Guiding us through this couple's special day, Robin Crotty goes in depth with the detailing of the designers and outfits worn at this recent celebrity nuptials.
Derry Girls star Saoirse Monica Jackson’s wedding to Hector Barbour, known professionally by his DJ moniker Denis Sulta, has captured the internet in the last month. With a feature in British Vogue, viral wedding videos on Instagram gaining four million views so far, and its addition to almost every Pinterest wedding board, it begs the question: what makes this wedding stand out?
The three-day celebration, which took place in Drumquinna Manor Kenmare, appeared highly personal and detailed in every aspect. The Derry actor made clear her intention to have a distinctly Celtic wedding, honouring both her and her Scottish fiancé’s families and culture. This decision - evident in the location, the featuring of Child of Prague statues, the drinking of Guinness (of course), and the Cranberries song that played as she walked down the aisle - is seen most strikingly in the choices of clothing. Jackson and stylist Katie Bryce took great care in their selection of pieces. A long, lacy corseted dress from Verona Bridal boutique in Belfast was chosen as the initial look, distinguishing the bride’s personal style over a focus on tradition.
The main look by Annie’s Ibiza was an intricate piece layered with memory and culture. The custom dress showcases Annie’s Ibiza’s prowess in creating pieces with strong character and originality with a wonderful delicacy. With a transformable skirt that shortened practically for the dancing to follow, the piece reflected the personality and priorities of the bride; namely self-expression and the ability to enjoy her day. The corset of the dress, when reversed, was tartan. This subtle way of honouring her mother-in-law was accompanied by Celtic brooches sewn on with blue thread, as the ‘something blue’ as a nod to her own mother’s wedding dress. Barbour in turn wore his family's crest on a brooch, and his father’s sporran, with himself and his party donned traditional kilts for the ceremony. The bridesmaids, one of whom was fellow Derry Girl, Jamie-Lee O’Donnell, wore brilliant emerald green dresses by Rat & Boa with jewelry by Eily O’Connell.
The decision to have a Celtic wedding, and how the couple went about achieving this, raises some thought-provoking questions. As religious traditions continue to play less and less of a role in the Irish identity, different aspects of our culture are coming to the light once more. The bride specified her makeup brief as “Celtic warrior princess” and described her hair as “regal and pagan.” The focus on cultural and family heritage in a ceremony usually dominated by religion and primarily dictated by American media, is refreshing and inspiring to many. The stylistic choices, both in the clothing and festivities did not feel contrived or performative, but honest and personal. The conscious decision by the couple to use as many Irish and Scottish designers as possible added to the authenticity. The wedding presents both as a celebration of the couple with the clear intention of fun and enjoyment, and as a meaningful expression of their connections with their family and bicultural heritages.
With thanks to Michael Tomann of Story Of Eve for granting us permission to use his photos. Find more: storyofeve.com