A Cinematic Black-Tie Wedding in Kerry: Eimear & Matthew

Black-tie glamour unfolded in the breathtaking Irish countryside in this sublime real wedding. Eimear and Matthew tied the knot in refined yet romantic style at The Europe Hotel & Resort in Killarney, Co. Kerry. From Eimear's exquisitely elegant bridal wardrobe to the lush white blooms to their signage with a gilded edge, their big day was a masterclass in timeless sophistication. Matthew plays for Cork Senior Championship club Mallow so of course a football snuck its way into their stunning wedding photos. Check out their wonderful autumn wedding, lensed to perfection by narrative photographer Syona Photography.

Let's begin with our real wedding couple's love story. Eimear and Matthew are both from Mallow in Cork and they've been together 15 years. Eimear tells us: "My bridesmaid Holly lived next to him and we were introduced at her 16th birthday on the 22nd of December, 2008. We have been together ever since."

Matthew popped the question in luxurious style at Adare Manor on November 6th, 2022. He picked a stunning spot at the five-star venue to get down on bended knee too. Eimear reflects: "He proposed to me overlooking the main gardens. It was really private and intimate, exactly the way I wanted it to be. That evening, he had dinner booked at the Carriage House, followed by drinks in the Tack Room. It was beyond special and a memory I will always cherish."

Eimear and Matthew wanted an elegant and romantic wedding that was intimate and relaxed. Making sure their family and friends had the best time was their top priority. "Location was really important to us. We wanted to choose a wedding location that wasn’t a distance away from the majority of our guests. Killarney is only a 45 minute drive from our home town so it was really fitting."

The Killarney hotel holds a special place in their hearts as they have celebrated many a birthday there through the years. "I remember our last visit before we got engaged saying to Matthew 'imagine getting married here’ and little did I know, it would be a dream come true just over a year later," Eimear shares.

"There were so many different elements that made The Europe Hotel & Resort ‘the one’. The breathtaking views across the lakes, mountains, gardens and national parkland, the luxury and elegance of the hotel, the impeccable service, the ballroom had the capacity to accommodate our full guestlist, and much more."

They tied the knot on October 20th, 2023, with 220 of their nearest and dearest joining them for their most special day.

"Matthew trusted my vision throughout the process and I really respected that he allowed me to make most of the decisions." Eimear chose a graceful colour palette of white, beige, gold and champagne and she collaborated with her wedding florist and stylist to bring her dream day to life.

"We worked closely together on flowers and decor for both the church and the venue to reflect my aesthetic. We chose black-tie attire for our guests as it really adds a sophistication to an event."

St Mary’s Cathedral in Cork was blooming with botanical beauty including an impressive entrance display with white blooms on tall gold pillars. Pew ends were also adorned with arrangements including roses, peonies, oakleaf hydrangea and bells of Ireland with foliage mixed in. Elsewhere pillar candles sat in white vases surrounded by eucalyptus.

Neutral bridesmaids dresses are superbly elegant and Eimear's bridesmaids dazzled in champagne satin halter neck gowns. Her mother wowed in white.

"From a young age, I have always dreamt about my wedding day. Fashion and style have always been a love of mine and I wanted our wedding day to reflect my personal style," Eimear highlights. She wanted the wedding aesthetic to be "timeless and elegant" and she looked utterly breathtaking in a sleek column gown with a stunning draped asymmetrical neckline which she accessorised with a satin-edge veil, white court heels, a sparkling tennis bracelet and necklace and glittering diamond earrings.

Matthew was immensely dapper in his black tux which included a black velvet blazer with satin lapels. He wore a white rose buttonhole to complement his wife's lush bouquet. The cathedral had a sweet family connection as Eimear reveals: "Although my grandparents have passed away, my mother's parents had their wedding ceremony there also which really made me feel their presence on our wedding day."

Eimear made her entrance to a spine-tingling string rendition of Can’t Help Falling in Love by Elvis Presley. "Our string quartet were the epitome of elegance, they really added extra class to the ceremony." Eimear's older sister Aoife delivered her favourite ceremony reading, the reflection These Hands. "This reflection was really special as we felt it really reflected what marriage meant to us both."

Then, it was on to the five-star venue for their refined reception which oozed style at every turn. The Killarney hotel boasts panoramic views of Loch Léin and, with the mist descending over the MacGillycuddy's Reeks, it made for a bewitching backdrop to their wedding photos.

With vistas like that, we've no doubt their wedding film by Hearts of Gold was nothing short of cinematic.

Reflecting on their big day, Eimear says: "Thinking back, what really made the day so special was the people we got to share our wedding day with. How many times in your life can you walk into a room and for it to be filled with the people who love and care about you most in this world."

"People had travelled from all across Ireland and also from other countries, to celebrate our day. Also, Matty’s grandmother, aged 92, was also able to attend the wedding, which made it so special for his family."

Of course, a football rolled its way into their pictures!

Bride and groom black-tie wedding Killarney

Their signage had a gilded look and their reception room had an incredible lakeside view. Their lemon raspberry tiered white wedding cake was so chic and it was given a fabulous floral twist.

For their first dance they chose You Are the Reason by Callum Scott. "It was a weekend of sheer happiness and love. It almost feels like a dream. It was exactly how I imagined my wedding day to be - from the church, the style, the flowers, the venue. We felt the day really reflected us as a couple," Eimear says.

Eimear shared a wonderful hack for wedding planning to help couples get organised in the run up to the big day. "There are so many elements of planning a wedding. I made a ‘To Do’ list from 12 months, nine months, six months, three months, right up to the week of the wedding. This ensured that we were never overwhelmed and we really got to enjoy each element of wedding planning."

As for the big day itself, she highlights: "I once received a piece of advice that the bride and groom bring the energy to a wedding. If the couple are calm or stressed, the bridal party, family and guests will sense it. To this day, I can’t believe how calm I was on the lead up and the day of the wedding. I honestly can say I was able to enjoy every moment."

They continued their celebrations by going back to where it all began, Adare Manor, for a romantic break away. Then, they soaked up newlywed life by jetting off to Spain for a mini moon in Marbella. They are planning to honeymoon in the Caribbean.