For today's gorgeous real wedding couple, Danielle and Kris a Summer celebration in Dublin was the perfect recipe for their "I do's". 35 of their loved ones gathered to witness this sweet pair exchange rings and vows at their heartfelt destination wedding at The Merrion. The day started with an intimate ceremony filled with heartwarming moments with their daughters Ava and Arabella by their sides, and finished with traditional Irish music and a good ole classic Irish wedding celebration! You can just feel the love and joy of the day bursting through the imagery captured by Studio Brown.

Bride Danielle is from Virginia in the USA while Groom Kris hails from Manchester, England. They currently live in Arlington, VA right outside of Washington, D.C.

Danielle and Kris met in Dublin while Danielle was visiting for her best friends bachelorette party. She was the only single person on the trip and the joke was that she was going to meet her future husband!

Danielle tells us more about their early dating days, "When Kris and I met we were instantly attached to one another. I think we both surprised ourselves with how quickly we were committed to one another and began a long distance relationship. Kris would travel to and from the US regularly and over time he met my then 3 year old daughter, Ava. They adored one another from the start and on the first visit she asked if he would stay forever. Kris and I were engaged within 6 months of meeting and planned a wedding in Ireland for 2020. Due to the pandemic we eloped in St. Lucia, and we started a lengthy visa process. After a year Kris received his visa to move to the states with Ava and I, and shortly after we had another daughter, Arabella."

The proposal happened during one of Kris's trips to the states. The couple had dinner at one of their favourite taco spots and while watching a NBA game Kris popped the question and asked Danielle to marry him. The bride reminisces, "Kris said “I’ll love you forever, will you marry me?” I hugged him silently and made him sweat it out while I took my time with the answer, but it was the easiest decision I’ve ever made. It was perfect."

Danielle and her girls walked down the Aisle to Cannon in D.

It was key for Danielle and Kris to celebrate over the entirety of a weekend as the majority of their guests were flying in for the celebration. They really wanted it to be a heartfelt & authentic celebration of them, surrounded by their nearest and dearest. " Our family celebrating together was definitely the most important to us. Kris and I were apart for so long and we were really excited to reunite with our family and friends who are spread across three different countries."

The couples Aunt Nancy did a beautiful speech prior to passing over to the officiant.

When it came to finding the perfect venue, Danielle and Kris tell us The Merrion stood out for them from the very beginning. "Honestly, the Merrion Hotel is stunning and almost everything could be done in house – food, flowers, wedding planner, rooms, and suites. The location of the hotel was perfect and the rooms were large and well situated for our needs. The spa was also a huge bonus; especially during the days leading up to the wedding. We also loved that we could move to the Cellar Bar towards the end of the night for a more casual atmosphere."

Speaking of their priorities from the very beginning, Danielle tells us, "kids change everything!" She adds, "We were mindful about finding a space that would be comfortable for both our guests and the kids. We wanted an environment that the kids could dance and play, but also wanted the guests to enjoy five star dining, beautiful surroundings, and good music. Additionally, we wanted to honor the culture of the country we chose to get married in. We wanted an Irish band that played traditional Irish music. We feel really lucky that we were able to find the venue we did to make that possible."

Danielle's drop dead gorgeous gown is by Sarah Seven which she sourced at Lovely Bride in Washington DC. She completed her wedding day look with the Golden Alba headpiece by Untamed Petals, an emerald and gold necklace and earring studs by Haverhill and heels by Ted Baker. Later in the evening the bride changed into Soludos sneakers for dancing the night away!

Just how dotey are Danielle and Kris's flower girls Ava and Arabella?  We adore their little wedding outfits! Eldest daughter Ava wore a beautiful 3d floral organza dress from BHLDN, while baby Arabella wore a sweet collared romper by Baby Beau & Belle. 

The couple describe their wedding day as “elegantly laid back.” Danielle adds, "The upscale location, food, attire, and details of the day were beautiful; but the guests felt comfortable kicking off their shoes to dance to a traditional Irish band while our daughter did cartwheels and sang at the mic. Our family celebrating together was definitely the most important to us. Kris and I were apart for so long and we were really excited to reunite with our family and friends who are spread across three different countries."

Looking back on their day, the couple's favourite part was that they incorporated their girls and their family and friends into every part of the celebration. Danielle says, "First, we had our daughters walk down the aisle with our mom’s (the baby walked down the aisle while eating my mom’s corsage!) We had my Aunt Nancy initiate the ceremony with beautiful words and a prayer. Following that a close friend, Matthew McGuire, officiated the wedding. Our 6 year old joined us during the vows and there was a lot of laughter throughout. We walked out of the room to “Come Together” by the Beatles. We wouldn’t change a thing."

For favours, guests were treated to Wedding Bags filled with salted caramel and dark chocolate raspberry Butlers Chocolates, Kilbroney Irish Gin, the couples favourite sweets (Swedish Fish, Jelly beans & Refreshers!), heart shaped bubbles, confetti, personalised wrapped tissues packs, hand sanitizer, chips & water.

The little ones weren't forgotten about either and got their very own goodie bags filled with wedding Barbies, wooden toys, and colouring books!

The couple had the band play a traditional Irish song for their first dance.

The sweetest moments to treasure!

A big Thank you to Danielle & Kris for sharing their charming city wedding with us and of course to Claire from Studio Brown for providing us with the gorgeous imagery.