chic & modern
wedding at
luttrellstown castle
REAL WEDDING FEATURE
From an unexpected high school connection to a dreamlike wedding in the rolling green hills of Ireland, alex and meghan’s relationship has been a masterclass in commitment, growth, and enduring romance. Their 12 year love story culminated in a magical celebration at Luttrellstown Castle—a day filled with heartfelt traditions, timeless elegance, and moments that will be cherished forever.
A Love Story That Began at Homecoming…
Alex and Meghan first crossed paths as high school seniors in Colorado in 2012. Their connection was instantaneous, born from a chance meeting among a group of friends without dates to the senior homecoming dance. That serendipitous evening paved the way for a lifetime of shared experiences. From high school to college and graduate school, they grew and thrived together, eventually moving to New York City to begin the next chapter of their lives.
After a decade together, their engagement came as a natural progression of their love story. “By the time we got married, we had been together for twelve years. It felt like the perfect timing, the ultimate celebration of our journey,” Meghan shared. With their families living just minutes apart, they had the rare gift of uniting two clans into one over the years, making their wedding day an even more heartfelt affair.
A Proposal by the Dingle Bay
In 2023, with law school behind Alex and their careers flourishing, Alex and Meghan planned their first big trip as a couple—to Ireland. Their hearts were set on the coastal beauty of Dingle, where Alex orchestrated a proposal that Meghan describes as “shockingly perfect.”
At sunrise, along the tranquil shores of Dingle Bay, Alex got down on one knee, presenting a ring he had chosen without Meghan’s input—a delightful surprise. They celebrated their engagement with a private breakfast at Castlewood House, heartfelt phone calls to their families, and a day exploring Great Blasket Island, ending it with fish n chips for dinner. “We fell in love with Ireland right then and there,” Meghan recalls.
Planning A Dream Wedding at luttrellstown castle
Though their initial wedding plans were focused on venues in the U.S., the allure of an Irish wedding lingered in their minds. A pivotal moment came after a day of touring venues in New York City. Over a simple Thai dinner, Alex, Meghan, and her parents decided to embrace the dream they thought was impossible: a destination wedding in Ireland.
“We really leaned on our amazing planner Kate from Love & Gatherings for our vendors. She knew our vision and provided tailored lists for us to choose from, which made it so easy. All of our vendors were outstanding - especially the vendors we spent the entire day with such as Story of Eve, Mandi Jay, Michelle Grimes, and the Luttrellstown Castle staff.
We loved that, along with planning, Kate was also our stylist. She suggested elements we would have never thought about (such as low barstools for our pub-like space after dinner). She truly brought our dream to life! ” says Meghan.
A Celebration of Faith, Family, and Elegance
The couple’s Catholic ceremony held profound meaning, reflecting their shared faith and family traditions. Father Eugene, whose warmth and presence left an indelible mark, officiated the service. “He made everyone feel welcome and truly blessed our marriage,” Meghan shares. Highlights included lighting the unity candle and seeing loved ones approach for communion—moments that brought the couple to tears. “We were looking forward to the ceremony portion of our wedding as attending church together had been a major part of our relationship. We started this while in college - we’d drive thirty minutes every Sunday morning and go to church with my grandparents and eat breakfast with them, so this was an element of our wedding we were very excited about” says Meghan.
Luttrellstown Castle provided the perfect backdrop for their elegant dinner-party-style reception. Long, candlelit tables, plush velvet napkins, and a roaring fire in the Library room set a tone of refined intimacy. Guests sipped Guinness from a makeshift pub, enjoyed a surprise performance by Irish dancers, and revelled in a night that perfectly balanced formal sophistication with a relaxed vibe.
Details That Made the Day Unforgettable
From Meghan’s Ines Di Santo gown, chosen during an emotional moment in Denver, to Alex’s timeless tuxedo from Suitsupply, every detail embodied classic elegance. The floral arrangements—simple yet stunning—perfectly complemented the aesthetic, and a quick-thinking Kate saved the day when Meghan forgot her bouquet at the castle, crafting a makeshift arrangement from the church’s flower arch.
“The flowers from The Studio Florist were outstanding and truly made our vibe of simple yet elegant. We went with all white flowers with greenery and the flowers were the perfect balance of noticeable but not distracting.”
The dining room, bathed in candlelight, left everyone in awe. “It was exactly what we envisioned,” Meghan says, crediting Kate’s styling expertise. Other standout moments included a family dance to a song from Meghan’s childhood and an innovative approach to serving cake during cocktail hour—a sweet nod to the couple’s love of desserts.
kind words…
The couple entrusted Michael and his team of Story of Eve to document their day, and the results were nothing short of breathtaking. “There are not words to accurately articulate our gratitude for Story of Eve. Michael is a true artist and professional.,” Meghan says. “We’re so grateful for the moments captured—details we might have missed in the whirlwind of the day. Michael’s demeanour, eye for detail, and style cannot be replicated. Multiple guests commented on how professional and friendly the team were, and nothing could have prepared us for the final photos. We were left speechless!”
From candid laughter to the quiet intimacy of their first look, the photographs immortalised every emotion and memory.
Reflections on a Once-in-a-Lifetime Celebration
For Alex and Meghan, their wedding was not just a celebration of their love but also a reflection of their shared values and individuality. They broke with tradition to create a day that felt authentically theirs, from foregoing a traditional dance floor to embracing the intimacy of a destination wedding.
As they look back, their hearts are filled with gratitude—for their families, their talented vendors, and the magical setting of Ireland. “Our wedding truly encapsulated our relationship and set the foundation for a beautiful future,” Meghan reflects.
In the end, Alex and Meghan’s story is one of love, faith, and the joy of embracing dreams—no matter how impossible they may seem. And as they begin their next chapter, they carry the memories of their unforgettable Irish castle wedding close to their hearts.
CREATIVE TEAM
PLANNING & STYLING: KATE O’DOWD, LOVE & GATHERINGS
VENUE: LUTTRELLSTOWN CASTLE
CHURCH: NATIVITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
PHOTOGRAPHY: STORY OF EVE
FLORALS: THE STUDIO FLORIST
MAKEUP: MANDI JAY
HAIR: MICHELLE GRIMES
DRESS: INES DI SANTO, ANNA BE, DENVER
VEIL: ONE BLUSHING BRIDE
STATIONARY: THE IVORY FEATHER
CAKE: COLHOUN CREATIONS