When Susie Hopkins, wedding planner at the K Club got married, she did it in ethereal and romantic style! Today we have her sumptuous wedding to Michael Burke to share, and believe me, it was one picture perfect day.
“Michael and I first met at a friends party at Easter 2006. A few weeks later we went on our first date and the rest is history!”
Three years on from their first meeting Michael planned a perfect proposal in Dublin.
“We went to Dublin to stay the night and do some Christmas shopping, we were booked into Bentley’s Hotel (now Cliff Townhouse) on Stephen’s Green. He took me by surprise by announcing that he had changed our dinner reservation to Shanahan’s on The Green, somewhere I always wanted to try! After a fabulous meal, he had arranged a horse and carriage to be sitting outside the restaurant with a red rose and bottle of champagne inside! So while taking our trip around town wrapped in blankets, he produced the most beautiful engagement ring! It was a total surprise engagement, I really wasn’t expecting it at all, so was absolutely thrilled that he even picked the ring himself!”
When it came to planning her own wedding Susie knew immediately she wanted to get married in her own church in Clane, so searched for venues within an hour from there.
“One Monday morning on a whim, I dragged my best friend down to Kilkenny to have a look at Mount Juliet. We both fell in love with it and so did Mick when I brought him down to view. It was perfect for us! I loved the setting of the drinks reception in the Old House and then moving down to Kendals Restaurant for dinner and dancing. Gotcha Covered was my amazing supplier for room décor and I knew immediately when I saw the restaurant what touches they could add for me.”
Susie travelled to London with her mum and sister to visit the Pronovias flagship store on Bond Street, as she really loved their gowns. After choosing five herself- none of which that suited- Susie’s mum chose a fishtail lace gown. When she tried it on both her mum and sister cried, confirming to Susie that it was ‘the one.’ Susie didn’t take the dress and instead booked a few appointments back home, which confirmed her feelings- Silaba by Pronovias was the dress for her! After some searching a local bridal salon, Nicola Ross in Naas stocked the gown, which is where she purchased it and her veil.
Susie’s theme for her wedding was elegance and romance with her love of lace, diamonds, pearls and ribbons incorporated throughout the day. Decor was very important to Susie and together with the guys at Gotcha Covered the results were impressive!
“I chose satin stone cloths for the tables with lace overlays and gold chivari chairs with ivory organza sash. Once I saw their crystal candelabras I just had to have them as my centre pieces! They were spectacular! Gotcha Covered then also added a fairy light back drop behind the band and amber uplighters around the room which really added a warm glow! I wasn’t originally worried about adding uplighters but the difference it made was unreal. The Flower Factory did amazing flowers for my top table and candelabras. They also took all the flowers from the church down to Mount Juliet for me too so I could re-use them around the room. I went for pinks, whites, creams and purples.”
Music was a very important element on the day, as Susie comes from a musical family. She booked Maria Fitzgerald for the church, accompanied by Kenneth O’Regan on piano and violin. The rest of the days entertainment was organised by Susies Uncle Des who runs DH Entertainment.
“My dad who was also a very talented musician sadly passed away two years prior to my wedding so I was very lucky to have Des to step in and plan the music for me. He arranged a pianist pre-dinner, Jazz band during the meal which was the best idea as people were even dancing during courses which really added to the atmosphere! For the main event then, I had Des, my brother Michael and his band, my cousin Graham who is a very well known drummer and another two musician friends of my Dad’s. Basically a group of talented musicians thrown together for what was the best wedding band I ever heard!!”
Wedding day Highlights
“All of it! I loved every minute of it, especially the ceremony, which was really special for Mick and myself. I wouldn’t change a thing about the day; we were surrounded by our closest family and friends, we had great food and wine and we danced the night away!!”
Brides Advice
“Don’t sweat the small stuff! Take time to plan it, trust in the suppliers and vendors you have chosen, relax and enjoy the day as it goes by far too quick. It will be the best day of your life!”
Wedding Suppliers
Venue: Mount Juliet, Kilkenny
Venue Styling: Gotcha Covered, Dublin
Photographer: John Ryan Photography
Wedding dress: Nicola Ross, Naas
Bridesmaid dresses: Dessy
Grooms wear: Tangoes Menswear, Dublin
Cake: made by Mother in law and sisters
Flowers: The Flower Factory, Swords
Bridal cars: DCS Chaffeurs
Entertainment: Maria Fitzgerald & DH Entertainment
