A Romantic Summer Destination Wedding at the Historic Luttrellstown Castle in Ireland
In early 2018, Dale had recently relocated from New York City to West Palm Beach, Florida, for work and was still getting acquainted with his new hometown. One evening, colleagues encouraged him to stop by Grato, a neighborhood restaurant where Rachel was working while studying for the LSAT in preparation for law school. They were convinced the two needed to meet, and that simple introduction became the beginning of their love story.
From that very first conversation, there was an undeniable connection. Hours seemed to pass in minutes, conversation flowed effortlessly, and they both left feeling as though they’d known each other far longer than they actually had. Rachel saw someone who was driven, ambitious, and genuinely kind, while Dale was immediately drawn to Rachel's warmth, intelligence, and effortless ability to make everyone around her feel comfortable.
As their relationship grew, they realized what they had felt that first evening wasn't simply excitement over meeting someone new. It was something much deeper. Throughout the years, as they traveled together, built careers, celebrated milestones, and navigated life's challenges side by side, that feeling only became stronger.
A Palm Beach Proposal
On July 8, 2023, Dale proposed in Palm Beach, Florida. The evening before, they had attended a Matchbox Twenty concert with two close friends, making for what seemed like an ordinary weekend. The next morning, Rachel believed they were heading to brunch at The Breakers with several of Dale's colleagues and their spouses. To pass some time before the reservation, Dale suggested a walk on the beach, which Rachel found mildly suspicious because Dale was not exactly known for enjoying long walks in the sand.
As they walked along the shoreline, Dale stopped, took Rachel's hands, and began telling her how much he loved her and how excited he was for the future they were building together. Rachel was so focused on the moment that she didn't realize a photographer had been discreetly capturing everything from a distance. Dale had prepared a lengthy speech, but emotions got the better of him and he quickly skipped ahead to the most important question. Rachel's answer was an immediate and enthusiastic “Yes.”
What Rachel didn't know was that the surprises weren't over. After a celebratory brunch and photos on the beach, they returned home to find family and friends waiting for a surprise engagement party. It was the perfect ending to an unforgettable day.
There was just a sense of familiarity... like, 'Oh, there you are. It is you. It has always been you.'
Planning a Wedding at Luttrellstown Castle in Ireland
When it came time to plan their wedding, Rachel and Dale knew they wanted it to be more than a single day. Many of their guests would be traveling internationally, so they wanted the celebration to feel like a shared experience rather than simply an event. Ireland immediately captured their hearts. Its history, breathtaking landscapes, warm hospitality, and timeless romance made it the perfect place to bring together the people they loved most.
Luttrellstown Castle provided everything they had imagined and more. The venue felt timeless and intimate while still offering the grandeur they envisioned for a destination wedding. Throughout the planning process, their goal was to create a weekend that felt welcoming, relaxed, and unforgettable. Every detail was thoughtfully considered while still allowing guests to experience the magic of Ireland.
Romance and Abundance
Walking through the castle grounds on the morning of their wedding, seeing the floral installations come to life, and knowing their favorite people had traveled from around the world to celebrate with them was incredibly emotional for the bride and groom. There were moments of excitement, gratitude, nerves, and joy, often all at once.
The ceremony took place in the Luttrellstown Castle gardens surrounded by lush florals in shades of pink, ivory, lavender, and soft berry tones. They wanted the design to feel romantic and abundant, as though the castle had naturally come to life with flowers. The gardens, historic architecture, and summer sunshine created a setting that felt almost surreal. They were also incredibly fortunate with the weather—something never guaranteed in Ireland.
The reception carried that same feeling indoors. Candlelight flickered beneath crystal chandeliers while overflowing floral arrangements transformed the castle's grand rooms. The atmosphere was elegant yet inviting, allowing guests to relax and celebrate throughout the evening. One of the couple's favorite moments was watching family, childhood friends, college friends, and colleagues from different chapters of their lives connect as though they had known each other for years.
Of course, no wedding is complete without unforgettable moments on the dance floor. One favorite was watching guests dance beneath neon lights late into the evening. Looking around the room and seeing every person they loved singing along while the live band played one memorable hit after another became one of the night's most cherished memories.
Honeymooning in Italy
Following the wedding, the newlyweds continued their overseas adventure with a honeymoon in Italy. Between the incredible food, breathtaking scenery, and the opportunity to finally slow down after months of planning, it was the perfect beginning to married life. While every destination and excursion, from the Ferrari Museum to cooking classes, was memorable, some of their favorite moments were simply sharing a bottle of wine over dinner and reflecting on everything that had brought them there.
Looking back, what stands out most is not any single detail, but the overwhelming feeling of gratitude. Rachel and Dale’s wedding weekend was a celebration of love, family, friendship, and the journey that brought them together. Sharing it in Ireland, surrounded by the people who meant the most to them, was an experience they will cherish for the rest of their lives.
In many ways, the story came full circle on their wedding day. What began as a chance meeting at a neighborhood restaurant in West Palm Beach became a celebration with their closest family and friends in an Irish castle halfway around the world. Rachel's words during her vows captured it better than anything else ever could: "There was just a sense of familiarity... like, 'Oh, there you are. It is you. It has always been you.'"
For both of them, those words were not only a reflection of their wedding day, but of the entire journey that brought them there.
WEDDING TALENT
Location: Luttrellstown Castle Resort; Planner: Waterlily Weddings; Floral Design: Frog Prince Weddings; Cake: Caroline Goulding Wedding Cake Design; Hair: Michelle Grimes Bridal; Makeup: Oksana Lobanova; Stationery: Aimee Willow Designs; Ceremony Music: The D Strings; Entertainment: The Pink Champagne Band; Videography: Dream Catcher Films; Photography: The Falkenburgs