Tinakilly Country House Wedding: Becky and Ruaidhrí’s Black-Tie Summer Wedding in Wicklow
Tinakilly Country House wedding film – Becky & Ruaidhrí, Rathnew, Co. Wicklow
A black-tie wedding at Tinakilly Country House
Becky and Ruaidhrí were married at Tinakilly Country House in Rathnew, Co. Wicklow, on Friday 13 June 2025 – proof that Friday the 13th can be the luckiest day of the year. Their invitation set the tone: a 2pm ceremony, a reception to follow and a black-tie dress code. What followed was a sunny summer day of garden vows, Victorian elegance and a seriously good party.
As their wedding videographer, I filmed the whole day. Here is a look at their Tinakilly wedding – and a few ideas if you are planning a country house wedding in Wicklow.
About Tinakilly Country House
Tinakilly is a Victorian country house built for Captain Robert Halpin, the Wicklow mariner who commanded the Great Eastern when it laid the first lasting transatlantic telegraph cable in 1866. Today it is a country house hotel less than an hour from Dublin, with ivy-covered walls, formal gardens with a stone fountain and box hedges and a white wrought-iron garden pavilion – everything a summer wedding needs in one place.
Getting ready
The morning details said it all: pearl-strapped bridal shoes, pearl drop earrings, the wedding rings and an invitation with an illustration of the house itself. Pamela and KellyAnne Matthews looked after Becky's hair and make-up, and her lace gown with floral appliqué came from Memories Bridal Boutique. Ruaidhrí, in a classic black tuxedo with a pink rose buttonhole, waited downstairs.
An outdoor ceremony in the gardens
The ceremony took place outdoors in the gardens at Tinakilly, under a bright June sun, with Glas providing the ceremony music. Ruaidhrí waited with his groomsmen as Becky came down the aisle, and the two of them sat side by side, holding hands, smiling at each other through the whole ceremony.
Portraits in the gardens
Afterwards we explored the grounds: the fountain in the formal garden, the white iron pavilion strung with fairy lights and, of course, the front steps of the house with its ivy and climbing roses. Becky's bouquet of peach roses, peonies and lilac flowers looked perfect against the soft summer greens.
A reception to remember
Back inside, guests cheered as Becky and Ruaidhrí made their entrance, arms in the air and bouquet held high. Ruaidhrí even stepped behind the bar to pour himself a pint of Guinness, and the cake cutting – a peach buttercream cake by Fox and Flour, with a cake topper of the couple and their dog, next to a tower of cheeses – got plenty of laughs. Then Mixtape took to the stage and the dance floor filled up.
Planning a Tinakilly Country House wedding? A few tips
Set the dress code. A black-tie wedding looks timeless on film, and the Victorian rooms and gardens at Tinakilly suit it perfectly.
Plan an outdoor ceremony with a backup. The gardens are beautiful for vows in summer – just keep an indoor option ready, as Irish weather can change quickly.
Use the whole garden for portraits. The fountain, the white pavilion and the front steps of the house are all a short walk apart.
Add personal touches. Small details, like a cake topper with your dog or the house printed on your invitation, make your wedding film feel truly yours.
Looking for more country house weddings? See Catherine and Chris at Tinakilly House, Olivia and Hugo at Rathsallagh House, also in Co. Wicklow, and Jen and Ciaran at Tankardstown House. You can also watch more of my wedding films or see my wedding packages.
Wedding suppliers
Venue: Tinakilly Country House, Rathnew, Co. Wicklow
Videography: Michael Black Wedding
Dress: Memories Bridal Boutique
Hair and make-up: Pamela and KellyAnne Matthews
Ceremony music: Glas
Band: Mixtape
Cake: Fox and Flour
Planning a Tinakilly Country House wedding of your own? I would love to hear about your plans – get in touch and let's chat over Zoom.