Holly Carpenter’s French Wedding: Details & Photos from Her Special Day
Model and television personality Holly Carpenter recently celebrated her marriage with a dual-ceremony affair, beginning with an intimate gathering in Dublin and culminating in a larger celebration in France. The Irish Examiner reported details of the festivities, revealing a deeply personal and thoughtfully planned series of events.
Carpenter and her husband, Jamie, initially exchanged vows in at Charlotte Quay restaurant in Dublin, a location holding special significance as the site of their first date. The ceremony was a minor, family-focused occasion with just 14 guests. According to Carpenter, her father, who was ill at the time, was unable to travel to France for the larger wedding and the Dublin ceremony allowed him to participate. She described walking down a makeshift aisle created within the restaurant, a moment made particularly poignant by her father’s health.
Charlotte Quay, located in Dublin’s Grand Canal Dock, is described as a “lively and atmospheric restaurant, bar, and venue” with a focus on locally sourced Irish produce and a Mediterranean-inspired menu, particularly seafood. The restaurant is currently rated 4.3 out of 5 on Tripadvisor, with 311 reviews, and is known for its waterfront terrace. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Sunday with varying hours, closing on Mondays.
The main wedding celebration took place in in Auch, France, at Le Domaine de Baulieu. Initially considering a large chateau, the couple opted for a venue that would allow for a more manageable and relaxed event. The French wedding was a more elaborate affair, but still prioritized a laid-back atmosphere. Carpenter detailed the morning of the wedding as peaceful, filled with music and iced coffee, while her husband and groomsmen went for a run.
Carpenter’s wedding dress, purchased from Verona Bridal in Belfast, featured a bodice and detachable sleeves with a long veil. She chose the dress for its whimsical quality, believing it would complement the French countryside setting. The bridal party included two bridesmen, dressed in blue shorts and linen shirts from Louis Copeland, and two bridesmaids in blue dresses from Dresscode in Dublin. The groomsmen similarly wore outfits from Louis Copeland, foregoing suit jackets due to the warm weather.
The ceremony itself was secular and officiated by a close friend, Ronan, who had been present from the beginning of Carpenter and Jamie’s relationship. He incorporated personal anecdotes into the service, adding a heartfelt touch. The couple incorporated several traditions, including a handfasting ceremony using Cork colors – a nod to Jamie’s heritage – and a rose exchange between their mothers, symbolizing love and support.
The reception was held in an indoor area of Le Domaine de Baulieu, characterized by exposed stone walls, fairy lights, and chandeliers. The décor included colorful flowers, candles, and a signature scent from Irish brand Voya. Entertainment was provided by a band called Detroit Rumour, discovered on the Fix the Music platform, chosen for their resemblance to Robbie Williams – a shared favorite of the couple. Their first dance was to Robbie Williams’ song, “She’s The One.”
The celebrations continued with a pool party on the second day, featuring DJ Glamo and a surprise performance by Josh Keating, Ronan Keating’s nephew, whom Carpenter believes has a bright future in music.
Reflecting on the day, Carpenter shared that the reality of the wedding didn’t fully sink in until she was seated at the top table, surrounded by loved ones. She emphasized the joy of seeing everyone enjoying themselves, making all the planning and stress worthwhile. Carpenter, a former Miss Ireland, regularly shares updates on fashion, beauty, and lifestyle on Instagram.