Real Weddings: Shauna and Conor’s romantic Dublin wedding day

by Sarah Gill
01st Nov 2023

Though their wedding may have fallen on the wettest July on record, this Dublin couple certainly didn’t let a few raindrops dampen their spirits.

THE COUPLE
Shauna Dowling, Product Manager, and Conor O’Kelly, Software Engineer.

THEY LIVE
in Vancouver, BC, Canada, but are both originally from Dublin.

THE VENUE
Ceremony: St John the Baptist Church, Blackrock, Dublin.
Reception: Luttrellstown Castle, Castleknock, Dublin.

PHOTOGRAPHY
John Gillooley.

THEY MET
On Tinder, and were studying in UCD at the same time.

THE PROPOSAL

On a wintery, wet, and windy Eve of Christmas Eve 2020, Conor was very determined to meet Shauna for a walk. Deterred by the weather, Shauna suggested they head for a coffee instead, but Conor was adamant about a walk. They decided to head to Glendalough, where they were one of four cars in the 150-space carpark!

They meandered to the shore of Glendalough Upper Lake. They paused and stood to enjoy the view, or at least what they could see through the rain. When Conor broke out waxing lyrical poetry, Shauna knew something special was about to happen. With a warm smile on bended knee, Conor asked if Shauna would become his wife. Without requiring a single moment to think about it, she exclaimed “YES!”

THE DRESS AND THE SUIT

Hers: I knew what I didn’t want but didn’t know exactly what I wanted so tried on a number of gowns. Following searches from coast to coast of Canada, and up and down Ireland, I fell for a classic, A-line silhouette by Morilee in the Dublin Bridal House, Rathfarnham. It had every detail with dramatic train, beautiful buttons, slit, and even had pockets! On a whim, I decided to put straps on the dress a few days before the wedding that I found on Etsy. Dublin Bridal House have some really talented seamstresses that worked some magic and delivered for the big day.

His: Protocol for Men, Dawson Street came recommended to us by a cousin (thanks Mina!). We knew we wanted a classic, good cut, black tie and they certainly delivered. Groomsmen also rented from them and were able to get the rentals tailored and picked up at times that worked for them – a big plus!

THE CEREMONY

After a December 2020 engagement in Ireland coming back from Vancouver, we’d seen how difficult travel with Covid restrictions was. Knowing we were going to have to travel (and hoping some guests would be travelling too) we knew we wanted to reduce impact of Covid restrictions on the day so set a date for 2023.

July 2023 was the wettest on record, so we tried our best to not let it dampen our spirits. We both got ready at/near home. Umbrellas were needed for the lashings of rain – Classic and Executive Cars were so well prepared with carpet to mind the dresses and multiple umbrellas to protect the hair and makeup. Conor’s family are engine mad so having a Rolls Royce with full original spec was very cool.

We had a Catholic wedding ceremony in Blackrock Church. Fr Peter Sexton, who previously worked in the secondary school Conor went to, was our celebrant. Shauna’s parents and maternal grandparents were married in the same church, so it was special to walk in their footsteps.

The Dublin String Quartet added a special kind of magic that only music can to the ceremony. String accompaniment will forever be the soundtrack of this memorable day. They followed suit to the reception as well and their ability to transition from Morricone, Bach, and Vivaldi to Coldplay, Britney Spears and U2 certainly gave a Bridgerton vibe!

THE RECEPTION

Upon arrival at Luttrellstown the red carpet was rolled out, welcoming prosecco flowing, and canapés being enjoyed. Every whim we had was met, the only “no” we heard was followed by “problem” – “no problem”. Exploring the venue grounds a little bit for the bridal portraits was pure bliss. The old trees on Luttrellstown grounds, particularly the tree lined entrance, was a major draw of the venue to us. We were lucky our photographer had worked at that venue before and knew where some of the best spots were – we also had access to a golf buggy which saved time!

THE ENTERTAINMENT
Wanting the day to feel like a true celebration we booked a “Secret Singer” which was one of the things most commented on by guests. After dessert the singer made a surprise entrance dressed as a waiter. The entrance was such a surprise for some doctors in attendance were called over and it even elicited a 999 call. Soon after he started singing everyone was up, napkins swinging. At one point even a conga line formed through the venue. Cannot recommend more.

The benefit of a longer engagement period is a longer lead time for planning and the chance to get highly sought after entertainment like Spring Break, the ’80s tribute band. The energy was already high after the Secret Singer and this band kept it at that pitch. The dancefloor emptied only once and that was when the midnight snacks were brought out!

THE DECOR
Both Blackrock church and Luttrellstown Castle are special settings and so we didn’t need to go overboard on decoration. We tried as much as possible to reuse floral arrangements from the ceremony to the celebration. Frog Prince were incredibly accommodating with this and coordinated the movement of flowers. They listened to every fancy but really worked within the budget. We (Shauna) wanted a natural, romantic feel to the arrangements with a selection of leafy florals. Rather than having smaller arrangements like pew ends, we had 3-4 larger pieces that we could reuse. The doorway arch was put to the test with gusts of wind, and we can confirm it was very structural sound!

It’s the small touches that can make your day your own. Tradition and family mean a lot to both of us so we had photos of each sets of parents on their wedding days, and each set of grandparents too. It was lovely to see how somethings change like length of wedding dress or morning suit but love never goes out of style.

THEIR TOP TIPS

It’s your day – you don’t need to do anything you don’t want to. Whether it be a first dance, a day two, or even cake, it’s up to you.
DIY brings costs down but can be mentally taxing. Use friends and family for support, whether it’s to delegate or even if it’s just a whinge, it really does take a village.
Put the Pinterest down after a certain point.
Accept that it’ll never go exactly to plan.

THEY WISH THEY HAD…

We genuinely wouldn’t have changed a thing (not even the rain)!

THEIR BEST MOMENTS

Shauna’s drive down to the church with her dad Denis and Conor’s drive across the city with his brother and best man Oran are memories we’ll cherish forever.
The rain cleared for the perfect length of time for a confetti tunnel just before dinner (and this also made for great pictures!).
The food – it was gourmet from the first bite, and delicious until the last.
Dancing through the night with family and friends, particularly those that we haven’t seen in a long time.

THE FIRST DANCE SONG
You’ve Got the Love — Florence and Machine.

THE CREW

Thank you to everyone who made our day happen!

Photography: John Gillooley. Videography: Shane Prunty. Make Up: Blush. Hair: Jenny B. Venue: Luttrellstown Castle Resort. Dress: Erin, Morilee, Dublin Bridal House. Suit: Protocol for Men. Cake: Thunders Bakery. Car: Classic and Executive Cars. Ceremony and Reception Music: Dublin String Quartet. Entertainment: Spring Break Official; Secret Secreto; Shoot Booth.