IRISH
Complete Guide to Getting Married in Ireland
WeddIng
gIFT Ideas
SummeR 2020
DIARY
Over 120 Beautiful Wedding dreSSeS AWARDS As voted by
Readers of
ding Diary
Irish Wed
Magazine
the BeSt Wedding venueS
WeddingS
6
aBrOad real BrIdes’ WeddIngs
€5.80 £4.00
Honeymoon
In Ireland
www.IrishWeddingDiary.ie
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Perfect Fit
Linnea Raffaelli strive to make each design
unique, only using the best and most
refined Italian and Spanish fabrics. The perfect fit and comfort is as important
as the look of the outfit and quality takes precedence over quantity. See more at www.linearaffaelli
Sunshine Bringing
The Heart of Ireland Say I Do at the luxurious 4* Wedding Venue in the Heart of the Midlands at The Midlands Park Hotel The Midlands Park Hotel has had an investment of seven million over the past year and half which has transformed this property into a very sought after wedding venue in the heart of the midlands. Immerse yourself in the luxury of the newly renovated ballroom with its natural lighting, lavish decor, mood lit ceiling, and fairy lit backdrop. The conservatory has been transformed into a luxurious outside space perfect for pre-wedding reception drinks. A magnificent opulent bridal suite complete with a luxurious round 8 foot bed, walk in wardrobe, double shower over-looking bedroom, jacuzzi bath with TV, and lavish reception room with a further four suites beside the bridal suite on their own exclusive wing, just perfect for your wedding party. The hotel offers a choice of banqueting suites catering for up to 350 guests. Complimentary Civil Ceremony Suites are also available for up to 200 guests with wedding menus including wine starting from â‚Ź49 per person. Having your civil ceremony at The Midlands Park Hotel means your guests do not have to travel from time of arrival. The celebrations remain in the same location, giving you more time to enjoy your special day. Ideally located only an hour from Dublin and less than an hour and half from Cork, Limerick and Galway Cities, the new Midlands Park Hotel is the ideal location for your wedding . See: www.midlandsparkhotel.com
22 I IWD I Wedding Diary News
Fun and
ble ee of the most reputa trio made up of thr dy bo Ukebox is a ukulele no nise together like who play and harmo r musicians in Ireland you day. ing extra special to a will bring someth ide e iqu un is Th your e. els fun and sunshine to waiian attire to bring Ha in ss dre can x nts. Ukebo the more formal eve formally in suits for ss dre can or day t l bea specia sic, or a more up to suit ceremony mu set a or tail can x Ukebo nts. They also enjoy ions or corporate eve set for drinks recept taking requests! to table singing and walking from table land. See for events all over Ire Ukebox are available 2 or 23 31 m Call: 087 98 www.ukeboxmusic.co gmail.com email ukeboxmusic@
Enjoy Your Own Country House Wedding Nestled in the Scenic Hills of Wicklow And, Only 20 Mins from Dublin! #BestCountryHouseWedding W: www.summerhillhousehotel.com | T 01 2867928 E: weddings@summerhillhousehotel.com
Fash on Compiled by Elaine Hession
Links Square
Wrap Chiffon
Bonprix Wrap Chiffon Dress €35
Maxi Organza
Accessorize Resin Square Link Earrings €10
Miss Selfridge Pink Embroidered Organza Maxi Dress €180
Meadow Floral
Pretty in Pink
Pastel Pink
T.K. Max Pink Pastel Dress €55
24 I IWD Feature I Fashion
Vera Mont “Flower Meadow” £295.00
Flares Dusty
Cherry Manhattan
Joe Browns Manhattan Cherry Bag €45
Prettylittlethings.com Dusty Pink Flare Sleeve Lace Tiered Mini Dress €55
You choose how to live it. Rebecca H, WW member Lost 1st, 1lb
028 9042 6812 ww.ie ww.ie 01 870 3900 028 9042 6821
is the trademark of WW International, Inc.Inc. Š 2019 WW International, Inc. All rights reserved. WW logo is the trademark of WW WWlogo International, Inc. Š 2020 WW International, All rights reserved.
Say Hello to Sorella Vita’s New Collection
Style 9312 and Style 9362
It’s a new season of style for bridesmaids across the globe, and Sorella Vita delivers with their latest collection! From modern minimalism to mixed materials and stunning back details, all available in luxury fabrics and this year’s hottest colour trends, your ‘maids can truly have it all. Did we mention that they also offer a vast array of runway-ready styles in plus sizes? No matter their size, there’s a gown for each member of your bride tribe in this new collection. Ready to take a look at this season’s trend report?
The Trend You Can Depend On: Classic Blue Honouring Pantone’s Colour of the Year, Sorella Vita brings you something blue with their new Navy styles. According to Pantone, ‘Classic Blue’ reflects a restful tranquillity, confidence, and clarity for ‘a dependable blue hue we can always rely on.’ Featured in striking satin, these modern A-line gowns provide clean necklines and structure with a fashion-forward twist to truly capture the spirit of this trending colour. Together, these details create a universally formal silhouette your bridesmaids can always go to (even after the wedding)!
Comfort… But Make it Fashion The minimalist trend has continued to increase in popularity this year, and Sorella Vita is all over it. Soft cowl details, square necklines, and spaghetti straps pair with sleek sheaths and column silhouettes, evoking that effortlessly ultra-cool ‘90s glamour we are seeing all over the latest red carpets and runways, and in true Sorella Vita fashion, they’ve taken this trend one step further! The designer bridesmaid label is all about having your (wedding) cake and eating it too, which is why these simple and elegant formal styles are created in their enviably soft Luxe Double Knit fabric—they offer a smooth, comfortable fit that makes you want to dance all night. For the formal look you want and the comfort you crave, look no further than these gowns!
Style 9376
Style 9376
42 I IWD Feature I Bridesmaids’ Dresses
Style 9312 and Style 9362
A Clean Slate It’s time to start fresh this season with these refreshing twists on neutral colours. Slate is a cool mineral hue that brings a casual, light-hearted elegance to any summer or beach-inspired theme. Notice how the Soft English Net Fabric creates a gorgeous sheer panelling at back and a weightless overlay for a touch of whimsy.
Style 9344
Neckline Variety Time for a pop of colour—and all-new necklines! It’ll be love at first sight when you discover these high-neck halters and notched strapless gowns, breathing with life and movement thanks to the flowing chiffon fabric.
Style 9318 and Style 9088
Satin + Chiffon: The Latest in Mixed Fabrics As the mix-and-match bridesmaid trend lives on, there’s no stopping Sorella Vita from letting you have it all—in one dress! These gorgeous A-line silhouettes are bold on top and breezy at the bottom, with luxurious satin bodices resting atop delicate chiffon skirts. Of course, it’s always a party in the back, with fun and fresh back details like criss-cross straps and a sassy bow to tie it all together. Styles 9342, 9372, 9276
Have it All
To fin da Sorell a Vita stocki st nea r yo www. sorella u visit vita.co m
We told you they can have it all! Brides and ‘maids alike will adore Sorella Vita’s endless variety of shades, necklines, silhouettes, and fabrics. If you’re ready to get your bride tribe together to try on some gowns, visit www.sorellavita.com to find a stockist near you.
Styles 9342, 9372, 92376
Bridesmaids’ Dresses I IWD Feature I 43
Heart Weddings in the
Of Ireland
Bridal Photoshoot in The Tullamore Court Hotel Photography by Thomas Sunderland Photography Dresses by Frilly Frocks
Location: Tullamore Court Hotel O Moore Street, Tullamore, Co.Offaly, T: +353 (57) 934 66 66 E: hello@tullamorecourthotel.ie W: www.tullamorecourthotel.ie When it comes to weddings in Offaly, the Tullamore Court Hotel is a wedding venue that is known for their professionalism and highly-experienced wedding team. Add to that the quality of the food that comes from their kitchen and the breadth of facilities available to guests and you have the perfect place to enjoy a perfect day. With its magnificent floor-to-ceiling windows, the large and effortlessly elegant D.E Williams wedding suite can cater for intimate affairs for 50 guests or grand banquets of 350 of your best friends and family.
Photography by: Thomas Sunderland Photography 22 Castle Street Carlow Web: www.thomassunderland.ie Tel: +353 (0)59 9142278
Hair & Makeup by: The Hair & Beauty Chalet Fenagh, Co. Carlow Tel:: 059 9158795 or 085 7427141. Web: www.thehairandbeautychalet.ie
Dress by Frilly Frocks Drogheda, Co. Louth, Tel: 041 - 980 1740 Web: www.frillyfrocks.ie
44 I IWD Bridal I Tullamore Court Hotel
Tullamore Court Hotel I IWD Bridal I 45
Dress by Frilly Frocks Drogheda, Co. Louth, Tel: 041 - 980 1740 Web: www.frillyfrocks.ie
46 I IWD Bridal I Tullamore Court Hotel
Tullamore Court Hotel I IWD Bridal I 47
Crafted Hand
G ifts Made W it h Love ^ Armchair
Coco Bergère Handcrafted
in cherry wood, oak, walnut, mahogany or painted. www.oficinainglesa.com
Normandy
Normandy Upholstered Armchair
www.frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk
Hands
Pendants Solar
Decorative solar pendant lights come in 4 colour, white, green , anthracite and taupe and have warm white LED bulbs. www. ellajames.co.uk
Helping
Angelo Pair of Hands Concrete Planter in Gold Finish www.artisanti.com
Seater
Jugs Bobbble
Three
72 I IWD Feature I Wedding Gifts
Bali 3 seater sofa at Next
Bobble Jugs, blush & blue At The Wedding Shop
FOUR SEASONS HOTEL CARLINGFORD
Marry Me Where the Mountains Meet the Sea Four Seasons Hotel, Spa & Leisure Club, Carlingford, Co. Louth T: +353 (0)42 93 73530 | E: events@fshc.ie | www.4seasonshotelcarlingford.ie
Venues Leading Wedding
C
hoosing the right reception venue should be an easy task as there are so many venues available, with one to suit every taste and budget. You can hold your reception in a grand castle, a family run boutique hotel, a plush restaurant, a private club, a country pub or even in your back garden, whichever takes your fancy. We take a look at some of the leading Irish venues who specialise in weddings.
Venues
Leading Wedding
All of these venues will be only too willing to give you an exclusive tour of their venue and you’ll be warmly received and pleasantly surprised by not only the venue itself but also the service that these wedding venues offer. As these are Ireland’s favourite wedding venues you should pop in sooner rather than later to make sure they are free on your preferred date.
Bellinter House Situated only 30 minutes from Dublin, Bellinter House is renowned as one of the most unique wedding venues in Ireland. This stunning 18th century georgian manor is set on banks of the River Boyne. Located in County Meath, with sweeping lawns, ancient trees and secluded spots for you to explore, Bellinter House displays a distinctive romantic ambiance which cannot be replicated anywhere else. Awarded recently as the ‘Best Exclusive Wedding Venue in Ireland’, this property celebrates a mixture of unique Georgian features and contemporary arts which will create a lasting impression on all who experience it. Why not see for yourself by arranging a viewing, with the team at Bellinter House by calling 046 9030900 or emailing events@bellinterhouse.com. www.bellinterhouse.com
BrookLodge & Macreddin Village The Perfect Venue, Whatever the Season… Hidden in a secluded Wicklow Valley, less than an hour’s drive from South Dublin, lies BrookLodge & Macreddin Village, a luxurious 4 Star Wedding Venue. Situated in the heart of Macreddin Village, BrookHall is a dedicated wedding venue that is home to; The River Room, which can seat up to 200 diners, a Mezzanine Bar, a dedicated reception area, en-suite bedrooms with French windows and a swimming pool. The privacy of BrookHall will provide relaxed surroundings for couples and their guests to make their day uniquely special and memorable for years to come. For those of you lucky enough to be getting married on a balmy summer’s day or evening, five double doors leading onto south facing decking overlooking Ballycreen Brook, will afford the perfect setting for showcasing the glamour of your wedding day. And for winter weddings, a great stone fireplace at either end of the room will guaranteea truly warm and romantic atmosphere. Macreddin Chapel – is our very own private and unique ceremony venue which seats up to 140 guests and is conveniently situated on the grounds just across the Village green. Macreddin Chapel is approved by the HSE for Civil Marriages and can also be used for a simple but intimate blessing. BrookLodge & Macreddin Village, County Wickow, Ireland T: 0402 36444 E: weddings@brooklodge.com
Castle Dargan Estate Castle Dargan Estate is so much more than just a wedding venue. It is a charming and luxury Country Estate Hotel in the heart of Sligo. Set in the heart of Yeats County on 170 acres of rolling parkland in a stunning country setting, the 4-star Castle Dargan Estate, complete with a Darren Clarke designed golf course, is the idyllic warm, welcoming and intimate venue. With its breath-taking views, it is the perfect backdrop which makes it the ideal romantic wedding venue to begin your life together For more Luxury Castle Dargan’s Icon Spa is truly a haven of tranquillity, over looks the greens and fairways of Castle Dargan well known Golf Course, patrolled by Sligo’s hills. The spa offers you everything you need to feel relaxed and rejuvenated to the run up to your wedding View the beautiful appointed Ormsby Suite and Coach House Lounge with its Stunning vaulted ceiling, allowing a glimpse of what could be on your special day. A warm welcome awaits you and your guests in this charming 4* Star award winning Hotel. Castle Dargan Estate is recognised for outstanding service and attention to detail and it will truly take your breath away whether you are planning a civil ceremony, an intimate wedding reception or a larger wedding banquet. For further information on weddings at Castle Dargan Estate please contact weddings@castledargan.com or phone 071 911 8080 www.castledargan.com
74 I IWD I Leading Wedding Venues
A Dream Venue only 30 minutes from Dublin
Bellinter House, Navan, Co.Meath, Ireland T: 046-9030900 E: events@bellinterhouse.com W: www.bellinterhouse.com
Beach Bridal Photoshoot in Portmarnock Hotel & Golf LInks Photography by Dermot Byrne Photography Dresses by The Bridal Loft
Location: Portmarnock Hotel and Golf Links Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links Strand Road, Portmarnock, Co. Dublin, Tel: +353 (0)1 866 6503 Web: www.portmarnock.com Situated on The Velvet Strand, Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links is Dublin’s only coastal resort. Once the original summer home of the Jameson Family, our logo “Lux, Amor, Pax” was a gift the Jameson and Haig Family received from King Edward VII to celebrate the marriage of two great whiskey dynasties. Today we wish light, love and peace to all those who wish to celebrate their marriage with us on our property filled with true romantic history
94 I IWD Bridal I Portmarnck Hotel
Dress by The Bridal Loft 16 Market Street. Cootehill. Co.Cavan Tel: 049 5552357 Email:thebridalloft1@gmail.com Web: www.bridalloft1.com
Photography by: Dermot Byrne Photography Web: www.whiteamberphotography.com Tel: +353-87-7656706
Hair by: Allison McCabe Allison McCabe Wedding Hair Specialist Phone: +353873574777 www.alison-weddinghair.ie
Makeup by: Julie Martin Phone: 085-7268180 www.instagram.com/julie.makeupartist www.juliemartin.ie
Portmarnock Hotel I IWD Bridal I 95
96 I IWD Bridal I Portmarock Hotel
Dress by The Bridal Loft 16 Market Street. Cootehill. Co.Cavan Tel: 049 5552357 Email:thebridalloft1@gmail.com Web: www.bridalloft1.com
Portmarnock Hotel I IWD Bridal I 97
2020 Wedding Dress Gallery
| Lillian West | 116 I IWD Feature I Wedding Dresses
2020 Wedding Dress Gallery
| Justin Alexander | Wedding Dresses I IWD Feature I 117
2020 Wedding Dress Gallery
| Paloma Blanca | 118 I IWD Feature I Wedding Dresses
2020 Wedding Dress Gallery
| Mikaella | Wedding Dresses I IWD Feature I 119
2020 Wedding Dress Gallery
| Ronald Joyce | 120 I IWD Feature I Wedding Dresses
2020 Wedding Dress Gallery
| Victoria Jane | Wedding Dresses I IWD Feature I 121
Why choose
Hayes & Jarvis
for Your Honeymoon? At Hayes & Jarvis, we understand that every holiday should be the holiday of a lifetime. We have experts on hand with insider knowledge of over 60 destinations worldwide to ensure your honeymoon trip is unforgettable. With over 65 years of experience, you can trust us to ensure your honeymoon wish list will be made a reality, and even exceed everything you imagined. We’ll take the stress out of planning and booking your honeymoon so all you need to do is arrive at the airport, sit back, and relax as your luxury holiday unfolds. Just speak to one of our destination specialists, who will put together a tailor-made honeymoon itinerary for you and your partner.
146 I IWD Travel I Honeymoons
Our Top Honeymoon Destinations Indian Ocean Honeymoons Toast to married life amid the natural, stunning beauty of the Indian Ocean, with white sands, crystal seas, and unbelievable sunsets. The Maldives is one of the most romantic places on earth, with castaway islands and barefoot paradise galore. Or why not spend your honeymoon in Mauritius, famed for its French flair, blue lagoons, and glittering coastlines? The Seychelles is also a beautiful spot for honeymooners, offering miles of remote shores and untouched, hideaway paradises. You won’t want to come home.
South Africa Honeymoons
South Africa offers thrilling wildlife encounters and captivating cities that are perfect for romantic adventures. For the adventurous, why not cage dive with great white sharks or whale watch in Hermanus? Cultural travellers can explore Cape Town or Johannesburg, while wildlife lovers will have the chance to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime safari, before enjoying a candlelit dinner under the stars. Rounded off with a beach escape to Zanzibar, this is a honeymoon with a twist.
Caribbean Honeymoons
If you’re looking for true island bliss, the Caribbean is the place for you. And the white sandy beaches are just the beginning; enjoy your first holiday as a married couple against a background of colourful street parties, jungle treks, and snorkelling, and surrounded by volcanoes and verdant rainforest. St Lucia is the perfect place to relax and unwind. Arrive by helicopter and visit one of the many spas for couple’s treatments, or board a luxury catamaran for a romantic cruise. Barbados is also a great choice; you’ll love Bajan cuisine, tasty rum, and an amazing beach lifestyle.
Honeymoons I IWD Travel I 147
All Aborad for a Luxury Honeymoon Cruise
Wind your way from the mysterious Golden Triangle at the Thailand/Laos border in the northwest, through the royal city of Luang Prabang and down to the Lao capital, Vientiane
148 I IWD Travel I Laos
From the shaded sun beds, passengers have wide-screen views of the passing river landscapes and local life onshore.
One of Southeast Asia’s leading boutique cruise operators, Heritage Line, is making progress on its sumptuous new ten-berth ship Anouvong, which will be the first luxury boat to ply the upper-Mekong river in Laos, upon its launch later this year. Winding its way from the mysterious Golden
It’s fair to say that the boat—which is named
Triangle at the Thailand-Laos border in the
after the last Laotian king—will be something
country’s northwest, passing through the royal
of a pioneer, but then that’s nothing new for
city of Luang Prabang, and continuing down to
Heritage Line, an operator that is used to
the Laotian capital Vientiane, the boat—which
charting fresh horizons on Asia’s waterways and
features eight spacious staterooms and two
doing it in style.
territory. The cruise operator offers two journeys. The shorter sailing proceeds from Luang Prabang to the town of Huay Xai on the Laos-Thailand border (or vice versa) over three days, while the journey unfolds over seven or nine nights, charting a course between Huay Xai and Vientiane. The shorter trip offers spectacular scenery, a trip to the village of Huay Palang to meet ethnic Khmu tribes, and other highlights such as the Pak Ou Caves, which is home to 4,000 sacred Buddhist statues. The longer alternative embraces sight-seeing along remote river areas and encompasses various activities such as kayaking through calm, shallow stretches and a gourmet banquet on a river sandbank. The longer journey is also inclusive of a full discovery tour of Luang Prabang at the mid-point of the journey.
balcony, as well as a spacious bathroom with a Jacuzzi. The terrace deck is the highlight of the vessel’s public spaces and is conveniently connected to the comfortable, laid-back, and air-conditioned café-bar lounge. From the shaded sun beds, passengers will enjoy widescreen views of the passing river landscapes and local life onshore. In Anouvong’s ‘Bodhi Spa,’ treatments for singles and couples are offered throughout
luxurious suites—will plot a course through some of the planet’s most spectacular riverine
Both Signature Suites have their own private
The use of small vessels offers a sense of intimacy that is unmatched by operators who use bigger boats.
the day, while the exquisite De-Lagree Dining Hall offers gourmet dining that features local delicacies and international favourites in a venue flanked by expansive panels. Anouvong is expected to begin sailings on September 29, 2020, and is now open for bookings over the next few months through
This exclusivity is enhanced by a range
any good travel agent or directly with Heritage
of enticing extras. Each of Heritage Line’s
Line. For bookings made before March 31,
boats has been crafted to the very highest
there is currently a 10% discount on the three-
specifications,
night option.
with
inimitable
décor
and
outfitting to ensure the ultimate in on-board luxury for guests.
Renowned as one of Asia’s most trend-setting operators, Heritage Line has become legendary
Anouvong stays true to this philosophy. Its
among cruise connoisseurs. Its reputation
design aesthetic combines traditional Lao
is founded on a range of factors such as the
design with French colonial elegance. The
fact that whereas many other operators utilise
Deluxe and Deluxe Executive rooms (20sqm)
bigger boats, Heritage Line’s collection of
feature French balconies and occupy both
distinctive vessels are smaller in scale, ensuring
the main and upper (terrace) decks, with
an intimacy that serves to forge bonds, nourish
four rooms on each level. The two Signature
friendships, and create unforgettable moments.
Suites are located at the front of the main deck, and each boasts 30sqm of floor space.
For more see: heritage-line.com
Laos I IWD Travel I 149
The moment when happily ever after begins The bells have finished ringing, the crowd has departed, and now it’s time to jet off with your other half on your dream honeymoon. From Croatia to the Maldives, TUI offer romantic getaways for every couple.
b e sT fO R C u lTu R e
C R OATIA
Croatia pa irs historic cities with dinky islands. Th e word on everyone’s lips is Dubrovnik , a pretty -as-a-pict ure walled city on th e Adriatic coast. Yo u can spend yo ur days w andering along the centuriesold rampa rts and dropping into cosy wine bars , and don’ t forget that there is a bunc h of island s on the horizon; it’ s easy to hop on a boat and retreat to shut-off co ves. Stay at: Kompas Dubrovn ik Hotel (TUI Pla tinum Ra nge)
150 I IWD Travel I Honeymoons
b
b e sT fO R luxu Ry
M A lD I V e s
e ves looks lik in the Maldi The scenery ay lid from a ho pied straight it’s been co a benefit from d the islands brochure, an white. From the ul ambience truly peacef uba l ceptiona Sc s to the ex sand beache st be ipelago is e, the arch diving scen s. e-water villa luxury over-th known for its been s to have ation seem This destin eaks. br mantic ifically for ro created spec ious lic try out de ’s massages, Enjoy couple coral spectacular , and explore fresh cuisine g trip the snorkellin arine life in reefs and m of a lifetime. dives Palace Mal Stay at: Riu
b esT fO R b eAC H es
C R eTe
With over 650 miles of beautifu l coastline to ex plore, featuring every type of beach yo u could imagine , Crete was made for barefoot honeymoons on the sand. It’s no t just the beache s that’s delight you; the hotels have also stepped up to the mark. Head to the cosmopoli tan Lassithi region, where you’ll wa ke up to romantic an d colourful harb our views. Stay at : TUI BLUE El ounda Village
Honeymoons I IWD Travel I 151
The Wedding of
Mairead & Paul Farnham Estate, Cavan. 27th September 2019.
176 I IWD Feature I Real Wedding
W
e first met in Sally’s in Omagh on a night out in June 2011; it was love at first sight, even though it wasn’t until January 2013 that we went on our first date, and it took off from
there.
help of the staff at Freddie Hatchet. Paul got ready at home in Tempo, before going on to the chapel. Paul has one brother, Shane, so he was an easy choice for a best man. Paul’s chose his best friend Niall and his cousin Michael as
We got engaged on April 1, 2018 (Easter
I had a good initial experience shopping for a
Sunday) at Mizen Head in County Cork—the
dress with Martina and Colleen, and although
ring was inside a Kinder egg! At first I didn’t
our search was unsuccessful, it gave us an
want to open the egg he’d given me, but after
excuse for another girls’ day out. Fiona, who
some persuasion, I was glad I did! After that,
lives in Scotland, came home to help out on my
we set about planning our wedding. We had
second trip, which turned out to be successful.
previously stayed at the Farnham Estate and
I eventually chose a dress from Perfect Day in
loved the hotel, which was what made us think
Lurgan. I was looking for something that was
of it as our choice of wedding venue. Ciara
elegant yet understated, and the staff in Perfect
Brady, our wedding coordinator, was absolutely
Day were very helpful and patient with me,
fantastic; her and the staff could not have
making the hunt a very enjoyable experience
been better, and made the whole planning
overall.
groomsmen.
stress-free and even enjoyable. Our dream was always a September wedding because we love
Paul hired his suit from Freddie Hatchet in
the autumnal colours.
Cookstown. We wanted a timeless look, so went for a black bowtie suit. We decided on a traditional wedding in my own
I chose three bridesmaids, my sisters Fiona and Martina and my best friend Colleen. I had been
Although there were a few minor hitches on
a bridesmaid for all three recently, so that was
the morning of the wedding, everything was
an easy decision!
resolved in the nick of time, thanks to the
parish in Ireland, St. Joseph’s Church Coonian, so we could be surrounded by all our family and friends on our big day.
Real Wedding I IWD Feature I 177
The wedding day itself turned out to be
This really set the tone for the day; there was
everything we had ever dreamed of. It was a
a buzz of excitement as Aoife McCullagh played
perfect morning; the sun shone as we came
background music. The food was first class,
out of the chapel, unlike the previous few days,
and everyone raved about it afterwards. Later,
when the rain had never stopped. My hair and
we danced the night away to Powerstruggle,
make-up was done by Laura McClean (Hair &
who again were fantastic. Our first dance was
Co.) and Mellissa Bolton (The Beauty Boutique),
to ‘The One’ by Kodaline. Overall, the day really
who made me feel like a million dollars. Our car
was everything we had ever dreamed of and
was supplied by a family friend of Paul’s who
more. It was certainly the best day of our lives.
was more than willing to help. For our honeymoon, we went to Miami for four Our ceremony was relaxed and enjoyable. The
nights, followed by a seven-night Caribbean
music was provided by Aoife McCullagh, who
cruise. We wanted to go for something we
was just outstanding. We then travelled to the
hadn’t done before, and thought that a cruise
Farnham Estate, where the photos were taken
would be a perfect opportunity to see a number
by the talented Sharon Kee. The Farnham
of different countries. All in all, we visited
Estate
Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, Mexico, and the
excelled
itself.
The
pre-reception
area was set up perfectly, making it easy for everyone to chat and mingle before the meal.
178 I IWD Feature I Real Wedding
Bahamas.