Gary and Louise met while working the Ibiza club circuit in 2014, so there was only one theme their wedding could be! It took the pair three long years to choose the right venue, but Gary noted it was worth taking the time to make every decision about their day perfect. “We had spent a long time looking at venues and choosing the right one. We had almost given up by the time we found it, but it turned out to be the perfect location for us. It’s not worth making compromises on anything.”
Their venue hire was by far their single biggest expense, however they spent a lot more than they needed to on their invitations. “We paid a premium because we wanted the card to be thick and glossy, exactly like the flyers of our favourite club night in Ibiza.” They saved money on Louise’s outfit – she was lucky to find an incredible bridal jumpsuit on ASOS for just £120, and it was far more in keeping with their theme than a traditional bridal gown!
They kept their ceremony at Dublin City Hall short and sweet, with only one reading by Louise’s best friend. Louise walked into a track from the couple’s favourite Essential Mix by Above & Beyond. Humanist celebrant Amy Browne performed a personalised ceremony and then they did a candle lighting which both mums also participated in.
The party vibe continued with tropical blooms by Frog Prince, and a champagne reception at city hall before photos. “I really enjoyed the part directly after the ceremony, getting to greet everyone for the first time as a married man and then schmoozing between people during the champagne reception,” said Gary.
Tipsy and happy, they moved on by foot with their respective bridal parties to their reception venue of Drury Buildings, a unique restaurant venue in the heart of Dublin centre. All their tables were themed like Ibiza club nights, and they hired a neon sign from Wild Things Wed. Instead of a a guest book they had their guests leave messages across vinyls, and their evening entertainment was a DJ playing trance classics. Instead of a wedding cake, they toasted with shots of Hierbas, a traditional Ibicencan liquor.
“Seeing the small details come together was our favourite thing about wedding planning,” the groom concluded. “The planning will seem like a drag at the time and may provoke plenty of disagreements. But just step back and enjoy this part because before you know it, you’ll be married and the big day goes in a flash!”
