A huge part of our job here at One Fab Day is showing Irish couples how their wedding day might look if they choose to do things a little differently, and today’s real wedding is such a gorgeous example of what you can achieve when having a two-part wedding celebration spread out over a few months. While Sharon & Conleth’s ‘big day’ in Mallorca may not take place until June, we’re seriously impressed by how much fun they managed to bring to their part-one wedding, and how many sweet and stylish details they incorporated. Featuring a sweet ceremony, cosy candlelit Cabra Castle wedding reception, and exceptionally stylish wedding looks from both the bride and groom, their big day was captured in all its glory by Lucy Lens Photography. Let’s take a closer look…
Stylist and Fashion Buyer bride Sharon McCluskey, originally from Co. Meath, and Conleth McAlinden, a GAA Fitness Coach from Co. Armagh were brought together via a dating app. “We met in a very modern way—through Tinder!,” Sharon shares. After chatting on Instagram, we went on an “illegal” lockdown date to Kilbroney Park. The rest is history!”
After dating for a few years, Conleth proposed to Sharon in Dubai, where the couple are currently based. “Conleth surprised me in our favourite Dubai destination, getting down on one knee on a pier overlooking the iconic Burj Al Arab. It was the perfect setting for such a special moment.”
As they began planning their wedding, Sharon and Conleth chose a place that held special meaning for them—one the bride had often visited during her childhood. “I grew up near Cabra Castle and always dreamed of having my wedding there”, the bride tells. “While we decided on a destination wedding, being being able to have our intimate ceremony and dinner here before our Mallorca celebration was incredibly special—it felt like the best of both worlds.”
The bride adds, “Returning home from Dubai to celebrate with our family was incredibly meaningful. The magic of Christmas only enhanced the beauty of Cabra Castle, making it feel like something out of a fairytale.”
As for the look and feel they wanted to achieve? The bride says, “intimate, family-focused, and elegant. We were drawn to the timeless elegance of the 1950s. Both of us appreciate old-school glamour, and my mum, Bernie, is a talented dressmaker who has crafted stunning vintage looks over the years. It was like stepping into an old romance film, exactly how we envisioned it.”
They add, “The vibe was classic with a hint of nostalgia, almost like stepping back into the 1950s. It was a chance for our loved ones to truly connect and celebrate before our larger wedding in Mallorca in June.”
The pair tell us that their main priorities from the start were, “above all, a private and meaningful celebration with our family.”
To that they add, “An incredible photographer to capture shots that were almost candid like was a must for us too. Lucy caught every emotion and we laughed the whole way through. She is exceptional at what she does, a true artist. Her partner Owen is also a legend and brought the best energy to the day. Designing our own outfits was also essential—coming from a fashion background, I wanted our personalities to shine through in what we wore. These thoughtful elements brought an emotional but beautiful depth to the day.”
For her ‘part one’ wedding weekend wardrobe, Sharon opted for a personal design from her soon-to-launch brand MANA. For the ceremony, she rocked a beautifully tailored skirt and top combo with button detailing, which she paired with a birdcage veil by Jennifer Behr, a beaded heart-shaped bag by Vanina, and buckle detail Manolo Blahnik heels in off-white. She also wore some of her own jewellery like the dainty gold hoop earrings and her signature sapphire ring. Sharon got ready with makeup artist Chloe Creighton and hairstylist Ceara Glass from Creative Edge who also helped the bride prep for all of her looks throughout the weekend.
Conleth wore a double-breasted navy suit which he designed and had tailored in Dubai. He completed his wedding look with a blue shirt, a navy tie, red pocket square and brown shoes from Next.
On 27th December, 2024 Sharon and Conleth said ‘I do’ in an intimate ceremony at St. Peter & Paul’s Church, Drumconrath, Co. Meath surrounded by just 14 of their immediate family members. “Having Fr. Connaughton marrying us made the day even more special, blending tradition with our otherwise unconventional wedding plans,” Sharon says.
The pair exchanged rings which they brought with them from Cara Jewellers in Dubai, and to their ceremony they added the beautiful poem Scaffolding by Seamus Heaney which they say was, “deeply meaningful”.
Sharon carried a simple bouquet of cala lillies tied with white satin ribbon which was lovingly created by her mum Bernie. “My mum Bernie done all the flowers on the day in both the church and the castle, this
was also a really nice touch.”
Once announced as married, the newlyweds joined their intimate party for the relaxed supper at Cabra Castle. At each seat was a beautifully tied napkin and a menu on stationery illustrated by Cliste Designs. The tables were decked out with brass candlesticks adorned with blue satin ribbon alongside clusters of baby’s breath.
The couple are waiting for the their big wedding Mallorca celebrations in June to do their first dance, but they did honour the wedding cake cutting tradition with a gorgeous one-tier confection tied with tulle bow by McConnon’s Cakes.
To the reception dinner, the bride donned a cobalt blue fringe detail gown with tie back which she found on ASOS.
For those in the midst of planning a two-part wedding, the couple have this advice, “If you’re planning a legal wedding before your bigger celebration, relax and enjoy it.” They add, “Don’t get caught up in the little details—focus on being present and cherishing the intimate moments with family. Having a private dining experience away from the main hustle and bustle made our day feel even more special.”
After their Mallorca nuptials, the pair are hoping to go on a multi-trip honeymoon. “Our honeymoon plans are still in the works! But we would love to head to America, we are both massive country fans and would love to visit Texas, Nashville, Tennessee etc and then finish off in Mexico. We live in a holiday destination so a honeymoon like this would be something different for us and exciting.”
Thanks so much to Sharon and Conleth for sharing their gorgeous Cabra Castle wedding with us, and to Lucys Lens for providing the beautiful imagery! Be sure to click on the gallery below to see more from their incredible part one wedding celebration.
