If you’re looking for real Irish wedding inspiration, food truck or pub wedding ideas then you’ll love Paula and James’s relaxed, outdoor wedding day in their lively local, complete with beautifully boho Florelle wedding dress.

Bride and groom wearing sunglasses outside their wedding venue, posing in front of a retro car

Key takeaways

  • Venue: A relaxed Irish pub wedding can still feel beautiful with thoughtful styling and personal details.
  • Vibe: Food trucks are a great alternative to formal catering for outdoor, festival-style weddings.
  • Dress: Choosing a dress like Florelle by Heidi Hudson keeps the look elegant while fitting a laid-back vibe.
  • Favourite moments: All-day music, bubbles and casual entertainment help create an unforgettable guest experience.
Bride’s Florelle wedding dress hanging up on the morning of her wedding day

How They Met & Their First Date

Real wed2b bride Paula met James in 2015 on Tinder and their first date, at the tranquil, Japanese-inspired Tea Garden in Dublin, was just as relaxed as the wedding that would follow.

Bride having her makeup applied on the morning of her wedding

The Magical Proposal in Glendalough 

The couple were on a hike in Glendalough, a scenic national park, in September 2024 when James proposed. They stopped for lunch when a wild deer approached. After feeding it for a while, Paula said, “This is the best day ever.” When she turned around, James was on one knee. “It was so natural,” she says. “Just us and the mountains.”

Bride wearing the Florelle wedding dress on the morning of her wedding, showing front and back details

Finding “The One” – Paula's wed2b Experience

Paula discovered wed2b through Instagram and her shopping experience at the Dublin store was everything she wanted it be. “It was perfect,” she says. “The way everything worked was so efficient and the staff were very professional.”

Bridesmaids seeing the bride in her wedding dress for the first time

The Dress: Florelle by Heidi Hudson

Her dress, Florelle by Heidi Hudson, was the ideal choice for her easy-going, bohemian nature. It exudes elegance, showcasing intricate botanical embroidery, a classic sweetheart neckline and hidden pockets beneath a slim A-line skirt.

Bride laughing with her bridesmaids outside a rustic barn wedding venue
Groom greeting a dog and chatting with a wedding guest outside the venue

A relaxed pub wedding in Meath

The Venue: A Local Pub Wedding near Dublin

The couple chose their local pub in Meath, just north of Dublin, for their August wedding. “The Becks is a lively traditional Irish bar,” says Paula. “It was close to our house and we really liked the vibe of the place.”

Read more: How to Plan Your Own Outdoor Ceremony 

Bride posing in front of a rustic barn wedding venue

The wedding day

Weather, Outdoor Vibe & Getting ready

On the day, Paula got ready at home with her bridesmaids, her mum and her aunt, while nervously keeping an eye on the weather. “It was overcast all morning but then the sun came out as I was about to walk down the aisle, which was perfect,” she says.

Bride walking down the aisle inside a tipi wedding ceremony
Bride and groom sitting together during their wedding ceremony

The Ceremony & Celebration

Her mother walked her down the aisle at their outdoor ceremony, and one of the songs played was the emotional ‘Turning Page’ by Sleeping at Last. “The whole thing felt quite spiritual,” says Paula. 

Bride cheering and smiling during her wedding ceremony

Food Truck Feast & Evening Fun

Afterwards, there were drinks and photos, while the newlyweds mingled and greeted everyone. Then guests tucked into grazing boxes and later there were food trucks for dinner and the evening meal, serving smash burgers, chicken burgers and delicious loaded chips. “We just wanted chilled, relaxed, outdoor vibes,” says Paula.

Bride sitting on the groom’s lap outside with their dog nearby
Bride and groom posing for outdoor wedding photographs

Personal Touches & All-Day Music

There was a DJ for the whole day, keeping everyone entertained with great tunes. Later, there was live music too, a gaming van for the kids and no one went hungry thanks to piles of Krispy Kreme donuts.

Bride and groom dancing together during their first dance

Unforgettable Moments on the Dance Floor

The couple chose the Shania Twain classic, ‘Still The One’, for their first dance. “It’s a really sentimental song for us,” says Paula. “Also, one of the standout moments was when we had a bubble machine and bubbles floated across the dance floor - it was magical!” 

Close-up of bride and groom during their first dance

Paula’s Advice for Future Brides

“Simply enjoy every minute!”

Suppliers Who Made It Special

Photographer: Ian Hennessy

Venue: The Becks 

Wedding dress: wed2b Dublin

Celebrant: Yvonne Kavanagh

FAQs: Paula & James’ relaxed Irish wedding

Where did Paula and James get married?

They celebrated with a relaxed pub wedding in Meath, Ireland, just north of Dublin.

Which wed2b dress did Paula wear?

Paula wore Florelle from wed2b Dublin, an elegant boho-style gown with botanical embroidery, a sweetheart neckline and hidden pockets.

What was the wedding vibe and theme?

The day had a laid-back outdoor, festival-style feel with music throughout, bubbles on the dance floor and casual seating.

What food did they serve at the wedding?

Guests enjoyed grazing boxes, plus food trucks serving smash burgers, chicken burgers and loaded chips — and Krispy Kreme donuts for a sweet finish.

How did James propose?

James proposed during a hike in Glendalough in September 2024, after the couple stopped for lunch and a wild deer wandered over — a natural, private moment in the mountains.

What advice does Paula have for future brides?

“Simply enjoy every minute!”

Read more: Real wedding stories UK

We’d love to hear from you! If you would like us to feature your big day, then please click here to share your story and photos with us and we’ll be in touch. And, for more real Irish wedding inspiration for your own big day, we have lots more stunning real wedding stories UK. Lastly, still looking for your dream dress? Click here for your local store and here for what to expect when you visit.