Chantelle Kielly, an Irish Traveller teenager, recently tied the knot with her cousin, Jim, in a lavish ceremony that was the talk of the town. Hundreds of guests from the Rathkeale community attended the extravagant event, where an astonishing 73 best men and seven bridesmaids stood by the couple’s side. The bride’s family reportedly paid a substantial dowry to the groom’s family, ranging from €50,000 to €120,000, to secure the marriage. While marrying a cousin may raise eyebrows in some cultures, it is perfectly legal in Ireland and quite common within Traveller communities. The couple’s lavish wedding was featured on Channel 4’s popular documentary series, “My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding,” which aired in Spring 2022. In a nod to the show’s signature style, Chantelle’s wedding dress was adorned with a dazzling 20,000 crystals, and the couple had a custom-made Barbie cake to mark their special day. Dressmaker Thelma Madine, who has frequently appeared on “My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding,” remarked on the tight-knit nature of the Rathkeale community. She described them as being like “going back 100 years” in terms of their family-centric lifestyle and their ability to keep their wealth within the community. The lavish wedding ceremony and its cultural significance highlight the unique traditions and customs that continue to be practiced within Irish Traveller communities.
Irish Traveller Teen Marries Cousin in Lavish Bash with 73 Best Men
