What happens when a casual post-work drink turns into a 3:30 am conversation in a quirky basement bar? For Sarah Foster and Gavin Harper, it was the unexpected beginning of a love story that would lead them all the way to their spring wedding at Luttrellstown Castle. They celebrated their nuptials on the 14th March 2026 among 65 of their closest family and friends in a celebration that perfectly balanced timeless, black-tie elegance and a high-octane party atmosphere. From an unforgettable proposal in Porto to two stunning designer wedding gowns, Sarah and Gavin's day was a beautiful reflection of who they are: sophisticated, fun and devoted to the people they love. We're delighted to share these beautiful images captured by wedding storyteller duo Sergii and Tetiana of Nice2Look.

Like many couples, Sarah who is from Donabate, Dublin and Gavin from Kidsgrove, Stoke-on-Trent, England, met on a dating app. "By that point, we were both fairly fed up with the apps," says Sarah, who was living in Manchester at the time. " And we were just not looking for romance or fireworks." She agreed to meet Gavin for a drink after work expecting nothing more than a quick cocktail and an early night. Instead, what was meant to be a one-hour date turned into an evening that "neither wanted to end".

The couple's first date was at a basement cocktail bar in Manchester - which says Sarah "was probably not the most conventional choice for two people getting to know each other." When they arrived, she recounts that every seat in the place was taken. "Rather hilariously, the only spot left for us was a bed tucked away in the corner. Not exactly your typical first-date setting, but it definitely broke the ice and gave us a story we've been laughing about ever since. "People often say, "when you know, you know," and while neither of us had ever really believed that sentiment, there was something different about that night," says Sarah. "It felt easy, natural and exciting from the very beginning."

Three years later, Gavin proposed at the Jardins do Palácio de Cristal in Porto, Portugal. "Having visited together in 2019, it always felt so perfect," says Sarah. "It's private and intimate, with stunning views overlooking the Douro River and the city below, which makes it a really special setting for such an important moment." We love the proposal story too! Determined to beat the crowds, apparently Gavin practically marched a coffee-deprived, slightly suspicious Sarah up the hillside. Overcome with nerves he then dropped to one knee—only to realize it was the wrong one. "In a moment of hilarious panic, he stood back up and immediately dropped onto the other knee, leaving me wondering if she was witnessing a marriage proposal or a sudden medical emergency!," says Sarah. "Of course I said yes, rescuing Gavin before he ran out of knees entirely."

Wanting their wedding to feel romantic, elegant and timeless, without being too formal, the couple were drawn to Luttrelstown castle. "It is such a stunning backdrop and we kept the styling fairly classic with lots of white flowers, candlelight and touches of ivory, black and soft green," says Sarah.

Sarah’s bridal look was a masterclass in modern minimalist fashion. She opted for a dual-wardrobe, wearing two distinct gowns by luxury bridal house Eva Lendel. Both dresses were discovered during an exclusive, private styling appointment at Dublin Bridal House in Rathfarnham.

For her walk down the aisle, Sarah wore a structural, refined silhouette that effortlessly matched the grand setting. Later in the evening, she switched into a second Eva Lendel gown tailored specifically for movement and dancing. She completed both looks with timeless Prada heels, contemporary jewellery from Dylan Oaks, an elegant updo by hair stylist Danielle Whelan, and a flawless, naturally glowing look by award-winning makeup artist Danielle Mahon.

Inspired by a mix of "old-world romance and timeless elegance", from the flowers to the bridal looks to the table settings, the couple stuck to a palette of ivory, black and soft green, alongside plenty of beautiful white florals.

Meanwhile the bridesmaids wore flowing, elegant gowns from JJ’s House, while the couple's page boys and flower girls charmed guests in perfectly coordinated outfits from Next.

"Luttrellstown Castle was absolutely stunning and, honestly, it had us from the moment we arrived," says Sarah. "It had everything we were looking for: history, character, elegance and that real wow factor. And we always joked that if it's good enough for David and Victoria Beckham, it's good enough for us!"

Gavin and his groomsmen looked exceptionally sharp in classic tailored suits and shoes from Slaters Menswear, paired with refined accessories from Marks & Spencer.

"We wanted everything to feel elegant and considered, but never overly fussy," says Sarah. "The aim was to create a timeless atmosphere that felt warm, romantic and true to who we are, rather than something that felt too formal or staged."

Their ceremony, conducted by legal celebrant Jessica Statham, was custom-designed to be lighthearted, sincere, and deeply intimate. Instead of just watching from afar, their 65 guests felt like a core part of the story.

The emotional narrative of the ceremony was heightened by the soulful vocals of Jenny Cullen, an acclaimed wedding industry veteran. "Another special mention has to go to wedding planner Shannon Reynolds who went above and beyond throughout the whole process," says Sarah.

"One of the standout moments for us was having Beyond by Leon Bridges as part of our ceremony. "Leon Bridges was one of the first artists we saw together in Manchester. The song has always meant a lot to us, so it felt like the perfect choice for such a special moment."

"Photographers and videographer, Nice2Look, completely understood our vision from the start and played a huge part in bringing it to life," says Sarah "They captured the atmosphere of the day perfectly, from the quiet, emotional moments to the energy of the celebrations later in the evening. Their blend of digital and film photography gave us the most beautiful collection of images, balancing timeless elegance with a modern edge."

Known for their architectural floral backdrops and grand styling, Frog Prince Weddings & Events created some of the most beautiful ceremony, table-end and mantelpiece spring flower arrangements for the day.

"After spending so long planning the wedding, we wanted to create memories rather than worry about the details, and that's exactly what we did, " says Sarah.

"We don't take ourselves too seriously, so while we loved the elegant side of the day, we also wanted plenty of laughter, happy tears, overflowing champagne and more than a few pints of Guinness," says Sarah. "Most importantly, we wanted to be fully present and enjoy every moment with the people we love."

We adore a cherry coded cake at One Fab Day and this design by Jens Couture Cakes is so perfectly sweet!

The couple's first dance was to Love at First Sight by Kyle Minogue.

"As the day went on, it became less black-tie and more party! From champagne towers, sparklers, fireworks to a packed dance floor, it was the perfect balance of sophistication and fun," says Sarah.

Asked what made the day really special and personal to them, Sarah says succinctly: "Simply having everyone we love in the one room. We'd also highly recommend personalised illustrations as wedding favours, they were a huge hit with our guests!"

And advice for other couples planning their day? "Don't sweat the small stuff," says Sarah. "As easy as it is to get caught up in every last detail, most guests won't remember whether the napkins matched the flowers. They'll remember how the day felt, so focus on creating an experience that everyone can enjoy."

The couple honeymooned in Mexico, splitting time between Akumal and Tulum, staying in three very different hotels to experience a bit of everything. "The scenery was breathtaking, the people were wonderful, and the food was so good that we practically came home as two burritos. Looking back, we're actually grateful our original plans changed, and we'd recommend Mexico in a heartbeat," says Sarah

Congratulations Sarah and Gavin. The warmest thank you to our wonderful couple and to the always smashing team at Nice2Look, for sharing today's absolutely gorgeous Luttrelstown Castle wedding with us at One Fab Day!

Check out more Irish Real Weddings now where so much more stunning inspiration awaits you!

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