We’ll admit it, we fall in love with many of our real brides wedding gowns, what a stylish bunch you are! Today’s dress is no exception, our stunning bride Sinead chose a flattering white La Sposa gown with intricate lace back detailing, woowzers! Thanks to Gareth at Lima Conlon Photography for sharing this special day with us.
Sinead and Eoin are both from Killiney and met for the first time in their local library around 13 years ago!
“I was studying for my second year college exams and Eoin for his Leaving Cert, we were both studying economics at the time when Eoin pretended he was stuck and needed my help! Eoin would say he knew we were on to something when I picked up a hurl and was actually able to hit the ball! But for me it was how we hit it off straight away and just had great fun together,” said Sinead.
“Halloween probably isn’t the most romantic time of year to get engaged but it worked for us! Eoin collected me from the DART after work and drove me up Killiney Hill under the guise of ‘watching the Halloween fireworks flashing over Dublin.’ He had planned to lead me out of the car and do the traditional down on one knee thing but as it turned out it was lashing rain so I wouldn’t budge.
After he proposed he took me to our favourite restaurant in DeVilles of Dalkey but the surprises didn’t end there, he had planned a big party for the next day in the Tramyard in Dalkey with all our friends and families and he even booked me in for a hair and nail appointment before the party!” explained Sinead.
Knowing they didn’t want to ask their guests to travel very far for their wedding, Sinead and Eoin visited Tinakilly House and instantly knew it was the venue for them.
“When the planner at Tinakilly told us that they had an opening in late February 2015 we took it almost straight away. It left us with three months and one week from when we chose the venue until the wedding day. It was a bit hectic but with the help of family and friends we managed to pull it off,” added Sinead.
With a total engagement of just four months long Sinead set out on her search for her perfect dress;
“Ever since my days of watching ‘The Sound of Music’ – aged 8, I knew I wanted a cathedral veil and a dress to compliment it. I wanted to be just like Maria Von Trapp and I wanted a dress like no other I would ever wear again, something totally impractical!” she said.
On her third bridal shop visit Sinead headed to O’Briens Bridal Couture in Rathnew, with a stunning collection she fell for a white La Sposa gown which featured an A line design, bateau neckline, stunning lace back detailing and long train. “I know its cliché but the moment I put it on I just knew it was the one, I sort of felt giddy … and mum cried!” said Sinead.
Sinead wanted a bright and fun bridesmaids colour to compliment her white gown, so chose a vibrant coral shade.
“I had to be mindful that two of my three bridesmaids were pregnant so we obviously had no idea what size they might be on the wedding day or what style of dress would suit them! My three Bridesmaids and I went to Dundrum Shopping Centre and chose the dresses in Pamela Scott. They were full length Von Vonni open sized multiway dresses and they were perfect for the bridesmaids as they could tie the dresses in a design they felt comfortable in. The dresses were the exact shade of coral I was hoping for and the girls were delighted with the non-restrictive design. On the morning of the wedding fashion designer Ali Delaney came up with the most perfect designs for each of the girls. The flowers for my bouquet were coral calla lilies and the girls flowers were white roses, the groom’s party had white rose button holes. We had coral and white tulips at the wedding reception,” explained Sinead.
As Eoin didn’t want a morning suit they decided to purchase suits instead of hiring;
“Eoin was certain he didn’t want a morning suit; he wanted something fashionable that he and the lads could wear again. We bought the groomswear in Frewen and Aylward in Dun Laoghaire, they had a great selection and the manager there, Richard was a great help. The men wore blue suits with white shirts, light yellow ties, brown belts and brown leather shoes,” said Sinead.
“From start to finish it was incredible. The sun was shining and all the suppliers that we had hired were so amazing and professional they allowed the day to run smoothly. We had handpicked individual books as wedding favours, some of the books were Mr. Men & Little Miss books. We matched our guest’s personalities up with the book titles. The guests got a great kick out of the names we’d chosen for them – but Mr Grumpy was not happy! My highlight was the first dance – mainly because it turned out great despite us both being really nervous about it. We asked the band to learn ‘Drops of Jupiter’ by Train as it has very special memories for us. Jenny from Entourage sang it wonderfully and knowing how nervous we were, invited all our guests up to dance so the floor was full soon after the first chorus. Everybody was up dancing together, it was really special,” said Sinead.
Sineads Advice
Plan the day that you want not the day that you think people expect. Remember that you only do this once so do what you want! The main thing is to enjoy it and stay relaxed through the planning, within three weeks of our engagement we had planned and booked our whole wedding.
Wedding Suppliers
Venue: Tinakilly House Hotel, Rathnew.
Photography: Lima Conlon Photography, Lucan.
Wedding dress: O’Briens Bridal Couture, Rathnew.
Bridesmaids dress: Von Vonni from Pamela Scott.
Maids dressed by: Ali Delaney, www.customvintagedublin.com.
Grooms wear: Frewyn & Alward, Dun Laoghaire.
Cake: Aoife Kirwan, Just For You Cakes.
Flowers: Flower Boutique, Killiney Shopping Centre.
Videographer: TJ O’Grady Peyton.
Entertainment: Entourage.
Church Singer: Jenny O’Connell.
Bridal Party Hair & Make- Up: Hair & Make Up by Rachel Cleary.
