our guests and each other and do speeches throughout the day. We did personalised Bride and Groom cocktails so the drinks were flowing the second the ceremony finished!
We then moved into the barn lit by candles and twinkling lights for the evening meal. Naomi’s Kitchen did an incredible job with the catering. Music is so important to us both so we made playlists for all of the different parts of the wedding weekend and people were up dancing before dinner was over which is a sign of a good time.
The atmosphere was electric! I wish we could go back and do it all again.
THE ENTERTAINMENT
Spring Break was our band and they were absolutely LIT! We had seen them several times at Taste of Dublin over the years so we knew they wouldn’t disappoint. They had everyone up dancing and in a conga line! It was the party of our lives.
THE DECOR
Miriam has created the most beautiful wedding venue in Clonwilliam. The house is like a fairytale and the view is breathtaking. It’s like Bridgerton meets the Italian countryside. My jaw dropped when I drove up from the gates the first time. I’ve never been anywhere like it.
THEIR TOP TIPS
Savour every moment and try to get away for a quick, quiet drink with just the two of you. Also, trust your suppliers. They are experts and know what they’re doing. Everything really does come together so beautifully. Try to not sweat the small stuff and remember, the bride and groom set the tone for the day. Live it up!
THEY WISH THEY HAD
More time. The day goes by in a flash. We are so grateful for our brilliant photographer and videographer because they captured the day, details, emotion and fun so beautifully. Every time we look back at pictures and videos, it’s like we’re being transported back in time.
THEIR BEST MOMENTS
The energy and love on the morning of the wedding. Getting ready with our closest friends and family was so special. We had the tunes blaring and it’s a cliché but, there’s nothing like having everyone you love the most in one room. We will cherish the memories forever.
THE FIRST DANCE SONG
“How Deep Is Your Love” by The Bee Gees. It’s one of my parent’s favourite songs and we always listen to them when we visit them. It has always stopped me in my tracks.
THE CREW
Videographer: Dear Oliver. Venue: Clonwilliam House. Stationary: Evite You. Dress: Vivienne Westwood from The White Gallery. Make-Up: Lisa Shannon. Hair: Amy Donoghue.Bridal Flowers: Joeanna Caffrey. Venue Flowers: The team in Clonwilliam. Food: Naomi’s Kitchen. Cake: Violet, the mother of the groom, made it from scratch and did the most incredible job! Band: Spring Break. Ceremony Music: The Dublin Gospel Choir. Bridesmaid dresses: Rewritten. Jewellery: One Dame Lane. Extras: BumbleBee Cocktail Toppers. Audio guestbook: To Have And To Hear.
Photography by Adam and Grace.
Want to see your Real Wedding on IMAGE.ie? Email shayna.sappington@image.ie with the subject line ‘Real Wedding’.
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