Right from our very first conversation I knew the wedding of Amy & Franck was going to be a special one. The location they had chosen to celebrate was the gorgeous Arklow Bay Hotel.

Everything about this wedding was unique. A true celebration of love, friendship, family and culture. Amy, a Kilkenny native met Franck, who hails from the Ivory Coast, some 10 years ago at a party.

Their love story is proper rom com stuff. At the beginning they couldn’t even understand each other. She spoke English and he spoke French. But love knows no boundaries, the connection was so powerful they learned each other’s languages. Their relationship blossomed and the love story unfolded. Their many adventures saw them travel, study, work, get engaged, and, welcome their beautiful daughter Pearl. This fairy tale romance led us to that magical Saturday in Wicklow last August.

It was an early start with the bridesmaids, all old friends of Amy, her wonderful sister Carragh as Maid of Honour. They took over the boardroom at the Arklow Bay Hotel and transformed it into a hair and beauty mecca.

While the girls got the glam on upstairs, I found Franck tucking into a full Irish in The Pottery Restaurant. A more charming man I could not have met, as we quickly introduced ourselves, we arranged to meet after breakfast for some shots with him and his groomsmen.

These couldn’t have been more fun. Franck and his friends, some of whom he hadn’t seen in years due to the pandemic, were a joy to photograph, all smiles and laughter and full of excitement for the day ahead. No idea I threw at them was too crazy, one of which had the group literally throwing the Groom in the air. The results are fantastic!

There was just enough time for Amy to have a quick cup of tea with her Granny in The Ferrybank Lounge before changing into the dress of her dreams.

Amy, an environmentally conscious bride, wore the most beautiful dress from Barnardos Bridal Rooms. A charity organisation located in Dun Laoghaire and Wexford they stock brand new bridal gowns and wedding accessories that have been donated by some of Irelands top bridal retailers, wholesalers and designers. Such a special dress deserved special photos.

With Mother of the Bride on hand, we had the dress blowing in the wind against a brilliant blue sky, capturing all the intricate details of the gown. But, the photos with Precious Pearl, sleeping softly on Mammas gown, really brought home the true meaning of the day.

Before setting off to marry her best friend, Amy had just enough time for a First Look with her dad. His reaction to her was priceless, everything you could wish for, a beautiful moment and one last hug before he escorted her down the aisle.

Taking full advantage of the beautiful setting at Arklow Bay Hotel, Amy & Franck held their ceremony outside. They exchanged vows in both English and in French overlooking the beautiful lakeside wildlife reserve. Following the ceremony, the Bay Gardens were the perfect backdrop for a drink’s reception with family and friends who had travelled across the globe to be a part of their dream day.

The newlyweds then took a romantic stroll for more intimate photos by the Bay. With the Irish Sea providing magnificent waves to an already stunning view, Amy and Franck soaked up the sea air, enjoying a few quite moments together.

The dinner bell was rang and guests poured into the Bay Suite for dinner. Amy and Franck changed into traditional Ivorian wedding outfits known as Tenue Traditionnelle Baoulé, which translates as the Traditional Baoulé marriage outfit. Baoulé is Francks etnic group- one of 69 part of the Akan group. Amy and Franck wowed their guests with their beautiful ensembles.
No one was left out of the celebrations as speeches were given in both English and French. Tales of college and parties and bartering the bride had the guests in stitches.

Before the night was over, the newlyweds changed again so they could party the night away comfortably with their loved ones. Their first dance was beautiful and emotional and showed the love and unity between the couple.
I left as the dancefloor filled with family and friends. A more perfect day could not have been had.

Thank you to:

Venue: Arklow Bay Hotel
Celebrant: Perrine Hudson, Spiritual Ceremonies
Dress: Barnardos Bridal
Make Up: Making Faces Gorey
Cake & Flowers: Mother of The Bride