In a detailed personal essay published by the Irish Examiner, entrepreneur and fashion professional Orla Hennelly recounts her December 2022 winter wedding to footballer Rob Hennelly at the Powerscourt Hotel in County Wicklow.
Winter Timing and Venue Selection in Wicklow
The couple married on December 9, 2022, scheduling the ceremony during the winter off-season for Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) football. Engaged in December 2020 amid pandemic restrictions, the couple booked the County Wicklow venue entirely online without attending an in-person viewing. The wedding ceremony took place at a church in Shankill, situated approximately 10 minutes from the hotel reception site.
Guest List and Supplier Collaborations
The celebration drew approximately 250 attendees, with the groom’s guests accounting for about 210 of the total count and the bride’s family and friends making up the remaining 40. For the evening entertainment, the couple hired the band The Swing Cats after previously seeing them perform at a public ball. The wedding photography was handled by Derek McConnell, who had previously photographed the bride’s brother’s wedding, while the videography was captured by an emerging business run by a personal friend.
Non-Traditional Attire and Red-Carpet Styling
Having previously worked in the fashion industry, Hennelly selected a non-traditional outfit for the December celebration. After finding a desired gown online that exceeded her initial budget, she tracked down a discounted trunk show in London and flew overseas to purchase it. The chosen garment was categorized as a red-carpet evening gown rather than a standard wedding dress, featuring long sleeves suited for a winter climate.
Reception Entertainment and Holiday Decor
The hotel’s existing Christmas decorations dictated the overarching color scheme of white, green, and red accents, incorporating red berries and white roses into the floral arrangements. The evening reception featured live performances from The Swing Cats—who performed in black-tie attire—alongside a surprise magician and a violinist during the drinks reception. The couple chose a live rendition of Thin Lizzy’s “Dancing in the Moonlight” for their first dance.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Orla and Rob Hennelly get married?
The couple married on December 9, 2022, following an engagement that began in December 2020.
Where was the wedding reception held?
The wedding reception took place at the Powerscourt Hotel in County Wicklow, Ireland.
Who performed for the wedding entertainment?
The band The Swing Cats provided the live music for the reception, including a performance of the couple’s first dance song.
Related reading