Wedding rings usually come with a fairly predictable itinerary: ring finger, left hand, cue the photographer. Sophie Murray and Sam Donovan decided to take a slightly different route.
The Irish content creator married Sam in an intimate civil ceremony at The Leinster in Dublin, marking the occasion with a detail that was both stylish and genuinely sentimental. Instead of traditional wedding bands for the civil ceremony, the couple chose pinky rings as their “pinky promise” to one another, with Chupi Fine Jewellery creating the rings.
It is a small change, but one that makes the whole idea of a civil wedding feel much more personal. And with a larger wedding celebration planned in Italy next year, the Dublin ceremony had its own distinct identity rather than feeling like a smaller version of the main event.
For couples planning a celebration with equally specific details, finding the right people to bring those ideas to life can make all the difference. Wedded Concierge connects couples with trusted wedding experts, venues and suppliers, particularly useful when your vision involves something a little more considered than simply ticking the usual wedding boxes.
Sophie’s wedding dress brought a beautifully understated kind of drama to the occasion.
The ivory satin gown featured a sleek, fitted silhouette that followed the body before falling into a long, fluid skirt. Across the neckline, the fabric folded into a soft, sculptural drape that wrapped across the shoulders and upper chest, creating an elegant off-the-shoulder effect.
The sleeves added another layer of interest. Long and fitted through the arms, they finished with dramatic flowing panels and intricate lace cuffs that extended over the hands. The combination of smooth satin and delicate lace gave the dress a lovely contrast without making it feel overly ornate.
The back of the gown was just as considered, with rows of covered buttons running down the centre and the satin falling into a subtle train.
It was romantic, but not overly traditional. More fashion editorial than princess bride, which feels very fitting for a civil ceremony in the middle of Dublin.
The dress was sourced from Farmer’s Daughter, a vintage-focused fashion destination known for its collection of antique gowns, unusual bridal pieces and reworked vintage designs.
Sophie also credited AL Bridal Couture for what she described as the “most amazing alterations,” giving the look an even more personal finish.
If the dress was sleek, the veil brought the romance.
Sophie wore a sheer veil edged with intricate lace, with ornate floral and paisley-like motifs running along the border. The lace framing around her face created a soft, vintage effect, while the veil itself fell down her back and echoed the delicate lace detailing at her cuffs.
Her blonde hair was styled in loose, polished waves underneath it, keeping the overall beauty look soft rather than overly formal.
The result was an interesting balance. The satin kept everything modern, while the lace veil made sure the outfit still felt unmistakably bridal.
Then came the detail that makes this wedding particularly worth bookmarking.
Sophie revealed that she and Sam chose pinky rings specifically for their civil ceremony as a “pinky promise” to one another, turning the jewellery into a literal symbol of the commitment they were making that day.
The rings, created by Irish jewellery house Chupi, bring a more unexpected approach to the idea of wedding jewellery. Rather than following the traditional matching wedding-band formula, the couple made the rings part of their own story.
Chupi is an Irish jewellery brand specialising in engagement and wedding rings, with pieces handcrafted in Ireland using certified sustainable gold and diamonds. The brand also has a dedicated collection and editorial guide around pinky rings, making the choice feel particularly on-brand.
And because Sophie and Sam are planning to celebrate again in Italy next year, the pinky rings also give their Dublin ceremony a detail that belongs specifically to this chapter of their relationship.
Sophie carried an abundant white bouquet that brought a softer, organic element to the otherwise sleek styling.
White blooms were mixed with delicate greenery and long, trailing stems, giving the bouquet a slightly loose, gathered quality rather than a perfectly rounded arrangement. The green elements spilled naturally between the flowers, while white blooms kept everything firmly within the palette of the day.
It also worked beautifully against the ivory satin of the gown without competing with the dress.
Sam opted for a sharply tailored black double-breasted suit with a crisp white shirt and dark brown tie, finished with polished black shoes.
The look was traditional without feeling stiff, and the couple's styling worked particularly well together. Sophie's glossy ivory satin and lace details brought the romance, while Sam's dark tailoring gave the photographs a clean contrast.
In some portraits, he added sunglasses, giving the otherwise polished civil wedding wardrobe a slightly more relaxed edge.
The couple celebrated their civil wedding at The Leinster, the luxury hotel located on Mount Street Lower on the edge of Merrion Square in Dublin.
The venue combines classical architecture with a more contemporary, Parisian-inspired design approach, and its wedding spaces are designed for everything from intimate civil ceremonies to larger celebrations. The hotel currently offers dedicated wedding options through its O'Dwyer Event Suite, while its wider interiors combine bold patterns, rich materials and contemporary art.
For Sophie and Sam, the setting provided a polished city backdrop that let the fashion and jewellery do most of the talking.
Perhaps the most charming part of Sophie and Sam's wedding is that this was not intended to be the final celebration.
Sophie described the Dublin civil ceremony as the day they made things legal with their “nearest & dearest,” before adding that next year they will do it all again in Italy.
Which makes the pinky rings even sweeter. They are not trying to represent an entire wedding weekend or carry the weight of every tradition at once. They belong to this particular moment, this particular ceremony and this particular promise.
And honestly, that might be the best argument for making wedding details personal. A ring does not have to follow the expected route to mean something. Sometimes, putting it on your pinky says exactly what you want it to say.
Photographer @yam_photography
Content @theweddingcontentco
Makeup @laurawardmua
Hair @konkelly_
Rings @chupi
Dress: @shop.farmersdaughter
Alterations by @albridalcouture
Venue @theleinsterdublin
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