An Elegant Estate Wedding At Powerscourt House In Enniskerry

Architect Hugo Hickey and Caitlin Kirkwood, who works in corporate services, tie the knot in the sunshine …

“Our choice of venues was influenced by the atmosphere created by the architecture and by the people who look after them. After considering lots of venues far and wide, we realised the best was on our doorstep.”

Thomas from Floral Events created a floral arch for the church entrance, with floral torchères and pew ends inside, and tumbling arrangements of roses, delphiniums, lisianthus and hydrangeas for the tables.

“We fell in love with St Patrick’s Church in Enniskerry, not just for its 19th-century simplicity and extraordinary setting among the trees, but the wonderful Reverend Cathy Hallissey, who guided us to create a very special, intimate service. The church, right at the entrance to Powerscourt House, made it all very easy and the ballroom, with its neo-classical elegant proportions, is a glorious party space.”

After the ceremony, the couple drove away in a vintage Porsche lent by a friend.

“It was such a gorgeous sunny day that the champagne reception on the magnificent terrace and gardens, and the stunning backdrop with the Sugar Loaf in the distance set the scene. After, guests moved inside, where we had opted for banqueting style long tables for maximum conviviality; lots of candles and huge fragrant garden flower arrangements of white delphiniums and roses in abundance added impact.”

Banqueting style long tables suited the proportions of the 18th-century ballroom.

“We were blessed to have Domini and Peaches Kemp of Feast in charge of the wedding feast, so the menu was all about local and seasonal ingredients, served with organic wines: the starter of burrata, heirloom tomatoes and honeydew melon was followed by a choice of lamb with mint chimichurri or sea bass with Asian greens, followed by lemon posset and shortbread; the tiered wedding cake was by The Fox and The Flour (sponge flavours chosen by the two grandmothers at the tasting!).”

Photography by Peter Rowen.

“A summer wedding decreed linen suits with crisp white shirts for Hugo and the groomsmen, a strapless silk and lace gown and veil for me with the bridesmaids in natural neutrals also. As it turned out, it was a scorching day, so we were glad neither we nor our guests were in black tie!”