Jan & Shane’s Elegant Black-Tie Castle Wedding at Luttrellstown Castle Resort
“Matthew was a dream from day one. A true gentleman who made the planning process so easy”
- Jan & ShaneFrom Speed-Dating to Fireworks
Some of the many things that made this wedding spectacular:
Candid emotion and plenty of laughs
Top tips from a real bride
A fireworks finish
And what you need in a videographer!
Saxophone dance parties
Glam Jan in Vera Wang
Elegant Castle Romance
Live music galore with multiple live bands
Introducing Jan & Shane
As a wedding videographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing countless love stories, each unique in its own way. Jan and Shane’s story, however, is one that stands out for its serendipity and adventure. Jan, a dedicated healthcare professional, and Shane, a finance expert, are a couple whose love story is as serendipitous as it is heartwarming. Their paths crossed on Valentine’s Day 2020 during a speed dating event, where Jan’s bridesmaid had eagerly convinced her to attend.
After the event, Jan and her friend went dancing, and it was here that fate intervened. Shane, coming from his groomsmen duties at a wedding, joined the scene, and a dance with Jan turned into a spark that neither could ignore. Though Jan declined Shane’s invitation to join him on the wedding's second day, they met again for an epic first date that lasted eight hours, marking the beginning of a beautiful journey together. Despite the challenges of a long-distance relationship during the pandemic, their love blossomed, leading them to travel extensively and build memories across the globe. Their journey eventually brought them to Ireland, where they decided to tie the knot in a setting as timeless and beautiful as their love story.
Planning the Perfect Day
From the start, Jan and Shane knew they wanted their wedding to be a reflection of their personalities and the love they share. Their top priority was to create a day that felt magical, fun, and memorable for themselves and their guests. The venue, Luttrellstown Castle Resort, a stunning castle, inspired their classic black-tie theme, perfectly complementing the timeless elegance of the location. Jan, who had always dreamed of feeling like a princess on her wedding day, found the castle to be the ideal backdrop for her vision. To ensure a relaxed atmosphere, they decided to stay at the castle with their wedding party and family the night before. This thoughtful decision allowed everyone to wake up together, feeling at ease and ready to enjoy the day ahead.
Overcoming Challenges with Ease
Despite the usual stresses that come with wedding planning, Jan and Shane found the process to be relatively smooth. They were fortunate to secure all the vendors they wanted, and I was honoured to be one of them. From the beginning, I focused on making the planning process as easy and enjoyable as possible for them. Jan later reflected on how my calm demeanour and fun energy made me a welcome presence, especially during the typically hectic hours in the bridal suite. My unobtrusive style allowed me to capture the day’s special moments without ever being intrusive, ensuring that every detail was documented beautifully.
Memorable Moments
The wedding day was filled with unforgettable moments, from the emotional first look Jan shared with her bridesmaids to the intimate moments she and Shane took throughout the day to reflect on their love. Jan looked incredible in her stunning Vera Wang gown, and Shane was equally dashing in his bespoke tux from Louis Copeland & Sons. The elegance of their attire perfectly matched the grandeur of Luttrellstown Castle, creating an atmosphere of timeless sophistication.
A highlight of the celebration was the fireworks display, which added a touch of magic to the evening. The couple also chose a unique twist by booking the band Smash Hits instead of a traditional DJ, surprising their guests with a lively performance that perfectly balanced the castle’s grandeur with a fun, nostalgic vibe.
Capturing the Magic
As their Luttrellstown Castle Wedding Videographer, I focused on capturing the genuine, unposed moments of joy and intimacy throughout their special day. Beyond mere documentation, I was there to support and guide, helping to coordinate with vendors and soothe any last-minute nerves. My goal was to create a narrative that not only recounted the events but also encapsulated the emotions and unique atmosphere of the celebration, ensuring that Jan and Shane could relive their day through their wedding video.
Readers Takeaways: Words of Wisdom from Jan and Shane
Jan and Shane’s advice to future couples is simple but profound: listen to your gut and each other. They emphasise the importance of making the day about what makes you both happy, rather than trying to please everyone else. "Your guests are there because they love you," Jan shares, "If you are happy, carefree, and enjoying yourself, the chances are they will be too." She also advises taking time to enjoy the planning process, turning it into an opportunity for fun date nights and bonding moments. Most importantly, they remind couples to savour every moment of the journey, from the proposal to the wedding day, and to keep smiling throughout it all.
Testimonial: A Bride’s Gratitude
Jan reflects on her experience working with me as her wedding videographer, sharing, "Matthew was a dream from day one. I have recommended him so many times since and so has our photographer, Anna G. He is so patient and kind, a true gentleman who made the planning process so easy. He captured our wedding in a way no one else could have. Matthew was a joy to be around, even a great addition in the getting-ready bridal suite—we all had great fun then and right the way through."
If you’re inspired by Jan and Shane’s timeless castle wedding and are dreaming of your own perfect day at Luttrellstown Castle Resort or another stunning Irish venue, don’t hesitate to get in touch. As an experienced Luttrellstown Castle Wedding Videographer and Ireland Wedding Videographer, I’m here to help you capture every moment of your special day with the same care and attention to detail. Let’s create wedding memories that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.
Vendors List:
Venue: Luttrellstown Castle Resort | @luttrellstowncastleresort
Photo: Anna G Photography | @annagphotography_
Dress: Vera Wang | @verawanggang
Make Up: Samantha Corcoran makeup | @samanthacorcoranmakeup
Hair Stylist: The March Hair | @the_marchhair & Joanne B Bridal Hair | @joanneb_hairstylist
Florist: Sweetpea and Willow Flowers | @sweetpea_and_willow_flowers
Bridesmaids dresses: Sinead Keary - The Label | @sineadkearythelabel & Folkster | @shopfolkster & Saks Fifth Venue | @saks
Shoes and bag: Loeffler Randall | @loefflerrandall
Reception music: Vlad Sax Music | @vladsax.music & Katie Hughes Singer | @katiehughessinger
Band: Arthur | @arthurweddingband & Smash Hits | @smashhits90s
Groom’s tuxedo: Louis Copeland and Sons | @louiscopeland_and_sons
Head piece: Victoria Percival | @victoriapercival_accessories
Celebrant: Minister Lorraine Walker | @lorrainewalkercelebrant_
