If you’re craving a dose of city chic and romance, you’re in luck. The week ahead on Bridal Musings is packed with inspiration from the streets of Dublin. We’re kicking things off with Nancy and David’s charming winter wedding, which took place at a picturesque church nestled between two historic buildings. The intimate atmosphere was only amplified by the grand ballroom reception nearby, where Poppies and Me captured every unforgettable moment.
The Style & Vibe
Our vision for the special day was a timeless, nostalgic winter wedding, infused with a touch of vintage charm.
The Flowers
The exterior of the church was transformed with lush ivy and vibrant flowers wrapped around the pillars, while elegant lanterns from our trusted florist illuminated the entrance area. The bride’s bouquet was a stunning arrangement of white and cream hues, featuring roses, ranunculus, orchids, and freesia in perfect harmony. Meanwhile, the groom’s attire was elevated with delicate button holes, crafted from ranunculus heads in soft whites and creams that complemented the overall aesthetic.
The Ceremony
We carefully curated a selection of readings and music to complement our church ceremony. The readings themselves were thoughtfully chosen, featuring a mix of Old Testament and New Testament passages, including Song of Songs, First Letter to John, and John 4:12 from the Gospel.
My brother, a talented musician who sings with an esteemed choral group, served as our director of music, expertly guiding us through a diverse range of choral pieces, spanning Gregorian chants to Haydn, Mozart, Biebl, Villiers Stanford, and Widor. We were fortunate to have William Woods, the church’s in-house organist, lend his remarkable talents to some of the more challenging pieces on our list.
For the processional, we opted for a stately Prince of Denmark arrangement, while the recessional featured a joyful Widor piece that left a lasting impression.
The Photography
We fell in love with Poppies and Me’s photography style after seeing their stunning wedding photos. The vintage aesthetic resonated deeply with us, and their ability to capture life’s most precious moments was truly impressive. On our special day, they did an incredible job of freezing the best memories, making us feel like we were reliving the magic all over again.
Moreover, their photo booth was a huge hit – as the night went on, we found ourselves laughing and having a blast with some fantastic, unforgettable shots.
Unique Details
The decision to hold our wedding in Dublin, where I have roots, felt incredibly personal, David, who hails from England, and I reside in London, but there was something about returning home for the big day that felt right. Moreover, our guests were thrilled to combine their celebration with a mini getaway to this vibrant city. The Newman church, nestled in the heart of Dublin, proved to be a charming and intimate venue, thanks in part to its wonderful priest.
We also appreciated being able to stroll across Stephen’s Green from the church to the reception, making the day’s logistics surprisingly easy for our guests. Another highlight was a brisk but exhilarating photo shoot in the Iveagh gardens, a hidden gem tucked away behind Stephen’s Green.
The Refreshments
The Stephen’s Green Hibernian Club went above and beyond to cater to our refreshment needs, setting the tone for an unforgettable evening. The champagne reception got us started with an assortment of delectable canapés, including oysters paired with Guinness and quail eggs served with sundried tomatoes. As the night progressed, we indulged in a sumptuous, formal sit-down meal that perfectly complemented our winter wonderland wedding theme.
The menu featured a decadent soufflé followed by succulent organic free-range chicken – a true delight for our guests. Notably, my sister’s thoughtful gift to us was her own creation: a breathtaking traditional white icing cake adorned with flowers and filled with the richness of fruit cake. As an added bonus, we’ll be savoring the final layer of this masterpiece in a few months when our first child arrives.
The Wedding Music
At Stephen’s Green Hibernian Club, we were thrilled to host the Cotton Club Quartet. Our collaboration with Eamonn Moran, the group’s leader, spanned months as we curated a setlist of 1920s and 30s favorites that would keep everyone dancing. To amplify the sound, we added a trumpet and drummer to the quartet, resulting in a lively atmosphere where people of all ages – from the older generation to the youngest – danced non-stop.
Our first dance was a jazz rendition of Nina Simone’s ‘My Baby Just Cares for Me’, which got the party started on the right note. Later, we welcomed Rocky T Delgado, a talented Dublin DJ and close friend, who spun tracks till the wee hours, maintaining a packed dance floor despite the mid-winter chill.
Advice For Other Couples
We found One Fab Day particularly helpful for brainstorming our initial ideas. Additionally, I employed an iPhone app called ‘Wedding Planning Complete,’ which enabled me to efficiently manage our guest list, track expenses, and organize seating arrangements. Notably, this tool allowed us to stay on top of things without feeling overwhelmed. In hindsight, the most valuable advice we could offer is to genuinely enjoy the planning process.
Despite having only four months to plan our special day, we managed to avoid stress entirely because we had a clear understanding of what we wanted and were confident in our decisions. We simply went with our instincts and didn’t second-guess ourselves, allowing us to fully relax and focus on the excitement of the experience.
What 3 words best describe your wedding…
A symphony of joy, love, and serenity, as captured in the beautiful moments shared by David and Nancy We’re thrilled to have been a part of their special day, from the wedding celebrations to the arrival of their little one. Our gratitude extends to Poppies and Me, Irish wedding photographers, for entrusting us with these stunning images that bring a smile to our faces.