Wedding of the Week: From Dubai to Cavan for Niamh and David

"After a decade together, David popped the question, on February 7, 2021, as they were enjoying a break in the luxury Rixos Hotel in Abu Dhabi."

Sat, 10 Feb, 2024 - 20:55

Eve Kelliher

Right now this bride and groom are looking back at their big-day showreel five thousand miles from where those memories were minted.

Cavan natives Niamh McEntee and David Hyland have been living in Dubai since 2018 and returned to the county of their birth to exchange vows.

Niamh McEntee and David Hyland. Pictures: Hu O'Reilly

They're looking forward to putting down roots again when they're back in the future to build their forever home.

Their newly purchased site even stars in the couple's wedding album, as it was one of the first photoshoot ports of call for their snapper, Hu O’Reilly, following the "I do's".

Niamh McEntee and David Hyland with their wedding party. Pictures: Hu O'Reilly

Niamh, originally from Arva, and David, from Lough Gowna, were married in the Sacred Heart Church, Arva, where Fr Declan Shannon was joined on the altar by Fr Kevin Gormley, who travelled from the United States for the occasion.

Niamh and David grew up in neighbouring towns. “The romance started at Sligo RAG Week in 2011 - as all great love stories do,” says Niamh.

They’ve been based in Dubai since 2018 where Niamh is the deputy general area sales manager, Nissan Middle East, and David is sports turf project manager, Zayed Sports City Abu Dhabi.

After a decade together, David popped the question, on February 7, 2021, as they were enjoying a break in the luxury Rixos Hotel in Abu Dhabi. “Although Niamh had booked the staycation, I had secretly arranged a romantic set-up in the hotel room (knowing Niamh wouldn't like a public engagement) and proposed at sunset,” he says.

Niamh McEntee with Lisa Brady, Grace Flynn, Kate Hyland and Eleanor Rabbitt. Pictures: Hu O'Reilly

Some 300 guests travelled from across the world to celebrate with the couple and their parents, Margaret and Padraig McEntee and Maeve and Michael Hyland as well as the bride’s grandmother Chris Hourican.

Lisa Brady, Grace Flynn, Kate Hyland and Eleanor Rabbitt were Niamh's bridesmaids while John Hyland, Peter Morris, James Morris and TJ Fitzpatrick were David's groomsmen.

Niamh McEntee with her nephews and pageboys Eoghan McEntee, Darragh McEntee, Caoimhín McEntee, Cillian McEntee and David McEntee.

The bride's nephews Eoghan McEntee, Darragh McEntee, Caoimhín McEntee, Cillian McEntee and David McEntee were the pageboys.

The reception took place in the Virginia Park Lodge, Virginia, Co Cavan, and the couple’s original vision when planning the entire event was “to keep everything classic, elegant with some element of vibrancy through the flowers, bridesmaid dresses and vintage cars”,” says the bride.

Niamh McEntee with her aunt Christina Hourican, grandmother Chris Hourican and father Padraig McEntee.

Niamh looked stunning in a bespoke dress designed and made by Patrick Casey, Ballymahon, Co Longford, and the groom was dapper thanks to Suited and Booted, Dubai, and the groomsmen sourced their attire in Karlos Conlon Menswear, Virginia, Co Cavan.

“Our photographer Hu (huoreillyphoto.com) made the day relaxed and enjoyable, and was a true gentleman, as was our videographer Niall from Complete Weddings,” says Niamh.

Niamh McEntee and David Hyland travelling in a vintage MG. Pictures: Hu O'Reilly

Bouquets2Banquets created the floral décor and Natalie Turner provided the church music, while Niamh's friend Michaela Tiernan performed Megan O'Neill song Ireland.

“The song represented our love for home despite living abroad,” adds the bride. “The evening entertainment by Seany Gavin and the Supernovas created a magical atmosphere, made sure the dancefloor was never empty and meant guests went home with sore feet.”