Una and Shane’s Fun-filled Galway City Wedding

For friends and family, Una and Shane’s fun-filled Galway city celebrations were a long time coming. “We met at College, in what was formerly Cluain Mhuire GMIT,” Una recalls. “We've spent pretty much half our lives together. It took us a while to make it up the aisle, which became the basis for many of the gags in the speeches!”

In his wedding speech, Shane said “there is no Shane without Una”, a sentiment she echoes. “I’m pretty sure I knew we would get married the moment we started dating.”

The perfect place to say "I do."

When it came to planning the celebrations, Una says that first and foremost the vision was fun. “We wanted a big party, as our friends and family had waited long enough for us to tie the knot!” She laughs. Though the couple live in Dublin, they wanted to wed in Galway. “It was where we met; it’s where Shane is from, and it’s where we love to visit his family—we wanted to celebrate it on the day as well.”

The planning took about a year. “Shane’s family were amazing, as were my own, not to mention my “bridesmates” (I had two men on my squad, so that’s the term I coined!).” Una has a background in fashion, which came in handy when it came to finding her dream dress.

“I know everyone says you end up choosing a dress that is the total opposite of what you envisioned; however, this wasn’t the case for me,” she says. “I found this dress on Instagram, located a supplier who stocked it here, and went and got it. I loved it and really want to wear it again someday – perhaps when we renew our vows in 20 years!”

From shots at the ceremony to shop street strolls

For the ceremony, the couple had wedding string ensemble D-Strings playing rock music. “We opted for a first drink together – a shot! – as a couple as part of the ceremony and while we did that, the trio played Nirvana’s Smells Like Teen Spirit which was very “us” and got a big laugh from our guests,” recalls Una. 

Other highlights including walking down Shop Street (“We both had a moment of “Oh God – this is absolutely flying by.”) and the silent disco they threw for their guests. “Taking my headphones off and just seeing everyone we love in one place, having the best fun, was a big highlight” says Una.

Una’s refreshing wedding advice

Her advice for other couples? “I know the advice is not to sweat the small stuff, but early on, when we were getting quotes, we quickly realised that sometimes the small details are what you can afford and can really make a difference,” she notes. “So that’s what we did – we focused on the details and made them as personal as possible, rather than trying to do big-ticket items that were beyond our budget.”

“I think when your guests can feel how personal something is to you it'll make a bigger impact,” she continues. “Oh and don't let those midnight spreadsheet planning sessions stress you out too much!"

The Details

The couple: Una O’Boyle and Shane O'Connor
Photography: Victoria McGarry
Place of marriage and reception: The Dean, Galway
Dress: Evie Young, The White Room, Mullingar
Shoes: Savida, Dunnes Stores
Make-up: Pauline Fletcher
Hair: Aine Bermingham (the bride’s sister!)
Grooms: Tangos, Dublin
Bridesmaids: Folkster and Next
Cake: Sweet Cakes, Galway
Content creator: @stellarstudio.ie
Flowers: Maddens, Galway
Celebrant: Nicola Moran
Music: D-Strings ceremony and The Converse Allstars