Considering a two-part wedding? If you’re dreaming of tying the knot in Ireland before your destination wedding, this sublimely stylish summer celebration is all the inspiration you will need. Orlagh and Stephen wanted to get legally married in Dublin where their love story began ahead of their main wedding next summer in Barcelona. Based in NYC, their magical day in the heart of the Dublin was planned and styled fabulously by the bride. The couple wed in the elegant surrounds of the Old Physics Theatre at the Museum of Literature Ireland (MoLi) and they celebrated with a chic restaurant reception at BANG Restaurant.
Joined by 20 of their closest family and friends, their intimate wedding day boasted utterly divine style. We know you’ll be absolutely enthralled by Orlagh’s bridal look which was inspired by two fashion icons of the 60s. Lucky for us Anne S Photography was on hand to capture every dreamy moment, from their romantic ceremony to their drinks reception in the historic gardens. Enjoy!
Orlagh and Stephen met while working at Deloitte in Dublin which is only a stone’s throw from their stunning ceremony venue! Orlagh tells us, “We spent a lot of time in the area over the years, became friends, and stayed in touch when I moved to NYC.”
Now let’s fast forward to their stunning engagement. Stephen planned a beautifully intimate beach proposal (at sunset – swoon) while they were on holiday in Tofino on Vancouver Island.
A museum dedicated to the greatest storytellers in the world is such a romantic location to tie the knot. The couple exchanged vows in the Old Physics Theatre at the museum which boasts Neo-Gothic decor with sparkling chandeliers, hand-made wallpaper and tall windows that flood the space with light and offer beautiful views of the serene gardens.
Orlagh and Stephen are huge fans of Christy Moore and their ceremony readings included his song Beeswing.
Their choice of legal ceremony venue was not only the sweetest nod to their relationship but their parents too. “We met and fell in love in Dublin, and the venue is close to where both Stevie’s and my parents met, and where we spent our early days – it felt really special to come full circle.”
Being joined by their nearest and dearest was what made their Dublin wedding as magical as possible. “Being surrounded by our inner circle – immediate family, granny and some of the bridal party. It was so special to see them spending time together and bonding ahead of next year,” Orlagh reflects.
The breathtaking bride drew inspiration from legendary fashion designer Mary Quant and US First Lady Jackie Kennedy with her shift dress boasting a flowing cape.
The celebration began with a cava reception in the picturesque and beautifully tranquil gardens. Time stood still as they made memories to last a lifetime with their most cherished people.
The stylish bride sourced her dress in Huong Boutique in Vietnam and she completely transformed it to create a timeless and fresh wedding day ensemble. It was originally a maxi dress that Orlagh had altered into a mini shift dress. She kept the scarf detail long so it flowed behind her gracefully with every step and she had a matching Japanese knot bag made from the excess fabric.
Orlagh bought her sophisticated ruched wedding shoes from ASOS and she tea-stained them to achieve the right shade of cream to match her captivating cape dress.
Orlagh’s radiant makeup look was created by Gillian O’Toole and it included a bronzed shadow which made her piercing blue eyes sparkle even more magically. Susan Collins created her chic half-up-half-down hair style with a gentle beehive which was another stunning ode to the 60s.
So dapper! Stephen’s navy suit from M&S was so perfect for their timeless summer fete.
How utterly darling was her bouquet with a subtle blush spin by Floral Art Greystones?
“Having my granny there to celebrate with us was really special,” Orlagh shares. “She loved it!”
They kept the aesthetic simple for the legal ceremony since as they plan to have a bigger destination wedding. “The rooms and gardens at MoLi are stunning as they are. I brought pink hydrangeas and cream lace ribbon, and made personalised place names for the lunch,” Orlagh reveals.
After their drinks reception they strolled through the Stephen’s Green for lunch at the Scott Tallon Room in BANG Restaurant. “The intimacy of it all, and hearing lovely few words from Stevie at the restaurant, made it deeply personal,” Orlagh adds. Afterwards they met friends at a cosy snug in Doheny & Nesbitt’s to continue the celebrations.
“Enjoy all the little details of planning, and keep notes in your phone whenever inspiration strikes, whether it’s a song, an anecdote for a speech, or an idea for a visual detail,” Orlagh advises. “These small moments of inspiration become the special touches that make your day uniquely yours.”
The couple will hold their destination wedding in Barcelona next summer and we’ve no doubt it will be as jaw-droppingly chic. They plan on spending a few days relaxing in Costa Brava afterwards to unwind.
Congratulations Orlagh and Stephen! A very special thank you to our lovely couple and Anne S Photography for sharing this magical MoLi wedding with One Fab Day.
Check out our extensive Real Wedding archive for more stunning inspiration!
