IRISH
Wedding Autumn 2019
DIARY
Your Complete Guide to Getting Married in Ireland
IPPA Wedding Photography
Beautiful
Wedding Dresses
Award Winners
The Best
BRIDAL Beauty
Venues
Wedding
Outfits for
Mothers
of The Bride
Plan Your Wedding Party Honeymoons and Weddings Abroad €5.80 £4.00
8
Real Brides Share Their Story
www.IrishWeddingDiary.ie
justinalexander.com
ALLUREBRIDALS.COM
k e n n e t h w i n s t o n . c o m
k e n n e t h w i n s t o n . c o m
Irish Wedding
DIARY
Autumn 2019
Welcome
Hello everyone and welcome to the Autumn 2019 issue of Irish Wedding Diary, Ireland’s best-loved and top-selling bridal magazine. As the days start to get shorter and the leaves fall from the trees, all you 2020 brides out there must be starting to feel the excitement. 2020 might have seemed a long way off when you got engaged, but it’s getting close now, and along with the excitement comes a little trepidation. You’re probably looking at your to-do list and realising that there are still a lot of boxes left unticked. Well, don’t despair; inside these pages, you’ll find everything you need to make your wedding day everything you have dreamed of. Hopefully, you’ve got the big items ticked off and are finalising the little details. While these details might be little, they’re the things that will make your wedding so special. For any 2019 brides out there, you should definitely be ticking off the last few items and tying up loose ends. Hopefully, inside the magazine you’ll find just what you’re looking for to make the day great. If you’re not getting married until late 2021, you can peruse our latest issue at your leisure and start to put together your dream day. Inside you’ll find dream dresses, stunning venues, award-winning photography, beauty tips for the big day, bands to set the tune, advice on how to plan the perfect party plus clothes for the groom, guest and bridal party. Every autumn, we focus on photography with some of the winning entries for the Irish Professional Photographers and Videographers Association’s Annual Awards. You’ll see three categories of photography, which will help you to decide what style of photography you’d like for your big day, plus images from over 20 award-winning photographers to help you chose the right person to capture your wedding. A honeymoon is the one part of the wedding that is truly just about the couple, and with that in mind, we’ve put together a great selection of honeymoon ideas for you to dream about. There’s a big world out there and we’ve got some great ideas both near and far. If you’re planning a wedding abroad, you’ll also find plenty of ideas inside.
Cover Dress by Stella York www.essensedesigns.com/stella-york/
We haven’t forgotten the little extras that will help to make your wedding unique, and we have
Publisher: IrishWeddingDiary.ie Ltd.
to set the tone, photographers to capture the event, outfits for the men and everything you will
Advertising: Paul Collins, Sales Director 01-498 3255 paulc@irishweddingdiary.ie Vivian Flynn, Sales Director 01-498 3242 vivian@irishweddingdiary.ie Creative Director: Paul McCormack: 01-498 3211 paulm@irishweddingdiary.ie Editor: Andrea Hayes Email: Andrea@irishweddingdiary.ie
some wonderful ideas between the covers of this magazine. We’ve got soloists and rock bands need to make your day perfect. We have a gift section with some lovely pieces that you can put on your gift registry list or just go out and treat yourself. We all love looking at other people’s weddings, and we have a bumper selection of real weddings for you. This issue, we have eight real-life weddings with brides and grooms telling us their stories of getting married all around Ireland, and two couples who got married in Malta. Don’t forget our great app where you can get the entire magazine just as you see it here on your IOS and Android device. You can pop it in your pocket and check it out on your commute to work or whilst sipping coffee. You can purchase a single issue for €2.99 or a yearly subscription for €7.99.
Editorial Assistant: Alex Joyce Alex@irishweddingdiary.ie
Happy Planning!
Press Releases to: Alex@irishweddingdiary.ie or Unit 8, Fashion City, Ballymount Road Upper, Dublin 24, Ireland, D24 EW2P Photography: Thomas Sunderland Contributors: Andrea Hayes, Editor Elaine Hession Alex Joyce Peter Cole Marcus Stewart Katie Byrne
Andrea Hayes
Irish Wedding Diary, Unit 8, Fashion City, Ballymount Road Upper, Dublin 24, Ireland, D24 EW2P Advertising: 01-498 3255 / 01-498 3242. Email: info@irishweddingdiary.ie. Website: www.irishweddingdiary.ie Copyright: Irish Wedding Diary.ie Ltd. The entire contents of the Irish Wedding Diary are copyright and may not be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the Publishers. Notice to advertisers; the proprietor does not accept any liability for any loss occasioned by the fact that the
Design: Outline Graphics. www.outline.ie
advertisement does not appear on any specified day or at all or for any loss or damage claimed to be caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing and publication of any advertisement.
www.irishweddingdiary.ie 6 I IWD Contents I Autumn 2019
Collection 2019
Find authorized retailers at: www.airebarcelona.com
DiaryNews Designs Creative
Measure Made to
Renowned for the creativity in their designs the couple behind Doyle Design, husband and wife team, Barry & Addrianna have recently launched their new range of stunning wedding rings. The collection includes rings for men and women featuring mixed metals, eyecatching finishes and diamonds set in unique and unusual styles. The rings are available in 14 carat & 18 carat white and yellow gold combinations and in some cases platinum and palladium, the collection can be seen in their Dublin studio in the Georges Street arcade and online at doyledesigndublin.com. Open Mon – Sat 10.30am to 6pm Tel: 016712838 Email info@doyledesigndublin.com
Music Guitar
Dorian Black have once again been announced Groomswear Supplier of the Year for 2019 by Weddings Online. In addition to their wonderful selection of readymade suits, they are now excited to launch their ‘Made to Measure’ service.
We have been steadily performing at weddings To celebrate this launch, they are sharing with Irish Wedding Diary
since the summer of 2015 and it’s something we
readers the chance to get a free made-to-measure shirt with all made-
genuinely love to do. Our repertoire consists
to-measure suits ordered in September.
mainly of slick instrumental pop covers that will perfectly suit the ambiance of an indoor
Choose from a stunning collection of cloths from Italian and British Mills,
or outdoor drinks reception. We also
coupled with choices in your suit pattern, fit and finish. Your suit will be
perform at ceremonies and we can arrange
available in just four weeks. Treat yourself to something truly unique and
your personal requests to enhance the experience of your
made for you. Prices start from €999 for a three-piece suit.
special day. We are a highly professional, compact, flexible and stylish unit and we take great pride in our work.
The award winning Dorian Black is available for all your wedding day
It’s always better to discuss our rates and packages by telephone as a good chat always tweaks the individual needs
needs. Weddings are by appointment only so book an appointment in
of a couple, when it comes to the music for their big day. We also gig frequently and attend various showcases if
one of the two stores for their Grooms Room and browse the exclusive
you wish to catch us in person or attend a live performance. See below for a list of past client testimonials and
lines with the most experienced wedding specialists. Take the stress and
some of the venues we are affiliated with and have performed at Tankardstown, Cliff Townhouse, Cliff at Lyons,
panic out of suit shopping by partnering with Dorian Black to get the
Coolbawn Quay, Castle Durrow, Kilshane House, Trim Castle, 25 Fitzwilliam, The Courtyard at Marco Pierre
perfect fit for your special occasions.
Whites, Medley, Rathsallagh House, Fallon & Byrne,The Shelbourne Hotel. For more info, testimonials and contact
Visit www.dorianblack.ie
numbers: www.julienandjohn.com
Showcase National
BENTLEY BOYS NATIONWIDE SHOWCASE TOUR!
Attending one of the Bentley Boys renowned showcases is a must for your wedding planning to-do list so you can experience the ‘wow’ factor the boys bring to any event. Choose any line-up from a 4- to a 12-piece band, include the option of a horn section, choose your favourite lead vocalist and more, all fully live! You can tailor the Bentley Boys to be your bespoke band for your unique, special day! The Bentley Boys showcase regularly in Dublin, Belfast, Cork and Athlone. Follow the Bentley Boys on Instagram and Facebook or subscribe to their YouTube channel.
24 I IWD I Wedding Diary News
Call Dublin: (01) 4434336; Belfast: (028) 9099 2322; or Galway: (091) 442350. E-mail: info@bentleyboysband.ie.
M A D E W I T H L V E I N CA NA DA
To find your nearest stockist visit www.mikaellabridal.com
‘Say Yes’ to more than just a dress at this year’s Wedding & Honeymoon Show 2019 Main H a Saturdall, RDS & Sund y 7th Septem ay 8th b 10am –er 2019 www.w 5pm ed.ie
our Make Y ing Wedd m a e r D t The a y t i l a Rea ng & Weddi moon Honey 2019 Show An unmissable weekend for brides- and grooms-to-be, the Wedding & Honeymoon Show is BACK and will play host to hundreds of leading wedding suppliers, with something for every style and budget.
New For 2019! Bursting with wedding inspiration, The Wedding & Honeymoon Show is the ultimate day out, where you can buy and book everything you
Set to wow, Ireland’s largest autumn wedding
entertainment that will make you dance the
showcase is the perfect place to plan and
night away!
perfect your special day, from inspiration for your dream dress and the photographer
Whether you are looking to have your wedding
who can capture the perfect shot to evening
near or far, in an idyllic Italian villa or on a white-sand beach in the Caribbean, the range of suppliers have everything from popular destinations to unique locations, so you can find exactly what you’re looking for. You will meet wedding specialists from the best locations around the world and industry experts will be on hand to provide expert advice and inspiration, so you can plan your dream wedding or honeymoon with ease and excitement!
26 I IWD Preview I Wedding & Honeymoon Show
need to make your dream wedding a reality. Your visit will be packed with inspiration and creative ideas from the finest wedding suppliers, and the programme of features will ensure every detail of your wedding is fine tuned. For those looking for that little bit of extra sparkle, NEW features this year include:
•
cupcakes and treats galore with afternoon
Helping to take the stress out of wedding
tea
planning, the show will not only save you
•
get pampered at the deluxe nail bar
time but also money, as many exhibitors offer
•
book a free seat at the ‘I Do’ School,
exclusive show-only offers and discounts.
hosted by Sara Kennedy, Ireland’s leading wedding blogger, a must-see for all soon-
Anyone currently planning their big day can take
to-be brides, bridesmaids and mothers-of-
advantage of talking and exchanging ideas with
the-bride
the professionals who make wedding dreams come true. Whether you are planning a low-key,
The Latest Trends! Each
day
there
are
designer
intimate day or an all-out glamourous party, the catwalk
shows with the latest trends to fire up your
talented and professional exhibitors are sure to help you on your way to your dream day!
imagination. Among the exhibitors are leading the latest designs, wedding car companies,
Watch the latest bridal trends come to life
venues, caterers, hair and makeup artists
The spectacular catwalk shows present a variety
and photographers – everything you need to
of stunning gowns for every style and budget,
make your big day truly special. With a host
helping you to say ‘Yes!’ to your dream dress.
bridal companies, where you can try on
The ultimate destination for wedding inspiration With everything you need to plan your special day all under one roof, The Wedding & Honeymoon Show is not to be missed! From the perfect dress to the most tranquil honeymoons, the two-day extravaganza has everything you need to help plan your special day, all under one roof! And, with many of the exhibitors offering special show discount rates, there is a great opportunity to save money and still have your dream wedding! Take the stress out of planning your wedding and join us as we roll out the red carpet for the most anticipated wedding event in Ireland!
of demonstrations, offers and discounts, your visit becomes a one-stop shop where you can
An integral part of The Wedding & Honeymoon
complete all of your planning.
Show taking place at 12:30pm and 3:30pm daily, the catwalk shows will inspire you with all the ideas you need to achieve your dream wedding day look, pairing beautiful dresses with on-trend hair and make-up looks, plus beautiful accessory ideas. As well as bridalwear, the shows feature the latest bridesmaid dresses, occasion wear, mother-of-the-bride outfits and suits for the groom. With music, dance moves and a few surprises
The
Wedding
&
Honeymoon
Show
takes place in the Main Hall of the RDS, Dublin, on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th September 2019. For more information, or to book tickets, visit www.wed.ie
n eymoo n o H ng & e Weddi Onlin w o h S e
Save Time & Money! The Wedding & Honeymoon Show gives you the opportunity to meet with a range of leading wedding specialists, all under one roof, who will be on hand to offer invaluable advice and inspiration for your special day. along the way, the catwalk shows are sure to Everything you need, want and dream of for your special day can be booked in one day.
help you say ‘I do’ in the right dress for you!
riz s and p s, new te a t d p ow u eck ou For sh e to ch r u s e ak ays, m n Show giveaw eymoo n o H d an Twitter edding The W m and a r g ta Ins ebook, lin on Fac DDub @WE
The Wedding and Honeymoon Show is organised by Eventhaus Ltd. on behalf of Terry Burns Wedding Exhibitions Ltd.
Wedding & Honeymoon Show I IWD Preview I 27
Gorgeous Gowns Gorgeous Styles from the Fall 2019 Collection from Allure Bridals
T
he Allure Bridals brand family features a range of gorgeous styles and price points, but in our most recent location shoot for the Fall 2019 collections, we strove to emphasise the beautiful cohesion between our collections. This season, our designers honoured the classics: the elegant ball gown; the chic and tailored fitand-flare silhouette; and the ethereal A-line skirt. With imaginative detailing and outstanding new textiles, the Fall 2019 Allure Bridals collections are beautifully showcased in the lush beauty of Mexico. ALLURE BRIDALS allurebridals.com
28 I IWD Profile I Allure Bridals
ST Y L E : O L E S A · W W W.W H I T EO N E B R I DA L .C O M ·
The Bridal Lounge, Austin Friars Street, Mullingar, Co Westmeath Call: 044 9335298 | Email: abi@thebridallounge.ie | Visit: www.thebridallounge.ie Awards: weddingsonline Bridalwear Supplier of the Year 2019 | Westmeath Style Awards 2019 Overall Excellence in Style Winner IE0144_IRISH_WEDDING_DIARY_ED3.indd 2
20/6/19 12:50
IPPVA PHOTOGRAPHY WEddInG AWARds 2019
doCumentary Wedding Category 1st Place | shane O’neill
2nd Place | Kevin Kheffache
66 I IWD Photography I iPPVa awards
3rd Place | Gareth Lima-Conlon
IPPVA PHOTOGRAPHY WEddInG AWARds 2019
doCumentary Wedding Category
Denis O’Donovan
John McMahon
Michelle O’Sullivan
Rashida Keenan
Elaine Barker
Dermot Culhane
Kevin Murphy
Paul Duane
Paula Nolan
Ronan Palliser
Nicola Webster
Dermot Sullivan
Anchie Kheffache
Emma Russell
Tanya Cullen
David Clynch
iPPVa awards I IWD Photography I 67
70 I IWD Bridal I Portmarnock Hotel
Dress by The Bridal Lounge Winetown, Rathowen, Co Westmeath 043 667 6854 www.thebridallounge.ie
Portmarnock Hotel I IWD Bridal I 71
72 I IWD Bridal I Portmarnock Hotel
Dress by The Bridal Lounge Winetown, Rathowen, Co Westmeath 043 667 6854 www.thebridallounge.ie
Portmarnock Hotel I IWD Bridal I 73
Dress by Temem Michael 45 Fashion City, Ballymount, Dublin 24 Tel: +353(0)1 429 5052 Email: info@tamemmichael.com Web: www.tamemmichael.com
126 I IWD Bridal I Tulfarris Hotel
Tulfarris Hotel I IWD Bridal I 127
128 I IWD Bridal I Tulfarris Hotel
Dress by Aideen Cross Designs Main St,Rathangan,Co Kildare Tel: 086-8325694 Email;aideen.cross@gmail.com Web: www.aideencrossdesigns.com
Tulfarris Hotel I IWD Bridal I 129
Dress by Aideen Cross Designs 130 I IWD Bridal I Tulfarris Hotel
Main St,Rathangan,Co Kildare Tel: 086-8325694 Email;aideen.cross@gmail.com Web: www.aideencrossdesigns.com
Tulfarris Hotel I IWD Bridal I 131
WEDDINGTRAVEL HONEYMOONS & WEDDINGS ABROAD Compiled by Alex Joyce
Ethical Honeymoons Responsible travellers are trying to find ways to experience the delights of this wonderful planet without adding to its destruction by leaving a huge carbon footprint. We’ve got a few ethical honeymoon ideas here for those who want to live and let live.
Green
Escape
“A pristine environment where physical and mental rejuvenation comes naturally .” Green Escape is an intimate and eco-friendly boutique resort located at walking distance from Bingin Beach, on the southern peninsula of Bali. Crafted with love and inspired by its surroundings, the resort offers five unique and elegant accommodations. The resort is dedicated to the preservation of a pristine environment where physical and mental rejuvenation comes naturally. We want to protect the environment by
Green Escape Eco Resort
minimizing our human impact and encourage an alternative and eco-
Bali, Indonesia
friendly way of traveling. See more at https://positive.travel
Orion
Treehouses Saint Paul de Vence, France.
“A child’s dream come true and a grown-ups adventure”
The Orion Hub is a low emission house and is a major conversation starter. Living sustainably is a journey we have been on for a long time, adjusting our course as we learn more. Orion Tree houses is an exceptional guest-house resort in a quiet and extraordinary setting on the French Riviera. Located in a natural sanctuary in the valley of the medieval village of Saint-Paul de Vence, Orion offers one of the most unique bed-and-breakfast experiences on the Côte d\’Azur. Enjoying views of the ancient perched village of Saint-Paul de Vence, Orion is a small world unto itself, focused on nature, simplicity and well-being, in harmony with the changing seasons. When summer sets in around the natural pool, we live outdoors and rediscover our inner child. Winter brings time for couples, in a cosy atmosphere with the possibility of taking a sauna, scheduling
164 I IWD Travel I Honeymoons
massages and reading novels. See more at https://positive.travel
WEDDINGTRAVEL HONEYMOONS & WEDDINGS ABROAD Compiled by Alex Joyce
Eco
Love Story
Find
Luta Glamping & Farm, Sicily, Italy
In the southern Italy countryside you will find Iuta Glamping & Farm Sicily resort. A luxury lodge resort surrounded by the natural beauty of century old olive trees and lemon plantations; the place where your happiness becomes priority. Luta exists because it was the only possible way to tell a love story. Love for the Earth.The five lodges benefit from 360 ° opening on the olive grove, in the most protected and private part of our Sicily resort. All lodges are distant from each other to ensure our guests\’ absolute privacy and intimacy. They will give you the feeling of living in full contact with the nature that surrounds you without having to give uptake comfort of top hotels. See more at https://positive.travel
Awei Pila hosts international divers
Clearning Ghost Nets
ALDFG from the surrounding reefs at
for four-day initiative to retrieve
depths of up to 25 meters.
abandoned fishing gear from sea.
Awei Pila is one of a handful of resorts
A team of experienced divers from around
or hotels in the archipelago, which only
the world have launched a campaign
in recent years opened to tourism. A
to clear lost and disused fishing nets –
member of the Yangon-based Memories
known as ghost nets – from the coral
Group and partnered with yachting
reefs in Myanmar’s Mergui Archipelago.
charter
From May 8–11, the team of nine divers
Pila’s general manager Steffen Kroehl
and five surface support crew – from as
said that the goal of his resort is to
far afield as Brazil, Sweden, Lithuania
create “minimum impact on a pristine
and Romania – set out from Awei Pila on
environment.”
the island of Kyun Pila in the heart of the
Awei Pila is part of the Memories Group,
archipelago, which is home to some 800
an experience-driven company which
islands and atolls.
owns and operates Memories Travel and
Within four days, the divers recovered,
several resorts and activities in Myanmar.
using scissors, some 300 kilograms of
See: www.memoriesgroup.com.
firm
Burma
Boating,
Awei
Honeymoons I IWD Travel I 165
California, with its coasts and canyons, can be one of the most romantic honeymoon destinations in the world. Sun-kissed beaches, iconic cities, delicious cooking and one of the world’s most dazzling coastlines make the Golden State perfect for style-conscious, savvy newlyweds. Below are a few hotels that will make the perfect venue for your dream honeymoon.
Hotel del Coronado San Diego, California
Made famous in the Marilyn Monroe classic, Some Like It Hot, Hotel del Coronado is arguably one of the most iconic properties in San Diego. The Beach Village is separate from the main hotel and offers incredible beachfront accommodation with impeccable service. Each villa and cottage room features a fireplace, marble bathroom and patio or balcony to enjoy the uninterrupted ocean views. Guests at the Beach Village can also benefit from a personal concierge, use of beach chairs and umbrellas, and access to exclusive pools and hot tubs throughout the hotel. sandiego.org
La Quinta Resort and Club Greater Palm Springs, California
Why settle for one swimming pool when you can have 41? The La Quinta Resort and Club not only boasts seven restaurants but also five championship golf courses. For the ultimate luxury experience, guests can stay in one of resorts spacious casitas – each comes with a poolside location and private patio or yard. visitgreaterpalmsprings.com
The Lodge at Edgewood Tahoe South Lake Tahoe, California
For a summer holiday with a difference, head to the mountains. The Lodge at Edgewood Tahoe is home to 154 luxury rooms and suites— many with spectacular views of Lake Tahoe, the largest alpine lake in North America. Guests of The Lodge can hit one of the lake’s stunning beaches, relax on their terrace or balcony with seating area or enjoy the year-round lakefront pool and hot tub. The Lodge is designed to embrace the feeling of the Grand Lodges of the American West with an added touch of luxury. The living room is a monumental space with 38-foot-tall
166 I IWD Travel I California
floor to roof windows overlooking a paved terrace to the lawn, beach, lake and the mountains beyond. tahoesouth.com
Olea Hotel
Sonoma County, California This luxury boutique hotel located in the heart of the Wine Country offers modern guest rooms, gourmet breakfast options and incredible service. Now featuring a brand new pool and hot tub area, this elegant boutique hotel in the picturesque Glen Ellen is an adult only retreat surrounded by oak and olive trees with a beautiful terrace overlooking the valley. Olea Hotel offers the perfect getaway for anyone wishing to explore Sonoma wine country and all it has to offer. sonomacounty.com
The London West Hollywood Penthouse Suite
The London West Hollywood boasts an atmosphere of British style flawlessly melded with a Southern California twist. Modern luxury is woven subtly into every aspect of the hotel, from the entrance and lobby to the garden-inspired rooftop pool deck and private terraces. The hotel recently unveiled an $11 million makeover, highlighted by a swish new London Bar, enhanced Boxwood restaurant and a stylishly transformed rooftop pool deck. Guests can stay in the 11,000-square foot luxurious Penthouse (the largest suite in Los Angeles), inspired by Vivienne Westwood, for a truly special experience with friends. The rooftop deck is the perfect spot for hotel guests to take in the spectacular city views, including the iconic Hollywood sign and the Pacific Ocean by Santa Monica to the other side. visitwesthollywood.com
The Resort at Pelican Hill Newport Beach, California
Located at the southernmost tip of Newport Beach, the Resort at Pelican Hill is a stone’s throw away from 3.5 miles of uninterrupted coastline. Synonymous with all things luxury and in addition to its sumptuous rooms, the hotel offers guests the option of renting a Newport Coast Villas offering two, three or fourbedroom villas options located in a private enclave within the Resort. Without a rental time limit, guests have access to all of the hotel’s facilities, including the private clubhouse, pool and world-famous spa. Spanning 23,000 square feet and boasting 22 private rooms, herbal steam rooms, saunas and saltwater Roman soaking tubs the spa is renowned for its global therapies and uses all natural and home-grown organic products; some of which are from the resorts very own backyard. visitnewportbeach.com
Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Huntington Beach, California
The Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach has recently completed a renovation of its 514 guest rooms. New room amenities include illuminated bathroom mirrors with integrated clocks, 65” mounted TVs and fresh furnishings. Rooms on the ground floor are in line to receive newly landscaped patio areas and fire pits in the summer. Visitors will be able to enjoy an unparalleled series of sun-splashed, sandy-toed amenities and activities, including Oceanfront PopUp Cabanas, Over The Top Multi-Generation Family Suites and sunrise beach yoga classes. surfcityusa.com
California I IWD Travel I 167
The Real Wedding of
Anna & Ciaràn Who were married in Coolbawn Quay on 27th July 2018
G
rowing up in the lovely riverside town of Banagher on the banks of the Shannon, Anna and Ciaràn became great friends and it was on her 21st birthday and the night of the ‘21 Kisses’— as it has since become known—that Ciaràn and Anna sealed the deal and friendship turned to romance. Although they were both at college in different
Slowly, over the next few years, the call of the
parts of the country, they returned home each
sunshine and the laid-back Australian way of
weekend for work, hurling matches and each
life beckoned and they followed their good
other, until eventually they started their careers
friends out there, ‘just for a year’ they told
and life together in Dublin
their families. One year became five as they im-
194 I IWD Feature I Real Wedding
mersed themselves in their local Perth community, enjoying work, beaches, barbecues, and going out for breakfast, with views of the ocean as a constant backdrop to their life. Hurling is Ciaràn’s 2nd love and they joined the Sarsfields Hurling and Camogie Club. This became their link with home and where they found great support and friendships that they know will stand the test of time, something the Irish diaspora are so good at all over the world.
Photography: Gerry Dolan. www.gerrydolanphotography.com
fashioned values of ‘it takes a village to raise a
brother and best man) and Danielle, Stephen’s
child’ and although they had the best of friends
girlfriend, to be carried by hand from Perth a
and family in Perth, they wanted to raise their
couple of weeks after them. Regular photos
children amongst their cousins, aunties, uncles
along the trip assured them they still had it
and grannies, grandads, great-grannies and
with them. The Shona Joy bridesmaids dresses
great-grandad at home.
also from Perth were carried home prior to this by other friends. It really was an ‘all-hands-on-
Along with organising and planning a wedding,
deck’ wedding.
Anna and Ciaràn moved lock, stock and barrel back home to Ireland with twins Sophie and Freddie a month before their wedding day. With the to-ing and fro-ing of emails and the When they came home for a family wedding
mammies picking up the slack when they were
in 2016, Ciaràn and Anna took a trip to Gal-
needed, there was never any reason to wor-
way and on the beautiful rugged rocks of the
ry. Coolbawn Quay ‘know their stuff’ when it
Connemara coastline Ciaràn got down on one
comes to wedding business, and no matter how
knee and surprised her with a proposal. Both
many questions they had to answer (so calmly
families were delighted and happy celebrations
and professionally as if you were the first one
took place over the next few days.
to ever ask it), they had it covered. The staff could not do enough for you; they are their
They used this time at home to organise a search of possible venues and after seeing an Irish Wedding Diary photo shoot in Coolbawn Quay, their search was short as the visit to Coolbawn Quay took their breath away and Ciaràn knew there was no point looking any fur-
After seeing Coolbawn Quay in an Irish Wedding Diary photo-shoot, their venue search was over
On the morning of the wedding, the hairdressers Zoe Dolan and Joe Caufield arrived at 8.00am and shortly after them, the makeup artists Fiona Coyne and Judy O’Reilly. With Anna, four bridesmaids, Ellen, Laura, Linda and Jacintha, mum and two grannies of the bride, they had their work cut for them. The bridesmaids were in flying form and the bubbly
ther—Anna had made up her mind. After consultation with Fr Pierre of St Rynagh’s Church in
greatest asset.
and the craic made for such a relaxing, funny
Banagher, the date was booked.
Anna had visited a number of wedding dress
morning without any hiccups at all—or so we
boutiques in Perth just to be sure, but knew she
thought. We suddenly remembered the Child
On their return to Perth as they started to make
would always return to the very first one she
of Prague! Ellen, who had carefully carried it
inroads into the organising of the wedding,
tried on in Samantha Wynne Bridal Boutique. It
home from Prague at Christmas especially for
they found to their joy and amazing surprise
was her to a T. It was a Pronovia Atelier gown—
Anna, rushed out to the garden in the hope
that they were expecting… twins! Once their
so elegant, no fuss and with a touch of class.
it wasn’t too late! When the ivory Rolls Royce
lovely little Aussie babies, Freddie and Sophie,
As Anna and Ciaràn had precious cargo (Sophie
Silver Shadow II from Anna Harvey Chauffeur
arrived, they made the difficult decision to
and Freddie) to carry home to Ireland, she en-
Service in Tullamore pulled into the drive we
return home for good. They shared the old-
trusted her beautiful gown to Stephen (Ciaràn’s
knew then it was all systems go.
Real Wedding I IWD Feature I 195
Anna and Ciaràn were lucky to have such tal-
Following the ceremony, Anna and Ciaràn ex-
ented family and friends to help them with their
ited the church through a guard of honour by
big day, including Vera Harte, who personally
the local hurlers and the bridesmaids were es-
delivered the beautifully fresh bridal flowers
corted down the aisle by the groomsmen, Ste-
of peony roses that morning, Ciaràn’s Auntie
phen, Jason, John and Josh (Anna’s brother).
Maggie Gallagher, who dressed the church with
After a quick ‘one for the road’ in Simon Lyons
lovely flower arrangements, Auntie Phil Kenny,
pub in Banagher, the wedding party and guests
who hand-knitted a replica of their family—
made their way to Coolbawn Quay.
bride, groom and two little babies—for the cake decoration, and sister Elaine for the cake.
The beautiful summer we had all enjoyed up to then—possibly the hottest on record—decided to change its mind that day of course, and as we drove down through the country lanes towards Coolbawn with a view of Lough Derg in the distance, the clouds got darker and darker until they finally gave way to a downpour. But this didn’t dampen the spirits nor did it take away from the beauty of Coolbawn. Actually, some of the best photos and video footage were those taken in the rain, thanks to Gerry Dolan Photography and Richard Speedie of Bigday.ie. Again, the wonderful staff of Coolbawn greeted the guests with smiles and umbrellas as if it was the most normal thing in the world. After the delicious food and heartfelt and hilarious speeches, the wedding partied on through the night to The Vows Wedding Band who kept the dancefloor full all night. The celebrations carried on the next day in Coolbawn Quay with
Anna walked up the aisle on the arms of her
a chilled out day of BBQ, beers and sunshine,
proud mum and dad just after flower girl Aine,
with Paddy and Michael Buckley’s toe-tapping
pageboy Aodhan, and the twins, Sophie and
trad, and on into the early hours with DJ Martin
Freddie, nearly stole the show. The wedding
Mulhare from Banagher.
mass was carried out by Fr Pierre who was always so helpful with communicating with Anna
Anna and Ciaràn were so grateful to all the
and Ciaràn in Perth and the wedding ceremony
family and friends who came to celebrate their
was made extra special by the beautiful mu-
special day. Special thanks goes to the mothers
sic of the Dublin String Quartet which filled the
of the bride and groom, Annette and Celine—
church with love.
wedding planners supreme.
196 I IWD Feature I Real Wedding
COOLBAWN QUAY ROMANTIC LAKESHORE WEDDINGS
PHOTOS COURTESY: KATIE KAV & ANNIE KHEFFACHE
One Special Day, Memories to last a lifetime
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