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"We met on bumble and had our first date in NoName Bar in Dublin. As we chatted and got to know each other we realised we had numerous friends in common and attended the same college at the same time – it certainly helped break the ice and from then on, we were inseparable.
We got engaged in March 2020, one week before the Country locked down due to Covid-19. Kevin had to quickly change his original plan of proposing in Bruges and instead planned a delicious meal and film night at home. While Mikaela was distracted desperately searching for an alternative to a Godzilla movie, he retrieved the ring and got down on one knee. I was shocked as my pure focus was on Netflix film choices. However, I happily accepted. We toasted with champagne and enjoyed some delicious steaks Kevin had cooked.
As we swiftly entered lockdown, the wedding planning did not begin immediately as we optimistically or naively thought everything would be back to normal in a few months. Once it was clear the world would not return to normal as quickly as anticipated we began planning in earnest in June 2020 for our June 2022 wedding. First up was the venue – we always knew we would love to get married in Bellingham Castle, not only is it a stunningly beautiful venue, but Kevin had also worked there for two years and knew the service and team were unmatched. Once the date was set, we began to move other pieces into place with a lot of zoom calls held with vendors. Luckily, we selected fabulous vendors who really made the whole planning process very smooth.
I went dress shopping with my Mam in Frilly Frocks Bridal in July 2021. My sister, Naoise, who lived in the US and could not travel due to Covid restrictions, actually picked the dress Mikaela bought online and had sent it on beforehand as her pick! It was the 6th dress tried on and I instantly knew that it was the one.
When it came to the shoes, as the dress was simple my shoes had to be unique. I chose the “Gigi” ivory pearl heel from Freya Rose online and loved them. The shoes were fabulous and comfortable and they have been worn multiple times since!
It wasn’t long until the big day. Many friends and family had travelled from abroad and it was wonderful to see them, especially those we had not seen since before the pandemic. On the morning of the wedding, we were able to get ready in our parents’ houses surrounded by the love of family and friends."
It was incredibly emotional ceremony and Kevin did shed a tear or two when he saw his bride.
We planned an Interfaith ceremony in Bellingham Castle with Rev. Lorraine McCarthy. We focused on making it as personal as possible through our choice of readings, music and by writing our own vows. We wanted to remember our grandparents who are no longer with us as we were very close to them and they had a huge impact on our lives. Not only was I wearing her granny’s engagement ring, we also had a table with different items symbolising each of them which was really special. Lighting the remembrance candle was a poignant part of the ceremony.
On the day we could really feel the love that everyone had for us, it is one of our most cherished memories, celebrating with our family and friends! The day went by in a flash but it really was the best day filled with so much love and joy.
Our first dance was to Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol. It is not only my favourite song, but also symbolises the moment Kevin knew he loved me while we held each other at a Snow Patrol concert.
In December, we flew over to Brugges in Belgium for the Christmas markets and we were finally able to visit the place Kevin had originally intended to propose. It was a lovely trip where we toured the city and took part in the wonderful markets. We had an amazing honeymoon in Japan in January, where we spent over three weeks visiting fantastic cities.
If you're inspired by Mikaela's beautiful wedding and are considering a designer wedding shoe like Gigi, shop the style below or find more of our iconic Mother of Pearl heels here.
Suppliers:
- Venue: Bellingham Castle (Instagram: @bellinghamcastle)
- Photographer: Kathy Silke (Instagram: @silkephotos)
- Videographer: ZethMedia (Instagram: @zethmedia_)
- Celebrant: Rev. Lorraine McCarthy (Instagram: @celebrantireland)
- Brides dress: Frilly Frocks Bridal (Instagram: @frillysireland)
- Grooms & groomsmen suits: Moss Bros (Instagram: @mossbros)
- Bridesmaids dresses: Folkster (Instagram: @shopfolkster)
- Flowers: Finesse Weddings (Instagram: @finesseweddings.ie)
- Brides Headpiece: White Designs Bridal (Instagram: @whitedesignsbridal)
- Band: The Nooks (Instagram: @thenooksmusic)
- Rings: Chupi (Instagram: @chupi)
- Shoes: Freya Rose (Instagram: @freyaroselondon)
- Hair: Lorraine Browne (Instagram: @lorrainebrownehair)
- Make up: Sinéad McMahon (Instagram: sineadmcmahonmakeup)
- Cake: Primrose Lane Bakery (Instagram: @primrose_lane_bakery)
- Invitations/mass booklets/table settings: LoveBlossoms (Instagram: @by_LoveBlossoms)
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