Planning a destination wedding can throw up its own unique challenges and US couple Kathryn and Gary embraced every twist and turn to bring their Dublin city celebration to life in all its glory. Based in Cleveland, Ohio, they dreamt of striking a balance with a ceremony that exuded historic and Dublin charm and a grand and luxurious evening reception. Their summer city fete oozed timeless elegance and was brought to life with the help of oodles of One Fab Day recommended suppliers.

Boasting magical monochrome style, Kathryn made our jaws drop with her bridal look which was contrasted oh-so-chicly by her leading ladies in black gowns and the grooms party in classic tuxes. They chose two awe-inspiring venues that exuded ornate glamour as they tied the knot at Smock Alley and partied like royalty at The College Green Hotel. Their celebration included white blooms married with lush greenery, a sophisticated cake and incredible entertainment which saw their guests ready for the dancefloor before the ‘I dos’ were even said. With contemporary and romantic wedding photos from Nina Val Photography, which included a fabulous photoshoot through the heart of the city, prepare to be enveloped in style and joy.

Kathryn and Gary tell us they are “high school sweethearts through and through” as they met in 2014 at a concert through mutual friends and they’ve been together ever since.

Gary dreamt up the sweetest plan when time came to pop the question. Kathryn tells us, “The proposal was perfect—Gary got down on one knee in downtown Cleveland on our walk back from Cleveland. Our families were there, hiding and popped out afterwards. Following the engagement, Gary had planned a party with all of our family and friends.”

From the beginning of their wedding planning journey, their top priority was their guests’ comfort. “This being an overseas wedding, our guests already had to fly 7+ hours from the States, so we really wanted things to be as simple as possible in an already complex scenario. Both our ceremony and reception venues being in the heart of Dublin/Temple Bar was the absolute best case scenario!”

Timeless and wonderfully contemporary, Kathryn’s breathtaking bridal ensemble included a basque waist Julie Vino gown which she accessorised with Gucci sandals, pearl earrings and a veil edged with delicate lace.

Fiona Harrison created Kathryn’s polished yet natural bridal beauty look which was married with a superbly sleek bun by Sinead McGoldrick.

It was a sensational and sustainable style moment for the grooms party who rented their tuxes from CT2Suits.

The couple held their ceremony at the Banquet Hall at Smock Alley. Built in 1662 as Ireland’s first Theatre Royal, it is a restored 17th-century theatre building and it still boasts the captivating stain glass windows today. It is a truly dazzling background for exchanging vows.

How special was the first look between Kathryn and her proud-as-punch father?

Kathryn and Gary’s first look absolutely melted our hearts too.

Kathryn’s incredibly chic mother is a bridal consultant at Radiant Bride where she bought her wedding dress. “She actually sold me my dress. An incredibly special memory,” she reflects.

The bridal party arrived to the ceremony together, what an epic way to kick off the proceedings!

Live violinist Courtney Cullen played during the ceremony and she helped get their guests in the party frame of mind. “Before we walked down the aisle, Courtney also played a few songs while guests got seated and I was told that the Pink Pony Club instrumental was a hit. Tough being the bride/groom and having to miss that.”

Kathryn and Gary’s dear friend Colman Donohoe officiated their ceremony which made the experience so personal, heartfelt and unforgettable.

Their favourite piece of ceremony music was the violin version of Your Song by Elton John as the reflection piece. “It was so beyond special,” Kathryn reminisces.

“Smock Alley was ‘the one’ not only because of the insane stained glass windows within, but also the history behind the building,” she reveals.

They shed more light on planning their Irish destination wedding all the way from the US, “In general, the majority of our vendors were found via social media. After finding our venues, we looked at the social media platforms of them and to find other weddings. From there, we looked at other people’s vendors and did our own research on their work. It’s amazing how ‘simple’ it was to find such incredible talent online all while sitting in our home 3,500 miles away from it all.”

Their summer wedding was a masterclass in monochrome magic. “Everything about our wedding was beyond elegant. From the tuxedos, black bridesmaid dresses, white/green florals, and the venues themselves.”

The newlyweds enjoyed a sun-kissed photoshoot through the bustling streets and they were surrounded by joy everywhere they went. “We were lucky enough to have a 70 degree day with full sun (who gets that in Dublin!?). Everybody on the streets, sitting outside at the pubs were just lovely. I don’t think there was a single person that didn’t clap, wish us congrats, whistle, or a take a photo of their own. We felt so special and so loved in a city that isn’t even our own. It’s a memory that we will cherish for the rest of our lives!”

Talk about an epically elegant veil moment!

The couple didn’t need to add any décor or rentals, they let the splendour of their luxurious venue speak for itself. “Our incredible florist gave us all the décor we needed through his incredible talent. Everything was so grand and once our guests entered each room, the room just lit up with love. The overall vibe of the day was radiant.”

Tom and Abby the husband and wife duo behind White Phoenix Wedding Films captured all the magic of their dream day with their signature cinematic and carefree style.

With ornate plasterwork ceilings, marble pillars and dazzling Waterford Crystal chandeliers each adorned with over 8,000 crystals, the Banking Hall at The College Green Hotel was the most decadent location for their once-in-a-lifetime celebration.

Planning and styling was headed up by Wednesday Wedding Club and The College Green Hotel events team was also integral to ensuring their dream day ran without a hitch. “Emunah Metoudi, couldn’t have done it without her!”

Their buttercream wedding cake with elegant ribbed icing was created by Camerino Bakery.

Take the leap and plan your wedding even if complications arise in the process, they advise. “So many times throughout the process we thought to ourselves, ‘We should’ve just eloped’—but we’re so glad we didn’t. Planning a wedding overseas was no easy task, but all the blood, sweat, and tears were 100% worth it. We’d do it 10x over again if we could.”

Kathryn and Gary took to the dancefloor for the first time as a married couple to The Best by Tina Turner, pure magic!

Kathryn and Gary chose sun-kissed Santorini as their honeymoon spot. “We totally recommend anyone go here if you love the heat, Greek salad, and incredible views.”

Congratulations Kathryn and Gary! Thank you to our wonderful couple and Nina Val Photography for sharing today’s captivating city wedding with One Fab Day! You can see more stunning images in the gallery below.

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