Literary Wedding Inspiration for a Romantic Dublin Destination Wedding

There are few cities in the world so steeped in the love of literature as Ireland’s capital, making it the perfect setting for this literary Dublin destination wedding shoot. Amongst the city’s Georgian squares, you’ll find numerous literary plaques and place names, museums, bookshops, and historic libraries. Even our pubs have been frequented by some of the world’s most famous writers! So it seemed only fitting to celebrate this proud heritage for a romantic Dublin destination wedding. The beautiful Iveagh Gardens – one of the city’s hidden gems – set the scene. I wanted to magnify literary nods within manicured gardens for couples seeking poetic inspiration for their wedding style. Lovers of literature or whimsical style are sure to love these images as much as I do!

two-piece wedding dress with pearl necklace

Iveagh Gardens Dublin literary wedding inspiration

When planning the shoot, I was particularly inspired by the outdoor location. Iveagh Gardens are a beautiful place, surrounded by buildings, and located close to the Museum of Literature Ireland (MoLi), where the indoor part of this editorial was captured. Known as Dublin’s secret garden, Iveagh Gardens are a little harder to find but so worth the effort! They are dedicated to Irish novelist, Maeve Binchy, providing yet another literary link. And, while weddings are not currently permitted there, couples can obtain a permit to use it as a location for wedding photos. I encourage romantic and literary couples to think of their own public gardens and the history behind them when planning their weddings. Or why not incorporate small nods to your favourite stories into your wedding design and photography?

off the shoulder bridal top with antique pearl necklace

For this romantic Dublin destination wedding, I wanted to incorporate the glory of the gardens into the indoor tables. To do this, we chose beautifully patterned linens, which featured ferns and butterflies. Ferns were also delicately wrapped with emerald-coloured burlap at each place setting. We also used bamboo flatware and a striking parrot top plate for an unexpected tropical touch. The florals were a mix of single blooms and mini clusters, echoing garden varieties, with tall taper candles to elevate and balance the table visually. The end result was gorgeous, like a greenhouse or garden brought to life in table form!

garden wedding inspiration place setting

table décor for whimsical garden wedding

fern tied with burlap napkins place setting

The fashion was also an important aspect. Silky, ruffled textures from Halfpenny London matched my vision for equal parts sophistication and whimsy. Our model was given soft, pulled-back curls and an off-the-shoulder crop top – a perfectly romantic, modern look for an outdoor garden ceremony or minimony. And, just like the heroine in a classic novel, she wore a fine double-row necklace of cultured pearls with a detachable Edwardian pink topaz and 10-carat diamond brooch pendant. For the reception, her full ruffled skirt was switched out for a pair of chic, high-waisted pleated pants. We complemented these with a gold necklace collar, which had 9 carats of diamonds, as well as a 1940s retro diamond twisted two-stone ring.

If you’re planning a romantic Dublin destination wedding, I’m happy to advise on the best garden spaces for ceremonies or photographs, as well as ideas for bringing literary touches to your big day!

Slán go Fóill,

Tara

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