Representing a significant part of Irish history, Tankardstown House in Slane has roots dating back to 1690. Nestled on an 80-acre estate, Leah Owens, Assistant Marketing Manager & Wedding Content Creator, and Aaron Reilly, Electrical Supervisor, celebrated their wedding on 13th March 2025 after a love story that began with a decade-long friendship. Having met in school, the couple remained close through their relationships, college, and time living abroad before their friendship eventually became something more. “I truly believe the best relationships are built on friendship.” Captured by Anna Y. Photography, from a first look to a black-tie dress code, every detail was perfect.
After three and a half years together, Aaron proposed during a romantic trip to the Amalfi Coast in October 2021. While exploring Sorrento, he carefully planned a cliffside proposal, secretly carrying the ring in a discreet travel box created by their jeweller, Matthew Stephens. “We had got the photo, but he wanted to go ‘one more’ time, which by this stage I was looking out at the view, and then when I had turned back around he was down on one knee.”
Leah’s bridal beauty routine focused on consistency and treatments that made her feel her best. She introduced regular manicures, maintained her hair colour at Alan Keville Naas, added Bellami tape extensions from Lavish Studio in Carlow, and focused on hydration and skincare in the months leading up to the wedding. “I got one facial before the wedding, and it was game-changing; it was a chemical peel with mesotherapy from Kerry Hanaphy.”
Rather than following a strict pre-wedding diet or exercise plan, Leah focused on creating healthy habits and nourishing her body. “I didn’t do any crazy dieting or exercise; I did yoga twice a week and upped my walking a couple of months before the wedding.”
Leah also made a few beauty enhancements before the big day, including Botox, a lip flip from Sisu Clinic, teeth-whitening trays, and a porcelain veneer on one front tooth. “My teeth were one of the biggest things I wanted to change before the wedding, so I went to my local dentist and got the whitening trays to do at home as well as a porcelain veneer on one of my front teeth.”
Scent played a special role for the couple, with Leah and Aaron choosing signature fragrances to wear on their wedding day and save for special occasions afterwards. “We both had signature scents which we now keep to wear on special date nights and our anniversary. Leah’s was Jo Malone Orange Blossom and Aaron's was Dior Homme Intense.”
Leah found her dream dress during a single weekend of bridal shopping with her mum. After trying on several gowns, she discovered her high-neck dress at Smart Brides in Portlaoise and instantly knew it was the one. “It was the only dress that made me say ‘wow’ and I felt like a princess in it and if you can’t feel like a princess on your wedding day when can you.”
For the ceremony, Leah added a lace bolero with removable sleeves, allowing her to change the look throughout the day before changing into a mini dress from Forever New for the evening celebrations. “I was easily able to remove them for dinner, which I loved.”
Aaron’s wedding style centred around a classic tuxedo, with an evening outfit change adding another look for the celebrations. “I think we both loved the idea of a tuxedo; every man looks great in a tux, and it’s also not often you get the chance to wear one.”
Leah’s four bridesmaids, Sarah, Charlotte, Kelly and Rachel, wore black dresses, a choice that suited the couple’s style while also making things easier with two bridesmaids living abroad. “I am also a very neutral person so black was a safe colour for me to look back on in years to come and know I won’t get tired of.”
The couple’s civil ceremony was relaxed, personal and full of laughter, with Reverend Barbara Allen helping create an intimate atmosphere. “Our favourite part was seeing all of our loved ones in the one room celebrating our love for one another; it felt very surreal.”
After extensive research, Leah discovered Tankardstown House and immediately knew it was the perfect venue. With its orangery, beautiful grounds, exclusive use and country house charm, it offered everything she had been looking for. “It had everything I was looking for: an orangery, lots of light, exclusive use, beautiful grounds and that country house charm, not to mention the most insane bridal suite!”
Music was a huge part of the day, with Dublin String Quartet performing throughout the ceremony and drinks reception before DJ and Sax took over for the evening. Leah chose classical music as a nod to her childhood violin playing. “It definitely takes me back to my childhood when I used to play the violin.”
One of the couple’s best decisions was choosing to have a first look before the ceremony, giving them a private moment together before the celebrations began. “It just calmed all of our nerves, and it was such a special private moment between us both rather than seeing each other for the first time in front of everyone.”
- Gráinne