Recently, we put a call out to all Chupi-loving brides and asked them to share some gorgeous wedding details with us. We especially wanted to see which magical Chupi pieces were part of the wedding! In the latest installment of our Chupi Wedding Series, we talk to Hilary and Billy about their big day set in Ireland’s most romantic hotel in Co. Cork.
Where did you meet?
We met online in March 2015. We had our first date in the bar at the Imperial Hotel in Cork, where we’re both from.
Can you tell us a little bit about the proposal?
Billy proposed on Christmas morning 2017 in our living room. We had been opening our presents and he thought we were finished so he ran into the kitchen and then ran back in with something small in his hand. Before I knew what was happening, Billy was down on one knee producing a beautiful solitaire! I was totally shocked. I knew we wanted to marry and spend the rest of our lives together but I thought getting engaged at Christmas was too obvious for Billy but I think he double bluffed me!!
What’s funny though is that I actually had one present left to give him that morning – a box set of Game of Thrones so he likes to joke that we saved the very best present til last! We actually watched all seven series of GoT while planning the wedding – we had a deal, for every episode I watched, he spent 20 minutes on “wedmin” with me…not sure who got the better end of that deal!
Where did you get married and what made you chose the venue?
We had a church ceremony in the Honan Chapel in UCC and our reception was held in Ireland’s most romantic hotel, Innishannon House in West Cork. Both venues were special as Billy’s parents married in the same church and my parents had their own reception in the same hotel. Family is so important to both of us and we just loved both venues and the fact that they were linked to both sets of parents was the icing on the cake.
Tell us a bit about your dress
My dress was very romantic and girly – really me! It was a pale blush pink ballgown with a sweetheart neckline and the most beautiful flower appliqué all over the bodice and down the skirt. It was the first wedding dress I tried on and I just knew it was the one – kind of like when I met Billy!
I didn’t actually think I would go for something in that style. When I went into the bridal boutique it caught my attention immediately. I didn’t realise it at the time but it was an Ellis dress, the same designer who made my Mum’s wedding dress 40 years ago. It just felt like it was meant to be.
What was the most exciting/memorable part of your day?
The most exciting part of the day was the last few moments before I walked the up the aisle with my Dad. I had been really calm all morning at home getting ready and I remember I was just really looking forward to seeing Billy. Outside the church, knowing Billy was at the altar waiting and that our day had finally arrived was the happiest I have ever been to date. There are so many memorable parts of the day but honestly the whole day was just magical and exactly what Billy and I wanted it to be.
What was the one thing you wanted your guests to remember from the day?
I’d love our guests to look back on our wedding and think it was a really intimate, romantic day that was also full of love and laughter! We had about 110 guests, nearly everyone we wanted to have with us was able to make it. When we look back now we both agree that it was exactly the day we both wanted.
What Chupi piece did you wear and why did you chose it?
I wore the solid gold Stars in the Sky midi classic diamond necklace which was my wedding present from Billy. I loved its simplicity and elegance, my dress was enough of a statement and I didn’t want anything too fussy around my neck on the day. It represented a precious piece from the person I love most in the universe and keeping him close to my heart.
From a design perspective loved the way the diamond is suspended on the chain, rather than hanging from it. It’s so beautiful and looks just as good on it’s own as it does when layered with other pieces. The diamond is so beautiful and clear, the chain is fine but so intricate – it’s just a really classic piece and I treasure it.
Tell us a bit about your purchasing journey – did you visit Atrium? Who did you come with? Did you browse online?
I had bought my bridesmaids the I’d Be Lost Without You necklaces in gold online to give them as gifts on the wedding day and had secretly arranged to collect them at the Chupi pop-up event at the River Lee hotel at Cork in November. I took my Maid of Honour Emma with me to the event. We had such a lovely afternoon which was topped off when I was able to surprise her with her necklace (she’s a big fan of the brand!).
I had joked to Billy that morning that I might find my wedding present to myself at the event and when I saw the Stars in the Sky piece , I fell in love. Chupi herself was there and I quickly explained what I was looking for – something simple and classic to just sit on my collar bone. She measured my neck to see what length the chain needed to be. I placed my order there and then. When I told Billy how much I loved it and how perfect it was, he insisted on getting it as his gift to me on our wedding day.
When you look at your Chupi piece now, what do you think of?
Billy, and how happy we were the day we got married. More importantly, I think of how much we love each other – more than all the stars in the sky.
If you loved reading about Hilary and Billy, click here to check out another one of our gorgeous Chupi Weddings.
Photography: Woodard Photography
