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Real Weddings: Sophie and Andrew’s Gloster House wedding in Co Offaly

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by Shayna Sappington
17th Sep 2023

Sophie and Andrew tied the knot in the gorgeous, 300-year-old Gloster House in Co Offaly. And with such a stunning venue, only subtle decor was needed like dusty pink and white flowers, a lovely cake made by Sophie's auntie and pearly white balloons.

THE COUPLE
Sophie West, works in Havana boutique, and Stephen Flynn, works in IBM.

THEY LIVE
In Foxrock, Dublin.

THE VENUE
Gloster House, Co Offaly.

PHOTOGRAPHY
Ivana Patarcic Photography.

THEY MET
At a mutual friend’s 21st birthday party ten years ago. Then, in 2016 we matched on Tinder and the rest is history.

THE PROPOSAL
It was the height of lockdown in May 2020. I was waiting for restrictions to be lifted to bring Sophie to one of her favourite places, Finn Lough, to ask her. But with no sign of lockdown lifting, I had to use my imagination with the 5km rule. I took Sophie up to Kilternan for a walk and popped the question there.

THE DRESS AND THE SUIT
My dress was Caroline Castigliano – and I fell in love with it the minute I saw it in The White Room. We asked for more lace to make little cap sleeves and a short veil which I wore for the reception with an Aura Bow.

The suit was made to fit by Louis Copeland. Andrew loved going in and seeing the different stages it was in. It was a three-piece tux and shirt, and it was perfectly made for him.

THE CEREMONY
The ceremony was outside on the grounds of Gloster House. It was gorgeous and perfect and so personal. Our celebrant Billy Hutchinson was just incredible and made it so special. We had friends and family do readings and songs.

THE RECEPTION
The reception was outside with the Dublin String Quartet performing along with drinks and nibbles.

Our food was from Green Olive Catering – they’re so incredible and professional, and the food was just delicious. Jacinta was there with any enquiries big or small. She was amazing. 

THE ENTERTAINMENT
With Covid, we couldn’t have a band but we had a great DJ – Controversial All Stars.

THE DECOR
The decor was perfect; Appassionata did the flowers and my auntie and mum did a lot of the outside decor. The venue was so stunning that it worked perfectly with all the flowers. My cake was made by my auntie in London. She had done months of research and prep – it was so beautiful!

THEIR TOP TIPS
Don’t overthink or stress on the day; you only get this special day once. It’s so important to live in the moment. Soak up every single second as the day goes by so quickly. We loved having our Day Two and rehearsal dinner on-site, which made it a whole weekend of celebrations. Gloster House always gives you this option, so it was perfect for us.

THEIR BEST MOMENTS
We had the best day from start to finish – it was so special celebrating with all of our favourite people. We loved our ceremony so much; it was exactly what we wanted. Our favourite moments were when we said ‘I Do’ and when Andrew was doing his speech.

THE FIRST DANCE SONG
L-O-V-E by Nat King Cole.

THE CREW
Bride’s Dress: Caroline Castigliano. Bride’s Shoes: Loeffler Randall. Bride’s Earrings: Simone Rocha. Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Kalita. Bridesmaid Hair Clips & Jewellery: Simone Rocha. Make-Up Artist: Rachel Acton. Hair Stylist: Maria Daly. Groom’s Suit: Louis Copeland. Florist: Appassionata. Food: Green Olive Catering. DJ: Controversial All Stars.

See more photographs from Sophie and Andrew’s wedding in the gallery below.

Photography and Videography by Ivana Patarcic Photography.

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