IRISH
Your Complete Guide to Getting Married in Ireland
Ireland’s Leading Wedding Venues
6
Real Brides Stories
Wedding
Spring 2020
DIARY Wonderful
Wedding Dresses Honeymoons and Weddings Abroad
Mother of the Bride
GIFT Ideas €5.80 £4.00
www.IrishWeddingDiary.ie
DiaryNews
You’re E-vited
‘Eviteyou’ is an Evite, Invite & Wed Site company based in Dublin, Ireland.
We love design, we love the environment, and we wanted to combine both these elements in our product. Our online invitation design service is an alternative way for you to share your amazing news with friends & family. Saving you time, money & ultimately doing your bit for the environment. We provide personalised digital wedding stationery for you to send by text or email (our invites are also provided print ready). Our personalised webvitation service (webbased invitations) can be tailored for each wedding party & guests and include ‘save the date’, invitations & full RSVP functions with details of your ceremony, reception, places to stay etc. Make your invitation process fun, easy & interactive. +353(0)87 668 4654 www.eviteyou.ie info@eviteyou.ie
Individual Quirky &
There’s nowhere better to visit in the New Year than The Twelve, the quirky and individual Bearna boutique beauty just outside Galway that has flown its own flag with style and passion since opening twelve years ago. Winner of Georgina Campbell’s Hotel of The Year Award 2018, The Twelve Hotel has exceptional and innovative dining experiences at every turn. From the busy and buzzing gastrobar, The Pins, to traditional Italian classics plus locally-inspired choices from Pizza Dozzina with its magnificent MV Napoliforni stone oven, to gourmet goodies and perfect pastries from The Twelve Bakery, to the chic and cosy West with its exciting menu showcasing the best the region has to offer, The Twelve has always been about gastronomy and good times. Escape to the west and enjoy long beach walks, fantastic food and even better wine, a trip to Le Petit Spa for an indulgent Voya treatment and, being a dog-friendly hotel since the day they opened – you can bring your best friend too! www.thetwelvehotel.ie
New Collection Alice May Bridal are delighted to
announce that they are now the proud exclusive Irish stockist of Andrea Hawkes. This British bridal designer, based in Islington, London, is known for her beautiful, contemporary wedding dresses. Crafted with precision, their bridal dresses are created with fit and feel at the forefront of the design. Simplistic wedding dress designs with classic shapes, their bridal dresses are designed and made in London using the highest quality natural silks and lace. See their beautiful bride Carla’s wedding feature on page 190 wearing Catherine Deane, another one of their fantastic designers. Tel: 01-2950006 info@alicemay.ie www.alicemay.ie
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Breaffy Bridal Photoshoot in Breaffy House Resort Photography by Thomas Sunderland Dresses by Ourania Bridal
50 I IWD Bridal I Breaffy House Resort
Location: Breaffy House Resort Breaffy, Castlebar, Co. Mayo T: 094 904 4108 E: weddings@breaffyhouseresort.com W: www.breaffyhouseresort.com Breaffy House Resort is located on a secluded 90 acre woodland estate with manicured gardens, Hellipad and pond. Allow your imagination to take control as you meander through an enchanting tree-lined driveway that leads to the majestic 19th century Manor House Hotel that is Breaffy House Resort. Capture those intimate first moments as a newly married couple on our stunning woodland estate with manicured lawns and gardens while your guests enjoy a champagne reception in front of the fire in the Hotel Foyer or relax ‘Al Fresco’ on the beautiful South Terrace.
Photography by: Thomas Sunderland 22 Castle Street Carlow Web: www.thomassunderland.ie Phone: +353 (0)59 9142278
Makeup by: Elizabeth Loughlin Dunboyne Castle, Dunboyne, Co.Meath +353(0)87 - 1511173 www.el-makeup.com
Hair by: Allure Hair & Beauty Ballina 096 75000 Castlebar 094 9035555 www.allurehairdressing.ie
Dress by Ourania Bridal Crossmolina Road, Ballina, County Mayo 087 4108346 or 096 72988 Email: thomas@ourania.ie Web: ouraniabridalbythomasheverin.ie.
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The Grounds of Breaffy House Resort Dress by Ourania Bridal Crossmolina Road, Ballina, County Mayo 087 4108346 or 096 72988 Email: thomas@ourania.ie Web: ouraniabridalbythomasheverin.ie.
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Sorella Vita’s Latest Collections
Ready for your next adventure with Sorella Vita’s latest collection? Welcome to your first destination! Get ready for exotic shades that take natural beauty to the next level — paired with stunning lace-up backs, luxe trim highlights, and hints of sheerness for every bold and beautiful bridesmaid. These all-natural shades and bold new design elements are everything 2020 bridal parties are craving for their upcoming journey to the aisle and beyond!
Warm and Captivating: Sangria Soft and naturally radiant, this understated shade offers a rustic yet elevated approach to any modern theme. With decadent ruching, stunning laceup backs, and luxe double-banded waist features, there’s even more to love with these effortless chiffon silhouettes. Coordinate with desert rose for the perfect floral touch throughout your desertinspired colour palette!
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Lush Greens (and an Ocean Breeze): Eucalyptus Lively yet serene, this balanced herbal hue blends harmoniously with an array of natural colour schemes, like sage or sea glass, bringing fresh signs of life to a spring or autumnal palette. Captured perfectly in breezy chiffon fabrics for a light, effortless feel, bridesmaids will practically float down the aisle and all the way to the dance floor!
Daring Details Talk about sheer confidence! High halter necklines are both gorgeous and universally flattering, while sheer mesh details and lace-up backs add an extra-modern flair to these designs. And with totally unique, eyecatching velvet trims that draw in the waist, these details dare to be different in all the right ways!
From bachelorette parties in the mountains to seaside ceremonies and everywhere in between, adventure is just around the corner with the latest collection from Sorella Vita! With a seemingly endless variety of shades, necklines, silhouettes, and fabrics, brides and their maids alike will adore these oneof-a-kind looks for that once-in-a-lifetime
To fin da Sorell a Vita stocki st nea r yo www. sorella u visit vita.co m
day, wherever their wedding day takes them. ___________________________
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Globes
Golden
G ifts Made W it h Love ^
Demelza Pendant
€375 at Debenhams
Helpers Kitchen
The old reliable wedding presents but with a touch of class all by Smeg
Stag
Silver
Fryer High
Lamp Tall
Grey Spindle Lamp
€99.99 at Homesense Ireland
Drawers Rustic
Rustic Wooden Chest of Drawers at DFS
Russell Hobbs ‘PuriFry’ Health Cooker €89 at Harvey Norman
At little touch of glamour - easy to co-ordinate and still stunning! This silver stag is £75 at Arthouse
Seat
Boy Moon
Soft
Chelsea
Made in
This rug is perfect to give a cozy environment to your kid’s room. The Sky is the limit! from Circu
Swedese, Lamino chair at The Wedding Shop €2339
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Argos Home Chelsea Three-Seater - Grey Velvet, €549.99 at Argos
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A Venue for all Seasons 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.
Athlone Springs Hotel The Athlone Springs Hotel is a beautiful venue in the heart of Ireland. This contemporary venue hosts a warm and welcoming lobby and drinks reception in their newly renovated Cedar Bar and the stunning refurbished Clonellan Ballroom which caters for weddings up to 320 guests. The hotel also has its own private garden where you can escape for your photos and the new Manhattan Bridal Suite is the height of luxury. Packages can be tailored specific to your tastes and budget and with their dedicated wedding coordinator, Athlone Springs Hotel is the perfect place to say I do! For further details contact Sally on 090 644 4444 or visit their Wedding Masterclass on Sunday, 16th February 2020.
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
Boyne Hill House Estate An Estate Wedding ~ Exclusively Yours A magical private wedding venue nestled in County Meath. The magnificent mansion estate is set on 38 acres of breathtaking estate, only 35 minutes from Dublin and belongs solely to you… offering absolute luxury and complete privacy along with flawless attentive service & standards. The estate comprises of a Georgian Mansion House, 43 courtyard guestrooms, reception area, lobby, Blushing Groom bar & the Boyne view suite catering for 160 guests in a luxury restaurant setting. All facilities overlook manicure parklands. Mid Week Special offers • No charge for the rental of our Estate. . Secret Garden for outdoors civil ceremonies • Complimentary corkage on Wine • Amazing value on midweek packages, offering a 50 % discount. We highly recommend you book a private viewing in order experience the character and uniqueness of Boyne Hill House Estate. Boyne Hill House Estate, Kilcarn, Navan, Co Meath T: (046) 9031247 W: www.boynehillhouse.ie
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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
106 I IWD Bridal I Athlone Springs Hotel
Dress by The Bridal Lounge Austin Friar St., Mullingar, Co. Westmeath 044 9335298 www.thebridallounge.ie
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Dress by The Bridal Lounge Austin Friar St., Mullingar, Co. Westmeath 044 9335298 www.thebridallounge.ie
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Dress by The Bridal Lounge Austin Friar St., Mullingar, Co. Westmeath 044 9335298 www.thebridallounge.ie
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Mother of the
BRIDE And occAsionweAr
Outfit by Claudia C Outfit by Condici
Outfit Veni Infantino
Outfit by Carla Ruiz
Outfit Sonia PeĂąa
Outfit by Gabriela Sanchez
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23 South Main Street, Naas, Co. Kildare Phone 045 897172 Open 7 days a week
www.evita.ie
www.facebook.com/EvitaNaas
A Honeymoon Less Travelled While tourism has boomed across the world in the last few decades and the likes of Ryanair and Easyjet have made travel within Europe accessible to all, there are still some places that have escaped the hustle and bustle of mass tourism and remain an authentic experience waiting to be discovered.
Velika Planina, Slovenia
Velika Planina is considered to be one of the largest and most beautiful Alpine pastures not only in Slovenia but in the whole of Europe, covering almost 600 hectares of pastureland. Every spring the cowbells out on the Alpine pastures of the Velika Planina plateau start ringing, announcing the arrival of herdsmen. It’s a magical plateau with one of the largest herdsmen’s settlements in Europe. These local herders march their cows up 1,500 meters from the valley below to the big pasture plateau to graze from June to September. If you visit at that time, you’ll get a chance to learn about the fascinating life on the mountain pasture and sample the dairy goodies they’ll prepare for you. Go for a walk through the meadows or take a hike or mountain bike across the plateau. The incredible natural beauty of the Kamniška Bistrica River Valley near Kamnik, Slovenia is created by the crystal clear waters that tumble down the nearby mountains.
Portofino
Portofino is a fishing village on the Italian Riviera coastline, southeast of Genoa city. This delightful village has pastel-coloured houses, high-end boutiques and seafood restaurants, all nestled around a small cobbled square overlooking the harbour. The luxurious yachts and traditional fishing boats bobbing on the crystal clear waters in the harbour tell you that it is not exactly undiscovered – you might be rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous during the summer! Hold off until the autumn when the weather is more bearable and the super-yachts head for warmer climes and you will be able to explore this beautiful town in peace. If you tire of sipping wine or coffee and watching life pass you by, you can explore the surrounding national and marine parks where you can both reconnect with nature and with your partner.
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Folegandros, Greece
Perched on a towering seaside cliff, Folegandros provides a more relaxed honeymoon destination than the more popular Greek islands which attract the sun, sea and the ‘whatever you’re having yourself’ brigades. While not as well known as neighbouring Santorini, Folegandros is no less charming, a lot less crowded and certainly less expensive. If you’re looking for nightclubs and adventure sports, you might be disappointed but while it might lack the attractions of its more celebrated neighbour, it certainly makes up for it with local charm. You and your partner can explore untouched beaches, sample traditional food, and spend quiet evenings contemplating the breathtaking, sun-touched cliffs and the start of your married life together.
Gjirokaster, Albania
A lack of tourism in Albania means that you get an authentic experience – one of the very few places in Europe you can truly say that about. Gjirokaster in southern Albania is a prime example of that. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the old town of Gjirokaster is famous for being a well-preserved Ottoman town. With its fortress overlooking the entire city, the old houses lean against the slopes of the hills with their beautiful old wooden facades. Winding little limestone-streets with a unique zig-zag snaky pattern add so much personality and character to Gjirokaster. The lack of tourism means prices remain low – for around €20 you can have a double room in a beautiful local guest house with an amazing view! The same applies to food – excellent quality pizza and a pint of beer in a good restaurant will cost €5!
Perast, Montenegro
Perast, a quaint coastal town on the Bay of Kotorin, Montenegro, is still relatively undiscovered. The tiny town is rich in Venice-like architecture and home to 17 churches. Lonely Planet says ‘it looks like a chunk of Venice that has floated down the Adriatic and anchored itself onto the Bay of Kotor’. A small town with just one street that runs for one kilometre along the shore, it is lined with Baroque palaces and graceful churches. What is truly admirable about Perast is that the town has kept its traditional look, with no modern architecture and the buildings are built in the traditional stone style. The two islands just off the coast are both worth a trip and you can also take a trip to the beach at the northern end of the town and sip a cold drink at the Pirate Beach bar.
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Location: Boyne Hill House Estate The perfect setting for the wedding day of your dreams. Imagine entering the gates to a sweeping tree-lined driveway leading to an elegant manor house and spectacular grounds – and it’s yours exclusively to celebrate your special day with family and friends. Boyne Hill House Estate, Kilcarn, Navan, Co. Meath. Tel:+353 46 903 1247 E:info@boynehillhouse.ie www.boynehillhouse.ie
Photography by: Thomas Sunderland 22 Castle Street Carlow Web: www.thomassunderland.ie Phone: +353 (0)59 9142278
Makeup by: Michelle Montgomery IG: @shelmonty, Email: michelle@mmstudios.ie, www.mmstudios.ie
Hair by: Rachel Manley IG: @rachelmanleyhair, Email: Rachelmanleyhair16@gmail.com, www.mmstudios.ie
Dress by Lamelia Bridal www.Lameliabridalstudiosligo.ie Beltra, Co. Sligo Tel: 071-9310561
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Boyne Bridal Photoshoot in Boyne Hill House Estate Photography by Thomas Sunderland Dresses by Lamelia Bridal
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The Wedding of
Ciara & Ronan In The Lodge at Ashford Castle on 20th July 2019
R
onan and I knew each other from secondary school but I don’t think we even spoke during that time! I was in the year ahead of him. It was only when I started living in Galway City that I bumped into Ronan on a night out and we got chatting. I had joked with the girls at that time that he would make a nice husband in five years’ time but never thought it would become a reality.
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After we had met on the night out, Ronan asked a mutual friend of ours for my number. Shortly after that he took me on our first date to Cooke’s restaurant. We both lived and worked in Galway City so we got to see each other quite a bit. After a few years, we moved in together and last year Ronan popped the question. It
Photography by John McMahon www.johnmcmahon.ie
was on a lovely Saturday in September last
views overlooking Lough Corrib, it offered more
grateful.
year when we did the Cuilcagh mountain walk
than we could have imagined for our wedding
Choosing my wedding dress, on the other
in Co. Fermanagh. Ronan had also booked
day. We made contact with the team at The
hand, was by far the toughest job of all as I
Neven Maguire’s restaurant for later that
Lodge at Ashford Castle and soon after made
was unsure of what style would suit me. After
evening. Being a Home Economics teacher
the visit down to the beautiful village of Cong,
a lot of Saturdays spent shopping with my two
myself, Ronan knew that I would really enjoy
Co. Mayo. Following on from meeting with
aunts, Nora and Siobhán, and my mother Bridie,
a visit to Neven Maguire’s so I was completely
the wedding co-ordinator we were delighted
I eventually found the dress. On New Year’s Eve
shocked when he then asked me to marry him.
to secure our date. Not many of our friends
I said ‘Yes to the Dress’ in McElhinneys Bridal
or family members had been to The Lodge at
in Ballybofey, Co. Donegal. The ladies in the
As we decided to get married the following July
Ashford Castle before so it was an extra treat
bridal rooms were very professional and gave
after our engagement, we had a lot to organise
to bring people to this spectacular venue for
me great guidance throughout. My mother was
in a short time-frame but it was all very
the first time. We wanted our guests to enjoy
so impressed that she also got her outfit there.
exciting. Deciding on a venue for our wedding
great quality food and thoroughly enjoy the
was probably one of the easier decisions we
experience The Lodge at Ashford Castle had to
The lead up to the wedding was very enjoyable.
had to make. We had visited a number of
offer. We also were lucky enough to secure the
Being on summer holidays from school, it was
places but it was only when Ronan downloaded
Church in Cong for our day. As we were both
great to have the time off to plan and prepare
the wedding brochure for The Lodge at Ashford
away from our home parishes, we had asked
in advance of the day. I looked forward to
Castle that we had pretty much decided there
Fr. Charlie McDonnell in Westport if he would
having my brother and his family home from
and then that it was the right place for us. The
marry us. Although his schedule was pretty
Australia for the wedding and meeting my
function room looked stunning and with the
full, he obliged us, for which we will be ever
nephew Luke for the first time.
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