This UNION gets our vote
Like many 2021 couples, Muireann and Rebecca’s plans for the big day had to be changed due to Covid-19, but their autumn wedding at Tankardstown House looks so magical, it’s hard to imagine how it could have been any better.
They have one of the most appropriate howwe-met stories. Rebecca tells us: ‘We met canvassing for the marriage equality referendum in Dublin in 2015. I joined a canvassing group a few days before Muireann and, when Muireann started, I immediately fancied her and tried to chat her up. I wasn’t very smooth, but, somehow, was awkwardly endearing enough to secure a date. Our first date was the day after the referendum passed. As Muireann’s mother now says, “You were supposed to be looking for the right to marry, not the person to marry!”’
A few years later, Rebecca planned to propose to actor Muireann during a picnic at Poolbeg Lighthouse, one of the couple’s favourite spots, but she hit a snag early on in the day. ‘Muireann had just returned from a national tour and I suggested we go for a nice walk but she point blank refused to get out of bed, stating, “The only way you’ll get me up and out of my pyjamas today is if you’re proposing”.
‘I hastily told her we’d have a pyjama day instead and made her breakfast in bed.
‘Mid-afternoon, she was still refusing to budge, so I did the only thing I could think of and made a second batch of pancakes and proposed there and then at home. Later that evening, we went for a walk around the city and Muireann proposed back to me.’
Rebecca says that the vibe they wanted to achieve with their wedding day was ‘effortlessly elegant, warm and comfortable’.
The extensive vegetarian menu at
Tankardstown House was one of the main selling points. ‘Lots of venues were not as enthusiastic about this as we were but Gillian, our wedding co-ordinator at Tankardstown, handed us a huge list of options as soon as we mentioned a full veggie meal. We really wanted a beautiful, old venue that was easy to be in and Tankardstown has the comfort of a modern venue with all the charm and beauty of a historical house. So much love and effort has gone into its restoration and the staff are amazing.’
The couple decided to spend the night before the wedding together. ‘We got ready as one big bridal party with both sets of parents around. We got dressed together just the two of us, which was really special. Since our wedding was smaller than originally planned, we were able to spend significant time with each of our guests but it was still really lovely to have time just the two of us in the morning.’
Despite the stress of organising a wedding during the pandemic, Rebecca tells us that the day itself was, ‘incredibly joyful. It felt like time was paused and the stresses of the world didn’t exist. I have never felt such intense joy and gratitude for Muireann, our families and friends. It was perfect.’
Rebecca tells us that she and Muireann are really happy they didn’t postpone their wedding due to Covid. ‘We’re hoping to have a big party when it’s safe to do so, but we are so glad we went ahead and got married and had a wonderful, special day on our original date, despite the restrictions.’
A masterclass in same-sex wedding styling, their looks were true expressions of their personalities, while fitting in with their autumnal colour palette. Plus, they compliment each other beautifully.
The couple’s wedding portraits are lovely, although we’d expect no less from the talented Aoife O’Sullivan. ‘There are no words,’ Rebecca says of Aoife’s talents. ‘I can’t believe our wedding photos are ours. Aoife disappeared into the day and got such beautiful candid photos of everyone. She is such a lovely person to talk to as well. There were more than a few people in the bridal party who would normally feel awkward in front of a camera and everyone felt at ease.’
Rebecca has some incredibly sensible advice to pass on to engaged couples. ‘When people try to tell you what you need to have, or who you need to book, just say, “Thanks, I’ll look into that,” and move on to talking about something else. Everyone has an opinion and what’s right for them doesn’t have to be right for you.’