Real Weddings: Iseult and Michael tie the knot in Smock Alley Theatre
Both working in the film industry, it's only fitting these Irish creatives wed in Dublin's iconic Smock Alley Theatre, before heading to Fallon Byrne for a fun-filled reception. Cinematic details, artisan food and trad tunes set the scene for their memorable big day.
THE COUPLE
Iseult Timmons Ward works for Element Pictures and Michael Byrne works for Screen Ireland.
THEY LIVE
in Dublin.
THE VENUE
Smock Alley Theatre for the ceremony, then Fallon and Byrne for the reception.
PHOTOGRAPHER
Louise Scott.
THEY MET
We met at work, in a production office back when we were both working freelance and a couple of films later we finally got together.
THE PROPOSAL
Michael proposed to me on Killiney Hill in the fog, amongst the trees – a special place for us having hiked up there years previously when trying to induce labour for our first child (it worked).
THE DRESS & THE SUIT
The suit is from Carl Gross on Dawson Street; Michael’s dad had bought his wedding suit on Dawson Street 44 years previously.
The dress was from the debut collection of Irish designer Sarah Caine. It was such a fun and comfortable dress to wear and I really felt like myself in it.
THE CEREMONY
We had our ceremony in Smock Alley Theatre. We’re lucky to be friends with some very talented trad musicians Ruth McKiernan, Aoife March and Maitiu O’Casaide who played music during the ceremony. We had a few friends and family read passages from literature and songs we liked. After the short ceremony, we stayed in Smock Alley for our drinks reception, canapés and half of the speeches.
THE RECEPTION
Our reception was in the ballroom of Fallon & Byrne. We wanted a relaxed atmosphere, so the food was served family style with a selection of dishes served to each table and shared around, the food and wine were delicious. We did the second set of speeches here too while our guests munched on a cheese board starter.
THE ENTERTAINMENT
Our close friend January Winters happens to be an incredible DJ who provided the entertainment for the night. She genuinely had the dance floor full for the entire night and even the staff were blown away by her. After Fallon & Byrne, those of us who wanted to keep the night going, headed down to Ukiyo to continue the festivities.
THE DECOR
Both venues are so beautiful already, they didn’t need much decoration, so we kept things minimal, with potted magnolia trees in Smock Alley and simple decorations. There were a few film-themed touches though – our wedding program was designed like a film call sheet and Michael put up location signs on the street leading the way to the venues.
THEIR TOP TIPS
We got an app which worked as a digital disposable camera, our guests scanned a QR code which allowed them to take 15 photos each, which were all uploaded to a shared album the next day. It was a bit of fun for the guests and everyone enjoyed seeing the pictures the next day.
Etsy is great for some of the smaller details, I got my veil, my daughters’ flower hair clips and a custom wedding ring to fit around my engagement ring from there. And finally, crisp sandwiches at the end of the night went down a treat with our guests!
THEY WISH THEY HAD
Spent more time at the dessert table, every time I headed over I got distracted talking to someone and didn’t quite make it, but it looked so good!
THEIR BEST MOMENTS
Our favourite part was the first look, it was nice to have a quiet moment together and it settled our nerves, reminding us both what the day was really about. It also meant we didn’t have to take as much time out of our reception to take photographs.
Another favourite moment was hearing each other’s speeches! And of course, our daughters stole the show the whole day, being the best flower girls, and dancing around the banquet hall filling it with laughter.
A close friend James Skerritt shot our wedding day on an old Super 8 film camera and we just got the most beautiful three-minute edit which somehow managed to capture all the love and feelings of the day in a timeless grainy pop video kind of way. We love it.
THE FIRST DANCE SONG
Adore U by Fred Again.
THE CREW
Wedding Dress: Sarah Caine. Groom’s Suit: Carl Gross. Celebrant: Amy Browne. Hair: Lisa Babikian. Make-up: Lisa Smyth. DJ: January Winters. Flower girl dresses: Next. Jumpers: Beo.
See more photographs from Iseult and Michael’s wedding in the gallery below.
Photography by Louise Scott.
Want to see your Real Wedding on IMAGE.ie? Email shayna.sappington@image.ie with the subject line ‘Real Wedding’.
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