This is the story of Katie & Enda who tied the knot with their luxurious Shelbourne Hotel Wedding Dublin (www.theshelbournehotel.com). Is it just me or is the Shelbourne Hotel one of the best wedding venues in Dublin? Not to mention the location! The hotel is steeped in history and yet it does such a great job marrying a slick, contemporary style with beautiful, traditional interiors and furnishings. I did a ‘recce’ of the Shelbourne before the big day, shown around by the very kind Wedding Coordinator (thank you Cathy). The Grand Staircase, the 1824 Bar and those dimply lamp lit Shelbourne hotel corridors. My oh my, I genuinely got very excited about where to bring this beautiful couple for some cool, creative wedding portraits.
THE BIG DAY
Cut to the wedding day a few weeks later. In true Irish style we had a rain in the morning…just to get it out of the way. As Katie’s bridal preparations took place, I captured the love, laughter, Penny the pooch and her pals. And finally, the beautiful bride-to-be adorning a stunning, contemporary dress from www.madewithlovebridal.com. Its safe to say Katie’s ‘something old’ was the icing on the cake. Beautiful Edwardian diamond earrings and her engagement ring thanks to Delphi Antiques. In fact the earrings were offered on loan from the jeweller so technically this may be the ‘something borrowed’…..how kind of them! Suited and booted (well not exactly) this bride was ready to make her way the Shelbourne Hotel for her wedding.
I met the lovely Enda on arrival at the Shelbourne to capture some photos in the 1824 Bar and around the venue. For the ceremony Katie’s father sang solo as her bride squad walked down the isle, followed by Katie joining him so he could give her away. A truly intimate humanistic ceremony followed by celebratory post–wedding drinks. So far, so so good…and then the sun came out properly!!!
Shelbourne Hotel Wedding Venue
These newly-weds took full advantage of the Shelbourne Hotel for their Dublin City Wedding, having their ceremony and reception in the Adam & Deirdre suite. Such a stunning room with soft purple and pink tones, an ornate decorative ceiling and the most beautiful flowers from the Shelbourne Florist. Katie & Enda’s guests departed followed the happy Couple as they departed their ceremony into the stunning ‘constitution suite’ for their drinks reception. Another slice of history, like the name states this room is where Ireland’s constitution was written. This darker, beautiful space with dark green silk wall coverings, antique furniture and a gorgeous chandelier. A totally different vibe and style.
HITTING THE CITY
The couple left the wedding party at the Shelbourne Hotel and took on Dublin City for their Bride & Groom portraits. A stroll through St. Stephen’s Green. Down Dawson street’s Luas line and on to meet their pals at one of the Dublin’s finest, old skool ‘watering holes’ – Kehoes. Now THAT is how you do ‘Drinks Reception Part 2’. Street drinking on a Saturday with the pints of Guinness flowing. A serious buzz all around South Anne Street, as the world was beginning to open up again and the summer was upon us. Then back to the Shelbourne to continue the festivities well into the evening. As far as Dublin City Weddings go, this absolute cracker at the Shelbourne Hotel was up there with the very best of them. If you would like to see another gorgeous Dublin City Wedding at the seriously slick Dean Hotel, click here.
The Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin, Ireland – The Shelbourne Hotel Wedding Photographer