After meeting while studying Dentistry at Trinity College, Emily Sheehan and Sam Wolfram spent nearly five years together in Ireland before moving to Sam’s hometown of Winnipeg, Canada. Both dentists, the couple returned to Ireland to celebrate their wedding at Castle Leslie Estate on 3rd May 2026, surrounded by family and friends who had travelled from near and far. "We met in 2018 while both studying dentistry at Trinity College. I am from Naas, Kildare, and Sam is from Winnipeg in Canada. He had the option to study in New York or Ireland, and thankfully he chose Ireland."
Their relationship began at Trinity’s Winter Ball, where Emily was selling Sam his ticket before a few exchanged glances turned into something more on the dance floor. Their first date at Sophie’s rooftop bar marked the beginning of nearly five years of shared adventures, from surfing in Donegal and climbing Carrauntoohil to exploring Ireland and abroad. "A few exchanged glances turned into something more—on the dance floor, where Sam’s very best moves happened to be just good enough. From that moment, something special began."
"We got engaged in November 2024 at Sam’s family’s cottage on Falcon Lake, Manitoba." After moving back to Canada in July 2023, the couple celebrated their engagement with an intimate proposal at the end of a hike overlooking the lake, followed by Emily’s favourite meal and drinks with family and friends back at the cabin. "Our engagement was meaningful and intimate. It was at the end of a hike at a viewpoint overlooking the lake."
Emily kept her pre-wedding beauty routine natural, focusing on healthy hair and gradual colour changes rather than dramatic treatments. Her friend Alana looked after her hair in Canada, while Nicole Lynch and Sinead Styles took care of her makeup and hair on the wedding day. "I kept my beauty routine quite natural in the lead-up to the wedding, focusing more on consistency than making any dramatic changes."
Finding her dress became a special trip home to Ireland in May 2025, when Emily visited several boutiques with her mum, sister and bridesmaids. She ultimately chose the second dress she tried on, a Chosen by Khya Kasia corset paired with the Milford skirt from The Suite in Rathmines. "The dress I ultimately chose was actually the second one I tried on. I couldn’t stop thinking about it afterwards, and that’s when I knew it was the one."
Sam opted for a classic black tuxedo, choosing a timeless look that suited the elegant country house setting. "Sam wanted a look that reflected the elegance and timelessness of Castle Leslie, so he opted for a classic black tuxedo. It felt perfectly in keeping with the setting—simple, refined, and effortlessly sophisticated."
Emily had four bridesmaids: her sister Alice, college friends Isabelle and Grainne, and childhood friend Sophie. She chose the colour for their dresses but allowed each bridesmaid to select a style that suited them individually. "I wanted each of them to feel comfortable and like themselves, so I let them choose their own styles. It all came together so beautifully in the end."
"Our ceremony far exceeded all of our expectations." With Michael Grace as their celebrant and Arco String Quartet providing the music, the ceremony was relaxed, personal and full of meaningful moments. Emily and Sam shared readings that were particularly important to them, while Emily’s grandad and brother performed a duet. "My grandad and brother sang a duet. Each of these moments made the ceremony feel so personal and unique to us. There were definitely a few tear-jerkers along the way, but they were all moments we will always remember."
Castle Leslie was an easy choice after the couple visited during a trip to Ireland following their engagement. Alongside the beautiful setting and warm hospitality, the on-site accommodation was particularly important for their many guests travelling from abroad. They also loved having Glaslough nearby, with The Coach House & Olde Bar providing the setting for their pre-wedding celebrations. "We had heard so many lovely things about the castle, and as soon as we went to see it, we knew it was where we wanted to get married."
Music carried through the entire wedding weekend, beginning with The Feather Brothers at the pre-day celebrations, followed by Arco String Quartet for the ceremony and drinks reception. The Mixtape Band and their DJ then took over for the evening, keeping the dance floor full throughout the night.
"For the evening reception, we had The Mixtape Band, followed by their DJ, and we couldn’t recommend them more. They were so easy to work with in the lead-up to the wedding, and on the day itself, the energy they brought was amazing. They had the dance floor full all night, and the atmosphere was exactly what we had hoped for."
"Having a more casual pre-day the day before the wedding was something I am so glad we did." The relaxed gathering gave Emily and Sam the chance to welcome their guests, settle their nerves and spend time with everyone before the main celebration. Their photographer, Livia Figueiredo, was another standout choice, capturing natural images while keeping the couple on schedule throughout the day. "Every shot is beautiful, natural and perfectly captures the emotion of the day. The photoshoot itself felt comfortable and fun, while still leaving us plenty of time to celebrate with our family and friends."
- Gráinne