Saoirse-Monica Jackson shares her excitement and concerns about planning her wedding with fiancé Denis Sulta, balancing family size and personal comfort

Saoirse-Monica Jackson, famed for her role as Erin in the hit series Derry Girls, recently opened up about her wedding plans with Scottish DJ Denis Sulta, whose real name is Hector Barbour. The couple, who announced their engagement earlier this year, is currently navigating the complexities of planning a wedding that caters to both their preferences and the size of their families.

In an interview with Cosmopolitan magazine, the actress expressed mixed feelings about the scale of their upcoming nuptials. “We’re planning our wedding at the moment. I have a ginormous family,” she said, hinting at the challenges of accommodating a large guest list. Despite her fiancé’s enthusiasm for a big celebration, Jackson voiced concerns about the potential stress of ensuring she spends time with everyone on their special day. “He’s so down for a big wedding, but I don’t want to spend the day feeling anxious that I haven’t got round to everybody,” she explained.

Beyond the wedding planning, Jackson shared insights into her life with Barbour. The couple prefers a quiet, cosy lifestyle over the hustle and bustle of the party scene. “I love being at home with Hector. We love chilling, and not being at the centre of cool parties – watching Moana with him makes me so happy,” Jackson revealed, showcasing their love for simple joys.

Their love story began in an unexpected but endearing way. Jackson recalled meeting Barbour at a party where he was dressed as Santa Claus, a moment that left a lasting impression on her. “I thought, ‘There’s my man!’” she said, reminiscing about their first encounter. This lighthearted beginning set the tone for a relationship that values authenticity and genuine connection.

As they continue to plan their wedding, Jackson and Barbour’s story highlights the balancing act many couples face when merging personal preferences with family expectations. The actress’s candidness about her feelings provides a relatable glimpse into the realities of planning a wedding, especially for public figures.

Analysis

Political

The wedding of a public figure like Saoirse-Monica Jackson can subtly influence public perceptions and conversations. While not overtly political, such events often attract media coverage and public attention, indirectly affecting cultural narratives. In some cases, high-profile weddings can even serve as a platform for broader political or social messages, depending on the couple’s public stances and statements.

Social

Socially, Jackson’s comments reflect a broader trend of individuals seeking more intimate and personal celebrations, even in traditionally large and elaborate events like weddings. This shift mirrors a societal move towards valuing personal connections and mental well-being over adhering to societal expectations of grandeur. Jackson’s preference for a smaller, more manageable wedding also speaks to the growing awareness and acceptance of personal comfort and mental health considerations in social settings.

Racial

While Jackson and Barbour’s wedding plans do not explicitly address racial issues, their relationship and public life can indirectly contribute to discussions about representation and diversity in media. As public figures, their actions and statements can influence fans and followers, contributing to a more inclusive and diverse cultural landscape. This is particularly relevant in the context of the entertainment industry, where representation and diversity continue to be important topics of discussion.

Gender

Jackson’s narrative also touches on gender dynamics, particularly in how societal expectations around weddings often place more emotional labour and organizational pressure on women. Her concerns about managing a large guest list and ensuring she interacts with everyone highlight the emotional toll these expectations can take. This perspective contributes to ongoing conversations about gender roles and expectations in relationship and family settings, particularly in the context of traditional events like weddings.

Economical

Economically, Jackson and Barbour’s wedding plans may reflect broader economic trends affecting young couples today. The decision to potentially scale down a wedding in favour of personal comfort and mental well-being can also be seen as a response to the financial realities many face. Weddings can be a significant financial burden, and the choice to prioritize personal experience over extravagant expenses aligns with a more financially conscious mindset that is becoming increasingly common.