At a Glance

Summer (2012)

Tale of Two Cities: New York and France Weddings

Before their French wedding, Alison Hurley and Eoin Fenton, both physicians from Dublin, held a chic civil ceremony in Central Park. The New York event, intimate and elegant, saw the couple arrive by horse-drawn carriage arranged by Cynthia Nicholson of Château Challain. Under crisp March light, they exchanged vows by The Ladies Pavilion, accompanied by live acoustic music and the city skyline beyond. Their day ended at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel with champagne and views over Columbus Circle, marking the beginning of a two-part celebration that would soon continue in France.

A Fairytale Ceremony at Château Challain in the Loire Valley

Days later, the couple exchanged vows again at Château Challain, a grand neo-Gothic castle in the western Loire Valley known for its turrets, sweeping grounds, and ornate interiors. Despite unpredictable spring weather, the outdoor ceremony went ahead, a testament to their calm and joy. The styling blended vintage and shabby chic touches, from lace and pearls to delicate florals in soft pastel tones. Alison wore a Louise Kennedy gown, its refined silhouette and vintage-inspired detailing perfectly suited to the romantic, historical atmosphere of the château.

Rain, Hail, and Heart: A Wedding Photographer’s Perspective

Captured by the experienced destination wedding photographer Scott Dove , the day unfolded with beauty and resolve. Even when rain and hail arrived mid-ceremony, the couple continued with quiet grace, embracing every moment as it came. Professional Wedding Planner Cynthia Nicholson ensured every element from the carriage arrival to the château reception reflected their understated, heartfelt aesthetic. Through his lens, Dove documented not just the setting but the quiet connection between two people who crossed continents to create a celebration that was both personal and poetic in tone.