Wicklow bride's stunning wedding featured a performance by DWTS Karen Byrne and Maurizio Benenato

Onagh O’Driscoll and Paul Chira knew it was meant to be when they first locked eyes on one another back in 2019 and the pair have been together ever since

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Life

Kathy Prendeville

16:11, 27 MAY 2023

Onagh and Paul's wedding (Image: http://www.babsdaly.com/)

THE HAPPY COUPLE

Onagh O’Driscoll, Wicklow and Paul Chira, Romania.

THE FIRST GLANCE

We met in Twenty Twos on south Anne street back in 2019. Paulie walked past to go to the bathroom, we locked eyes, he asked me if I wanted a drink and the rest is history as they say!

We were inseparable the moment we met. As cringey as it sounds it was definitely love at first sight.

THE PROPOSAL

Paul proposed during Covid when we were on the way back from a family weekend in Cork.

We had all of our friends and family organised to be in the apartment when we got back. It was decorated with ‘Will you marry me balloons’ and flowers everywhere and he got down on one knee.

I was speechless. I wasn't expecting it at all. Paul designed the ring himself with Voltaire diamonds and it was so special, I’m obsessed with my ring.

THE RECEPTION

We got married in Farnham estate in Cavan. It was the perfect venue for our big day. Farnham was the first place that Paulie brought me when we were dating for a weekend away so it has always had a special significance to us.

THE DATE

Our original wedding date was the 29th of July however my Mam was critically ill around that time so we pushed it to the 3rd of December 2022. We aimed to get married outside in the fabulous pergola style outdoor area but unfortunately the December weather didn’t give us that option!

After the change of date we opted to get married on the grounds of the hotel indoors.

THE WEATHER

The weather was dry but it was cold so the outdoor photos were a challenge. I was freezing but we were just happy it stayed dry. We had the child of Prague out the night before with the hope of some sun!

THE DRESS

I got my wedding dress at ‘Bridal by Tamem Michael’ in Ballymount. I altered the neckline, added a jewelled belt and had over 15 fittings but it was worth it!

I tried on over 20 wedding dresses and the minute I tried this one on I fell in love. I lost four stone between buying my dress and the wedding day so needless to say I had a lot of fittings and alterations but Paula and the girls had the dress absolutely perfect on the day.

I loved it so much, I wish I could wear it again. I recommend any bride to go to Tamem Michael. They were amazing.

THE PHOTOGRAPHER

Babs Daly was our photographer, we were so at ease with Babs as she made the whole process super enjoyable.

We also had the Fennels as our videographers who captured the day so perfectly. We watched the wedding video numerous times, it’s so special watching your big day in a venue filled with all the people you love.

THE BAND

We had Spring Break and they were incredible. They had everyone up on their feet all night. I don't think anyone in the room was sitting down once they came on, they were electric!

We also had Karen Byrne and Maurizio Benenato perform a dance to kick off the night time part of the evening, they were spectacular.

THE FIRST DANCE

Our first dance was ‘Power of love’ by Celine Dion. I love Celine Dion, she’s my favourite artist and Paul loves that song too. We always said that would be an ideal song for our first dance so we went with it.

THE HIGHLIGHTS

Walking down the aisle for me was really special. Paul was crying his eyes out and it was really emotional. We loved the speeches and of course we loved the night time element, we all danced the night away.

THE STRESS FACTOR

It was super stressful, trying to coordinate all the details from the wedding suppliers, entertainment and transport.

As we had to change the date so it felt like it was being planned all over again but as it got closer all the jobs were done so we really enjoyed the run up to the big day.

I planned the wedding myself and I really enjoyed it so when it was over I didn’t know what to do with myself!

THE HONEYMOON

We went to Dubai in January and it was just gorgeous. We stayed in the stunning Rixos Hotel. The weather was great and so was the food, the views, everything was incredible.

We’re also going to Stella Island in Greece in August too so we’re really looking forward to that too.

THE ADVICE

I made a big mistake and I’d love to prevent any other couple from doing the same; I got our wedding date printed on absolutely everything; the invites, the fans, favours, bathroom bits, bridesmaid presents, grooms crew presents, parents presents, basically anything that could be personalised had the date and then we ended up changing it!

It took a good bit of time to redo everything, not to mention the expense of it so when you’re ordering, I would recommend leaving the date off of everything and just keep the other details that won’t change on it instead. You never know what could happen.

We never thought when we booked our wedding two years in advance that we’d be pushing it out. I hope that helps at least one couple like us, who love everything personalised.

Would you like to have your wedding featured in RSVP Magazine and on our website RSVP Live? Get in touch with kathy.prendeville@reachplc.com