When Casper Ettelson first met Serena Wardell at a Sydney party in March 2020, sparks flew instantly. “Casper was very bold and came right up to ask me out,” Serena recalls. She was just back in Sydney, and after some initial hesitation, the two spent time together—beach walks, coffee dates, dinners—until the pandemic hit, forcing them into long-distance dating while Serena stayed with her family. Casper’s persistent efforts to fly her back to Sydney made it clear how serious he was, even amid lockdowns.
Fast forward four years, Casper proposed in Mallorca during a sunset dinner in June 2024. The plan was to dine outdoors with a view, but wind changes moved them inside to a private courtyard, where Casper popped the question just as the sky turned spectacular. Serena, overwhelmed with emotion, spent the evening crying, drinking Champagne, and giggling with her fiancé about the waiters’ extra efforts—despite being increasingly emotional and tipsy.
Their choice of Ireland, especially Serena’s ancestral home at Crom Castle, for the wedding was deeply personal. Serena grew up visiting Ireland with her family, feeling a profound connection to the land, the food, and the people. Her father is Irish, and after visiting Crom with Casper in 2022, they joked about someday tying the knot there. By June 2026, that dream was realized.
A Wedding Built Around Their Personalities
Casper wanted the wedding to reflect their true selves—what they do behind closed doors, their favorite foods, music, and aesthetic. “We aimed for a playful, creative, and slightly unconventional vibe,” Casper explains. Serena even designed all the stationery herself, including name cards and menus, though a mix-up with matchboxes—brought from Australia but forgotten to be filled—reminded them that not everything can be perfectly planned from abroad.
With help from Epic Events, they organized the day, sourcing local ingredients for the catering, which was managed by Serena’s cousin Natasha Wright. The drinks menu featured dirty martinis, elderflower spritzes made from her garden, Guinness on tap, and a variety of cocktails. Music was curated into four playlists spanning Nick Cave, The Velvet Underground, The Beatles, and more, with the ceremony’s song being a beautiful cover of “Scarborough Fair.”
Serena wore a custom Prea James Bridal gown, choosing a structured corset that she’d envisioned long before Ireland became the wedding destination. Her bouquet was handmade silk flowers, a tribute to her childhood arts-and-crafts memories with her mom. The silk rosettes from her bouquet traveled into her dress and veil, creating a cohesive, meaningful look. Casper chose a custom suit by Belance Tailors with a matching silk rosette on his lapel. Serena accessorized with vintage Irish jewelry, including a claddagh ring, and her engagement ring by Alinka Jewellery. Her makeup and hair reflected her great-grandmother’s vintage style, with a flushed, romantic finish.
A Celebration of Love, Family, and History
Throughout the wedding, Serena was surprised by how calm she felt—she vividly remembers looking around the dance floor and seeing everyone enjoying themselves, dancing with new and old friends alike, their happiness infectious. “I’ve never smiled and danced so much in my life,” she says.
Casper echoes her feelings: “On the day, I expected nerves, but as soon as I saw Serena walking down the stairs, everything just fell into place. It was a moment I’ll never forget.” Their wedding was a celebration of love, family, and personal history—an unforgettable chapter in their shared story.
Written By
Sophia Bennett covers celebrity weddings, engagements, bridal fashion, luxury ceremonies, and exclusive relationship news from Hollywood and around the world.
