Q&A with REAL BRIDE Mairead at Ireland’s breathtaking Markree Castle.

Real Bride: Mairead

From a magical proposal in the mountains of China to an elegant celebration at Ireland’s breathtaking Markree Castle, her story captures everything we love about modern romance: timeless beauty, heartfelt moments, and a gown that made her feel “absolutely regal and so beautifully herself.”

Markree Castle

Sunday, 20th July 2025

A fairytale celebration at Markree Castle in Ireland, blending timeless elegance with heartfelt intimacy. Surrounded by family, laughter, and Irish music, it was a day of pure joy, love, and unforgettable moments.

Tell us about the moment you knew this was your dress. What drew you to it, and how did you feel when you tried it on?

From the very beginning, I knew I wanted a dress that felt both classic and timeless. The moment I saw ‘Notting Hill,’ I loved its elegant square neckline and the beautifully structured sleeves. Incredibly, I found it at my very first bridal appointment! As soon as I put it on, I just knew. It was one of those moments where the dress feels like you. My bridesmaids immediately said it was exactly what they had always pictured me in, and I had to agree—nothing else I tried on afterwards even came close.

How did you and your partner meet, and how did the proposal happen?

Our story began at the most iconic Dublin spot: Coppers nightclub! Fast forward to our engagement, which was utterly magical. We were living in Shanghai at the time, and my now-husband planned a lovely "staycation" that turned out to be at a breathtaking Scottish castle nestled in the Moganshan Mountains in China. It was there, in that stunning setting, that he got down on one knee!

What was your overall vision for the day? Did you have a theme, a mood, or a feeling you wanted to evoke?

Our vision was timeless romance, where our closest friends and family felt completely at ease while celebrating with us in our intimate castle.

What made you choose your venue? Was it the setting, the architecture, the personal connection?

There were so many reasons we chose Markree Castle, but the personal connection was a huge part of it. Being close to where I'm from, it was a place I'd always envisioned getting married in, so it already felt incredibly special to us.

The setting was another major draw. We fell in love with the idea of our guests being welcomed by that classic Irish image of sheep grazing along the long driveway—it was that authentic, warm charm we wanted to set the tone. And architecturally, it offered the perfect blend of grandeur and coziness. We were captivated by the stunning ballroom for our dinner, the gorgeous gardens for photos, the outdoor courtyard with a canopy of twinkling lights for our first dance, and the unique character of the dungeon bar, which we knew would be an incredible space for our band and dancing.

Ultimately, we chose it because it provided the perfect backdrop for the exact feeling we wanted to create: a day that balanced timeless elegance with a warm, intimate, and homely atmosphere. It was the ideal place to host a celebration that was both an absolute blast and felt like a gathering of our nearest and dearest, lasting right until the final cocktails were served in the cosy residence bar at 4 a.m.

Which wedding detail felt most personal or meaningful to you? Think vows, heirlooms, traditions, surprises.

The speeches were incredibly special. We held them on the grand staircase, with all our loved ones gathered around. Hearing stories from both of our families, filled with so much laughter and happy tears, was a moment we’ll always cherish.

What was your favourite moment of the day - a memory you’ll always hold onto?

It’s so difficult to choose just one moment from a day filled with so many standout memories. However, if I had to, the walk down the aisle with my Dad would be the one I cherish most. Surrounded by our dearest family and friends, and seeing my husband’s emotional smile waiting for me, it was an overwhelming wave of love and joy that I will carry with me forever. It was the perfect, most emotional start to the best day of our lives.

"I felt absolutely regal and so beautifully myself. It was everything I had ever dreamed of wearing on my wedding day."

Did you customise any elements or work closely with Caroline and the atelier team?

I loved being able to add a personal touch! I requested that Caroline make the gorgeous sleeves detachable. This created a fabulous second look for the evening’s dinner and dancing, which was so much fun!

What role did your bridal party or family play in your dress decision?

My dress shopping was a full family affair! My mum, my bridesmaids, and my sisters were all there to help me decide—my brother even came to one appointment! The best part was that everyone was unanimously in agreement that ‘Notting Hill’ was The One.

Did you make any bold or unexpected choices?

We went for a non-traditional wedding band! Instead, we had an amazing six-piece Irish trad band called Drops of Green. My husband and I love Irish trad and ballads, and we were thrilled that our guests did too—the dance floor was packed all night with people line dancing and jiving! To keep the party going into the early hours, we then had a DJ follow the band to play the classic hits!

What did your partner say when they first saw you in your dress?

He told me I looked absolutely beautiful and that the dress was perfect and so very "me." It was a moment I'll cherish forever.

What advice would you give to brides currently planning their wedding? What would you do again - and what would you skip?

Prioritise amazing food and fantastic music—that’s what your guests will remember most! And absolutely invest in your photographer and videographer. Your day goes by in the blink of an eye, and those photos and films are what you’ll have to relive it all. Don’t skip on those!

Three words that describe your wedding day? A perfect wrap-up for the feature.

Dreamy. Romantic. Joyful.

Looking back, what will you treasure most about your wedding day?

Above all, I will treasure the overwhelming feeling of complete joy and immense love that filled the entire day.

Our Real Bride Mairead - timeless, elegant, and the true embodiment of modern romance in her Caroline Castigliano gown.

Suppliers of the day:

Venue: Markree Castle

Photographer: Anna G

Luxury Bridal Boutique: The White Room Mullingar

Videographer: PLATINUM PICTURES

Hair: Hair by Kris | Make Up: Elena Costello

Groom's Suit: Suit Supply

Music by Drops of green

Bridesmaids Dresses: Oddmuse London

Wedding Stationery: The Ivory Feather