Contemporary vintage wedding inspiration at the Museum of Literature Ireland

Contemporary Vintage Bridal Style at the Museum of Literature Ireland Wedding Venue

One of the best ways to create a wedding design that feels timeless and chic is to combine fresh contemporary elements with vintage ones. That’s the alchemy we set out to produce with this stylish shoot, which took place at the fabulous Museum of Literature Ireland wedding venue. I’m thrilled our shoot was recently featured in Love Inc. Magazine and now I can finally share it with you! Set in the heart of Dublin, the Georgian property boasts a rich history, including literary links with James Joyce and Gerard Manley Hopkins, and in its latest chapter plays host to a vibrant museum (MoLi) and event space. Much of the shoot took place in the Old Physics Theatre, a ballroom decorated in neo-Gothic style, with handmade wallpaper and beautiful high arched windows as well as a splendid chandelier. It’s a wonderful option for an intimate wedding in Dublin, with space for private dining for up to 60 people. It also made a gorgeous backdrop for our shoot, combining vintage sensibility and retro flair with modern romance!

Floral wedding invitation on toile background

Suzanne Neville wedding dress with long sleeves

contemporary vintage bride and groom

Vintage bridal fashion definitely doesn’t mean having to wear your granny’s lace dress! We decided to create two stunning looks for our model bride that take their cues from more recent fashion history. The first is a timeless daytime style, inspired by Keira Knightley. Always immaculately put together, this graceful starlet has a penchant for beautiful tailoring, elegant long sleeves, and inspired accessories. For this look, we chose a spectacular Suzanne Neville gown and a romantic updo. This was paired with a variety of diamonds, both contemporary and vintage, in line with our overall theme. The daytime Keira look includes actual 1950s jewels in three dramatic elements: a 35-carat tiara, aquamarine, and diamond drop earrings, and a substantial 20-carat diamond bracelet. Whether it’s the red carpet or a Museum of Literature Ireland wedding reception, diamonds are always a girl’s best friend!

Museum of Literature Ireland wedding venue Old Physics Theatre

colourful plates for wedding table

Museum of Literature Ireland wedding table décor

classic wedding cake with floral decoration

fresh vegetables for wedding table décor

Museum of Literature Ireland wedding bride

For our second look, we imagined a daring, independent woman, with a touch of Bianca Jagger’s effortlessly cool retro style. Her Yves Saint Laurent wedding skirtsuit is iconic, even 50 years on. We selected a stylish and practical suit by Zara for our bride, combining it with flowing curls and the quintessential Valentino studded pump. This evening-ready look was accessorised with 1960s diamond hoop earrings, a dazzling modern 25-carat diamond necklace, and a baguette brilliant cut diamond bracelet cuff.

Museum of Literature Ireland wedding groom

Bianca Jagger style white wedding suit

Museum of Literature Ireland wedding groom in black tux

Like the fashion, our table décor blended past and present. On the tabletop we layered in eclectic modern plates amongst classic toile linens and tall taper candles. Textured vases were filled with bright blooms to create low centrepieces, complemented by colourful glassware and modern gold cutlery. These accents in the MoLi ballroom setting created the updated timeless style we were aiming for.

bride in white pantsuit and diamond necklace

Blending old and new in this amazing setting was such a fun experience. I can’t wait for our first Museum of Literature Ireland wedding!

Slán go Fóill,

Tara

Producer and Designer: Tara Fay Events | Venue: Museum of Literature Ireland (MoLi) at the UCD Naughton Joyce Centre | Photography: Story of Eve | Cake: Clare Anne Taylor | Chairs: Total Event Rental | Tableware: Maison Margaux |  Dress: Suzanne Neville at Sharon Hoey| Shoes: Valentino Garavani at Brown Thomas | Flowers: The Garden | Hair: David Cashman | Jewelry: John Farrington | Blue Linen and Napkins: Total Event Rental | Makeup: Christine Lucignano using Chanel | Menswear: Louis Copeland | Models: Assets Model Agency | Napkins: Total Event Rental | Stationery: Grosvenor Stationery Co. | Watches: Paul Sheeran, IWC | White Ladies Suit: Zara | Catering: Feast

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