House of Cards Actor Kristen Connolly’s Wedding at The Merrion Hotel, Dublin
“Oh my goodness, Matt, it is WONDERFUL!!! We are blown away by how beautifully you captured the day, and thrilled to have this video to watch (probably about a million times). Your work is just stunning, and you did it all so discreetly, with such grace and ease on the day. Thank you a thousand times, and for being such an incredible part of our wedding day, we couldn’t be happier.”
Kristen Connolly, celebrated for her roles in "House of Cards" and "Cabin in the Woods," and her partner Stephen O’Reilly, both esteemed actors, chose the illustrious Merrion Hotel in Dublin for their intimate wedding ceremony. This destination wedding in Ireland was a blend of Hollywood glamour and Irish elegance, set against the historic charm of Dublin city centre.
The Merrion Hotel, a beacon of luxury and one of Dublin's finest venues, was selected for its significance to Kristen and her family, who had previously enjoyed a holiday there. Its sophisticated ambiance and central location made it the perfect setting for their nuptial celebration, capturing the essence of an intimate wedding that they desired.
The ceremony was held at Newman University Church, an iconic city centre church just a short stroll away from the venue. Among the day's highlights were the speeches, particularly those from friends within the acting community. These speeches, characterised by their wit, humour, and depth, reflected the couple's life in the arts. Tom Lipinski from the TV series "Suits" delivered a standout speech that was both humorous and touching, capturing the essence of the couple's journey together.
Kristen's choice of a pink Pronovias dress by designer Jenny Packham broke away from traditional white, adding a personal and stylish touch to her wedding attire. The couple's desire for a relaxed and low-key celebration was evident throughout the day, from the laid-back atmosphere to the choice of entertainment—a pianist who filled the evening with music and song.
My experience as their destination wedding videographer was profoundly rewarding. Shooting this wedding at one of my favourite venues, alongside a fantastic team of vendors, was a pleasure. The professionalism and harmony among the vendors ensured that Kristen and Stephen could relax and immerse themselves in the celebration, free from the usual stress of wedding planning. Among these talented professionals was Christina Brosnan, the photographer, whose skill and creativity beautifully complemented the day.
The wedding film turned out to be a romantic and sentimental narrative, enriched by the speeches and storytelling. It captured Kristen and Stephen's story in a manner that was both engaging and deeply personal. Their testimonial highlighted the importance of a discreet and calming presence, which I strived to provide, ensuring the day felt more like a joyous celebration than a production.
Vendor Team:
Venue: The Merrion Hotel
Hair Stylist: Sinead Sullivan
Wedding Planner: Waterlily Weddings
Photography: Christina Brosnan
Dress Designer: Jenny Packham
Makeup: Lisa Shannon Makeup
Cake: Clare Anne Taylor Couture Cakes
