Couple: Emma and Conor
Engagement length: Just over 2 years
Wedding date: 2021-12-21
Wedding location: The Stephens Green Club
Photographer: Aidan Beatty Photography
Emma and Conor first met at a mutual friend’s party in 2012. It wasn’t until December 2015 when they matched on Tinder and their relationship began. Conor popped the question when they were on holiday in Australia in 2019.
“We arrived to Sydney and decided to do a walk in the Botanic Gardens. Couldn’t have planned it better. With the sun setting, there was a view of the Sydney Opera House and Bridge and while we were walking along he asked did I want to stop to take a picture. As I was turning around I could hear him say “You should put this on though for the photo”. There he was down on one knee, holding out the most beautiful engagement ring. It took me a while to say anything as it was so unexpected. I was trying to figure out if it was all some weird joke haha. Eventually I put Conor out of his misery and replied with my ‘Yes!'”
“We had decided to go with a winter wedding as both Conor’s brother and sister all haven’t been home for Christmas as a family for many years. (Unfortunately with Covid restrictions they were unable to attend the day) As it was winter time we were drawn to colours of forest green, cream and burgundy. And these were reflected in the flowers and bridesmaid dresses.”
Emma chose a gorgeous two piece dress from Folkster. She wore a long sleeve low back lace body suit and a long white crepe skirt.
Conor wore a navy 3 piece suit with a light gray/blue vest and navy tie. He had brown leather shoes.
The beautiful bridesmaids wore forest green chiffon maxi dresses with a plunge neckline and ruched bodice. They also had white faux fur crop jackets for outside. The groomsmen had matching suits with a navy vest and forest green ties.
“We had a humanist wedding ceremony with Graham Barrett. He helped us create a lovely personal ceremony where we were able to include our family and friends. We participated in the candle lighting ceremony with both mothers, the fathers performed a ribbon fastening ceremony with us and a bridesmaid and groomsmen had a reading. We also had a ring blessing ceremony among our guests and a sand ceremony too.”
“The Stephens Green Club is a stunning venue. The place just exudes character, charm and comfort. A hidden gem in Dublin City Centre. From the moment you walk through the door you’re immersed in the history of the venue and remarkable decor. When we were looking at wedding venues, we felt so welcome by the staff here and never felt like just another customer. The professionalism and friendly demeanor by everyone we encountered helped make our day extra special. We had our ceremony and reception together in the same venue which was handy for our guests. The main room for the ceremony is just breathtaking.”
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Emma and Conor are both big whiskey drinkers, so for favours they made individual corked glass bottles filled with Jameson. They made little labels which said ‘Take a shot, we tied the knot’. They also went with a Band/DJ for entertainment because they felt there’s nothing like live music to get the party going. Sax and the City had everyone dancing the whole night.
From the bride: “I just loved the whole atmosphere of the day. Especially during these Covid times it was great to not think about Covid for one day. You could see on everyone’s faces the delight to have a bit of normality again. The getting ready part at home was very exciting and I loved the moment of walking into the room and seeing Conor standing there with all our friends and family. I also enjoyed the sneaky Conga line through the venue we had with the band’s saxophonist.”
From the groom: “Agree with Emma. I just remember sitting down at the dinner and looking around and seeing everyone enjoying each other’s company and having a great time and thought it was just fantastic to see after the rough 2 years we’ve all had.”
“Try book all your main things as early as you can as it will take a bit of pressure off. We think a videographer is definitely worth it if you’re on the fence. Also try take in as much as you can on the day. It’s true what they say, it goes by so quick. Don’t be getting stressed about things that are out of your control. It’s going to be an amazing day no matter what.”
Suppliers
Ceremony and Reception venue: The Stephens Green Club | Planner/coordinator: Helen from The Stephens Green Club | Photographer: Aidan Beatty Photography | Videographer: Two Paws Video | Band and DJ: Sax and the City | Hair: Dovile Hair & Makeup Artist | Makeup: Pamela Matthews Hair & Makeup | Couple’s outfits: Folkster and Carl Gross Dublin | Wedding party outfits: ASOS and Carl Gross Dublin | Cake: Colleague at work | Celebrant/solemniser: Graham Barrett | Stationery: Friend | Jewellery/rings: Appleby | Flowers: Celine’s Flowers