Meet Lhuanna and Erik! After meeting on Tinder and a long-distance relationship our beautiful couple made it up the aisle during a gorgeous late spring wedding at The Johnstown Estate.
Couple: Lhuanna & Erik
Engagement length: 2.5 years
Wedding date: 2025-05-15
Wedding photographer: Darren Byrne Photography
Wedding venue: The Johnstown Estate
Videographer: Doyenne Films by Juliana
“Erik and I met on Tinder in December 2018 and had a memorable first date at Little Venice on Old Airport Road, Santry. Wanting to make a lasting impression, Erik told the waiter it was my birthday – even though my birthday wasn’t until April. With the restaurant’s help, Erik serenaded me with “Happy Birthday,” and thankfully I didn’t run for the door! By January 2019, we officially became a couple after a quickly arranged trip to Galway. A couple of days later Erik threw a curveball as he told me of a move to the Netherlands as he was looking for an opportunity to kickstart his career. Despite the challenges of long distance – and a global pandemic – we grew even closer. When Erik returned home in October 2020, we took the next big step and moved in together under Erik’s parents’ roof.”
Two years after Erik’s return to Ireland the couple became engaged, as Lhuanna explains;
“In November 2022, we placed a deposit on our first home, marking the beginning of an exciting chapter in our journey – little did I know, but Erik had a ring hidden in his parent’s house and was trying to figure out when the best time was to ask THE question. In December 2022, we travelled to Brazil to meet my family and spent a wonderful month getting to know them. This was Erik’s first time meeting them in person, and my first time seeing them since my move to Ireland in June 2018. During that trip, Erik nervously asked my parents (with the help of Google tranlsate!) for their blessing before proposing to me. Thankfully, they said yes! From the fateful first date to today, our love has been an adventure filled with laughter, growth, and the support of our incredible family and friends.”
The couple chose The Johnstown Estate during a chance visit one afternoon;
“I had heart set on a particular place but Erik suggested that we visited somewhere else, and on the spot rang The Johnstown Estate and asked if we could drive out and have a look, Raina was more than happy to accommodate.
Within 40mins we drove down the driveway of The Johnstown Estate, and it was the 2nd location we ever looked at. I looked at Erik as he drove in and just “Yes.” We were promptly seen to by Raina, and the welcome and process that she outlined just made us both fall in love with the location. As we walked through the venue, the gardens were stunning, the flow of the Wedding from start to finish made perfect sense as we sought a location that could host my dream of a garden wedding. Raina made the process so seamless, and within a couple of hours we were reading through a wedding contract and started planning.”
The unique ceremony was held in the gardens and included a performance by Habemus, a choir Erik regularly performs with and was officiated by Erik’s godmother, Berenice.
“We had a unity ceremony where our hands were bound with colourful ribbons symbolising our unity, shared values, and lifelong commitment.”
Lhuanna chose pearl accents in her hair, which was gently curled and up-styled. A very natural touch of makeup, which was complimented by her simple but elegant choice of pearl jewellery. Her now mother-in-law gifted her the very first ring that Erik’s father gave her on their first date, which was a single pearl on a very delicate gold band. This was worn with a pearl bracelet, and teardrop pearl earrings. She dressed her bridal dress with a pearl beaded belt, and had a beautiful long, delicate veil.
Erik went for a dark bottle green custom 3-piece suit from Louis Copeland, Dundrum. The inner lining was shaded similarly, with custom chosen buttons and the date of the Wedding and both Erik and Lhuanna’s names embroidered on the inner left lining. Erik wore his deceased Grandfather’s watch which was gifted to him two days before the wedding. On the same day he was given a vintage lapel pin that his mother bought some years ago. By coincidence, it had green emerald stones and small pearls dotted around it to create a floral pattern, which complimented Erik and Lhuanna’s choices very well.
Our Photographer & Videographer:
“During out planning we had a mishap. We had originally booked another photographer, but unfortunately some bad reviews and bad business practices were being broadcasted in various channels and our contract became frustrated as we lost all confidence. We worked with Raina from the Johnstown Estate to find an alternative in Darren Byrne Photography. Erik chatted with him on the phone, and was impressed how he explained his way of working and a deposit was placed. We met with Darren two days before the wedding and we discussed the run of the day, specific shots, and just had banter. He came across as a gentleman, and made us feel very at ease from day one of our interactions.
Doyenne Films by Juliana came as the videographer with Darren. She was so calm and lovely. Very discreet throughout the entire day, that you wouldn’t know she was capturing all the key moments. We cannot wait to see footage of our day and first dance.”
Favourite moments:
The in between moments. Whilst its a busy day for the Bride and Groom we absolutely loved the little things like dancing samba with guests at the drinks reception, having a moment together in the bar area, and more. We didn’t waste a moment together on the day.
Advice for other couples:
Get the big things booked early, and work together to tick off the little things at the earliest point possible. By doing this, we found that it gave us plenty of time to enjoy the run into the wedding instead of chasing our tail and trying to get a 100 items done. Planning is everything! Additionally, we strongly recommend figuring out a budget early and sticking to it; it removes all the stress around money and lets you enjoy the things like designing your own cards, choosing your colour scheme and more.
Recommended Suppliers
Photographer: Darren Byrne Photography
Wedding venue: The Johnstown Estate
Videographer: Doyenne Films by Juliana
Suits: Louis Copeland and Sons
Band & DJ: Connor McKeon Band
Other Suppliers
Musician: Havana Club Trio | Hair: Elan Hair Salon at The Johnstown Estate | Makeup: Gloss Spa at The Johnstown Estate and Susan Wallace Makeup | Wedding dress: O’Briens Bridal Couture | Celebrant-solemniser: Berenice Farrell from Spiritual Ceremonies | Jewellery-rings: Rocks, Grafton Street | Flowers: Flower Power, Ashford
