The ancestral home of the O’Briens of Dromoland, whose lineage dates back 1,000 years to Brian Boru, one of the last High Kings of Ireland, Dromoland Castle has been welcoming guests since the 16th century. Ireland’s most magical address, the castle promises history, grandeur and luxury all wrapped up in a truly bespoke experience. We're in love with Public Relations Specialist Shannon Frieser and CEO & Founder of Chicago City Soccer Club, Nicholas Mulvaney hosted on the 14th of October 2023. Capture by Anna G Photography and styled by Kate Deegan from Perfect Details, this is a truly magical celebration of love!
The pair met by chance the week the world shut down for COVID-19 when Nick danced through Shannon’s lobby and into her heart. Shortly after they decided to do lockdown together. From learning Shannon is a trivia whizz to Nick’s love of Lewis Capaldi, there was never a dull moment from the start!
Nick knows Shannon does not like to be surprised in public, so he proposed in the most perfect way, at home with a poem about their relationship, on one knee, just as the day was starting, catching Shannon completely by surprise (and half asleep).
Le Labo “Another 13” is Shannon’s signature sent that Nick fell in love with while falling in love with Shannon, so it had to be the same for the big day!
Shannon knew she wanted lace and a long train but was completely surprised that she fell in love with a strapless style. She wanted something elegant to fit the aesthetic and grandeur of Dromoland Castle, while still having modern and glamourous touches. There were some design hiccups along the way, but ultimately the dress turned out perfect for the day.
The moment Nick slipped on his Hugo Boss Tuxedo; it was meant to be. He knew he wanted a classic look but also wanted to stand out amongst the groomsmen, so he opted for the midnight blue to give the look a special touch.
The bridesmaids were a collection of the bride's closest friends and family that came together from all the different chapters of her life. Her sister, cousins, and best friends from around the world came together to support Shannon on her journey down the aisle! "I trusted each one to pick their dress to fit their style with some guidance on colour and material. They all looked absolutely stunning in their different, but cohesive, long black silk gowns."
The ceremony was perfect. From the String Quartet playing some of the couple's favourite songs to Shannon’s godfather officiating the ceremony, being surrounded by so many family and friends travelling from all over the world was just so special. There were many happy tears and many laughs as always with this group! "One of our favourite parts was when our siblings joined us for different readings and candlelightings during the ceremony." The quartet was also incredibly special, and Shannon got to surprise Nick with the song she walked down the aisle to Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love.”
Shannon’s parents originally met in Shannon, Ireland many years ago. As a child, she visited on a family vacation and remembers exploring the castle with her brother when they were young. When Nick, born and raised in Ireland, proposed, Shannon’s dad immediately suggested Dromoland Castle. "After another visit to be sure, we couldn’t have possibly gotten married anywhere else. It felt like the perfect, full-circle moment for all our families."
The wedding planner and events extraordinaire Kate Deegan of Perfect Details suggested The Dream Band. Once the couple saw Jo and his band’s videos, they couldn’t have imagined anyone else to help celebrate. They had everyone up out of their seats from the moment the band hit the stage to the very last song from the DJ. "They were like having a private concert performance and created such a vibrant energy throughout the night."
About the best decision, the couple said, "Having the Bagpiper walk our guests into the ceremony and us into the reception; We felt like a king and queen walking into the ballroom! Also having a luncheon for the groomsmen and father of the bride before the ceremony where they could tell stories over pints of Guinness."
About the worst decision, Shannon said, "Thinking I might wear my heels all night long (I changed to special white/gold trainers soon after the party started)."
- Gráinne