The celebrity wedding streak continued recently as two of Ireland’s top rugby stars wed their long-term loves during what proved to be two very different, but equally beautiful and happy occasions.
One of the summer’s high-profile rugby weddings saw Irish rugby legend Paul O’Connell marry his long-term love Emily O’Leary in a romantic ceremony in the French town of Auch.
The wedding took place in the beautiful Sainte Marie Cathedral and excited locals and tourists gathered outside as the stunning bride pulled up in a vintage Renault motor, with her proud father Pat by her side.
Emily, who wore a white gown made of delicate Chantilly lace, sidestepped the traditional veil in favour of a chic headdress, decorated with white feathers and flowers to match the floral detailing on her elegant dress. The bride’s sisters Stephanie and Danielle, along with her best friend Lorraine Murray, together made up an elegant trio of bridesmaids on the day, adding a breath of fresh air to proceedings in their mint green floral floor-length dresses.
Paul himself was not one to let the side down, looking dapper in a cool blue suit and tan shoes, as he waited for his bride to arrive. The Irish and Munster rugby star was offered some male moral support on the day, courtesy of his groomsmen, brothers Marcus and Justin and brother-in-law-to-be Paul.
As the beaming bride walked up the aisle, following hot on the heels of her adorable 3-year-old son Paddy and Paul’s niece Julie, who acted as pageboy and flower girl on the day, many of the groom’s sporting pals looked on, soaking up the atmosphere of such a happy occasion. Among the high-profile guests were rugby stars Ronan O’Gara and his wife Jessica, Donncha O’Callaghan and his wife Jenny, as well as Alan Quinlan, Frankie Sheehan and many more of Paul’s well-known colleagues.
The newlyweds were joined by their guests after the ceremony for a reception at the award-winning Chateau Lartigolle in Pessan.
