From Friendship To Fairytales: The Story Behind Wild Emerald Weddings

There are few places in the world more naturally romantic than Ireland. With its windswept cliffs, quiet ruins, and rolling green hills, it’s a country that feels built for love stories. For couples seeking an intimate, unforgettable way to say “I do,” two Irish women are making those dreams a reality.

Enter Wild Emerald, the creation of Stephanie Loughrey and Sara Pickering—best friends, storytellers, and wedding professionals with over 30 years of combined experience in the industry. Together, they’ve built something extraordinary: seamless, personal celebrations that capture the beauty of Ireland and the uniqueness of every couple they work with.

From Friendship to Forever Moments

Like all the best stories, Wild Emerald began with a chance meeting. Over twelve years ago, Loughrey and Pickering found themselves working together as creatives at a magazine. Their shared love of design and storytelling quickly blossomed into a close friendship.

“We hit it off straight away,” recalls Pickering with a smile. “We loved creating and telling stories in different ways—and eventually, we realised we both had a real passion for weddings, especially the smaller, more personal ones.”

It started simply: helping couples elope in Ireland with a blend of photography, beauty, and styling. What they offered was heartfelt, organic, and easygoing—and word soon spread. Couples from all over the world began reaching out, longing for their own Irish adventure.

The Wild Emerald Experience

Today, Wild Emerald has evolved into a full-service wedding and elopement company, but at its heart, the ethos remains the same: keep it simple, beautiful, and true to you.

Loughrey and Pickering take care of every detail—sourcing magical ceremony locations, curating trusted local vendors, and weaving together the day so it feels seamless from start to finish. Their Ireland elopement packages include planning, photography, and florals, with bespoke extras such as romantic picnics, cinematic videography, or adventurous add-ons like mountain hikes and lakeside boat rides.

“Our couples don’t have to stress about anything,” explains Loughrey. “They can just arrive, soak it all in, and focus on what matters most—each other.”

Intimate, Authentic, Unforgettable

What sets Wild Emerald apart is the way Loughrey and Pickering approach each celebration. No cookie-cutter templates, no rigid structures—just carefully curated, deeply personal weddings that reflect each couple’s story.

“We want our couples to feel seen and celebrated,” says Pickering. “Every detail is chosen with intention, so their day feels like it belongs only to them.”

It’s this philosophy that has made Wild Emerald a name whispered among newly engaged couples across the globe: the promise of an Irish wedding that feels effortless, heartfelt, and undeniably magical.

A Love Story in the Emerald Isle

For couples who dream of Ireland—the cliffs, the castles, the endless skies—Wild Emerald is more than a planning service. It’s two best friends who know the landscape, the vendors, and the art of celebration inside out, and who bring it all together with warmth and expertise.

With Wild Emerald, your wedding isn’t just a day—it’s an experience, a memory, and the start of your greatest adventure together.

Visit their website here - https://wildemerald.co.uk/