Wedding of the Week: Love at first swipe for couple who made their vows in beautiful Kerry
Daisy Estephane and Christopher Barton. Pictures: Black Diamond Photography
It was a case of “love at first swipe” for Daisy Estephane and Christopher (Chris) Barton, who said “I do” in Kerry.
The Hertfordshire-based newlyweds were married in St Mary’s Cathedral, Killarney, by Fr Kieran O’Brien and held their reception in Ballyseede Castle Hotel.
The bride, from west London, and groom, from Hertfordshire, were keen to include links to the bride’s Lebanese heritage and the groom’s Irish/Kerry heritage on their big day.
Daisy, a freelance registered dietitian, and Chris, a corporate solicitor, first met four years ago, on May 31, 2022. “It was love at first swipe on the dating app Hinge,” she says. “We first had an intimate engagement with a Claddagh ring in Seville Cathedral in December 2022. Later, we chose my ring together, and Chris got down on one knee during a holiday in Killarney.
“Given Chris’s Irish heritage, getting married in Kerry felt like a meaningful choice. Chris’s mum lives in Killarney, and the first time we went to visit her, we fell in love with the town’s vibrant energy and the landscapes and decided this is where we’d love to get married.
“His nan was from Ballyheigue and the family has strong links with Tralee too, as Chris’s mum Elisabeth (Lisa) Barton represented London and South East London in the Rose of Tralee!”
Elisabeth and Chris’s dad, Gerry Barton, joined forces with Daisy’s parents, Samar and Tony Estephane, to ensure they had the celebration of their dreams. The wedding party was made up of longtime friends, with Shalini Fernando and Petra Yazbeck as bridesmaids and David Quinn and Chris Carter as groomsmen.
“Our wedding day felt truly magical, like stepping into a fairytale brought to life,” says Daisy. “The ceremony took place in the breathtaking Killarney Cathedral, surrounded by warmth and emotion, and everything we had hoped and prayed for.”
Afterwards, for the reception, Ballyseede Castle “burst with vibrant Lebanese–Irish fusion joy” adds the bride. “From Liam O’Brien and his band, to Irish dancers, the beat of the Zaffe drummer band, and DJ Krisis spinning Arabic and English beats, and beautiful performances by my mum Samar and Chris’s sister Charlene, the energy never faded.
“Ballyseede staff said they had never seen a dance floor so full in 27 years — guests moved with unstoppable energy all night!
“It was truly a day where our families, cultures, and love came together in the most unforgettable way.”
As for their most memorable moment? The couple agree it was their “first look”.
“We exchanged some laughs, and took a quiet moment together to steady the nerves and soak in the significance of the day before the celebrations began,” says the bride. During this, they also exchanged gifts. Chris surprised Daisy with a diamond necklace, while Daisy gifted Chris Christian Dior cufflinks — “a sweet nod to our shared initials”.
Daisy sourced her elegant Sophia Tolli gown at Bridal Caprice Boutique in London, and the groom was dapper thanks to Suit Supply.
Maeve Carey was the makeup artist with George Ghanem as hairstylist.
Danielle O’Donoghue, Tie the Knot Weddings, created the floral décor.
They posed for the camera of Kaspars Sarovarcenko (Black Diamond Photography), while Krzystof Rapacz, Sky Eye Wedding Films, was the videographer.
The newlyweds enjoyed a minimoon in Morocco, envisaging “a bigger honeymoon to follow,” says the bride.
- If you would like your wedding to be featured in email eve.kelliher@examiner.ie
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