Celebrities line out for acting and rugby union

WHEN one of our most famous sportsmen married actress and author Amy Huberman it was never going to be a quiet registry office wedding, but until the day itself the couple remained secretive about the details of the much-anticipated nuptials, until now.

As expected many of Brian O’Driscoll’s Leinster and Irish teammates were in attendance. Shane Horgan, Gordon Darcy, Luke Fitzgerald, Denis Hickie, Johnny Sexton, Jamie Heaslip, Donncha O’Callaghan and Paul O’Connell were all accounted for, with Ronan O’Gara a noticeable absence.

Ronan’s wife, Jessica, had just given birth to a baby boy.

Donncha O’Callaghan, who arrived with his pregnant wife Jenny, happily signed autographs and posed for pictures while the other guests took shelter from a rain shower in the church. Other high-profile guests included comedian David O’Doherty and Chris O’Dowd from Channel 4’s The IT Crowd. Victoria Smurfit and husband Doug Baxter; Father Ted actress, Pauline McLynn, and former Leinster coach Michael Cheika, and his wife Stephanie were also spotted.

Amy’s dress was the subject of much speculation. Just before the wedding when asked about her dress she replied: “It’s a secret.”

While it was widely reported that she would wear a Vera Wang creation she kept everyone guessing before stepping out of the car wearing a white strapless dress with a simple bow detail and a long flowing skirt with a silk band detail. The four bridesmaids were Amy’s cousin Noleen Morris, Joanne Hegarty, Lynne McNabola and Olivia Morgan wore knee-length sugary pink dresses, all with different detailing and held posies of white and pink roses.

As guests arrived up the tree lined entrance to the magnificent Lough Rynn castle they were first treated to a champagne reception on the perfectly manicured lawns, served by white gloved waiting staff before enjoying a six-course meal in the ballroom at Lough Rynn Castle. The Camembert Quartet kept the guests dancing for the evening and late night revellers partied in the subterranean Lough Rynn “dungeon bar” until the small hours. Today newlyweds Brian and Amy will host a barbeque with entertainment from the couple’s favourite band, The Coronas and The Bogus Brothers, for close family and friends.

As for the cost of the wedding, Clement Gaffney, hotel director of Lough Rynn Castle said he wasn’t able to comment on any financial aspects of the wedding but a premium package at Lough Rynn can cost up to €110 per head and with 250 guests in attendance for a six-course meal, a champagne reception, fireworks display and all the trimmings it was certainly not a budget-conscious wedding, but then again O’Driscoll is one of Ireland’s top paid sportsmen.

Amy’s hair was styled by Dylan Bradshaw, who must have been concerned about the high winds on the day. The style was “half up-half down” and very simple, her make-up too was minimal and elegant.

After the weekend celebrations newlyweds Brian and Amy will be heading to Africa for their honeymoon.