There’s a certain kind of magic that only an intimate Ireland destination wedding can evoke — and Sierra & Jesse leaned fully into it. Hosted at the historic Loughcrew Estate, Co. Meath, Ireland — about one hour outside of Dublin, their celebration was proof that choosing a micro wedding venue in Ireland can create a richer, more cinematic emotional experience. Our planner + designer Guide member, Kate O’Dowd of Love & Gatherings, built a world rooted in landscape and texture, while photographer Chris Copeland documented it with poetic, editorial sensitivity.
The Bridal Fashion
Sierra’s bridal style was the perfect balance of modern elegance and sentimental heirloom. She wore the Marie gown by Saint Bridal with a Phoebe veil by Sara Gabriel — paired with Prada Bunny Flora kitten heels for an unexpected, chic finish. Her accessories were layered with meaning: vintage rings and a jade bracelet passed down from both grandmothers, Thunderstorm earrings by Adorn Pili, and a refined Annabelle II band by Kinn. A look rooted in family, fashion, and intentional beauty.
The Design Direction
Sierra’s vision was to visually indulge in the Irish countryside itself — lush green as the dominant “color,” with refined tonal warmth layered in. Instead of stark bridal white, Kate guided the palette toward ivory, butter yellow, and soft aged neutrals that mimic how sunlight warms the Irish landscape. It reads modern, luxurious, and deeply natural.
Florals from The Rosehip and Berry leaned meadow-sprung and indigenous-feeling, anchored by Sierra’s beloved Queen Anne’s Lace. Antique-inspired paper goods, heirloom brass, and opulent linen draping gave the dining space a romantic, old-world melancholy — Miss Havisham energy, but elevated, intentional, and wildly chic.
The Ceremony in the Ruins
The ceremony unfolded outdoors within the ancient stone church ruins — which truly is the dream setting when couples search for a micro wedding venue in Ireland. The ruins acted as cathedral walls, the moss and meadow acted as aisle styling, and the entire moment felt entirely cinematic without needing any excess.
Their micro wedding with 20 family members and 20 close friends allowed every moment to feel intentional, meaningful, and unhurried.
Champagne Hour + Trad Musicians
After vows, guests enjoyed champagne in the ruins, then strolled back through the field to live traditional Irish musicians — sparking an impromptu courtyard ceili. This is the magic of small weddings. The looseness. The spontaneity. The “this could only happen here” energy.
The Dinner Reception
Dinner in the warm yellow dining room was candlelit, layered, emotional, and slow in the best way. Intimate weddings hold time differently. Guests are truly present. Speeches hit deeper. Food becomes part of the memory architecture. Sierra & Jesse proved that a destination wedding in Ireland doesn’t need scale to feel luxe — simply intention and environment.
Sierra’s advice for future couples planning abroad? “Give yourselves time and make a trip out to see your venue if you can – Jesse visited once in October 2023 to meet our vendors and tour the venue, and we came back together in the spring of 2024 for a final tour. We took 18 months to plan our wedding, and we really needed it. I also recommend giving yourself time before and after the wedding! Bride to bride, give yourself the time to recover from the long flight and rest to be accustomed to the new time zone.”
What she wants other brides to know: Take your time on the day. Everything flies by — soak it all in.
A good reminder for moving through life, actually. Congrats Sierra and Jesse!
Planning & Design: Love & Gatherings | Photography: Chris Copeland | Videography: Dear Oliver | Florals: The Rosehip and Berry | Stationery: Lenka Calligraphy | Cake: Fern Cakery | Venue: Loughcrew Estate | Catering: Lu Thornley | Traditional Irish Music: The Asgards | Celebrant: Anu Celebrancy
