Primary school teacher Aisling Fitzpatrick and senior account manager Saeed Gul celebrated an intercultural Irish wedding on July 16 at The Lodge at Ballygarry Estate Hotel & Spa in Tralee, Co Kerry, bringing together traditions from County Clare and the United Arab Emirates, according to details provided by the couple.
How Aisling Fitzpatrick and Saeed Gul Met in the UAE
According to Aisling Fitzpatrick, they met at a bar called Aloft in Al Ain within the United Arab Emirates after a casual encounter involving a trivia question. Saeed Gul’s friend offered 50 dirhams to Aisling and her friend if they could answer a joke correctly. Saeed provided the winning answer, sparking a conversation that led to an instant connection.
More than two years later, Saeed Gul proposed to Aisling Fitzpatrick during a surprise beach setup at the luxury five-star Dubai resort Anantara on The Palm in May 2025. The proposal featured a red carpet, scattered rose petals, a private table, and a large light-up “I love you” sign. According to the bride, the groom was so nervous he popped the question before they even had dinner.
Blending Traditions at Ballygarry Estate in Tralee
Aisling Fitzpatrick, originally from Killimer in Co Clare, and Saeed Gul, who is from Afghanistan and was raised in Al Ain, exchanged vows officiated by solemniser Daragh Doyle. Singer and guitarist Tracy Gallagher performed music throughout both the ceremony and the subsequent reception. To honor family roots, the couple lit a remembrance candle together during the ceremony for the bride’s late father, Brendan Fitzpatrick, who passed away in November 2018.
Did you know? Intercultural destination weddings often blend attire from multiple regions. For their celebration, Aisling Fitzpatrick selected a Maggie Sottero gown from Rebekah’s Bridal in Dubai alongside close friends Nida and Courtney, while Saeed Gul sourced his tuxedo locally in Dubai as well.
Wedding Party and Reception Highlights
The bridal party included childhood friend Eilise Brennan as maid of honour, alongside bridesmaids Aoife Fitzpatrick (the bride’s sister), Gráinne Mulqueen, and cousin Geniene Baker. The groomsmen supporting Saeed Gul included best man Mustafa Tariq, brother Osama Gul, and Umar Khar, with celebrations led on-site by the bride’s mother, Mary Fitzpatrick.
Following the meal, wedding band J90 provided entertainment. According to the bride, the groom’s brother Osama Gul shifted from a quiet demeanor early in the evening to driving the party once the music started, launching conga lines and filling the dance floor. Additional vendor details included floral arrangements by Leona Fitzmaurice of Every Occasion Florist in Tralee, live guest portraits by artist Rachel Leahy, an ice cream cart supplied by Pristine Classics Occasions, and a wedding cake crafted by Theresa Foley of Heavenly Baked in Tralee. Visual memories were captured by photographer Dermot Sullivan and videographer Uray Novotny.
Following the celebrations in County Kerry, the newlyweds plan to embark on a honeymoon to Japan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did Aisling Fitzpatrick and Saeed Gul get married?
The couple married at The Lodge at Ballygarry Estate Hotel & Spa in Tralee, Co Kerry, on July 16, with solemniser Daragh Doyle officiating.
Where are the couple originally from?
Aisling Fitzpatrick is from Killimer in Co Clare, Ireland, while Saeed Gul is from Afghanistan and was raised in Al Ain, UAE.
Who performed at the wedding?
Singer and guitarist Tracy Gallagher performed during the ceremony and reception, while the wedding band J90 provided evening entertainment.
Where are the couple heading for their honeymoon?
According to the couple’s wedding details, the newlyweds plan to travel to Japan for their honeymoon.
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