Eight Bridesmaids: A Surprisingly American Tradition
- CLONWILLIAM HOUSE, WICKLOW - Irish singer-songwriter RuthAnne Cunningham married Ollie Clarke on May 21, 2022, at Clonwilliam House in County Wicklow, Ireland.
- What: Wedding of singer RuthAnne Cunningham and Ollie Clarke.
- The wedding hosted 120 guests, many travelling from Ireland, the UK, and Los Angeles, marking the first time Cunningham had seen many friends in over two years due...
Singer RuthAnne Cunningham Reflects on Post-Pandemic Wedding & Honoring a Lost Friend
CLONWILLIAM HOUSE, WICKLOW – Irish singer-songwriter RuthAnne Cunningham married Ollie Clarke on May 21, 2022, at Clonwilliam House in County Wicklow, Ireland. The wedding, initially planned for 2021, was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent birth of their daughter, lily-Mae. The celebration was a deeply personal event,incorporating tributes to loved ones and reflecting Cunningham’s global life journey.
The wedding hosted 120 guests, many travelling from Ireland, the UK, and Los Angeles, marking the first time Cunningham had seen many friends in over two years due to lockdown restrictions. The three-day event included a rehearsal dinner and a conventional Irish music session at Mickey Finn’s pub, setting a celebratory tone.Entertainment was provided by The Wild Turkeys, and the ceremony itself featured a performance by the Dublin Gospel Choir, who sang a special rendition of Cunningham’s own song, “The Vow.”
Cunningham’s wedding dress was a stunning creation by Galia Lahav, purchased in 2020 and remarkably still fitting after her pregnancy. She chose eight bridesmaids, representing different phases of her life spent living around the world. The bridesmaids wore dresses from jenny Yoo in varying styles, all in a coordinating blush pink.
The couple incorporated a touching tribute to their friend, Tom Parker of The Wanted, who passed away seven months prior to the wedding. A chair was reserved in his memory, designated “Tom’s Chair,” and his wife, Kelsey, was a bridesmaid. Lily-Mae, their six-month-old daughter, served as the flower girl, accompanied by her aunt, and later sat calmly at the altar. Two nephews acted as adorable “security detail” page boys.
This wedding story resonates beyond celebrity gossip. It’s a microcosm of the experiences many faced navigating love and life during and after the pandemic. The postponement, the pregnancy, the long-awaited reunion with loved ones – these are worldwide themes.The inclusion of a tribute to a lost friend adds a layer of emotional depth,demonstrating how celebrations can also be spaces for remembrance and grief. The details, from the designer dress to the carefully chosen bridesmaids, reveal a thoughtful and personal approach to the event. – lisapark
here’s a breakdown of key details:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Venue | clonwilliam House, Wicklow, Ireland |
| Date | May 21, 2022 |
| Number of Guests | 120 |
| Wedding Dress Designer | Galia Lahav |
| Bridesmaid Dress Designer | Jenny Yoo |
| Entertainment | The Wild Turkeys, Dublin Gospel Choir |
| Flower Girl Age | 6 months |
The humanist ceremony, held at Clonwilliam House, was a deeply meaningful experience for the couple, marking a new chapter in their lives after a period of uncertainty and loss. The wedding served as a joyful reunion and a celebration of love, family, and friendship.