‘It was a fairytale – a dream come true’
She's married! Yes 30-year-old Georgia Salpa is officially off the market: she wed her fiance Joe Penna in the Italian costal town of Portofino yesterday afternoon.
The couple, who have been together for three years, said their vows in front of 100 guests – most of which had flown in from Dublin and London over the preceding days.
Earlier today, she took to Instagram to share the first snap of 'Mr and Mrs Penna' – who were both looking remarkably fresh-faced despite the night's festivities.
"Truly the most magical, romantic perfect weekend," the bride said in the accompanying caption. "We couldn't have wished for a more amazing wedding.
"It was a fairytale, and in every way a dream come true!" she added. "Thank you so much to all our family and friends for making it so special for us. Incredible few days, so much love."
Significantly, however, they both kept their ring fingers on their left hands covered so as not to reveal their wedding bands.
As well as their immediate families, Michele McGrath, Louise Johnston, Emily Mackeogh, Karena Graham, and Maurice Flynn were all also in attendance.
One report suggested the bride opted to wear a full-length veil and that her figure-hugging, ivory-coloured gown, which she sourced in London, was embellished with subtle beading and crystals.
Sadly, however, only invitees know for sure as the former Celebrity Big Brother contestant has yet to release an image of her wedding day attire.
The couple booked two other spectacular venues in southern Europe before changing their minds and swapping to Portofino – a location known for its opulence and luxury.
Guests were treated to a sunshine-drenched champagne and cocktail reception at a five-star venue overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, before sitting down for a top-class meal and expertly-matched wines.
The food was inspired by the local Lingurian region, with fresh pesto, focaccia, and fish all featuring.
Georgia and Joe were engaged in India in the autumn of 2013, where they were holidaying at the time.
The model later revealed that her beau had gone all out for the occasion – arranging a candle-lit dinner on the beach and fireworks to make sure it was an evening she never forgot.
They were first seen canoodling three years ago in Marbella, with the Dubliner's publicist shortly afterwards confirming that she and Joe were indeed dating. The businessman already has one child from a previous relationship.
Earlier this year, Georgia was in Barcelona for a three-night hen party with her closest friends. In a series of snaps posted online, she was seen donning party attire complete with a novelty veil.
She also spoke to The Herald in advance of her nuptials, explaining: "It's not going to be a big thing, it'll be quite low key.
"We would just rather have it for ourselves and a have a nice day. It's going to be really chilled with just close friends and family."
The newlyweds are well-known for their love of travel, and regularly jet off to exclusive locations in the Middle East, Indian Ocean, south-east Asia, and the Caribbean.
It is not yet know where their honeymoon will take them, however, it is believed that they plan on staying in situ for a number of days as most of their guests are still in the locality.
Georgia and Joe enforced a strict 'no photos, no social media' rule for the ceremony and reception, and – incredibly – not one image has so far emerged.
The pair shunned lucrative magazine deals in order to keep their day totally private. The move was hardly surprising, given that Georgia has previously said in her Star newspaper column: "Personally I would never go for an exclusive picture deal.
"Your guests sometimes have to sign contracts and they’re not allowed to take pictures. I don’t think your wedding is your own."
