Real Weddings: Amy and Lisa’s intimate restaurant wedding in Co Dublin
Opting for a low-key wedding with elegant touches, Amy and Lisa celebrated their big day at The Anglers Rest in Chapelizod. Their beautiful photos were captured in the nearby Phoenix Park with their adorable dog Buttons.
THE COUPLE
Amy, secondary school PE and French teacher, and Lisa, sports and entertainment industry.
THEY LIVE
in North County Dublin.
THE VENUE
The Anglers Rest, Chapelizod, Co Dublin.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Nina Val Photography.
Nina stepped in with four days’ notice when our previously arranged photographer became unavailable and was absolutely fantastic – immediately making us feel happy and comfortable. She went above and beyond to plan additional stops and shots on the day, including the beautiful Farmleigh Estate in the Phoenix Park. She also worked with Buttons, our little Jack Russell, and ensured we got some beautiful snaps with her too on the day.
THEY MET
A modern love story – online dating! Our first official date was the same day as the first official lockdown of the Covid pandemic, which was in March 2020. We met halfway between our homes and took a lovely walk in Moore Abbey Woods in Monasterevin.
THE PROPOSAL
Lisa suggested a walk with Buttons in Moore Abbey Woods on the first day of my October midterm break from school. We were reminiscing about our first date when Lisa pulled out a ring from Chupi and asked me if I think we should get married, and I said yes!
THE WEDDING ATTIRE
I am a proud Laois woman, so it’s no surprise I popped into Smart Brides Bridalwear in Portlaoise to go wedding dress shopping. I went with my two sisters and two friends, and 30 minutes/five dresses later, I found the one! It was the Detroit by Herm’s Bridal – an A-line dress with a tulle skirt and a leaf-detailed lace bodice.
Lisa spent a bit longer looking around Ireland and eventually the designer stores in Florida when on a family holiday. She landed on tailored trousers from Hugo Boss and a Parisien-themed blouse from Karl Lagerfeld.
THE CEREMONY
We had a humanist ceremony held in The Anglers Rest ceremony room. It was wonderfully officiated by celebrant Ruth Scott. We walked down the aisle together, then had a reading by my sister, a candle-lighting ceremony by our mothers, and exchanged vows and a few funny stories in front of our 60 guests.
THE RECEPTION
Afterwards, we had our reception in The Anglers Rest as well. The food and service provided were absolutely beautiful – a selection of canapés for the guests post-ceremony and a beautiful three-course meal, followed by the famous Wright’s fish and chips later in the evening.
THE ENTERTAINMENT
We didn’t have a band or DJ. We entertained ourselves via a carefully curated Spotify playlist.
THE DECOR
The Anglers Rest needs very few amendments, as it is a beautiful space with a number of lovely touches and fresh flowers provided on the day. With the help of friends and the wonderful staff, we hung a number of personal photos detailing our fun journey to date around the venue.
We also provided some small party favours, a Krispy Kreme doughnut table, a sweet jar table, and some beautiful signage created by my creative school friends. Kieran Delaney, the technology teacher, made a lovely hand-crafted wooden sign and easel with our name and wedding date. Sharon Webster, a very talented artist, made a bespoke sign for the sweets table which added to the fun and intimacy of the ceremony.
THEIR TOP TIPS
- Have a wedding spreadsheet, and split it into things like guest lists, tasks, finances, etc and, in particular, any gifts received. It was so helpful in the middle of the madness to be able to recall the kindness people had shown to us and thank them in a meaningful way.
- Do it low-key and without fuss – so many people talk about the stress of the run-up and all the different tasks. We were very relaxed and kept things very simple, which meant the day felt great!
THEY WISH THEY HAD…
Not missed out on the canapés, as apparently, they were delicious.
THEIR BEST MOMENTS
- Laughing from start to finish during a very personalised, emotional ceremony.
- Seeing beautiful Buttons waiting for us at the venue and getting spoiled by all the arriving guests.
THE CREW
Amy’s Dress: Herm’s Bridal from Smart Brides Bridalwear. Lisa’s Attire: Shirt from Karl Lagerfeld and Trousers from Hugo Boss. Venue & Flowers: The Anglers Rest. Celebrant: Ruth Scott. Cake: Shirley Whelan. Make-Up: Sarah O’ Callaghan, Clitheroe Beauty.
See more photographs from Amy and Lisa’s wedding in the gallery below.
Photography by Nina Val Photography.
Want to see your Real Wedding on IMAGE.ie? Email shayna.sappington@image.ie with the subject line ‘Real Wedding’.
Also Read
