Kate & Joe

Katherine O’Regan and Joseph Whyte’s love story began in a way that has become quite common—through Hinge. While both were living in San Francisco in 2018, a mutual swipe right brought them together. Their connection was instant, and before the year was over—on the very last day of 2018—Joe proposed. “When you know, you just know,” Kate recalls. The proposal, set against the backdrop of Baker Beach, was carefully orchestrated by Joe, though not without a few hiccups. His friend, tasked with capturing the moment, was running late, forcing Joe to stall by repeatedly making tea. But in the end, everything fell into place, and Kate happily said “yes!”

The couple originally set their sights on a grand 2020 wedding in Ireland, Joe’s homeland. However, as the pandemic disrupted their plans time and time again, their excitement for the event slowly faded. “After so many postponements, our vision lost its charm,” Kate explains. That’s when they decided to shift gears entirely, opting for a smaller and more intimate celebration. Kate had long admired a stunning French estate she had come across on Instagram, and it turned out to be the perfect setting—both picturesque and able to accommodate their closest family members. “I wanted it to feel like a vacation for everyone, where the venue and the effortless charm of the South of France could shine,” she says. With the help of Lindsay Moynagh from House of Hannah, they brought to life a wedding weekend filled with timeless romance and a touch of Bridgerton elegance. Kate adds, “I loved Lindsay’s own wedding, so I told her to plan mine as if it were hers!”

Kate’s original wedding gown was chosen with an Irish castle in mind—an elegant, high-neck, long-sleeved design reminiscent of Kate Middleton’s royal dress. But once the wedding location shifted, so did her vision. Wanting something better suited for a warm summer ceremony, she discovered a textured Pronovias gown—one of the last available in the atelier and miraculously in her exact size. It felt like fate, and she even managed to purchase it at half price.

For accessories, Kate wore butterfly-shaped diamond earrings as a tribute to Joe’s late mother. Her parents also gifted her pearls, a sentimental token for both her 30th birthday and wedding day. With natural makeup by Alesia Solo and a chic chignon hairstyle, she felt like the best version of herself. Meanwhile, Joe embraced a classic look with a tailored Suitsupply ensemble and Gucci loafers.

On June 2, 2022, the couple exchanged vows within the ruins of a 16th-century abbey. Their close friend, Casey Keenan, officiated the short but heartfelt ceremony. “We knew he would bring the perfect mix of humor and sentiment,” Kate shares. To honor Joe’s mother, who had passed away in 2020, a candle was lit in her memory, along with another set of candles recognizing their parents’ wedding anniversaries. The floral designs, beautifully arranged by Flowers Living, added to the dreamlike atmosphere, while photographer Paulina Weddings captured every unforgettable moment. After saying “I do,” Kate and Joe slipped away in a vintage car from Provence Classics.

Later that evening, guests gathered under twinkling fairy lights for a dinner prepared by Chef Steven Borishansky. The tables were decorated with custom napkins, golden-rimmed glassware, and glowing candles, while a string quartet played soft melodies between heartfelt speeches. Kate fondly remembers how she and Joe held hands throughout the meal, taking in the presence of their loved ones who had traveled so far to celebrate with them.

Once dinner had concluded and their wedding cake—crafted by Made in Cake—had been cut, everyone returned to the abbey for an unforgettable night of dancing. The newlyweds shared their first dance to Frank Sinatra’s “The Way You Look Tonight,” and the festivities carried on until 2 a.m., fueled by wine and the beats of DJ James Carr. “To this day, we still talk about it,” Kate reflects. “It was everything we had hoped for.”