Rachael + Daryll

How did you meet?

We met through Instagram, which seems so weird to think about now! We had our first date in an Italian in Dublin where I was so nervous I spoke for the entire thing- I didn’t even give Daryll a chance to speak as I had heard he was very quiet and this worried me. I had decided that I wasn’t going on a second date until my friends convinced me he was a gentleman. I got to see some of his witty & cheeky personality on date number 2 and we bounced off one another ( which I was glad about!) & like they say the rest is history.

When did you know they were the one?

He made me feel relaxed & comfortable from the very start. There were never any games. Daryll always made me laugh on every date without trying and now he makes me laugh every single day. I knew something was different when I always wanted to see him week in & week out & how special he made me feel. It was different & it was real. X

What are your three favourite attributes of your partner?

His selflessness – he so willingly gives all of himself and anything he has – he always wants to make me happy
His humour – his dry witty smart comments make me laugh every day
His ability to love unconditionally!

Who proposed and how?

Daryll proposed on New Years Day 2021 – we had actually just gone back into a bad lockdown in Ireland. He has now told me a couple of different things he had organised but had fallen through with the constant lockdowns so he toke us to the Hill of Tara ( a walking spot near our home in Co.Meath) which we had made our favourite past time over the lockdowns. We did 3 full laps ( a little hungover from New Years Eve ) and he left me blab on about how worried I was about our future/plans & how we didn’t have any etc.
He waited until our viewing spot & he toke me so much by surprise I was shaking and speechless for a good 2 hours afterwards.

Where did you fall in love with your dress and why?

I fell in love with the designer first through the beautiful Instagram page & then absolutely had to try the designer on. Ivy & White stock Made in Love dresses so I factored that in when dress shopping. I had fallen in love with Archie for its simplicity and how it was my exact style but love the look of all of them if I’m honest. I had Archie lined up first ( which ended up being my evening dress ) and I had Penny last. Everyone loved Archie but mam just had a feeling that Penny would be the one. Last dress & she was right. I fell in love with it as soon as I put it on. It was different than what anyone would have expected me to wear.

What was the best moment for you at your wedding?

It’s like my best but also my most nervous one.
I was so calm all morning until I got into my dress and the nerves started. I adored the song I walked up the aisle too & all I wanted to do was look at Daryll.
I was so nervous I could feel my legs shaking which isn’t a good thing when you’re trying to walk up the aisle.
Daryll turned around when I was half way up & I immediately felt the happiest I’ve ever felt. He was all I focused on.

What were your favourite details?

My bouquet was stunning, I adored my stationary – simple.
I loved the extra touches we did – Gin Bar reception and a sour whiskey and cigar bar after dinner for the gents.
My dress, the girls bridesmaids dresses and my jewelry. I’ve a sentimental ring I wore on my wedding day – it’s a double infinity knot ring – I wear it every single day and it felt perfect to wear it as a symbol of unity two families on our wedding day.

What advice would you tell other brides?

The same as everyone had told me – try your best to enjoy the build up and when the day comes enjoy it all as it goes by so quick! Way too quick!
Work with good suppliers – do your research as they make your life easy & stress free.
Think about what you both want from the day as at the end of it it’s YOUR day.

Any standout vendors?

Ivy & White Bride – Kerry was incredible – she went above and beyond for me
Clonabreany House – I don’t have the words to describe how professional they were from start to finish. Nothing was ever too much. They were excellent on the day, catered to everyone’s needs & made our day amazing.
McGarry florists and events – they gave me everything I wanted and more
Deirdre O Reilly on make up – she’s a perfectionist!
Gemma Carolan on hair – incredible and trusted me with my own hair.
Photographer and videographer- igstudiography ( Greg ) and Niall from completeweddings. These two were brilliant from the start to finish. I was so worried about the cameras and about trying to get a certain amount of photos, being awkward in front of the camera etc but they just made everything easy & relaxed.