Behind The Scenes At Saoirse-Monica Jackson’s Wedding To Hector Barbour

In an exclusive interview, wedding planner extraordinaire Tara Fay and photographer Michael Toman give the inside scoop on the Derry Girls’ viral wedding …

“I want to do it all again,” Saoirse-Monica Jackson told Vogue after her recent wedding to Hector Barbour (Scottish DJ Denis Sulta) at Dromquinna Manor, Co Kerry. “It was a three-day celebration that felt both deeply rooted in Celtic tradition and wildly fun. Family heirloom brooches were sewn into Saoirse’s dress, emerald bridesmaids’ gowns and kilts filled the room with colour, before the night gave way to one of the most raucous dancefloors I’ve ever captured,” says acclaimed Irish photographer Michael Toman of Story of Eve.

Hector proposed on a beach in Co Donegal with a bespoke ring from Blair and Sheridan in Glasgow. After much deliberation, the couple decided to get married in Ireland, with Tara Fay Events at the helm.

“When we first met with Saoirse and Hector about 18 months ago, Saoirse was quite specific about the style of wedding she wanted,” explains Tara. “One where all her family and Hector’s could be together to enjoy a full weekend of joy in one location. She also wanted to be on the west coast to see the sea. We shortlisted a few options and visited them together. As soon as Saoirse saw Dromquinna Manor, we knew she was smitten. Owners John, Gwen and Adam Brennan are such consummate hospitality professionals, and the whole team there is so welcoming and joyful, so it was such an easy sell.”

Invites were duly sent out. “The stationery was designed by a close friend of Hector and we used his designs throughout”, says Tara. “Saoirse’s granny’s favourite colour was purple, specifically lilac, so florist Mark Grehan (of The Garden) reflected this in the flower displays. It’s also the reason we had purple smoke at the end of the wedding ceremony!”

“Saoirse wanted the flowers to feel natural to the area and not too contrived,” explains Tara. The gardens at Dromquinna matched this aesthetic with manicured lawns, and Victorian and kitchen gardens, overseen by head gardener Holly McQuillan. Saoirse’s “just picked” wedding bouquet was a mix of white flowers and foliage. “Mark Grehan is a genius at looking at the surroundings and being sympathetic to them. We picked candle colours then to reflect the flowers in our tablescapes,” says Tara.

Working with stylist Katie Bryce, Saoirse’s Annie’s Ibiza dress elicited gasps from her guests and was pitch perfect – fun yet fashion-forward, originally inspired by a Dior design. Annie’s Ibiza designs are known for their feminine strength, and interesting collaborations with Richard Quinn and Clio Peppiat, among others. No doubt this iconic rock ’n’ roll gown will spark a trend for shorter, layered dresses. Annie’s Joan of Arc or Angels of Florence gowns draw inspiration from the Venetian Renaissance, and reflect the brand’s prowess with corsetry.

“The visual heritage of the estate elevated everything, but what I loved most were the unexpected details inside the Manor,” says Michael. “Intricate floral wallpapers, antique furniture, polished wooden staircases – each room had its own atmosphere.” Guests stayed onsite in luxury tents, elegant Potting Sheds, or self-contained Bolthole and Blackberry Lodges.

The next day, the party decamped to O’Shea’s pub in Sneem where Saoirse wore a Sandy Liang suit, Charles & Keith shoes, Missoma jewellery and a Clio Peppiatt bag. “The moment I saw the bright pink exterior walls of O’Shea’s Pub, I knew it would make a perfect photo,” says Michael.

“What really stood out in this wedding was the balance between intimacy and exuberance,” says Michael. His advice for other couples wishing to recreate the same vibe? “Surprises: a mid-reception transformation or an outfit reveal – these become unforgettable storytelling moments. Saoirse and Hector’s wedding had all of that in abundance!”