Victoria and Nick have never done anything in a straight line, so it makes sense that their wedding in Ireland followed that same rhythm. They met in medical school, got engaged in front of a TV after flying across the Atlantic, married quietly at a Brooklyn courthouse, and then decided to celebrate again, this time in a castle. At Luttrellstown Castle just outside Dublin, they embraced the elegance of the setting but kept it grounded and personal. The weekend felt aristocratic in the best way, with black tie, candlelight, and deep green walls, yet it stayed relaxed, funny, and full of personality.
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Style: Elegant, Classic, Refined
Time of planning: 1 year
Number of guests: 110
Setting: Castle
Season: Fall
Victoria and Nick met during their first year of medical school in Connecticut and later found out they had both lived in Boston the year before without ever crossing paths. Medical school fixed that. They kept bumping into each other at interest group meetings, in cadaver labs, and at post-exam dance parties, until study sessions turned into something more. Residency eventually brought them to Brooklyn, where long hours in the OR and on the pediatric floors meant very little sleep but a growing sense that this was their person.
Their proposal story carried its own sense of timing. An almost engagement in Maine was paused after Victoria announced she was “absolutely not ready to be engaged,” only to change her mind days later. A second attempt took them to Scotland, complete with a garbage strike, lost luggage, and a James Bond-themed hotel dinner. Nick kept the ring in his carry-on and proposed later that night while they were watching Netflix. “So yes, they flew across the Atlantic to get engaged in front of a TV. Perfect.”
Concept & Location
Going back to Ireland just made sense. Victoria wanted to nod to her grandfather’s roots, and both of them liked the idea of hosting everyone somewhere that already had history built into the walls. Luttrellstown Castle felt impressive but not intimidating. It carries legacy, yet it still feels warm once you’re inside.
They kept the vision simple: elegant, intimate, and slightly old-world without feeling staged. Core Events helped shape that balance.
Parlour Events sourced mismatched vintage plates so no two place settings were exactly alike, which made the tables feel collected. The Wild Bunch layered in rich greens and deep burgundy florals that worked with the castle instead ofcompeting with it. Linens from Total Event and rentals from Caterhire pulled everything together in a way that felt thoughtful but never overdone.
"Ireland greeted them with soft autumn rain, adding an extra layer of atmosphere and cinematic charm. That quintessential Irish moodiness brought out the glow of the castle even more wrapping the entire weekend in a sense of coziness and refined romance."
Welcome at the Pub
The weekend actually kicked off at a local bar, where guests gathered for pints of Guinness, traditional music by Buskin Bandits, and a night that felt more like a reunion than a formal pre-event. Victoria leaned into the mood with a lace and floral mini dress by For Love & Lemons and silver Jimmy Choo kitten heels.
She and Britt Gates Kayyem of Salvaged by Britt thrifted a vintage bag from Art District Antiques Co. in Denver, and Britt later repaired and embellished it into a one-of-a-kind piece. The whole look felt playful and personal, perfectly in step with a night of beer, music, and easy laughter.
Wedding Day
Bridal Morning & Fashion
On the wedding day, Victoria wore a Sarah Seven gown, style Whisper. The fit-and-flare shape, built-in corset, and soft pleating at the neckline and hip gave it structure. It was clean, simple, and quietly romantic. A custom lace-edged veil by Britt Gates Kayyem added a softer layer and a hint of old-world charm, especially meaningful given Britt’s focus on recycled and upcycled fabrics.
She paired the dress with Mikimoto pearl earrings, Manolo Blahnik heels, and Nick’s late grandmother’s ring on her pinky. The bouquet by The Wild Bunch leaned soft and natural, which kept the look from feeling too polished.
Makeup artist Aoife Callaghan went with fresh, polished soft glam, and hairstylist Claire Barry created a sleek low twisted bun that felt classic but still current. Altogether, the look felt effortless and true to her.
Groom’s Getting Ready
Nick opted for a classic black tuxedo from The Black Tux, paired with crisp white studs and black patent-leather shoes. His custom tuxedo shirt from Proper Cloth featured a wingtip collar, a pique tuxedo front, and rounded French cuffs.
A white silk bow tie from Bonobos added subtle sheen. His boutonniere by The Wild Bunch introduced an organic element that tied his look back to the florals throughout the day. The overall effect felt formal, thoughtful, and quietly confident.
Ceremony
The ceremony took place in the Gothic Hall of the castle. The soaring arches and moody light created a space that felt cathedral like without stepping into a traditional church. Stone textures and soft rain outside enhanced the atmosphere.
A close friend officiated, keeping the tone personal and grounded. The Avoca String Quartet played gently, their music echoing through the hall without overpowering the vows. The ceremony balanced modern intimacy with a sense of timelessness.
“Truthfully, it was the collection of joyful, heartfelt moments throughout the day that made the experience magical.”
Cocktail Hour
Following the ceremony, guests drifted into the castle for drinks as the string quartet carried on in the background. A fire crackled in the fireplace, adding real warmth against the damp Irish air outside. Some guests balanced pints of Guinness, others held cocktails, and a few warmed their hands around delicate porcelain teacups.
Oysters were passed around on silver trays, and The Painkiller made its rounds as a quiet wink to the couple’s medical careers. People moved between rooms, catching up, laughing, and settling in. It felt less like a formal transition and more like everyone easing into a long, candlelit evening together.
Private Moment
At one point, Victoria and Nick stepped away from the crowd for a quiet moment inside the castle. Raissa & Simon captured them framed by tall windows and soft greenery, the light diffused and gentle. The pause allowed them to breathe and take in the weight of the day without distraction.
“Everything felt natural, never forced and authentic to themselves. The iconic setting was reimagined through their lens: intimate, soulful, and stripped of grandeur for grandeur’s sake."
Decor & Design
Dinner took place in the castle’s great ballrooms, where long and round tables sat under chandeliers and painted ceilings that already carried so much history. Core Events kept the scale of the space from feeling too grand, making it feel more like an intimate dinner party than a formal banquet.
Parlour Events brought in mismatched vintage plates so every setting felt a little different. The Wild Bunch filled the room with rich greens, deep burgundy, and soft neutral blooms that worked naturally with the castle’s dark walls. Tall tapers flickered down the tables and made everything feel warmer and more relaxed.
Nick’s father designed the stationery, including flying telegram seating cards that guests loved. It added a personal, slightly nostalgic layer.
Reception
Champagne toasts set the tone for the evening. Victoria felt deeply moved hearing her siblings speak. The room filled with laughter, applause, and a few tears. A lively Polish dance in honor of Victoria’s family roots energized the crowd. Guests joined in, and the dance floor opened quickly. Their first dance felt simple and intentional, focused on connection.
As the night continued, The Event Band shifted the energy into a high energy celebration. Later, guests gathered around a hearty late night snack table where burgers were served on silver plates, a playful contrast that matched the overall tone of the weekend.
Advice from the couple:
• If you’ve got any inkling to host a wedding celebration, just go for it. Don’t overthink it. Working with an amazing and organized wedding planner (shoutout to Lisa and Core Wedding Events!!) helps move the process along smoothly.
• Enjoy the ride, and don’t sweat the small stuff. As long as you’re having fun, everyone else will too—so take a minute on the day to hug your loved ones, soak it all in, and revel in the rare joy of having all your favorite people in one place.
PLANNING & DESIGN Core Events | VENUE Luttrellstown Castle | PHOTOGRAPHER & VIDEOGRAPHER Raissa & Simon | FLORALS The Wild Bunch | TABLE DECOR & CURATED ITEMS Parlour Events | FURNITURE RENTAL Caterhire | LINENS Total Event | CEREMONY MUSIC Avoca String Quartet | WELCOME MUSIC Buskin Bandits | BAND The Event Band | HAIR TEAM Curatist | LEAD HAIR Claire Barry | ASSIST HAIR Dani Pattison | LEAD MAKEUP Aoife Callaghan | ASSIST MAKEUP Samantha Corcoran | BRIDE’S DRESS Sarah Seven| VEIL Salvaged by Britt | SHOES Manolo Blahnik | GROOM ATTIRE The Black Tux | SHIRT Proper Cloth | BOW TIE Bonobos | STATIONERY Designed by the Groom’s Father
