Grab your wellies and a pint, y’all! This blog is taking us across the pond for Maddie and Domhnall’s magical Irish wedding. In the summer of last year, this gorgeous couple and all of their favorite people hopped over to Wicklow, Ireland (where P.S. I Love You was filmed- if you couldn’t already tell from those VIEWS). Maddie got ready in a 17th century farm house and said “I do” in a custom blue Claire La Faye ballgown while surrounded by Italian marble statues. To say it is a scene out of a storybook would be an understatement. We are so happy for this Carolina gal and her Irish love! A tip from me to you: grab a tissue before you hit play on that video!
Maddie & Domnhall | July 12, 2018 | Killruddery House and Gardens – Bray, County Wicklow, Ireland
Photographer: Rivkah Fine Art Photography
Videographer: We As One Films
GILDED: How did you and your spouse meet?
MADDIE: As cliché as it sounds, we met at a bar. A new pub opened in Charlotte called “The Workman’s Friend” and my friend Laura and I decided to check it out. Domhnall was tending the bar and naturally we all started chatting. His accent was enticing and definitely caught my…ear? After he found out that I was a good chunk older than he was, he fibbed and told me he was 27 (he was 23 at the time). By the end of the afternoon I had found my way back to the bar more than a few times to continue the conversation. As we left, he asked for my phone number and revealed his actual age. From there we started a friendship and eventually couldn’t deny that age is just a number and our attraction was undeniable.
GILDED: What did you love most about your wedding celebration? What are some of your favorite details or special moments?
MADDIE: I don’t know that there are words to describe our wedding day. Humbling? Breathtaking? Overwhelming? It was a day that I will never forget and if I could do it all over again, I would do it exactly the same. Half of our guests were from America and the other half from Ireland. For most it was a “destination wedding” and planning abroad had its challenges. Luckily, Domhnall’s family did most of the legwork for us. The internet is an amazing thing and I was thrilled to find the most amazing vendors for our flowers, cake, late-night food truck, hair/make-up, etc. You may have heard that Ireland is a very hospitable nation and they did not disappoint. The venue was stunning and will forever feel like a very sacred space for the two of us.
Most certainly, my favorite part of the day was being surrounded by our friends and family. We had 80 people fly to Ireland from the United States…talk about feeling loved and humbled. In addition, I adored seeing Domhnall at the end of the aisle. He looked more handsome than ever and his expression was priceless. Throughout our planning, I had been keeping the secret that my dress was blue. As soon as I reached him, he laughed and said, “of course it’s blue!”
GILDED: Did you have a honeymoon? Where did you go and what was your favorite part?
MADDIE: Not yet! We spent a few nights at the beautiful Powerscourt Hotel in Co. Wicklow. Fun Fact – we were in Ireland during the World Cup Final and went to the hotel’s pub to watch the game and sat directly behind Jude Law who was also staying at the hotel!
We’re hoping to plan a delayed honeymoon to Italy in the next year or so.
GILDED: What advice do you have for brides looking for their wedding dress?
MADDIE: The dress search might not look the way you thought it would, and that’s OK.
Also, trust your gut.
From the start, I knew I wanted a blue gown. I was a bridesmaid 18 times before getting married and realized that the gowns that were absolute perfection for my friends didn’t have to be perfect for me! I also read about Irish traditions and learned that in the past, Irish brides would wear blue dresses as their “something blue.”
Initially, I went dress shopping with my mom and some girlfriends and everything that I tried on felt forced. I felt happy to have them there but also unsure of what I loved versus what they loved. I never had that “bride” moment that you see on TV. I ended up agreeing to purchase a gown at another boutique and for weeks was haunted by my decision.
On a whim, I was in Raleigh for the day and had seen that Gilded carried Claire La Faye. Even though I already had a dress, I decided to call and see if there was any availability. Susan was able to squeeze me in last minute – a dress miracle! – and together, just the two of us, we tried on a few dresses. When trying on gowns I finally had that “moment” and knew that I’d be wearing a Claire La Faye gown from Gilded. Susan made a few calls to Claire and we worked together to come up with the perfect dress. It was perfectly “me” and honestly, I felt confident and peaceful making the decision on my own rather than with my “entourage.”
Just remember to do what’s right for YOU!
