Wedding of the Week: We had an Irish wedding with elements from both our cultures

Although she’s now living in Dubai, Aisling Fitzpatrick always wanted an Irish wedding.

Aisling, a primary school teacher, and her husband Saeed Gul, a senior account manager, first spotted one another four years ago, in September 2022.

“We met in a bar called Aloft in Al Ain, in the United Arab Emirates,” says Aisling. “Saeed’s friend asked my friend and me if we could answer a joke, offering 50 dirhams if we got it right. Saeed gave me the answer, so I won the 50 dirhams, and later we started talking and realised there was an instant connection.”

Aisling Fitzpatrick and Saeed Gul. Pictures: Dermotsullivan.com

Over two years later, Saeed surprised Aisling with a romantic proposal at the luxury five-star Dubai resort Anantara on The Palm in May 2025.

“He had a private table set up on the beach, with a red carpet, rose petals everywhere, and a big light-up ‘I love you’ sign,” says Aisling. “It was very extravagant, and he was so nervous that he proposed before we even had dinner.”

Aisling Fitzpatrick and Saeed Gul. Pictures: Dermotsullivan.com

Aisling, from Killimer in Co Clare, and Saeed, from Afghanistan and raised in Al Ain, were wed on July 16 at The Lodge at Ballygarry Estate Hotel & Spa in Tralee, Co Kerry, by solemniser Daragh Doyle. Singer and guitarist Tracy Gallagher performed for both the ceremony and at the reception. Leading the celebrations with the couple was Aisling’s mother, Mary Fitzpatrick.

“We had a remembrance candle for my dad, Brendan, who passed away in November 2018. Saeed and I lit the candle together during our ceremony, and it was a really meaningful moment for us to have him remembered and included in our special day,” says Aisling.

Aisling Fitzpatrick and Saeed Gul. Pictures: Dermotsullivan.com

The bride’s childhood friend Eilise Brennan was her maid of honour, and her sister Aoife Fitzpatrick and friend Gráinne Mulqueen, along with her cousin Geniene Baker, were the bridesmaids. The groom’s friend Mustafa Tariq was his best man, and his brother Osama Gul and Umar Khar were his groomsmen. “The day was honestly even better than we could have imagined,” says the bride.

Aisling Fitzpatrick with Eilise Brennan, Aoife Fitzpatrick, Gráinne Mulqueen, and Geniene Baker. Pictures: Dermotsullivan.com

“We loved being able to have all the traditional parts of an Irish wedding while also bringing in elements of both of our cultures.”

The bride wore a Maggie Sottero dress she selected from Rebekah’s Bridal in Dubai, and the groom sourced his tux in Dubai too.

Aisling Fitzpatrick. Pictures: Dermotsullivan.com

“I really enjoyed dress shopping. It allowed me to have a special moment with my close friends Nida and Courtney in Dubai. I tried on maybe 10 dresses before finding the one,” says Aisling.

Laura Boyle was the bridal hairstylist, with Annette O’Brien as the make-up artist. Photographer Dermot Sullivan (dermotsullivan.com) was behind the camera, with videographer Uray Novotny also capturing the occasion on film for posterity.

Wedding band J90 kept everyone moving. Saeed’s brother Osama added to the fun, according to the couple.

Aisling Fitzpatrick and Saeed Gul. Pictures: Dermotsullivan.com

“He was very quiet at the beginning and almost wanted to stay in the background but, when the band started playing, a completely different side of him came out,” says Aisling.

“He got everyone onto the dance floor, started conga lines, and had everyone having the best time.”

Leona Fitzmaurice, of Every Occasion Florist, Tralee, created the floral décor, and artist Rachel Leahy was also on site to do portraits of the guests.

Pristine Classics Occasions supplied an ice cream cart, and Theresa Foley, of Heavenly Baked, Tralee, made the wedding cake.

The newlyweds plan to honeymoon in Japan.

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