Doctor Chris and nurse Nicola Leavy celebrated their wedding on 30th May 2026 at The K Club in County Kildare. Their elegant celebration combined timeless bridal style, a classic black-tie dress code, and a lively soundtrack, with a ceremony filled with personal touches and a luxurious reception for family and friends, captured by Niamh Smith Photography.
Chris and Nicola first met at work, in a classic doctor-and-nurse tale. As they got to know each other during the COVID pandemic, they spent their first few weeks chatting behind face masks, making for an unusual beginning to their relationship.
The proposal was just as memorable. With both having a week of annual leave, Chris decided to plan a surprise trip, something Nicola was accustomed to as he was always the planner. They planned to begin their trip in Waterford, where Nicola is from, with lunch booked at the Cliff House Hotel in Ardmore. However, when they arrived, Chris turned towards the beach rather than the hotel. When Nicola pointed out that he had gone the wrong way, he quickly explained that they were early for lunch and had time for a walk.
Nicola needed a little convincing, having worried about how her hair would hold up after the rain, but fortunately, the weather cleared and they set off. The couple often take Polaroid photographs of their travels around Ireland, so Chris asked Nicola to retrieve their camera from the boot while he slipped the ring into his pocket. As they walked along the beach, they chatted about their week away, with Nicola guessing at the plans he might have made. When they reached the end of the beach, with nobody else around, Chris asked her to take a photograph of him with the Cliff House in the background. As she lifted the camera, she spotted the little blue ring box emerging from his pocket. Chris got down on one knee in the sand, with the tide nearby, and asked her to marry him. Through tears of happiness and shock, Nicola said yes!
A kind stranger on the beach took a photograph of the newly engaged couple before Chris revealed the rest of his surprise. They were heading to The Europe Hotel in Killarney for a celebratory stay. One of Nicola’s favourite photographs from the day is the Polaroid of Chris just as she spotted the ring box, a special memory of a proposal she never saw coming.
In preparation for the wedding, Nicola focused on getting her skin in the best possible condition. She had regular Botox and polynucleotide treatments at Sisu Clinic, alongside a facial at Cedar Clinic in Straffan. Suzanne at Cedar Clinic impressed her with her expertise, attention to detail and understanding of what her skin needed. Following her advice, Nicola introduced vitamin C and E serum and SPF into her morning routine, followed by retinol and moisturiser at night. She found the products made a real difference and still uses them.
Hair was another important part of Nicola’s bridal preparations. Having met Joe Hayes at Toni & Guy when she moved to Dublin five years earlier, she had trusted him with her hair ever since. They carefully planned her cuts and colour appointments in the months before the wedding to ensure her bob had the perfect length, shape and finish. Joe styled Nicola’s hair and the bridal party’s on the day, creating the sleek blow-dry she had envisioned. Makeup artist Natasha Ray completed her look with classic, glowing bridal makeup that allowed her to feel like herself.
For her wedding fragrance, Nicola had initially planned to wear Chloé Nomade Absolu, her favourite scent for years, but it had been discontinued the previous year. Her maid of honour went to great lengths to track down a bottle, searching online shops and pharmacies, but Nicola worried about losing the connection to her wedding day once it ran out. Instead, she chose Bal d’Afrique by Byredo, a fresh, vibrant fragrance she can keep buying for years to come, allowing her to revisit the day's memories.
Finding the perfect wedding dress took seven months, nine boutiques and an estimated 70 to 80 dresses. Nicola began the process with a clear idea of what she wanted, but, as often happens, she discovered that her dream look was quite different from what she had initially imagined. She attended appointments with her bridesmaids and mother-in-law, and visited boutiques on her own, which gave her the chance to discover her preferences without outside opinions.
She eventually found her dress at Ivy & White in Belfast, where Beth-Ann helped her explore the styles and designers best suited to her vision. Together, they created a three-piece look from the KYHA collection, featuring a corset, skirt and overskirt. Nicola loved the fitted silhouette of the corset and skirt, while the overskirt added the drama she wanted for her walk down the aisle and the ceremony. She removed it for the evening reception, giving her look a second feel for the celebrations. Nicola praised the entire Ivy & White team for their honesty, professionalism and kindness, describing it as the most beautiful boutique she visited.
Chris opted for a custom-made black tuxedo, choosing a sophisticated, classic look that would stand the test of time. After visiting several suit shops in Dublin, the couple met Declan and Tony at Abraham’s on South Anne Street and knew they had found the right tailors. Their experience, attention to detail and knowledge of fit made the process straightforward and enjoyable. Chris chose personalised details, including the jacket lining and embroidery featuring the couple’s initials, names and wedding date. The team also fitted the groomsmen, accommodating a range of heights and sizes while maintaining the same attention to detail throughout.
Nicola’s three bridesmaids were her closest friends, Jessica, Lynn and Rhona, who she describes as a huge part of her life. She wanted them to feel comfortable throughout the day, so she chose a soft blush-pink colour palette and allowed each bridesmaid to select a different dress style in the same shade. Six Stories offered a range of designs, and the group visited Something Blue in Wexford, the brand’s only Irish stockist, to try on the dresses. Although the exact styles they wanted were unavailable in-store, Nicola tracked them down online and ordered them in time for the wedding.
The couple chose a non-religious ceremony led by celebrant Sarah Hyland, who took the time to learn their story and ensure the ceremony reflected their relationship. Writing their own vows was particularly meaningful for Nicola. Although she had been nervous about doing so, she was delighted they had taken the opportunity to share their own words. The result was a relaxed, happy celebration of their commitment to one another.
When choosing their venue, Chris and Nicola spent a week visiting a mix of hotels and country houses. After seeing several options, they realised a hotel would work best for them and their travelling guests. The moment they arrived at The K Club, they knew it was the right choice. They had hoped for an outdoor wedding, and the grounds provided a beautiful setting. Having never attended a wedding there before, they also loved the idea of creating an experience that felt uniquely theirs.
Food was a major consideration for the couple, who enjoy treating themselves to good restaurants. They were confident The K Club would deliver an exceptional dining experience for their guests, including those who were vegetarian or vegan. They also loved the cocktail hut, where guests could stop for a drink on their way from the drinks reception to the ballroom. Wedding coordinator Annie made a lasting impression from their first meeting, and her experience and professionalism reassured them they were in safe hands. The venue’s luxurious, classic and timeless atmosphere was exactly what they had envisioned.
For the music, the couple chose Tracey Gallagher to perform during their ceremony. Recommended by a friend, they loved her style on Instagram and wanted a musician who could give special meaning to songs that mattered to them. The New Brass Kings brought an upbeat atmosphere to the drinks reception, entertaining guests as they moved from the ceremony through to the ballroom. Their performance was a huge hit and helped set the tone for the celebrations ahead.
Smash Hits took over for the evening reception, delivering the songs and energy needed to keep the dancefloor full throughout the night. The couple knew the band would appeal to guests of all ages, and they were delighted with the result.
From the first preparations to the final song, Chris and Nicola felt genuinely looked after by The K Club team. They praised the staff for their professionalism, attentiveness and willingness to accommodate their requests throughout the wedding weekend, helping create the elegant and joyful celebration they had hoped for.
- Gráinne