A decade after their J-1 summer romance, fashion maven Rebecca and engineer Rob tied the knot in a light-filled orangery in Co Wicklow. As Rebecca describes it, their wedding theme was "romantic and relaxed elegance with luxurious details."
THE COUPLE
Rebecca, ladieswear buyer for Primark, and Rob, engineer at Eire.
THEY LIVE
In Dublin.
THE VENUE
Killruddery House Orangery (ceremony) and Clonwilliam House, Co Wicklow (reception).
PHOTOGRAPHY
Story of Eve.
THEY MET
We met on a J-1 in Montauk, New York in 2010. We were staying in a local guesthouse where most Irish college students lived, and we ended up having a summer romance while we were in the USA. As we lived on opposite sides of the country at that time, we didn’t see each other again until three years later.
We met again by chance on a night out in Dublin and immediately hit it off and started dating soon after that. We have been together for nine years and have been inseparable since.
THE PROPOSAL
Rob proposed in August 2020. Covid restrictions were just starting to lessen slightly at the time in Northern Ireland and we had planned a weekend away to Belfast to take advantage of the restaurants and hotels which were open. Rob popped the question at home with our dog Winston (who also made an appearance at our wedding!) just before we left for the trip.
I was so surprised, and we were delighted to be able to celebrate right after in Belfast. Rob treated us to two Michelin Star dinners at both Muddler’s Club and Ox, which were incredible. We had such a gorgeous, memorable weekend.
THE DRESS AND THE SUIT
I absolutely adored my dress! It is from the stunning Berta brand, based in Israel, which I found at a trunk show in Verona Bridal. I started looking early into our engagement – around November 2020 – as I knew finding a dress would be difficult for me as I am very petite. Working in fashion also made the dress and all my outfits for the weekend even more important to me.
The minute I tried on the dress; I knew it had all the key details that I was looking for. The dress had a beautiful tulle overskirt embroidered with gorgeous appliqués, that could be removed after the ceremony, providing two outfits in one for the wedding day, which I loved! The level of detail and embellishment across the dress was simply stunning.
Rob’s wedding suit was from Louis Copeland suit in Wicklow Street as we wanted something completely custom-made. Our point of contact was John Byrne, who was excellent. We selected a three-piece tuxedo suit in a Super 170 Loro Piana Wool fabric. He wore slim-fit trousers that matched his jacket – a slim single-button peaked lapel style with a contrast lining in burgundy satin; our initials and date are stitched into the left lining.
THE CEREMONY
I selected Killruddery Orangery for our ceremony venue as I thought the space would provide the perfect backdrop for our vows. This Victorian orangery contains a romantic statue gallery and is constantly flooded with light. The building is incredibly unique, and I knew would be a gorgeous addition to our wedding celebrations.
We did have a minor mishap right before our ceremony, but it all worked out in the end! Due to some miscommunication between the bridal parties, Rob arrived at the ceremony without his wedding ring. I was about to walk up the aisle but was then delayed as Rob and the groomsmen tried to find a substitute ring from one of the guests.
They were going row by row trying to find one that was just right – much to the guest’s entertainment! Rob finally found one that was a perfect fit from his uncle (who now claims to be the saviour of our wedding) and we were able to start the ceremony with our amazing celebrant Shona Weymes. Rob and I are still laughing about it now and it’s such a memorable, funny story we were able to share with our guests.
THE RECEPTION
We had our reception at Clonwilliam House, which is not only stunning but is located very close to where I grew up. Once we went in person to see the venue and met Miriam Clune, the fabulous owner, we knew it ticked all the boxes for us. Miriam had great attention to detail and beautiful taste which was evident in every aspect of the house.
Her home is utterly stunning and unique, with an excellent staff who made us feel completely at home. Miriam and her team were an absolute pleasure and helped create the wedding weekend of our dreams.
THE ENTERTAINMENT
We booked Arthur as our main wedding day entertainment – they were great! We also made Day 2 a true event for our friends and family, as many had travelled to be with us for the weekend celebrations. We had an excellent catering company called Adventure Catering provide the most delicious food. We also focused on entertainment such as games, clay pigeon shooting, and live music from Jamie Duff.
Our best decision by far for Day 2 entertainment was booking Shane Black. He is a mentalist who performed the most mind-blowing mental tricks. Our guests couldn’t stop talking about him and we were all in awe! Rob spent the whole honeymoon trying to figure out if he was magic.
THE DECOR
As I work in fashion and product development, I had a very clear vision for our wedding celebrations from the outset. Our theme was romantic and relaxed elegance with luxurious details. My colour scheme focused on ivory, creams, and shades of pink and gold. I wanted each element to marry back to the overarching vibe and aesthetic of the weekend.
My favourite detail was undoubtedly the florals. Tina from The Wild Bunch created showstopping installations, including a magnificent floral arch and hanging floral cloud, in the perfect colour palette. Miriam from Clonwilliam House also provided beautiful florals for the interior of the house which matched back perfectly with the overall aesthetic.
One other detail which I loved was the use of a consistent scent in our venues. Scent and memories go hand in hand – I love jasmine and chose this scent from Diptyque as our wedding candle scent. I had many of these candles dotted around the spaces so that a beautiful, memorable atmosphere was created for our guests.
THEIR TOP TIPS
Identify what’s important to you early on and what kind of venue you want to host your wedding in. Hotels, exclusive venues and home weddings all vary greatly, and it is probably the most important thing for setting the overall tone and feel for the day. Also, book your vendors as soon as you can once you have decided on your preferred suppliers. I would also recommend speaking with them or to trying to meet in person before you decide to push the button.
THEIR BEST MOMENTS
My favourite memory from the day was seeing my father at the ceremony. He had been quite unwell for a few months before the wedding and we were worried he might not be able to make the ceremony. Sadly, he passed away a few weeks after the wedding, but I was so happy that he was able to come and see me and Rob say our vows in front of all our friends and family.
THE FIRST DANCE SONG
One Touch – Acoustic by Grace George
THE CREW
Bride’s Dress: Berta. Bride’s Shoes: Aquazzura. Bride’s Accessories: Maria Tash Earrings & Bvlgari Bag. Groom & Groomsmen’s Suits: Louis Copeland. Groom’s Cufflinks: Mont Blanc. Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Shona Joy. Hair: Aidan Darcy. Make-Up: Sue Brophy. Florist: The Wild Bunch. Stationery: Lenka Calligraphy. Cake: Cove Cake Design. Music: Arthur. Celebrant: Shona Weymes. Rings: Bespoke Diamonds. Videography: House of Ren.
See more photographs from Rebecca and Rob’s wedding in the gallery below.
Photography by Story of Eve.
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This article was originally published in November 2023.
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