Wedding of the Week: West Clare whirlwind wedding after an initial encounter in Dubai

Edel Hickey, Tipperary, and Matthew Barber, Merseyside, Liverpool, who were married at the Armada Hotel, Co Clare

Edel Hickey and Matthew Barber. Pictures: Black Diamond Photography

Sat, 24 Oct, 2026 - 01:00

Eve Kelliher

As they said their “I dos” on a sun-kissed West Clare clifftop, Edel Hickey and Matthew Barber realised just how far their “whirlwind” celebrations had whisked them from their day-to-day routine.

The shimmering tides of Spanish Point beach below were a long way from the iconic Burj Al Arab, under whose gaze Edel and Matthew’s first encounter took place.

Edel, a teacher, and Matthew, a firefighter, spotted one another six years ago at popular Irish expat venue McGettigan’s in Souk Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai.

“We got engaged in Amsterdam, in January 2025,” says Edel.

The bride, from Tipperary, and groom, from Merseyside, Liverpool, were wed on July 19 in an outdoor ceremony at the Armada Hotel in Co Clare, performed by celebrant Gráinne McGibney of Atlantic Vows.

The couple were determined to have a big day with “lots of fun and laughter”, says Edel. “It was phenomenal from start to finish.”

Asked to sum up their emotions as they arrived at the edge of Europe to tie the knot? “Surreal,” says the bride.

Hitting a spellbinding note was award-winning Limerick-based professional singer and musician Claire Heffernan. “Claire performed as we walked down the aisle,” says Edel. “She was amazing.”

The bride looked elegant in an Enzoani design which she sourced at Diamond Bridal, Cork City, and the groom was dapper in a suit he had custom-made in Dubai for the occasion.

Rí Weddings created the floral décor, and Sax Appeal provided the music at the drinks reception.

“The sunshine made the day extra-memorable,” says Edel.

Wedding photographer Kaspars Sarovarcenko of Black Diamond Photography (blackdiamond.ie) was behind the camera, as was the videography crew from SeaForest Films.

After dinner, the newlyweds took to the floor for their first dance to You’re Still The One, after which The Bentley Boys kept everyone in the groove until the small hours.

Clare hairstylist Chloe Cornu, The Upstyle Girl, created the bride’s elegant updo, and Tipperary and Dublin makeup artist Theresa Bradbury of Coco Rouge Makeup was Edel’s makeup artist.