Donna Brady and Wayne Whelan, both from Donabate in Co Dublin, first crossed paths as teenagers while working at their local SuperValu. At the time, they were both in relationships with other people and didn’t think much of each other. However, fate brought them together again almost a decade later.
Donna explains, “I was invited to a party by Wayne’s roommate, who I worked with at the time. This time, we were both single, and he asked me out.” They began dating and eventually embarked on a year-long journey through Asia and Australia with friends. Over the course of their 11-year relationship, they welcomed a son named Morgan, bought a house, and had a daughter named Isla.
On Christmas Day 2021, Wayne surprised Donna with a proposal during dinner. She recalls, “I was just so shocked! It was hilarious.” Excited to start the next chapter of their lives together, the couple decided to tie the knot on June 18, 2022, at The Station House Hotel in Kilmessan, Co Meath.
The wedding ceremony took place in the hotel’s natural woodland amphitheatre, known as The Turntable, with celebrant Ann Dempsey officiating. Donna praises Ann for her exceptional work, saying, “She took care of everything so we had very little to do. She was so on top of things for us.” Following the ceremony, the reception was held in The Station House, where the couple enjoyed a beautiful room in the Carriage Suite and delicious food served by the professional staff.
To capture every special moment, Donna and Wayne enlisted the talented photographer Hu O’Reilly. They had photos taken in their home for Wayne and in Donna’s mother’s house for the bridal party. Donna explains, “Hu was recommended to us by some friends, and when I saw his work, I knew I wanted him to be our photographer.”
Donna’s parents, Adrienne and Derek, and Wayne’s father, Eamon, joined the couple in toasting their future happiness. They were accompanied by the bridesmaids, Donna’s sister Jessica and friends Ashley and Ciara, as well as the groomsmen, Wayne’s brother Sean and friends Ian and Ronan. Donna’s sisters Mia and Georgia and her brother Michael also played important roles in the wedding.
Despite a brief rain shower during the ceremony, Donna describes the day as “so much fun.” She expresses her gratitude for the friends and family who traveled from afar to celebrate their special day, including friends from the UK whom they met in Australia and Wayne’s brother and his girlfriend from Bahrain. The evening was filled with joy and dancing thanks to the wedding band, Pink Champagne.
Donna found her sleek gown at the Wed2Be Dublin Bridal Shop in Drumcondra. Her bridal hairstyling was done by Shirleen O’Hara, and Ciara O’Toole handled the makeup. La Luna Floral Studio created the beautiful décor, and Susan Barron baked the wedding cake. The groom and his party looked sharp thanks to Protocol For Men.
After the wedding, Donna and Wayne enjoyed a two-week honeymoon in Lake Garda, Italy, with their children and family. Donna describes it as an amazing holiday and says they will definitely return in the future.
Donna works in childcare, while Wayne is an assistant manager at SuperValu. If you would like your wedding featured in Weekend, you can contact eve.kelliher@examiner.ie.
