‘A moment I have dreamed of' – Holly Carpenter marries long-term boyfriend in ‘intimate' Dublin wedding

Irish Independent

3 days ago

Taking to Instagram, Holly posted a series of snaps from her big day, describing it as a 'moment I have dreamed of with my dad'.
She also thanked photographer Evan Doherty, 'for capturing this special moment that I'll never forget'.
The comments section was flooded with messages from well-wishers, including DJ Nikki Hayes who offered 'congratulations, stunning as always', while writer Vicki Notaro posted a series of red heart emojis.
Podcaster Louise McSherry also added some hearts, as did Glenda Gilson while model Sarah McGovern wrote: 'Aww, wow Holly! You look sensational, congratulations to you both.'
Holly and Corkman Jamie Hunt had their registry ceremony at the Charlotte Quay Restaurant in Dublin, before their marriage abroad this summer.
The 'intimate' gathering of 12 guests included family members and photographer Evan Doherty, who has been friends with the couple for years, as well as Max, their beloved pooch.
Speaking to the Irish Mail on Sunday at the VIP Style Awards on Friday night, Holly said she was 'really looking forward' to the day.
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While their legal ceremony was this week, later this year the couple will have a bigger wedding in France, 'in a little town called Auch, 'where it's always sunny'.
Last week, Holly explained how the official registry ceremony was taking place in Charlotte Quay, 'the restaurant where we had our first date'.
"Evan Doherty is doing our wedding photos,' she told Extra.ie. 'He's obviously been friends for years, and then it's just 12 of us, so it's just our closest family, and it's going to be really intimate and chilled.
Holly's father, Karl, who was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer, myelodysplastic syndrome in February 2020, walked her down the aisle.
She had previously offered an insight into her dad's battle with cancer after he was admitted to hospital for six weeks when he picked up an infection.
Writing alongside a Facebook post in February, Holly shared 'an update on Karl's journey so far'.
'This is just a small insight into the uncertainty he has faced and how quick things can change,' she wrote. 'Like so many, Karl is extremely grateful to @mariekeatingfoundation and everyone who is supporting @paddys_day_dip.
'We are stronger together.'
Since her dad's cancer diagnosis Holly and Jamie have been throwing their support behind the Marie Keating Foundation's cancer support services, which are provided free of charge to anyone who needs them.
Last year, they raised over €20,000 for the charity and hope to raise even more this year.
Jamie's father Keith was diagnosed with terminal cancer and passed away in September 2024.
Holly said: 'Jamie's dad Keith was still around with us at the time. He was a big fan of sea swimming right up until he was 89, up until the end.
'When they talk about how good sea swimming is for you, he was a living testament at the time.
'We're encouraging people to take part all around the country. It's something we'd love to keep growing and growing.'
Last year, Holly also opened up about her decision to become sober after a night of heavy drinking, telling followers that it has been one of her best decisions.
The former Miss Ireland told followers that the previous September she woke up 'extremely hungover' and levels of anxiety that felt 'through the roof'.
"I had drank so much the night before that I blacked out. I remember I woke up with the all too familiar feelings of self-hatred and shame and severe, severe anxiety,' she said, adding that even a few drinks would impact her mental health.
She said her life is 'so much better' since she made the decision to give up alcohol and even though she did not drink daily or even weekly, the aftermath was 'so bad' for her when she did drink that she grew tired of it.