We're bringing you some wonderful real wedding inspiration to focus on a trend that is growing increasingly popular - two part weddings. More and more couples are choosing to celebrate their wedding with two separate events over two occasions, most often an intimate ceremony with just a few people and a bigger celebration with all of their nearest and dearest. Or a chic civil ceremony at home followed by a destination bash. Because really, what's better than one wedding? Two of course! We've rounded up our real wedding couples who executed the two-part wedding to perfection, and doubled their fun! This is how it's done...
Two Part Weddings We Loved
Meg & Michael | Westmeath and Iceland
Meg and Michael are a great inspiration for couples who are looking to have separate ceremony and celebrations, with one part of the wedding taking place in Mount Druid in Co. Westmeath and the second part in the epic wilds of Iceland! You might be thinking of something a little closer to home but their story shows how fantastic it can be when you get to celebrate twice! See more of this unique wedding in full here.
Paula & Niall | Dublin and Derry
Wedding photographer Paula Gillespie and her husband Niall exceeded every last one of our (rightfully, very high!) expectations. Their wedding makes the unlikely combination of a both colourful and moody look easy. The couple began their two-part wedding with an intimate registry office ceremony and celebration in Dublin, followed by an epic-looking party at The Playhouse, Co. Derry. Special mention for their huge DIY backdrop and handmade bar! You can enjoy the wedding in full here.
Meadhbh & BenValla | Kilkea and Tanzania
Celebrating their special day with a dreamy reception at Kilkea Castle, Meadhbh and BenValla tied the knot in a beautiful floral-filled church ceremony near the bride's home in Rathgar, Dublin. With groom BenValla hailing from Tanzania, they described the day as "Tanzan-Irish" as they fused the two cultures in every aspect of their wedding. With celebrants from both places, Irish dancing to Afrobeats, English and Swahili readings, traditional Tanzanian gift giving, nods to ingredients from Tanzania in the food such as a layer of lime and coconut cake, alongside Irish beef and oysters from Kilkea. They followed their June bash, with a second three-day wedding reception in the groom's home in Dar es Salaam a few weeks after with friends and family travelling to join them for another epic celebration. See the full Irish wedding day here.
Emma & Arran | Dublin
Emma and Arran's celebration in Dublin city was a little different. They began with a ceremony and meal for immediate family and close friends, then hosted a massive party at Medley later in the week (with a mini moon in between!). Check out the delectable-looking doughnut wedding cake which you can see in its entirety here.
Claire & Brian | West Cork
Claire and Brian started their two-part celebration with an intimate party of 20 at Glebe Gardens, and ended with 80 friends and family members at Inish Beg Estate. What impresses us the most is how thoroughly Claire and Brian spoiled their guests - they went above and beyond to keep them entertained and make sure the day flowed effortlessly. Want a closer look? You can enjoy that here.
Lucy & Matt | Derry and Bordeaux
From Belfast to Bordeaux in style! London-based couple Lucy and Matt traveled back to their home town of Belfast for their intimate and colourful back garden party followed by a meal at their favourite restaurant. Surrounded by 20 of their closest friends and family members, the couple's micro-wedding in sunny May allowed them to get the legal and religious aspects covered before their full-blown celebration in France the following week. Featuring a gorgeous tea-length Reformation dress and a spectacular photoshoot set against the backdrop of the city, see more of their wonderful day here!
Gabriel & Farah | Marrakesh
Gabriel and Farah travelled to Marrakesh for their magnificent two-day celebration which was curated beutifully down to the last detail. The unmissable, sun-soaked event began with a beautifully intimate traditional Moroccan ceremony in the desert at La Pause with the stylish couple arriving on camelback. This was followed by a larger picture-perfect ceremony at Le Palais Paysan the next day. Check out the photos both wedding dreamy days here.
Vanessa & Niall | Kildare
Vanessa and Niall didn't just celebrate their wedding twice, they also did it on opposite sides of the world. After tying the knot in the bride's native Australia, it was Niall's turn to say 'I do' close to home, with a gorgeous Irish wedding at Cliff at Lyons. The picturesque garden at the venue set the tone for their day, with luxurious florals and elegant style. But refined finishing touches aside, the vibe of wedding number two was a relaxed one, with a firm focus on celebrating each other and their guests. See it in full here.
Niamh & Dane | Belfast and Monaghan
This magical two part wedding sees our real wedding couple tie the knot colourfully in Belfast City hall before indulging in another magnificent wedding day at the gorgeous Castle Leslie Estate. For the city hall wedding day, Niamh chose a colourful wedding gown and a custom-made button bouquet made by her husband! Part two, their love for travel and unique personalities come through with a ceremony reading about dinosaurs, a Led Zepplin love song, a bouquet with Malaysian chillies, and very loud 'yam sengs'. See Part 1 and Part 2!
Need more inspiration for your small wedding? Check out our practical tips here!
