Emma & Stephen’s Elegant Art Nouveau Wedding
Emma & Stephen’s Elegant Art Nouveau Wedding
At the Bridge House Hotel, Tullamore | 20th February 2026
After twelve years together, Emma and Stephen Sheils celebrated their beautiful wedding day on 20th February 2026 at the stunning Bridge House Hotel. Their day was filled with love, family, personal creativity, and elegant Art Nouveau-inspired details — creating a celebration that was truly unforgettable.
💗 A Love Story That Began Online 💗
Emma and Stephen first met online through a dating website recommended by a friend. What began as a simple introduction quickly grew into a relationship that would span more than a decade.
To celebrate their 10-year anniversary, the couple travelled to Amsterdam — and it was there that Stephen chose the perfect moment to propose. On their second day in the city, in front of the beautiful museum fountains, he presented Emma with a vintage ring and asked her to marry him.
Two years later, they celebrated their wedding surrounded by family and friends.
💍 Falling in Love with the Bridge House Hotel💍
Like many couples, Emma and Stephen visited several venues while searching for the perfect location for their wedding. They had already looked at castles and other venues before a spontaneous stop changed everything.
After spending a night celebrating Stephen’s birthday at Kinnitty Castle Hotel, the couple decided to call into the Bridge House Hotel on their way home for a quick coffee and a look around.
That quick stop turned out to be fate.
Stephen realised the hotel held special meaning for his family — it was a place his grandparents used to visit on their way to Tipperary. The warm welcome they received from the team instantly made an impression, and Emma fell in love with the elegant décor, particularly the grand staircase and the Art Nouveau and Art Deco styling throughout the hotel.
Although they had also viewed venues like Darver Castle, the atmosphere and hospitality at the Bridge House Hotel stood out immediately.
“It just felt right,” Emma says. “The warmth of the staff and the beauty of the rooms made it an easy decision. With a young family, we also loved how family-oriented the hotel is.”
💐 Planning a Personal and Creative Wedding 💐
Emma began planning the wedding almost immediately after the proposal, and over the course of two years she carefully designed many personal touches that made the day uniquely theirs.
As a textile artist and designer, Emma incorporated her creativity into the wedding’s theme. Inspired by the hotel’s beautiful décor, she created an Art Nouveau-inspired aesthetic that flowed throughout the celebration.
She personally designed:
- The seating plan
- Table numbers
- Guest favours based on Art Nouveau artwork
- Personalised gift bags for parents and the bridal party
The couple also included a meaningful memorial table to honour beloved grandparents and a late friend.
Emma recalls how supportive the hotel team were in helping bring her vision to life.
“The day before the wedding, Angela and the team took everything off my hands. They carefully noted exactly how I wanted things laid out, and they even placed our personalised gift bags in our guests’ rooms. It made everything so much easier.”
🕯️ A Stunning Ceremony at the Bridge House Hotel 🕯️
Emma and Stephen chose to hold their ceremony at the hotel in the elegant Millennium Suite.
The space was transformed with soft white and cream décor, white flowers, candlelight, and a white aisle runner lined with Chiavari chairs — creating a breathtaking setting for the couple to say their vows.
The ceremony included two heartfelt readings, a memorial candle lighting, and even a special handfasting ceremony, making the moment deeply personal and meaningful.
When Emma walked down the aisle, emotions were high.
“I was so nervous, excited and emotional. I didn’t see anyone else — I just saw Stephen.”
Stephen felt the same.
“It was such a special moment,” Emma says.
🍽️ Incredible Food and a Celebration to Remember 🍽️
The couple and their guests were blown away by the food and service on the day.
As someone with coeliac dietary requirements, Emma was especially grateful for the variety of gluten-free options available.
“The food was incredible — everyone raved about it.”
Highlights included:
- A vintage tea reception enjoyed by guests
- Signature Tullamore D.E.W. cocktails
- A beautiful champagne heart fountain
- A delicious wedding banquet
- Champagne sorbet between courses
“The banquet was incredible. Our guests were completely stuffed by the end!”
Many guests later told the couple it was the best food they had ever experienced at a wedding.
💄 A Stylish Bridal Look 💄
Emma’s dress perfectly matched the romantic elegance of the day.
She chose a stunning blush pink champagne gown with a white lace overlay, delicate appliqué lace, and intricate embroidery from Barnardo’s Bridal Rooms.
Her bridesmaids wore sage green cap-sleeve A-line dresses paired with gold and pearl jewellery, while Stephen and his groomsmen wore navy and grey three-piece suits from Freddie Hatchet.
Emma completed her look with glamorous vintage Hollywood-style hair by Brushed Hair Studio and makeup by Colleen Quinn Beauty.
🕺 Music, Dancing and a Fantastic Party 🕺
Music played a big role in creating the atmosphere throughout the day.
For the drink’s reception, the couple chose the talented Aoife Coady, whose performance helped set the perfect tone for the evening.
Later, a DJ from Music Matters DJ kept the dancefloor full all night with a non-stop playlist chosen by the couple.
Guests also enjoyed:
- A 360° selfie booth from Selfie360Booth
- Glow sticks for the dancefloor
- A fun candy cart filled with sweet treats
From their first dance with their children to their final dance surrounded by friends and family, the celebration was filled with joyful moments.
🤍 The Perfect Ending 🤍
One of Emma’s favourite moments happened just before guests entered the banquet room.
“Seeing the room fully set up before everyone came in was really special. It looked so beautiful and had such an incredible atmosphere.”
Their favourite photograph from the day was taken by Declan Smith on the hotel’s grand staircase — capturing the couple with their children and the happiness of the moment.
🤵 Advice for Future Couples 👰
Emma and Stephen have one piece of advice for couples planning their wedding at the Bridge House Hotel:
“Enjoy every second — it goes so quickly. We wish we could do it all again in slow motion.”
When asked if they would change anything about their wedding day, their answer was simple:
“Not a thing. It was the best day of our lives.”
