WEDDING IRISH
2022
DIARY
Complete Guide to Getting Married in Ireland
2022 WEDDING
WEDDING
DRESSES
TRAVEL HONEYMOONS AND WEDDINGS ABROAD
REAL BRIDES’ STORIES WEDDING
BRIDESMAIDS COLOURS FOR 2022
WEDDING SPEECHES
GIFT GUIDE €5.80 £4.00
HEN & STAG
TRENDS FOR 2022
www.IrishWeddingDiary.ie
Dress by Hilary Morgan www.hilarymorgan.com
32 I IWD Bridal I Tullamaine Castle
Castle Fairytale
Bridal Photoshoot in Tullamaine Castle Photography by Dermot Byrne Photography Dresses by Hilary Morgan
Location: Tullamaine Castle Tullamaine, Fethard, Co. Tipperary T: 062 71116 E: reservations@dundrumhouse.ie www.dundrumhousehotel.com www.clannhospitaity.com Ever dreamed of getting married in your own castle? Your dream can become a reality! Available for private hire from the summer of 2022, 12 rooms in-house with additional accommodation available. Catered by us, or bring in your own – all options
Photography by: Dermot Byrne Bray, Co. Wicklow Phone: +353 (0)1 282 9560 Web: www.dermotbyrnephoto.ie
Makeup by: Helena Kennerley helenakmuaofficial@gmail.com +353-87-9551962
Hair by: Emma Thompson at Salted Locks emmathompsonhair@gmail.com
available in this historic venue.
Tullamaine Castle I IWD Bridal I 33
y r e l l a g s s e r d g n i d d e w Llatest bridal collections
1
2
1 Madeline Gardner
54 I IWD Feature I Wedding Dress Gallery
3
2 Ronald Joyce
3: Grace Loves Lace
4
5
6
7
4 Jimmy Choo
5 Savannah Miller
6: Justin Alexander Signature
7 Blu by Mori Lee
Weddng Dress Gallery I IWD Feature I 55
Shooting Game
New photography package launched at Ulusaba Private Game Reserve Explore the African bush in a truly unique way on a photographic safari at Ulusaba Private Game Reserve, where a new photography package has just been launched. Aimed at both amateur and experienced photographers, these new safaris will be led by Ulusaba’s professional rangers and trackers, who are trained to help guests spot Africa’s incredible wildlife and share their extensive photographic expertise. Guides will assist snap-happy travellers in finding optimal camera settings and, most importantly, will ensure impeccable timing for sightings whilst they do their very best to interpret animal behaviour and position the vehicle to
Top Dining
capture those picture-perfect moments.
The culinary offerings at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi deliver guests and local Hanoians alike a taste of the world’s finest cuisines. From exquisite French fine dining at Le Beaulieu to rustic European and New World dishes with a handmade touch at Angelina, the restaurants and bars at the hotel tantalise international tastebuds. The hotel has a number of culinary experiences such as the exclusive ‘Tour du Monde’ menus featuring delicate flavours from distant lands. The special offers include a six-course set menu at Le Beaulieu with optional wine pairing, seven distinctive à la carte items at Le Club Bar (including Mediterranean, Moroccan, American, Thai and other favourites), Afternoon Tea at Le Club Bar and delicious new pastries at L’Epicerie (such as chocolate madeleines and traditional New York-style cheesecake). For more information or reservations: www.sofitel-legend-metropole-hanoi.com.
Peaceful Escape Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka on a rocky outcrop facing the Indian Ocean, Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort boasts an enviably secluded setting. Enjoy the very highest standards of health and safety with the Anantara Stay with Peace of Mind programme, with heightened hygiene procedures in line with the World Health Organization and local government guidelines.
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WEDDINGTRAVEL HONEYMOONS & WEDDINGS ABROAD Compiled by Alex Joyce
Coppa Club
Coppa Club’s Streatley-on-Thames’ location features The Swan at Streatley – a tranquil countryside getaway in the Berkshire village of Streatley on the River Thames, roughly an hour from London. The 47-bedroom property has been newly refurbished and offers rooms opening onto the garden lawn and overlooking the river, making it a great option for a dog-friendly getaway. The grounds include the property’s private island, which provides lovely walks for families and their four-legged companions. The property is also ideal for riverside weddings, seating up to 130 people. Guests can access the property via car, boat or helicopter and have access to a selection of events, onsite paddle boarding, exercise classes, high-spec meeting and events spaces and the hotel gym. The Swan at Streatley (www.theswanatstreatley.com/01491 878800) offers a double room from £80 per night.The Swan At Streatley (www.theswanatstreatley.com/; 01491 878800) offers a Double Room from £80 per night.
Greek Idyll Villa Felice, from The Greek Villas, is a sensational hilltop estate that has featured in two James Bond films. Boasting views overlooking the Ionian Sea, decorated with sprawling olive and cypress trees, fragrant jasmines and colourful bougainvillaea, this majestic oasis makes the perfect setting to celebrate with loved ones in an outdoor setting. Sleeping up to 18 guests, this villa is perfectly suited for a couple looking to celebrate with friends and family staying together in one villa. Details can be found at thegreekvillas.com.
Niyama Maldives Castaway together to a very private setting for an intimate, oneof-a-kind experience. With twin islands, Play and Chill, Niyama offers the luxury of choice, catering to your holiday desires and letting you live large in a world unto yourselves. Retreat to Niyama, stay in spacious stunning overwater and beachside pavilions with private pools and a fridge stocked with gourmet treats at your fingertips. Come out of your shell at the Drift Spa where indulgent and innovative treatments tempt you day and night. Enhance your stay with unique dining locations: the Edge restaurant onboard a boat, an outdoor Tribal grill and the world’s first underwater music club, Subsix. For more information: www.anantara.com.
Wedding Travel I IWD Feature I 85
The Wedding of
Katie and Ed
Married in Malta with Sarah Young Wedding Planner
90 I IWD Travel I Wedding in Malta
I
n 2015, Ed and I both swiped right, and at that moment I would never have thought it would be the start of our lifelong journey together as best friends and soul mates! We found ourselves talking to one another almost constantly, all day, every day. We were alike in so many ways and instantly became great friends.
box sticking out of his jacket as we walked around Central Park all day! As the snow turned to rain, we cosied up in the Loeb Boathouse bar in Central Park where a pianist played festive songs and the log fires were lit and roaring.
We made our way through the delicious Christmas cocktail menu, probably to calm Ed’s nerves now that I think of it. Ed had organised a photographer to take secret photo’s when he proposed, so timing was of the essence. Ed needed to delay things without giving away his plan as we walked home, so we went to see a beautiful Christmas tree at the Lotte New York Palace Hotel, as he had read about its beautiful Christmas decorations. It was romantic and beautiful, even when the rain did start again at the point of arrival. The lights One evening a few weeks later, we were both
Three years later in December 2018, after
out with friends in the city and unexpectedly
making many memories, we decided to go
bumped into one another. It was amazing
back to our favourite city and see New York
to finally meet properly, and I think the
at Christmas. The festive displays, Christmas
unexpectedness of the meet made it all the
songs blaring from street to street, the jolly
more magical. There was no pressure or
crowds and, of course, the snow – there truly
structure – it felt natural like it was meant to
is no place like it. In the majestic whirlwind
be. After several dates, late-night takeaways
of Christmas, it was here that Ed decided
and many conversations about our love of
to propose to me. It was the most fairy-
travel, we both made an impromptu decision
tale proposal a girl could dream of. I was so
to book a trip to New York, which is where our
surprised when he proposed, although looking
reflected off the rain-soaked ground, which
love truly blossomed.
back, I don’t know how I didn’t notice the ring
made it all the more majestic. At that moment, he went down on one knee and asked me to marry him! I was overwhelmed with so many amazing emotions, I felt like the luckiest girl in the world.
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Hen and Stag Trends for 2022 By Rob Crump at Printster
100 I IWD Feature I Hen & Stags
H
en and Stag dos are such an integral part of weddings but they have been one of the casualties of the last 18 months of the pandemic. The ritual of one last big blast as a singleton has been impossible in the current climate. Thankfully, as things start to open up, there is hope that we can once again celebrate with our buddies, the end of one part of life and the start of another.
At Home Parties
To say it’s been a difficult 18 months since the pandemic started would be an understatement. Many of us have been isolated from our friends hit,
with
thousands
of
half of 2021 for the wedding industry was also tainted with uncertainty, as rules were constantly changing, and restrictions were still in place. Rob Crump from the personalised gift store Printster, explains “a huge trend set for weddings in 2022 is making up for lost time. This mindset is not just reserved for the wedding itself, but also for the hen and stag dos.”
separated from so many close friends and family, events such as hen and stag dos are no longer
9600% uplift in searches
weddings
postponed or cancelled since 2020. The first
friends,” Rob explains. “After 18 months of being
“at home hen/stag do”
and family and the wedding industry has been severely
favouring smaller celebrations with their closest
about big blowouts, but more about making up
Instead of destination stag and hen dos, or even staycation events, many hen and stag dos are favouring home comforts and hosting their party at home. Rob explains that the reasoning for this
trend
for lost time.” The average hen size was 14 and the average stag size was 15 back in 2019 and many couples are looking to reduce this even further, with the
comes from an of
awareness the
dos in 2022 and explains why the trend is set to be so popular in the new year.
smaller, many are not looking
Activity Based
hen or stag party in 2019, before
“Activity Hen Do” 194% uplift in Google searches
many couples are mindful of asking too
A “sten” do is a joint stag and hen do, where the bride and groom decide to celebrate together before their wedding day. They have steadily been increasing in popularity, with searches for “sten do” seeing a massive 9900% uplift in the last month alone. The tradition of having the men and women celebrate separately is considered many
couples
share a friendship group and also stag and hen dos don’t cater for same sex couples. Another reason for the trend’s growing popularity from
in more luxurious celebrations.
average cost of attending a
their jobs or had financial difficulties,
9900% uplift in Google searches
as
hen and stag do. “The
After the pandemic hit and many lost
“sten do”
outdated,
to reduce their budget, resulting
the pandemic, was a massive £391.
“Sten Do”
the
“Separate
comes budget, stag
and
hen dos can be costly, so by combining the two events into one big event can be significantly cheaper,” Rob explains.
“Activity Stag Do”
much of their guests and instead, are
119% uplift in searches
favouring a more low-key affair.”
Activity based hen and stag dos are set to be a
Just because a hen or stag do is set at
massive trend for 2022, as these take pressure
home doesn’t mean it needs to be less
off the host and allow everyone to loosen up and
exciting than any other event. Rob advises
do something they have never done before.
on how to throw a hen or stag
A huge trend set to take off in 2022 is
do at home:
•
hosting a murder mystery party, with
If the weather permits, throw a garden party equipped with BBQ and cocktails
•
Host
an
afternoon
tea
indoors,
with
sandwiches, finger food and prosecco
•
amount
12. Despite groups getting
pressures
of being a guest at a
Below, Rob notes the top trends for hen and stag
estimated
dropping to around 10 or
Hire entertainers to come to you. This will work out a lot cheaper than if you were going to venues
Micro do “Small Hen Do” 215.2% uplift in searches Despite COVID restrictions easing and looking positive for the year ahead, one lingering trend which is set to continue into 2022 is the micro hen/stag do. “Rather than inviting lots of people to their celebration, couples are now
searches specifically for “hen murder mystery” seeing a 9700% uplift in searches in the past three months alone. “Pulling off a murder mystery is a lot easier than you might think,” Rob advises. “The appeal of a murder mystery night is that it can suit all budgets. You can buy cheaper kits which give you step by step instructions on how to successfully host, or those with bigger budgets can even make a whole weekend of it, with many venues across the UK offering immersive experiences.” A murder mystery is particularly appealing to those with larger groups who perhaps have lots of friends and family who don’t perhaps know each other very well. “Activity based parties are excellent ice breakers, as it allows newly introduced guests to get to know each other.”
Hen & Stags I IWD Feature I 101
Dress by Aideen Cross www.aideencrossdesigns.com Tel: 086-8325694
114 I IWD Bridal I Rathsallagh Country House
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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.
Leading Wedding
Venues
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.
Breaffy House Breaffy House Resort with its majestic 19th century Victorian façade is located on a stunning 101-Acre woodland estate in Co. Mayo. It’s ‘Castlesque’ appearance makes ‘Destination Breaffy’ the ideal wedding venue. The hotel offers a range of premium wedding packages and has over 50 years wedding expertise. The Diamond wedding Package includes a Prosecco and strawberries reception, entertainment, canapes, ½ bottle of wine per person, 6-course wedding banquet and hot evening buffet. The luxurious ‘Moet & Chandon Wedding package’ includes all the elements of the Diamond Package plus a Moet & Chandon Champagne reception, Gourmet 6 course wedding banquet and 10 complimentary superior deluxe upgrades. Additional Bespoke Wedding upgrades include Fireworks, Helicopter Rides & Pre and Post Wedding parties. Call 094 9044108 Email: weddings@breaffyhouseresort.com Website www.breaffyhouseresort.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 guarantee a 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
Castlemartyr Resort It is not only the elegant 18th-century manor house and the 13th-century castle ruins that make Castlemartyr Resort stand out from the crowd, but the meticulous attention to detail that their award-winning team of wedding planners provide. Nestled in 220 acres of mature landscape, the manor house is the heart of this unique resort, having been restored and extended to offer perfectly styled accommodation, award-winning dining, Spa and Health Club, as well as an 18 hole inland links-style Golf course. The Capel Suite is unlike any other ballroom in Ireland. With its floor to ceiling windows, giant chandeliers, mood lighting and magnificent drapes. While more and more couples choose to host their ceremony outdoors to the backdrop of the stunning 13th-century castle ruins. From the traditional to the informal, all celebrations are a challenge to ignore the mundane and create the original. They currently have select 2023 dates available from €100pp, and have also just introduced new Manor House packages for couples looking for a more intimate celebration. Contact this multi award- winning wedding team today to book your appointment, Tel 021 421 9000, or at E: sales@castlemartyrresort.
124 I IWD I Leading Wedding Venues
Your Wedding at a location where the Mountains meet the Sea
W: www.4seasonshotelcarlingford.ie
E: events@fshc.ie T: +353429373530
1st
DOCUMENTARY IPPVA PHOTOGRAPHY WEDDING WEDDING AWARDS PLACE CATEGORY
GARETH LIMA-CONLON
142 I IWD Photography I IPPVA Awards
2nd PLACE
DOCUMENTARY WEDDING CATEGORY
KEVIN KHEFFACHE
IPPVA Awards I IWD Photography I 143