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Real Weddings: Olimpia and Devon tie the knot at the Killarney Plaza Hotel

by Sarah Gill
21st Apr 2024

Olimpia and Devon’s intimate Kerry wedding has romance, elegance and luxury written all over it.

THE COUPLE
Olimpia Geary, social media marketing, and Devon Geary, area manager, National Learning Network.

THEY LIVE
Caragh Lake, Kerry.

THE VENUE
Killarney Plaza Hotel, Co Kerry

PHOTOGRAPHY
Magda Lukas Photography.

Olimpia and Devon

THEY MET
Devon was actually my manager at TK Maxx in Cork! We talked a bit whilst I worked there but I had already planned to move back to Kerry that summer, so I never got to get to know him fully then. However, we stayed in contact as friends and I did tell him a “white lie” that I loved dogs because I knew that he was obsessed with his English Bull Terrier, Zeus. We decided to meet as friends and he of course brought his dog. We went for a walk and just chatted away, we continued to meet up over the next few months, but as friends.

After getting to know one another for that time we said we would take a trip together, and so we set off to Florence and Milan. We went for cooking lessons in Florence and I think it was there we first held hands, and I couldn’t believe that our first kiss was just like I imagined in my head when I was younger. It was on a boat on Lake Como. I think from that moment I knew that this was something more.

We still lived apart; I was in Kerry and Devon was in Cork. We went on other trips to Galway and returned to Italy to visit Pisa and Florence again. Whilst there we discussed Devon moving to Kerry. That December, we moved in together in Kerry with Zeus — by now Devon had figured out I was not the world’s number one dog lover as I said, but I do love Zeus now.

Three years after loving and living in Kerry we had our baby daughter Harper, who just turned three this January to mark our sixth year in Kerry.

THE PROPOSAL
Devon surprised me with a trip to Sicily for my birthday last year. We flew from Dublin to Palermo and he had a transfer booked for us in Palermo. On the sign he had them put Mr & Mrs Geary, which I just thought was a joke. He had booked a beautiful apartment on AirBnB, overlooking the famous Palermo Cathedral.

On the night before my birthday, he poured two glasses of champagne, which I had thought was random because since our daughter was born we are both in bed by 9pm. I did feel he was acting suspicious but I went along with it anyway and he asked me to follow him to the balcony. We chatted about his parents and how he always wanted to be like them.

His father passed away four months prior and he really idolised him; he always said that no man had ever loved a woman the way his father loved his mother. So Devon stood up, and I saw him wait for the people below to pass by. He then knelt down on one knee and proposed on the balcony. It was magical. The first thing he did was ring his mom to let her know. In the morning we told our daughter, Harper, it was all so meaningful.

THE DRESS & SUIT
Despite the tight timeline, navigating dress shopping for a February wedding in December proved challenging, and a bit stressful. However, driven by the desire for a timeless gown, I discovered Solace London Bridal, and instantly fell in love with their modern yet enduring designs. Opting to purchase online, I ordered two sizes up, allowing for a flawless fit after alterations by a seamstress.

Devon, equally decisive, sought out an Italian brand, Gutteridge, for his tuxedo. His choice, reminiscent of James Bond’s style, captured our admiration and perfectly complemented our wedding vision.

THE CEREMONY
It was planned that we would go to the registry office and do a small ceremony in Italy, as that is where we had all of our big relationship milestones, but Devon’s mom advised us to do something in Ireland, as the family could do with a positive thing to look forward to after Devon’s father passed.

So, like any intimate wedding, it rose from just a handful to over sixty. I think it was still intimate and we felt we got to spend quality time with everyone that attended. We did the registry office the day before just to have the full day with family and friends, so our morning was pretty much taking it all in and preparing for the wedding photography, then for the reception and dinner. I’m glad we did it that way because it was so much more relaxing having the time to take it all in.

THE RECEPTION
We had a champagne reception for all our guests at the hotel in a private bar upstairs, and it was just perfect for the number of guests. We honestly can’t say enough about the hotel staff, especially our coordinator Rachel. She was excellent and her professional approach put me at ease for the whole process, from booking to the big day itself. The reception was decorated with beautiful Playa Blanca roses and a welcome sign that I sourced from Etsy.

THE ENTERTAINMENT
For entertainment, we opted for a relaxed atmosphere, with subtle background music during dinner, fostering lively conversations among guests. Transitioning to a private bar post-dinner, we savoured espresso martinis accompanied by the melodious tunes of a pianist. Recognising the importance of sustenance, we offered finger food at around 11pm, ensuring everyone remained content and energised for the festivities ahead. As a delightful surprise, the hotel arranged for a band, adding a charming touch to keep our guests entertained throughout the evening. It was a beautiful evening filled with love and laughter.

THE DECOR
Organising the decor was truly my favourite aspect, as I thrive in such creative endeavours. From crafting the stationary to adding personalised touches like name tags, I poured my heart into every detail.

Discovering June Paper Studio on Etsy was a stroke of luck, as she expertly crafted the stationery elements for our wedding. Collaborating on invitations, name tags, menu designs, and welcome signs, she brought our vision to life with finesse. Incorporating the emboss effect into the invitations and menus added a touch of timeless elegance that was truly captivating. Opting for a classic colour scheme of black and white throughout enhanced the overall aesthetic, ensuring a cohesive and sophisticated look across all elements.

When it came to flowers, I entrusted Danielle from Tie the Knot Weddings with my vision of elegance and timelessness. Opting for Playa Blanca roses, Danielle’s expertise brought my bouquet and the entire setup to perfection. I envisioned a harmonious arrangement with roses and candles at varying heights, creating a seamless flow across the tables. The decor realised the vision I had always dreamed of, and Danielle executed it flawlessly.

The cake situation turned into a humorous anecdote for our wedding day. In a moment of forgetfulness, we realised we hadn’t arranged for a real cake. Improvising, we acquired a fake cake from Etsy, beautifully adorned by Danielle. As we attempted to cut it, laughter filled the room, turning this unexpected turn of events into a memorable highlight of the evening.

THE TOP TIPS
Absolutely cherish every moment of your wedding day, as it flies by in the blink of an eye. Take the time to savour each precious moment and steal a few moments alone to soak it all in. This day is yours to treasure, so make sure to create memories that will last a lifetime.

For the bride-to-be, starting the day with a calming cup of chamomile tea can work wonders in soothing nerves and setting a peaceful tone for the exciting day ahead.

THEY WISH THEY HAD
Stressed less, as everything tends to fall into place in the end. Trust in the process and focus on embracing each moment as it unfolds.

THEIR BEST MOMENT
At the registry, our daughter said, “I do” after hearing Mom and Dad say it. We told her we were all getting married, and she really believes we all did.

THE FIRST DANCE SONG
Woke Up This Morning by Alabama 3.

THE CREW
Bride’s Dress: Solace London. Bride’s Shoes: Next. Groom’s Suit: Gutteridge. Groom’s Shoes: Zara. Stationery & Graphic Design: June Paper Studio. Flowers: Tie the Knot Weddings. Hair: Christine Wedding Stylist.