Irish Wedding Diary Spring 2020

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

justinalexander.com

W W W. A L L U R E B R I D A L S . C O M

Irish Wedding

DIARY

Spring 2020

Welcome Hello everyone and welcome to the Spring 2020 issue of Irish Wedding Diary, Ireland’s best-loved and top-selling wedding magazine. Yes, it’s 2020, the start of a new decade and for you lucky brides and grooms to be, it’s the start of a new chapter in your life as you plan for a life-long marriage with the person you love. But before that, you have to plan your wedding and this is where we come in.

So I bet when you were planning your wedding and setting a date for 2020, or later, you thought it would never arrive. Well it has and if your wedding is this year, you’re about to get really busy. Hopefully you’re now in the final phase of planning, tying up loose ends and adding the finishing touches to your plans. Inside this magazine, we hope you’ll find help with those little details that can really make the difference.

If you’re looking at your to-do list and realising that there are still a lot of boxes left unticked, don’t despair; we have all you need in this issue to make your wedding day everything you dreamed of.

Whether you’re totally organised and have all your big ticket items done, or whether you’re still in the ‘planning stage’ with little booked, you’ll find something inside to help you along the way. If you’re not even engaged yet, why not leave the magazine open on the coffee table on page 136 where we have a guide on picking a ring!

Dresses are always top of the list for girls planning their wedding and we’ve got quite the selection. Not only have we got most of the leading wedding dress brands advertising here, we’ve also taken some dresses from top Irish bridal boutiques, and photographed them in a number of wonderful wedding venues. We travelled to the beautiful Breaffy House in Mayo then over to the Boyne Hill House in Co Meath and back across to the Athlone Springs hotel to showcase some wonderful wedding gowns in these very different but beautiful wedding venues. We’ve also got some bridesmaids’ dresses and a section of outfits for mothers of the brides and grooms and also occasion wear for the guests.

You’ll also find all the wedding suppliers you need for your dream dress, stunning venue, awardwinning photography, beauty tips for the big day, bands to set the tune, advice on how to plan

Cover Dress by Essense of Australia www.essensedesigns.com Publisher: IrishWeddingDiary.ie Ltd. Advertising: Paul Collins, Sales Director 01-498 3255 paulc@irishweddingdiary.ie Vivian Flynn, Sales Director 01-498 3242 vivian@irishweddingdiary.ie

the perfect party, and clothes for the groom, guests, and bridal party. We have a gift section with some lovely items that you can put on your gift registry list – or just go out and buy them yourself as a special treat.

A honeymoon is the one part of the wedding that is truly only about the couple. With this 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.

We all love looking at other people’s weddings, and we have a bumper selection of real weddings

Creative Director: Paul McCormack: 01-498 3211 paulm@irishweddingdiary.ie

for you. In this issue, we have included six real-life weddings, with brides and grooms telling us

Editor: Andrea Hayes Email: Andrea@irishweddingdiary.ie

Don’t forget our great mobile app, through which you can get the entire magazine, just as you see

Editorial Assistant: Alex Joyce Alex@irishweddingdiary.ie Press Releases to: Alex@irishweddingdiary.ie or Unit 8, Fashion City, Ballymount Road Upper, Dublin 24, Ireland, D24 EW2P Photography: Thomas Sunderland White Amber Photography Contributors: Andrea Hayes, Editor Elaine Hession Alex Joyce Peter Cole Marty Coleman Marcus Stewart Carmel Russell Design: Outline Graphics. www.outline.ie

their stories of getting married all around Ireland, and a couple who got married in Malta.

it here, on your IOS and Android device. Having the issue on your phone means you can check it out on your commute to work, or while sipping coffee. You can purchase a single issue for €2.99 or a yearly subscription for €7.99.

Happy Plannings

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 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 4 I IWD Contents I Spring 2020

M A D E W I T H L V E I N CA N A DA

To find your nearest stockist visit www.palomablanca.com

32 BreaffY Y house resort esort 50 sPring ring fashion ashion

48

Wedding Cars

BridesMaid aid dresses resses

90

athlone thlone otel sPrings hotel

Mother of the he Bride

120

Wedding venues enues

BoYne hill ill house estate state

104

PoP the he Question

170

6 i iWd Contents i Spring 2020

66

136

Contents

22

Wedding neWs W Ws

12

Bride of the W Year shoW

12

Wedding Diary News

22

Preview of the Bride of the Year Show

32 40 48

Spring Fashion

50

Breaffy House Resort Bridal Photoshoot with Ourania Bridal

66

Essense Bridesmaid Dresses Spring 2020

68

Wedding Gifts

real eal Weddings

140 186

Get me to the Church...

Wedding Transport

88

How to Choose your Wedding Band

90

Ireland’s Leading Wedding Venues

104

Athlone Springs Hotel Bridal Photoshoot with The Bridal Lounge

120

Mother of the Bride and Groom Outfits

132

Wedding Competitions

136

Pop the Question...

With a diamond ring

140 Wedding travel ravel

Wedding Beauty

Wedding Travel.

Honeymoons and Weddings Abroad

170

Boyne Hill House Estate Bridal Photoshoot with Lamelia Bridal

186

Real Weddings - Brides Share Their Big Day With Us

S I N CER I T Y B R I DA L .CO M

stellayork.com

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essensedesigns.com

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k e n n e t h w i n s t o n . c o m

DiaryNews Sunshine Bringing

New Bridesmaid

s now available at Alice May Bridal Beautiful new collection of bridesmaid dresse €220 and available in sizes 8-24. to €170 from Maids to Measure. Priced from to choose from. s colour of tion collec A stunning 20 for 20% off the collection.

ALICE E QUOT please y Januar of For the month alicemay.ie Tel: 01-2950006 www.alicemay.ie info@

Showcase National

BENTLEY BOYS NATIONWIDE SHOW

CASE TOUR!

Attending one of the Bentley Boys renowned showcases is a must for your wedding planning to-do list so you can exper ience 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 uniqu e, special day!

The Bentley Boys showcase regula rly in Dublin, Belfast, Cork and Athlo ne. Follow the Bentley Boys on Instagram and Faceb ook or subscribe to their YouTube chann el.

Call Dublin: (01) 4434336; Belfast: (028) 9099 2322; or Galway: (091) 442350.

E-mail: info@bentleyboysband.ie.

12 I IWD I Wedding Diary News

Fun and

utable ee of the most rep trio made up of thr body no Ukebox is a ukulele like er eth monise tog d who play and har r day. you musicians in Irelan to l cia ing extra spe a will bring someth your to ne else. This unique ide shi sun ng fun and Hawaiian attire to bri nts. eve l Ukebox can dress in ma for for the more ss formally in suits t bea up special day or can dre re mo y music, or a set to suit ceremon oy enj Ukebox can tailor a o als events. They ions or corporate set for drinks recept taking requests! and g to table singin walking from table land. for events all over Ire Ukebox are available 31232 98 7 08 ll: Ca sic.com See www.ukeboxmu m co ail. gm c@ or email ukeboxmusi

New Design

The Four-Star Riverside Park Hotel and Leisure Club at Enniscorthy are delighted to announce the exciting redesign and renovation of the ever-popular Hilton Edwards Ballroom.

With a substantial investment, The Hilton Edwards Ballroom has been completely transformed into one of the most luxurious ballrooms in the Southeast. The windows have all been replaced with floor-to-ceiling tinted glass, inviting the beautiful countryside scenery into the ballroom. Wedding couples and their guests will now be able to sit back and enjoy views of the beautiful River Slaney flowing by.

The ballroom has been remodelled and redesigned to give a completely new and lavish setting for weddings, conferences and banqueting events.The design has introduced a moodlit ceiling, with over 60 colours to choose from – and the new chandeliers catch the mood-lit ceiling perfectly, giving every event a completely different ambiance.

The hotel is introducing new gold Chiavari chairs that will exquisitely complement the rich, warm golden colours of the design.The ballroom lobby has been transformed, the walls have been raised and a skylight added, and the golden wallpaper and decorative chairs transform this area into comfortable and opulent perfection for your guests to mingle in before your banquet. Email: www.riversideparkhotel.ie. Tel: 053 923 7800

N

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

Five Star

Entertainment

DiaryNews Gowns Evening

With so many couples, be it same sex marriages or otherwise, opting to marry in a castle or venue where the whole ceremony is done ‘under one roof’, the dress code can be varied and made very much easier for both the bride and

Come True A Dream

Are you stressing about paying for your wedding dress? Not to worry!

It sounds like a dream come true. You can find your dream wedding dress without breaking your budget.

Bridal Atelier Dublin is the right place if you want to visit a beautiful bridal boutique and get that real luxury bridal shopping experience and enjoy a gorgeous designer for less. Buying a sample or used wedding dress gives you the chance to buy a designer-made dress for much cheaper. Take advantage of other brides’ thriftiness and score a budget-savvy gown yourself: you will enjoy a cheaper designer wedding dress and the savings! Bridal Atelier Dublin offers a highly curated selection of sample and pre-loved gowns at 50–80% off the retail price. And as an additional benefit, custom alterations and redesign in-house helps you create that perfect bridal look you are dreaming of.

Bridal Atelier Dublin, Unit 6, Long Mile Road Business Park, Dublin 12 Call: 085 1960892 / 01 4659852

mother of the bride or groom. Traditions can be put to one side with the bride perhaps choosing a slightly more ‘pared down’ gown or even (see picture) a beautiful long beaded dress with interesting and unique back detailing.

The ‘Rosa Clara’ collection of long evening gowns at Marian Gale Donnybrook Dublin 4 is simply stunning for these amazing events. ‘Rosa Clara’ is a Spanish House exclusive to Marian Gale, recently favoured by champion world tennis player Rafa Nadal’s new wife at their recent wedding, which took place in their native Majorca.

Mother of the bride or groom also need not worry about a coat or hat at this type of wedding.A simple but stunning dress will suffice. A beautiful dress can be draped with a stole and perhaps a simple fascinator instead of the huge ‘Ascot Style’ Hat. Marian Gale has a magnificent range of all things ‘Occasion Wear’.

Marian Gale’s dresses and outfits are exclusive to Marian Gale Donnybrook Dublin 4 in Ireland and they list your wedding, ensuring that no two outfits the same arrive on the big day.

Marian Gale stock sizes 8–20 and are situated on Main Street Donnybrook Dublin 4. An appointment to view is advisable.

Please call (01) 2697460. www.mariangale.ie

Classic A Little

Classic and Executive Cars are a small family-run business based in Co. Louth. They specialise in a unique fleet of classic cars which are luxurious, elegant and genuine classics. Dermot, the owner, has spent most of his life around motorsport and restoring classic cars. In fact, the very first thing Dermot booked for his own wedding in 1993 was the wedding car – a 1927 Rolls Royce!

All of the cars are sourced and lovingly restored by Dermot.

His passion, attention to detail and unwavering enthusiasm brings classic cars back to life ready for wedding couples to experience. Bringing that ‘something old’ to your special day.

14 I IWD I Wedding Diary News

www.classicandexecutivecars.com Call: 087 2602507

essensedesigns.com D2849

Marian Gale D4 Quality, Service and Exclusivity Brides, Black Tie, Bridesmaids

Shop for Your Wedding Mother of the Bride & Groom

Marian Gale D4 Quality, Service and Exclusivity

Please phone for an appointment.

8 The Mall, Donnybrook, Dublin 4.

Tel: 01 269 7460 www.mariangale.ie

The Wow Factor

DiaryNews

together ed musicians who have come WOW comprises four experienc members have the , them een Betw . band to form the ultimate wedding Dublin to Ireland from the 3Arena in played every major venue in y band part d ume cost fully W is a unique the SSE Arena in Belfast. WO g music swin of tion selec a with off night experience. They’ll start your seamlessly style of The Rat Pack, then dressed and performed in the transition slick a y hits. Then once again change costume for classic part is filled show the of part the 90s.The final into iconic 80s attire, next, it’s hopping floor e danc and t nigh your ing with current floor fillers, keep s party d the @TwitterDublin Christma till the wee hours! ‘WOW playe ’t want didn we nt. a hit is an understateme this year and to say they were ole O’To t!’ – Shona you to stop playing on the nigh Call: 087 9831232 or email: See: www.wowpartyband.ie mail.com d@g yban part wow

Sparkle Add some extra

Want to add extra sparkle to your engagement ring!? Christopher Murphy Jewellers have an exciting and innovative way to update and give new life to your engagement ring while still keeping your cherished sentimental value. Add a halo of glistening diamonds around your centre stone or along the band for the ultimate glamorous look, as adding extra diamonds will always enhance and add radiance to any ring. There are many redesign options and ideas available, with prices from €500. So now you can make your engagement ring look bigger and brighter at a very reasonable cost. From a simple upgrade to a total remodel of your ring... the choices are endless at Christopher Murphy Jewellers. For more information on how to Wow Up Your Ring, visit their website: www.cmjewellers.com/wow-up-your-ring/ To make an appointment call them on 01 8426197 or email Christopher on chris@cmjewellers.com A Small Change Can Make A Big Difference!

Pizza in a Cone

After decades of devouring countless slices of triangle or square-cut pizza this may seem like the stuff of dreams.

Italian pizza in cone-shaped doug h is the genius concept that you probably never saw coming. Convenient, portable and easy to eat on the move (not to mention delicious ), Kono Pizza is perfect for your wed ding guest arrival reception or late-night snack.

Surprise your family and frien ds with these delicious treats, and it’s not just a hot pizza thing. They also offer a Greek Salad cone, as well as a dessert cone filled with Nutella, strawberries, raspberries and bananas. There’s a gourmet rang e on the way too, featuring wonderful toppings like duck and hoisin sauce, as well as chicken and pesto.

Kono Pizza tastes great, we samp led at the recent Wedding & Honeymoon Show and it was a roaring success with the show attendees. And the best part is you won’t spill sauce down your dress or shirt !

For more information see www .konopizza.ie or email info@ konopizza.ie also see page 206

18 I IWD I Wedding Diary News

Ma in Ha l l , R DS 25 - 2 6 J a n u a ry 2 02 0

Everyone’s a VIP at our Wedding fair.

Bring your whole wedding party to The Bride of the Year Show @ the RDS. -

Meet over 170 exhibitors Be inspired by our legendary Catwalk Shows Drop into the ‘I Do School’ for those essential tips and trends Get your nails done at our Nail Bar

Organised by Eventhaus on behalf of Terry Burns Wedding Exhibitions Ltd Image copyright 2019 by VM Media

le b a l ai v a ets ed.ie k c i T on w

Family Run

DiaryNews

Paws forThought Why not #PawsForThought? If you are considering buying a puppy, Dogs Trust would love if you could consider a rescue dog #AdoptDontShop. They would always advise you get some advice first, or you could also take some time to read ‘Dog Tales with Andrea Hayes’. It is a ‘pawsome’ read – this lovely book is about rescue dogs who rescued their owners right back! It contains 13 heartwarming stories of dogs that have been given a second chance at happiness and of the dedicated owners who found a place in their hearts and homes for the abandoned animals.

It could be the perfect gift for the dog lover and a percentage of the sales go directly to Dogs Trust Ireland when you buy from their online store at www.dogstrustshop.ie

The Springfield Hotel is a family owned and run hotel situated in the vibrant and beautiful town of Leixlip, bordering counties Kildare and Dublin. Catering for approximately 80 weddings a year, with a one

Dogs Trust is Ireland’s largest dog welfare

wedding a day policy, the focus of their attention is solely on your

charity – their mission is to bring an

special day. Their ballroom can cater for weddings from 80 up to 220

end to the destruction of stray and

guests or they can cater for more intimate weddings in one of their

abandoned dogs in Ireland. Would you consider including your furry four

beautiful appointed private dining rooms.

legged canine friend in the wedding The Springfield Hotel are holding winter wedding fairs on Sunday

celebrations?

19th January 2020 & Sunday 2nd February 2020 from 1–5pm and all are welcome to view the hotel, meet the team and enjoy a prosecco

You can support Dogs Trust Ireland and include them in your special day celebrations with

and canape reception.

their unique and beautifully designed Dogs Trust donation card keepsakes which are a

www.springfieldnotel.ie

fantastic and popular alternative to traditional wedding favours!

You’d be barking mad not to check out page 206 to find out more.

Dress The Perfect

La Bella Sposa offer a wealth of experience in the bridal trade and use this to help every bride find her perfect dress. In 2018, they added the Martina Liana label and, from the same design house, Essence of Australia joined in early 2019. Towards the end of 2019, they also added the Enzoani label and of course still have the ever popular Mark Lesley and The White One ranges. For your bridesmaids, they have an extensive choice from both Dessy and Sorella Vita, and while all dresses are available to view on their website, nothing beats trying them on in person, so call for an appointment on 01 807 5712.

20 I IWD I Wedding Diary News

www.labellasposa.ie

Beltra, Co. Sligo T: 087-2927240 071-9310561 E: lameliabridalstudio@gmail.com W: www.lameliabridalstudiosligo.ie

‘Say Yes’ to more than just a dress at this year’s Bride of the Year Show

Takin in the M g place the RD ain Hall of Saturd S, Dublin on ay 25 26th Ja th & Sunday For mo nuary 2020. re info rma or to b ook tic tion, kets, visit www.w ed.ie

our Make Y ing edd W m a e Dr t The a y t i l a Rea e Year h t f o Bride 2020 w o h S

This is your official invite to the Bride of the Year Show – the ultimate day out where you can buy and book everything you need to make your dream wedding a reality.

With so much to do when planning your

Taking place in Dublin’s RDS, it’s set to be the

The Bride of the Year Show is an unmissable

wedding, we have all of the answers under one

most anticipated wedding event of the year.

weekend for brides and grooms-to-be, with

roof! The Bride of the Year Show is set to be

This is one diary date that you won’t want to

everything you need to help plan your special

packed with a diverse collection of Ireland’s

miss when planning your wedding: Saturday,

day from the moment you walk through the

leading wedding suppliers to help you to plan

25th and Sunday 26th January.

door.

your big day.

No matter what your budget is, what your ideas are, or who you are walking up the aisle with, the Bride of the Year Show welcomes everyone on their wedding planning journey.

From the perfect dress to the most idyllic wedding setting, to a host of hotels offering luxury getaways and overnight stays,

22 I IWD Preview I Bride of the Year Show

Smart planning: You can book your entire wedding all in one day… helping you to stay organised and on track! Here’s just some of what we have in store for this year’s Bride of the Year Show:

Before the big day arrives, this is one

Among

appointment no couple can afford to miss.

companies where you can try on the latest designs,

the

exhibitors

wedding

cars,

are

leading

venues,

bridal

caterers,

Ideal for a couple’s day out, brides and grooms-

hair and makeup artists, videographers and

to-be can meet and chat with exhibitors in

photographers…

relaxed

everything

you

need

to

many

make your big day truly special. With a host

options available, and most importantly, get a

of demonstrations, offers and discounts, your

real feel for the look and feel of their big day,

visit becomes a one-stop shop where you can

all thanks to the wealth of ideas and valuable

complete all of your planning.

surroundings,

compare

the

information on offer at the event.

And…you could save €€€s on your wedding as many of our exhibitors offer special show discount rates!

Each day there are designer catwalk shows with the latest trends to fire up your imagination. The

•

Exclusive show-only offers and discounts

•

Wedding inspiration

•

Expert advice from Ireland’s most trusted and talented wedding professionals

•

Bridal catwalk shows featuring over 100 dresses, groomswear, bridesmaids and more

•

Suppliers galore – from hotels to cakes,

spectacular catwalk shows present a variety of stunning gowns for every style and budget – helping you to ‘Say Yes!’ to your dream dress.

Not forgetting the bridal party, there are also fashion showcases featuring bridesmaid

With everything you need to plan your special

dresses, mother of-the-bride collections and

day under one roof, The Bride of the Year Show

formal wear for grooms-to-be!

is not to be missed!

photographers, and many more including:

• Award winning bespoke venues to cater for every wedding vision

• Representatives

from

the

hottest

wedding destinations across Europe and further afield

• Sustainable ideas and eco-friendly suppliers

•

Deluxe Nail Bar

•

Exclusive access to the ‘I Do’ School, hosted by Sara Kennedy, Ireland’s leading wedding blogger, a must see for all soonto-be brides, bridesmaids and mothers of the bride.

For show updates, news and prize giveaways, make sure to check out The Bride of the Year Show on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @WEDDublin

sed!

mis e b o t t o

N

ow oon Sh oneym H d ! n a 2020 edding tember p The W e S ning in ial e retur our soc will b out on e y d e our ews an Keep y ates, n d p u show els for ays! chann iveaw prize g

Bride of the Year Show I IWD Preview I 23

DiaryNews Weddings Bespoke

Bespoke Weddings in an exclusive venue

The Millhouse, Slane is a stunning Georgian manor house on the banks of the River Boyne, just 40 mins from Dublin. A combination of old-world charm and contemporary design creates a unique luxurious wedding venue, a romantic haven for your special day.

Their 15 beautiful en-suite bedrooms are individually decorated to add luxury and romance, with rich silks, velvets, free-standing baths and four-poster beds with stunning views of the cliff, the Old Mill and the River Boyne.

Say ‘I do’ in their orchard, on the riverside garden lawn, or in the dramatic Mill ceremony room with original brickwork, exposed beams, chandeliers and rustic charm.

Enjoy a spectacular wedding banquet for up to 190 people in the newly renovated and extended Pavilion, or up to 240 people with an add on marquee.This light-filled, dining room with Chiavari chairs and a fairy-

Midlands Heart of

the

light canopy creates an atmospheric wedding whatever the season.

Say ‘I do’ at the newly refurbished four-star wedding venue in the heart

At dusk, when the river has a golden glow and the orchard lanterns illuminate our garden pathways, The

of the midlands: the all new Midlands Park Hotel.

Millhouse has a magical atmosphere, one that you and your guests will remember forever. www.themillhouse.ie Email: information@themillhouse.ie Tel: 041 9820878

The all new four-star Midlands Park Hotel invites you to view their newly designed ballroom, bedrooms and suites. An investment of €7 million over the past year and half has transformed this property into a very sought after wedding venue in the heart of the midlands. Nestled in the heart of Portlaoise town, the sophisticated urban setting is the perfect location for your wedding day.

From the moment you arrive, the striking entrance creates an impressive sense of space and classic modern elegance. Immerse yourself in the luxury of the newly renovated ballroom with its natural lighting, lavish décor, mood-lit ceiling, and fairy-lit backdrop.

Our brand new Chiavari chairs complete the opulent style and feel of our glamorous ballroom; they are the perfect finishing touch. The conservatory has been transformed into a luxurious outside space perfect for pre-wedding reception drinks.

Five Star

Entertainment

A magnificent, opulent bridal suite has just been completed with a luxurious round eight-foot bed, walk-in wardrobe, double shower unit overlooking the bedroom, jacuzzi bath with TV, and a lavish reception room with a further four suites beside the bridal suite in their own exclusive wing – just perfect for your entire wedding party.

The Looks Band make it simple for you to make the right choice. High energy, live music, the

The hotel offers a choice of banqueting suites catering for up to 350

band have played all over Ireland with professional musicians, an extensive set list and impressive

guests. Complimentary Civil Ceremony Suites are also available for up

sound and lighting. The group are dedicated wedding band entertainment specialists and know

to 200 guests.

what it takes to put on the perfect show for non-stop dancing. Music from classic bands of the 60s, 70s and 80s like The Beatles, Queen and Journey to modern-day music from Bruno Mars,

Ideally located only an hour from Dublin and less than an hour and

Adele and Taylor Swift keeps the dance floor full from the first dance to the last. The Looks can

half from Cork, Limerick and Galway, the new Midlands Park Hotel is

also provide ceremony music, a drinks reception and a DJ service to finish out the night.You can have it all! Check out The Looks Band at www.thelooksband.ie they are simply superior

the ideal location for your wedding. Luxury in the heart of the midlands

entertainment. 5 star entertainment!

Spend five minutes and save hours of work! Call: 087-7672477

24 I IWD I Wedding Diary News

www.midlandsparkhotel.com Tel: 057-867 8588

Couture made to order.

Exclusive label & Exclusive Bridal Designs Ballina , Co Mayo. | Tel : 096 72988 | thomas@ourania.ie | www.ouraniabridalbythomasheverin.ie

36968_Ourania Thomas Heverin FP.indd 1

18/05/2017 13:00

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

26 I IWD I Wedding Diary News

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26/11/2019 10:26

Let’s Talk

DiaryNews

Plan in Spain

Brand new to Ireland, Hairtalk is the global pioneer of this unique method of hair extension application. Since it first launched in 2005, the ethically sourced brand has gone on to become the world’s leading tape extension brand and a favourite of celebrities across the globe including Nicole Scherzinger, 90210’s Tori Spelling, industry icon Paula Abdul, and Strictly Come Dancing and West End Star Louise Redknapp.

Adored for their effortless application and incredible quality and durability, there’s another reason why Hairtalk is fast becoming the most popular style of hair extensions on the international beauty market: Hairtalk’s unique application is entirely free of heated tools, making it quick, easy and user friendly. If it’s added volume you’re after, Hairtalk fillers can transform your look in less than ten minutes – perfect for those who want to rock a shorter look but find their own hair too thin or lacklustre.

What are you waiting for? Whether you’re maximising your platinum blonde bob or lengthening your luscious caramel ombre, your luxury, hassle-free hair extensions await.

Hairtalk sets the standard for the highest quality tape extensions in the industry. Prices start from €100. To see a list of salons supplying Hairtalk nationwide, see www.hairtalk.ie

Take A Vow understand that every penny counts, without compromising on your special day, when planning a wedding in Southern Spain. Regardless of how big or small the budget is, your wedding will be amazing.

With over 20 years’ global event management expertise, their vision through all the experts at Take A Vow is to ensure professionalism is never ever compromised. After all, this is a business transaction and why shouldn’t you receive 1st class customer service?

Professionalism goes beyond, with a checklist of requirements that can be found here: https:// takeavow.es/choosing-the-best-wedding-planner-take-a-vow/ By appointing Take A Vow as your personal Spanish Wedding Planner, you are guaranteed commitment and satisfaction from knowing that they won’t only meet your expectations but they will also exceed them. E: rachel@takeavow.es W: www.takeavow.es

Manor House Gothic-Tudor

Ballykealey House, Co. Carlow, is your perfect wedding location, built in the 19th century

arising from the marriage proposal of James Lecky to Sarah Lucia Smith. Built with love; today it offers a picturesque and enchanting location for future wedding couples looking for a unique venue to host their very special day.

Nestled beneath the Blackstairs Mountains on mature parkland, your photographer will have numerous vantage points from which to capture stunning and memorable images of your romantic day.

Built on gracious living of an elegant past today, Ballykealey House combines that history with every modern convenience, enhanced with personal service and a conscientious team dedicated to making your day a special and memorable occasion.

For viewing or further information, please contact our Wedding Events Manager Angela by

28 I IWD I Wedding Diary News

calling 059 9159288 or emailing: weddings@ballykealeyhouse.com

La Bella Sposa Bridal 58A North Street, Swords, Co Dublin Tel: 01 8075712 Website: www.labellasposa.ie Email: info@labellasposa.ie Facebook: www.facebook.com/labellasposabridal

award winning bridal designer

Relax and enjoy our spacious salon and fitting rooms. Where every bride is assured our undivided personal attention and the professional assistance of our design team.

Exquisite accessories and in-house alterations available to create a celebration in style.

www.fionatodhunter.com info@fionatodhunter.com Tel: 01-4526854 Unit 4, Greenhills Retail Park, Greenhills Rd, Tallaght, Dublin 24 Facebook: fiona todhunter bridals Dublin

Fash on Compiled by Elaine Hession

Blazer Hot

Print

Heart

Fee G Pink Blazer €225 at Arnotts

Floral

Sweet

Halo Pink Floral-Print Satin Hanky Hem Midi Dress €55 from Girls On Film

Lola Skye Pink Heart Mini Dress €40 at Dorothy Perkins

Bag In the

Pretty in Pink

DKNY Pink Crossbody €278 at Arnotts

Snake Neon

Pink Neon Snake Slip Skirt €20 from F&F

Neck Shift High

Pink high-neck midi dress €55 at Topshop

32 I IWD Feature I Fashion

The

Pink Sacha Shift Dress €65

Floral Pink &

Pink Winter Floral Dress GBP 35.00

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

Fash on Compiled by Elaine Hession

Sleeve Flute

Flute Sleeve Dress €50 from Lipsy

Violet Silk

Violet Silk Tiered Midi Dres €150 at Monsoon

Purple Days

Wrap Satin

Power Flower

Purple Satin Extreme Sleeve Wrap Front Playsuit €37 at Glamorous

Floral Winter Dress from Littlewoods

Girl Jersey

Aida jersey dress €250 at Hobbs London

34 I IWD Feature I Fashion

Croc Faux

Daisey Purple

Dark Purple Faux Croc Chain Clutch Bag €20 from New Look

Purple White Ditsy Floral Wrap Front Skater Dress €35 at Glamorous

120 acres of glorious parkland that overlooks the river Blackwater, with a wonderfully romantic walled garden and beautiful woodlands, The Johnstown Estate is an idyllic, luxury wedding destination located just 35 minutes from Dublin. From the magical setting of our wedding gardens, to the magnificent Grand Ballroom, or the intimacy of our elegant wedding suites with 17th century architecture, our dedicated wedding team is on hand to create the day of your dreams.

Enfield, Co. Meath. Tel: +353 (0)46 954 0000 Email: info@thejohnstownestate.com www.thejohnstownestate.com

3960 - Johnstown IWD wedding advert.indd 1

03/12/2019 12:29

Fash on

Dotty

Compiled by Elaine Hession

Sheer Pokedot Shirt €45 by Roman

Time Party

Velvet

Caractere Black Party Dress €349 at Arnotts

Black

Back to Black

Lace

Curves Black Velvet Plunge Dress €60 ay New Look

Victorian

Lace Victorian Blouse €55 at River Island

Fringe

Tea

Black

Suit Jump

Some Text

Peace Black Floral-Print Tiered Midi Tea Dress €50 Girls On Film

The

Michelle Keegan Kayla Fringed Clutch – Black €45 from Littlewoods

36 I IWD Feature I Fashion

Black Gold Trim Court €50 by Lipsy London

SPRING / SUMMER 2020 New season footwear, veils and accessories Explore online and in-store now. www.rainbowclub.co.uk Irish Wedding Diary - Spring 2020.indd 1

22/11/2019 14:13:40

Fash on

Sequin

Compiled by Elaine Hession

Print Dress Ivory

Blue

Floral

Ivory Spot Print Dress with Pockets €45 Roman

Sequin Top Roman €55

Debenhams Studio by Preen €103.50

Shoulder Spot Top

Off the

True Blue

Dani One Shoulder Maxi Dress €120 at Monsoon

New Look blue spot maxi dress €30

Pleats Pure

Arnotts Samsoe & Samsoe Navy Daria Pleat Skirt €164.95

Shy So

TK Max Blue Diamantee Drop Earrings €16.99

38 I IWD Feature I Fashion

Joe Browns Not So Shy Evening Bag

Memories you’ll savour for a lifetime‌

N

estled on 1,000 acres of undulating Irish countryside, dotted with ancient woodland and glittering lakes, Castle Leslie Estate is an exquisite and mystical setting for your special wedding celebration.

In the hands of its founding family since the mid 17th Century,

Set in a secluded and tranquil

Castle Leslie Estate is steeped in history and has been the

location in Glaslough village, Castle

venue for countless parties and celebrations through the

Leslie Estate is only 80 minutes from

centuries. It is an incredibly intimate and romantic venue

Dublin and 60 minutes from Belfast.

that comes alive when filled with the laughter and joy of

Its uniqueness, character and charm

family and friends.

can only be felt, not described.

At Castle Leslie Estate our priority is to turn your dream into a reality. Whether you are planning an intimate celebration for two or a grand celebration for 260, we have the perfect setting for you. With our reputation for fabulous food and discreet personal attention, the Estate also boasts a variety

Therefore we invite you to come and experience it for yourself and we look forward to welcoming you to the Estate so you can sample our renowned hospitality.

of accommodation to suit all preferences. We look after

To arrange a private viewing, call us

every detail to make your wedding celebration a day you will

now on +353 (0)47 88100 or email:

always remember.

events@castleleslie.com

Castle Leslie Estate, Glaslough, Monaghan www.castleleslie.com

Glamour

Getaways

Honeymoon

Honeymoon

With Beauty Editor

Elaine Hession

It’s honeymoon time, that once in a lifetime trip you get to take with the love of your life. These are the beauty essentials that should accompany you.

Scrub

A red lip statement screams sophistication. Note’s MattEver Lipstick is ideal for those who want a flawless super matte lip colour. It’s smooth

Honey

texture gives an elegant, matte finish without drying out your lips. Instead the combination of argan oil and vitamin E nurses your lips back to condition. A light and creamy texture that feels so smooth on the lips. Available in 8 beautiful shades to compliment any new bride.

Note Matteever Lipstick €8.95

Glow Perfect

Treat your skin to some honey love. The new Rêve de Miel Scrub of honey sugar crystals and precious oils removes dead skin and conditions new skin. Ideal for the removal of tan residue. It also smells divine.

Rêve de Miel Scrub €26.50

Days

Glow from the outside in with the perfect beauty travel size bag. Specially designed for dry skin. The 2-in-1 milk cleanser removes eye and face makeup whilst the hydra cream and mask ensures comfort and hydration Yonka Lait Nettoyant 30ml, Yonka Hydra No1 creme 50ml, Yonka Hydra No1 Masque 15ml Yonka Paris Hydration Vanity Set €57.50

Golden

Radiance, nutrition and vitality in one precious drop of pure gold. The newest plant oil from Clairns is 100% natural. The new oil treatment that contains a beautiful mix of blue orchid, macadamia, grape, patchouli, almond and

X Factor

hazelnut. The super light fluid is amazing under

If your heading to the slopes or to a hot location make sure

make up for a great skin glow. Ideal for all types

you pop a sun protection in to the honeymoon bag. I love

of skins

the P20 handy travel size in factor 30 to ensure skin is well

Clarins Plant Gold L’Or des Plantes &

protected no matter what type of sun you’re facing.

Clarins Aromaphytocare €55

Riemann P20 SPF30 Pump Spray €9.95

Voyage Bon

Cream Caramel

Instead of a foundation, opt for wearing a BB cream instead of a full coverage foundation on honeymoon. The Novexpert Pro Caramel Cream promotes a healthy glow

Up up and away. Travel in style with

thanks to its ultra-natural finish for a natural flawless

this vintage wash bag.

complexion.

Rex Ireland Vintage Daisy Wash

The radiance boosting action reinforces a botanical active

Bag €12.95

ingredient that stimulates melanin and prolongs the tan.

40 I IWD Beauty I Honeymoons

Novexpert – Pro Caramel Light BB Cream RRP €29

Glenview Hotel a n d L e i s u r e C lu b

To the World you may be One Person but to One Person you are the World.

Creating Magical Days Since 1904.

Call Laura to Book Your Private Appointment.

Glenview Hotel & Leisure Club Glen O’ The Downs Delgany Co. Wicklow Tel:: +353 (01) 274 0000 www.glenviewhotel.com events@glenviewhotel.com

Cleaning Spring

Mood

It’s a new start and what better way to start the new year than investing in products for the season ahead. Here are a few of my favourite bridal beauties.

With Beauty Editor Elaine Hession

A Good

Clean

Cool &

Take your skincare to another dimension with the new Bia Skin Superfood cream

for your face, hands and body. The unique blend of natural bia complex ingredients will leave your skin super smooth and supple without the use of any chemical ingredients.

Set the mood with essential oils of mandarin and sesame oil as well as shea butter and mango butter to help soothe the mind and relax before the big day.

Yonka Paris Taiga Massage Oil Candle €45

Fingers Green

Codex Beauty Bia Skin Superfood €55

Boost A big

PAYOT Hydra 24H+ Essence is a fresh and light water gel that breaks into water on contact with the

Add a touch sparkling glamour to your pinkies. The

skin. Designed to restore and boost hydration while

new CND collection introduces five new colours

protecting the skin against external aggression. This

inspired by Swarovski crystals. The 7-day wear,

hydrating water restores and boosts hydration which

chip-resistant and fast-drying colour is packed with a

leave the skin feeling silky soft. Apply every morning

caring complex of keratin, jojoba oil and vitamin E to

and evening to a perfectly cleansed face and eye

ensure nails are in tip top condition.

contour, using your fingertips or a cotton pad, before

Crystal Alchemy Vinylux Collection €14.95

you moisturise.

PAYOT Hydra 24H+ Essence €21

Cleanser Facial

IMAGE Ormedic Balancing Facial Cleanser boasts green tea and chamomile to lift away makeup

and impurities. It balances the PH of your skin so you don’t need a toner. The mix of comfrey, calendula and rich botanicals delivers essential nutrients to restore the skin’s natural balance.

Ideal for sensitive and irritated skin types.

IMAGE Balancing Facial Cleanser €36.00

Scrub Fresh

A good facial exfoliator is an essential part of any skincare regime. Exfoliating promotes cell turnover, allowing old dead skin cells to shed to allow new healthy skin to come toward the surface. Clarins Fresh Scrub is a the perfect gentle scrub to replenish new skin.

Clarins Fresh Scrub €30

42 I IWD Beauty I Spring Cleaning

Jennies Candles Jennies Candles offer you a full range of handmade personalised wedding candles.

Handcrafted and individually decorated, each candle is unique.

For more information please visit our website or email us. www.jenniescandles.com • www.jenniesinvitations.com Tel: (071) 9141055 • Mobile: (087) 634 0406

Perfection Simple

Trends Spring

With Beauty Editor

Elaine Hession

On your Big Day, you need a long-lasting look that will withstand all the elements, from your outdoor bridal portraits to the beads of sweat you’ll work up on the dance floor. Invest in a few classics that will stand up on the day.

Lashes

Luscious

Fuschia make-up have launched a fully vegan 8 piece brush collection made from bamboo. The eight piece set is everything you need to sculpt, create

and define endless bridal makeup looks.

Fuschia Vegan 8 Piece Brush Collection €39.00

Conceal Flawless

Create the best kind of drama with fuller longer

lashes with the Sculpt Master Mascara from Note. The innovative wand means less clumping and more defined

Image Skincare I Conceal Flawless Foundation SPF

lash coating for perfectly coated lashes. Take note the

30 is a natural lightweight, breathable treatment

new formula is enriched with vitamin C and vitamin E

foundation offering anti-aging skincare, broad-spectrum

to promote growth as well as keep lashes strong and

sun protection and adaptable colour in one product. I

healthy.

CONCEAL disguises imperfections with natural-looking

Note Sculpt Master Mascara €11.95

Hues

mineral pigments. It helps maintain the skin’s moisture

Berry

balance by regulating sebum production and minimising shine throughout the day. Plant stem cells and nourishing antioxidants target the underlying causes of ageing to improve the skin’s feel and appearance over time. Suitable for all skin types.

Gloss

I Conceal Flawless Foundation €52.50

High

Define your eyes with the new Note Professional Eyeshadow Palette. The new palette boasts five stunning

A weightless, liquid-balm with a high-shine gloss

eyeshadows ranging from pastels to berry hues with

is the next evolution of lip gloss from Tom Ford.

finishes including satin, shimmer and metallic. Melting

The new gloss is as light-as-air in sheer-to medium

effortlessly onto the lids for smooth, even application, the

coverage. Infused with three precious oils: avocado,

shades deliver high-pigmented, long-wearing colour with

olive and jojoba as well as hollow powders for airy

superior stay-ability.

comfort, the liquid balm glacé hydrates lips with

Professional Eyeshadow Palette €14.95

full-looking, zero-gravity wear and gleam. Essential

Honey Love

for completing any bridal look Tom Ford Lip Gloss Luxe €45

Perfect for an overnight treatment in the run up to your wedding. Add some honey balm to repair and nourish dry lips formulated with honey and rich

Colour Vintage

Add a pop of vintage colour to you look.

Crystal Alchemy

Vinylux Collection in Rebellious Ruby €14.95

Refresh Skin

Keep your glow on the go. Designed to

essential oils to deeply condition your pout. Well-

increase hydration levels in the skin between

conditioned lips means that your lipsticks will stay in

your morning and night time routines, the

place longer.

3 in 1 skin mist, containing hyaluronic acid,

Nuxe Rêve de Miel Lip Balm € 13.00

aloe vera, camomile and cucumber leaves skin feeling refreshed, plump and hydrated.

44 I IWD Beauty I Spring Trends

Ella & Jo 3 in 1 Hyaluronic Skin Mist €25

WHY WAIT?

THE BEAUTIFUL SEAFIELD HOTEL & SPA RESORT EXUDES CONTEMPORARY ELEGANCE IN A MAGICAL SETTING ON BALLYMONEY SHORE WITH ITS OWN PRIVATE BEACH. EXCHANGE VOWS AND CELEBRATE IN STYLE IN ONE OF FOUR BESPOKE SPACES.

JUST AN HOUR FROM SOUTH DUBLIN, SEAFIELD OFFERS PERSONAL SERVICE, GORGEOUS STYLING AND WORLD CLASS FACILITIES TO MAKE YOUR WEDDING A TRULY MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE.

YOUR GUESTS, ALL OF THEM, KNEW YOU’D COME UP WITH SOMETHING SPECIAL. AND SO YOU HAVE.

SEAFIELD HOTEL & SPA RESORT ballymoney, gorey, co. wexford

t: 053 9485107 e: events@seafieldhotel.com w: www.seafieldhotel.com

“I Felt like a Million Dollars”

Thanks to the weight loss and wellness she achieved following the WW programme

by Angharad Williams

Aisling then Here is Aisling on the morning of the wedding with: L-R Neice Mary, Neice Meghan, Daughter Caoimhe, Aisling and Neice AnnMarie

L

ooking back at her wedding photos Aisling Feeney relives the happy moment she walked down the aisle. “I felt like a million dollars. It was a feeling I never thought I would have. It was unbelievable.”

Aisling’s dream wedding took place on June 1,

“I used to hide myself and wear black,” the

and she confesses that she felt more confident

27-year-old from Moycullen, County Galway

walking down the aisle than she had ever

said. “I used to look like I was going to a funeral

imagined thanks to the weight loss and wellness

when I was going to a wedding. I wasn’t very

she achieved following the WW programme.

confident.”

“On my wedding day it wasn’t just friends and

She remembers a time when she preferred to

family, there were people I wouldn’t know so

Having lost five stone eight pounds since

blend into the background, but the beautiful

well,” she said, “but I was confident talking with

she first joined WW, she has regained her

bride says she was comfortable having all eyes

them and that’s something that I would never

confidence and health, and gained a new

on her.

have felt before. It was a big deal for me.”

career as a WW Coach.

46 I IWD Feature I Health & Wellbeing

Photographer Philip Smyth www.smythphotography.com | Chantelle Kyne make up

While Aisling was carrying extra weight before

programme livable by simply applying the

she decided to start a family it crept up further

SmartPoints® system to everyday foods, and

following the birth of her second son Patrick in

the weight loss just kind of happened.”

November 2015. “Patrick was in hospital after he was born and I put on more weight because

One of the highlights of her wedding journey

I was eating out of home a lot.”

was finding the perfect wedding dress.

Her doctor diagnosed that Aisling had post-natal

“Being able to go into a wedding dress shop

depression and prescribed antidepressants.

and pick anything off the rack and try it on was

However, that visit to the doctor was the

a massive thing for me, it was so emotional.

moment that transformed her life. She said: “I

On our special day I felt so confident standing

came home and I said ‘I have to take control

next to my husband and bridesmaids without

of my life’.”

feeling like I had to cover myself as I would have in the past.”

Aisling joined WW in early 2016 and she was engaged to her partner Martin a few months

Aisling runs her own WW workshops in

later. She decided that she would not book her

Moycullen where she shares her wellness and

wedding until she reached her goal weight of

weight loss journey. She can balance being a

12stone 4lbs.

WW Coach around her busy life and says that seeing the change in other people is inspiring

“I didn’t have a healthy relationship with food,”

and empowering.

she admits. “I did try to lose weight on my own but I found it really hard. I would do a few days

“My own energy levels are far higher. Before WW

of eating well and then was going for a take-

I used to come home in the evenings and eat

away and that would throw me off.

my weight in rubbish. Now if I want something

The new MyWW is a science-based programme with three ways to follow it. This ground-breaking new program is customised for each member tailoring weight loss to your life. Everyone’s different. Our personal assessment focuses on your unique needs and provides the best options that match your lifestyle.

to eat, I have everything in the house I need so “I always had an excuse for myself, like I’m 5’11

I can choose something healthy.”

so I am quite tall for a woman, I ‘d always say

Aisling facilitates her WW Workshop

that I am big boned or that I would look awful

Plus, with WW digital I have the programme

Tuesdays at 6pm in Aras Uilinn, Church Road,

scrawny if I was slim. I knew I was overweight

in the palm of my hand 24/7 for handy meal

Moycullen, Galway.

and felt bad about myself but I continued with

ideas, recipes, eating out, on the go tracking

the excuses.

and so much more; including access to the members-only community that is supportive

“But once I started WW, I had the support

and full of inspirational stories.

Find more information about the new MyWW programme and other Workshops visit www.ww.ie or call us at 01 870 3900

I needed and found following the WW

Health & Wellbeing I IWD Feature I 47

Get me to the Church… in Style G

etting to the church on time, and in style, has never been easier than now with a range of options for the happy brideto-be. If there is ever a day where you deserve to be treated like royalty or an A list celebrity it’s your wedding day. And just as no self-respecting celebrity would arrive at a red carpet event in their five year old Nissan Qashqai, you deserve to travel and arrive in style on your big day.

Vintage Wedding cars If you’re looking to arrive in classic style, there is nothing like turning up in a Rolls Royce or a Bentley. And better still if they hark back to a time when cars were built to look great rather than designed in a wind tunnel. The smell of the leather the feel of the wood and soft seats all scream quality and will get you feeling

When picking your car remember that while the

options out there from vintage VW Beatles,

truly special. We asked Matthew from Cassidy

primary purpose of a wedding car is to ferry you

to stretch limos and classic Rolls Royces and

Chauffeur Drive who specialise in 1940s and

from your home to the ceremony and on to the

Bentleys, that there is no reason why you can’t

1950s Rolls Royce and Bentley cars why brides

reception, it can also form a beautiful backdrop

find a car to suit your theme and budget.

and grooms love their classic cars. “Brides and

to your wedding photographs, complementing

grooms love their classic cars because they

the theme of your wedding or even the

inspire a sense of nostalgia and maintain old

colour of the bridesmaids’

traditions while at the same time look with

dresses. Thankfully, there

excitement towards the future,”

are a host of

1965 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud III from Cassidy Chaufer Drive

48 I IWD Feature I Wedding Transport

“Brides and grooms love their classic cars because they inspire a sense of nostalgia”

Matthew told us. “Couples getting married want

wedding day are Exclusive Wedding Cars from

their wedding day to be special and what could

Dublin. Proprietor of Exclusive Wedding Cars,

be more special and memorable for the couple

Paddy Kearns, told us that as the Model A is

than beginning their journey into married life

quite high off the ground the brides love being

in an elegantly styled and exquisitely finished

able to sit high with the roof back and see all

Rolls Royce or Bentley vintage car which truly

the well-wishers waving and smiling. “They

stands out from the crowd today, as it always

are often wearing vintage dresses and the car

has.”

really suits that vintage theme. Brides really love the nostalgia of the era and also love the

Downton Bride

modern reliability.”

If you really want to give the men in your life a treat, why not hire a classic sports car for them to drive on the day. Your dad can get a thrill driving you to the church and then the hubby can take over on the way to the venue.

You can hire an E-Type Jag, a classic Porche, or a Triumph TR6 to mention just a few.

Again, these cars will really look the part in the wedding album. It might not be the best option

If you fancy yourself as a Lady of the Manor

if you’re going for a full ballgown dress or a

from Downton Abbey you can arrive in style

Quirky cars.

with a vintage 1930s car. While there are

If you are looking for something different to

some original cars still trundling down the

get you to the church, there are some quirkier

highways and byways of Ireland, there are

options out there. If you want your groom to

replicas out there that give you all the style and

know you’re on the way you could rock up in a

panache of the flapper days but with the 21st

1960s VW Beatle or a VW Camper Van We’ve

century reliability and comfort. One company

all heard the distictive rattle of the VW engine

who provide Model A Ford replicas for your

so your groom will be know when you’re about to arrive. You can actually hire these for a full weekend and drive them yourself. Alternatively you could hire a 1950s Cadillac as your wedding car. If you’re going for a short tea length wedding dress, which are proving very popular at the moment, a 1950s Cadillac will really complete

the

look

and

might even be able to pick the colour to match your theme. These look great Ford Model A Replica from Exclusive Wedding Hire

Sporty Cars

in the wedding photos and your hubby-to-be will love these retro style cars.

huge train as it might be a tight squeeze.

I’m a Celebrity If you want to go for the full celebrity vibe, why not go for the big stretch limo for the girls and a stretch hummer for the boys. You’ll be whisked away in style and comfort with champagne and BLING all around.

Guests You can also arrange transport for your guests by hiring a bus for the big day to ferry your guests from the church to the venue. Here too you have a great choice and don’t have to just go for any old minibus. You have the Dublin Bus who have a white double decker that will accommodate most of your car-less guests, or Dublin Coach have a Vintage Bus and Lawler Chauffeur Service have an Asquith Palace (14 seater) Vintage Bus which you can use for your guests or the bridal party to travel together and get the party started early.

Wedding Transport I IWD Feature I 49

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.

Breaffy House Resort I IWD Bridal I 51

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.

52 I IWD Bridal I Breaffy House Resort

Breaffy House Resort I IWD Bridal I 53

54 I IWD Bridal I Breaffy House Resort

The Wine Cellar at Breaffy House Resort Dress by Ourania Bridal Crossmolina Road, Ballina, County Mayo 087 4108346 or 096 72988 Email: thomas@ourania.ie Web: ouraniabridalbythomasheverin.ie.

Breaffy House Resort I IWD Bridal I 55

Dress by Ourania Bridal Crossmolina Road, Ballina, County Mayo 087 4108346 or 096 72988 Email: thomas@ourania.ie Web: ouraniabridalbythomasheverin.ie.

56 I IWD Bridal I Breaffy House Resort

Breaffy House Resort I IWD Bridal I 57

Dress by Ourania Bridal |

Crossmolina Road, Ballina, County Mayo | 087 4108346 or 096 72988 | Email: thomas@ourania.ie | Web: ouraniabridalbythomasheverin.ie.

58 I IWD Bridal I Breaffy House Resort

Breaffy House Resort I IWD Bridal I 59

60 I IWD Bridal I Breaffy House Resort

Dress by Ourania Bridal Crossmolina Road, Ballina, County Mayo 087 4108346 or 096 72988 Email: thomas@ourania.ie Web: ouraniabridalbythomasheverin.ie.

Breaffy House Resort I IWD Bridal I 61

Dress by Ourania Bridal Crossmolina Road, Ballina, County Mayo 087 4108346 or 096 72988 Email: thomas@ourania.ie Web: ouraniabridalbythomasheverin.ie.

62 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 I IWD Bridal I 63

ur w y yo Sho aff ow ok ng Bre t N 108 o B di at or 4 ed d s 4 W oun e Re 4 90 Ar ous 09 H LL

CA

Connaught’s Premier Wedding Destination Venue • Over 50 years Wedding Banqueting Experience • • Picturesque 90 Acre Woodland Estate • • Choose from a host of bespoke WOW Wedding Upgrades (Helicopter Rides, Fireworks, White Dove Release) • • Bespoke Wedding Packages including Diamond and Moet & Chandon Packages • • Indoor & Outdoor Civil Ceremonies • Exclusive Wine Cellar Experiences • • Capacity up to 450+ wedding guests • • Upgrades available to Junior & Executive Suites and Superior Deluxe rooms • • Book your pre & post wedding celebrations (Evening Meals, Private Dining Experiences & BBQ Parties) •

Br

f fy Hou

Breaffy House Resort | Breaffy | Castlebar | Co. Mayo T: 094 904 4108 E: weddings@breaffyhouseresort.com W: www.breaffyhouseresort.com

Re s o r t

se

ea

Est.1887

ADAM’S

Irelan d ’s Pre mi e r Je we l l e r y Auc t i one ers Adam’s Auctioneers is the ultimate destination for jewellery lovers...

With the help and guidance of our experts, you can find a special piece of jewellery for your wedding day, that will be treasured for years!

Adam’s holds three fine jewellery auctions each year in May, September and December offering a beautiful selection of fine jewellery and watches, at incredible value. Our next fine jewellery auction will take place May 2020.

We are currently accepting consignments for the May auction and invite you to contact us for a free and confidential appraisal.

PRSA Registration no. #001959

For information and private appointments please contact Adam’s Jewellery Department.

6047 Irish Wedding Diary.indd 1

26 S t S tephen tephenSS G reen D ublin 2 +353-1-6760261

claire @ aDamS . ie

25/11/2019 15:24

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!

66 I IWD Feature I Bridesmaids’ Dresses

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. ___________________________

Bridesmaids’ Dresses I IWD Feature I 67

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3 5 6

Wedding Gifts 7

Let The Wedding Shop inspire you into married life Serving couples for over 30 years, The Wedding Shop know a thing or two about Gifts. From champagne coupes to love cushions, here are the gifts that if you list now, you’ll both love forever – let The Wedding Shop inspire you into married life. Getting married and looking to build your perfect wedding gift list together? One full of all the stylish presents and lifelong essentials you dream of as a couple? From cocktail shakers, coffee makers, even flights to LA to see the Lakers…

The Wedding Shop are here to help! As the most popular, multi-award-winning wedding gift list ser-

8

vice, with almost three decades worth of experience under their belt, The Wedding Shop knows how to make it all easy and totally stress-free. What’s more, it won’t cost you a thing.

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Coffee Market, Bialetti €34.50 Wine Opener, Cuisinart €52 Ski Mug, Powerhound €21 Mini Desk Lamp, Anglepoise, €190 Wall Clock, Garden Trading Company €29 Eye Cushion, Habitat €69 Globe, A by Amara, €86.50 Burst Mug, Deakin LTD €16 Retro mini-digital radio, VQ €103.50 Teapot, Stelton €109 Coffee Machine, Breville €171.50 Coaster, A by Amara €57.50 Bath Towels, A by Amara from €7 Measuring Scales, The Kitchen Pantry €30

68 I IWD Feature I Wedding Gifts

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13

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L IST NOW LOV E F O R E VE R

weddingshop.ie

Pendant Black

G ifts Made W it h Love ^ Candle Purple

Louis Poulsen PH 5 Black Pendant Light €540 at Nest.co.uk

Hold a

Dinner

Perfect

Set for

Abigail Ahern small and large sandcase gold candlestick

holders €30 at Debenhams

Pearl Set of 4 dinner plates, Costa Nova at The Wedding Shop €56

Bucket Silver

Brighten your life with these stunning gift boxed gem coloured

Silver Tone Nickel Witch Ice Bucket

teacups and saucers with gold

€39.99 at Homesense Ireland

handles and detailing www.bombayduck.com £17.50

Divider Room

Table Bar

Kettle

Jug

Argos Home Chicago Extending Bar Table and Two Chairs - Grey, €149.99 at Argos

These stunning room dividers bring elegance and

Seater

drama to the home. In bold statement themes, there is a design to suit any interor decor €75 at Arthouse. com

Three

70 I IWD Feature I Wedding Gifts

Willow & Hall Haxton 3 Seater Sofa in Uniform from £1,465

Text Cuisinart Jug Kettle in Vintage Rose €85 at Cuisinart

Step House Hotel & Restaurant

Step House

Experience the Exceptional Hotel & country house hotel, A four star family run boutique Restaurant designed to host the most intimate and personal weddings.

Step House

Step House Hotel Carlow Borris, Co. Carlow, Ireland

T: +353 (0) 599 773 209 E: weddings@stephousehotel.ie

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

72 I IWD Feature I Wedding Gifts

Argos Home Chelsea Three-Seater - Grey Velvet, €549.99 at Argos

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

MY

K

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

Nessie Planet

G ifts Made W it h Love ^ Giraffe

Sweet

Different

Saturn Pendant

€180 at Debenhams

Copper

Copper Wall

Mounted Giraffe

£142 at Audenza

The cute Loch-Ness monster inspired sugar spoon

Fifties

became an immediate favourite of the Ototo Nessie collection. It makes a ‘sweet’ gift not only for ‘sweet

Nifty

tooths’. At The Design Gift Shop

School Old

Smeg ‘50’s Style’ 1.7L Kettle €139 at Harvey Norman

Leather Old World Armchair at DFS

Coffee

Magimix

Birds Little

Bird Bramble Jug €12.99

Magimix Coffee Machine, Nespresso at The Wedding Shop €287.50

at Homesense Ireland

Chairs

Velvet

Coral

Grey

Argos Home Julian Velvet Chair

74 I IWD Feature I Wedding Gifts

Audrey Coral Armchair and Stool at Covet House

Charcoal, €229.99 at Argos

A beautiful warm country house offering the perfect intimate location for your special day.

84 bedrooms and hosts weddings up to 250 guests 40 minutes south of Dublin city and opposite Powerscourt House and Gardens Open all year round and caters for full civil ceremonies Packages from €75.00 includes host of extras Call us today to discuss how we can help you say “I do”

Summerhill Country House • Tel: 01 2867928 • weddings@summerhillhousehotel.com • www.summerhillhousehotel.com

Light G ifts Made W it h Love ^ Spoon Wood Easy

Tallie easyfit Pendant Light €60 at Debenhams

Golden

Mango

Agra mango wood

side table €225 Next

Greta Great

Canvas Home, Olso 20 Piece cutlery set at The Wedding Shop €276

Seated Deep

Greta Armchair €365 at Michael Murphy Home Furnishing

Back Wing

Deep Red Modern Chesterfield Style Sofa at DFS

Teal Real

This Dukono Wing Chair fills the room with its strong attitude at Covet House

Dip Dye Teal And Gold Vase On Stand

House Farm

Argos Home Farmhouse Desk Pine, €100 at Argos

76 I IWD Feature I Wedding Gifts

1910063_IWD_195x138_Layout 1 03/12/2019 10:56 Page 1

This family owned enchanted 18th Century Castle is the ideal venue to celebrate your wedding in style. Allow us to use our years of tradition in excellence to create the perfect ambience for your most special day.

Sparkling chandeliers, deep wood furnishings, roaring fires, crisp linen, bubbly champagne & silver candelabras merge to create a majestic atmosphere.

For enquiries call Chelsea on: +353 1 230 5400 or email: chelsea.mccann@ fitzpatricks.com Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, Killiney, Co. Dublin. www.fitzpatrickcastle.com

Wedding Celebrant Bespoke wedding ceremonies Created with you.

Created for you.

Wedding ceremonies & Vow renewals www.conorclear.com conorclear@gmail.com conorclearcelebrant

Newton Oval

G ifts Made W it h Love ^

Newton Eliptic Chandelier at Boca do Lobo

Toast

Spin

Retro

Tail

Abigail ahern single tale hook €12 Debenhams

Velvet Green

50’s Retro 4 slice toaster, Smeg

Dutch

at The Wedding Shop €207

Home

Go

Smart

Amsterdam light

Google Home Smart Speaker

coffee table

€99 at Harvey Norman

€299 at Next

Flame

Lush Green Velvet Wall Clock.

Olympic

£49 at Audenza

Chair Cuddle

Argos Home Jackson

Orange Velvet Cuddle Chair, €449.99 at Argos

A Beautiful Olympus Firepit a sight to seen, taking us back to the great fire of the Athenas torch, also known as the Olympic Flame at Covet House

Again

Board Side

Play it

Casablanca Armchair Pink

€599 Michael Murphy Home Furnishing

78 I IWD Feature I Wedding Gifts

Grey Georgian Sideboard €34.99 at HomeSense

Cassidy Chauffeur Drive Vintage Wedding Car Specialists

Suppliers of Rolls Royce & Bentley Cars • Complimentary bottle of bubbly

Contact: 01-4501533 Mobile: 087 2567822 www.cassidychauffeurs.ie Cassidy Chauffeur Drive Spring 2018.indd 1

05/12/2017 20:06

Suspension Triptico

G ifts Made W it h Love ^

New Piece Triptico Suspension Lamp at Boca do Lobo

Head Eland

Abigail Ahern Eland Head €120 Debenhams

Butterfly

Trolley Drink

Blue

Blue Butterfly Chair

Skagerak Drinking Trolley

€195.99 at TKMaxx Ireland

at The Wedding Shop €735

Light Wall

Clock Wire

Wall Clock at Argos

Grosvenor Wall Light Fool’s Gold €159.99 Dowsing & Reynolds

Scallops Velvet

Spoon Silver

16 Piece Purity Cutlery Set, €26 at Argos

Scalloped Oyster Velvet Chair | Mustard Orange £375 at Audenza

80 I IWD Feature I Wedding Gifts

Weddings

€49 Including Wine

from

pp

WEDDINGS EDDINGS & CIVIL IVIL CEREMONIES EREMONIES

Magical Moments are Made at the Midlands Park Hotel Midlands Park Hotel, Town Centre, Portlaoise. Tel: 057 867 8588 | www.midlandsparkhotel.com

BESPOKE WEDDINGS IN A TRULY MAGICAL, EXCLUSIVE WEDDING VENUE. The Millhouse is a romantic haven in a wonderful garden setting.

At dusk when the river has a golden glow and the Orchard lanterns and fairy lights illuminate our garden pathways The Millhouse has a magical atmosphere, one that you and your guests will remember forever.

Viewings by appointment only w ww.th emillh ou se.ie The Millhouse, The Old Mill, Slane, Co. Meath Tel: 041 9820878 Email: information@themillhouse.ie

Pendant Wooden

One

Tea for

G ifts Made W it h Love ^

Debenhams J by Jasper Conran wooden pendant €187.50 at Debenhams

Camera Paper

Flamingo Tea for one, Yvonne Ellen at The Wedding Shop €52

Freeze

The perfect gift for your honeymoon, this SLR camera is made entirely from stitched papers at €140 Made

By Hand Online

Bowls Nesting

The Big

Smeg Fridge Freezer

€1999 Harvey Norman

Facts Face

Argos Home Apartment Apparel Glazed Nesting Bowls, €15 at Argos

Table Oval

Vase

Mogg Matera oval dining table €4280 at Go Modern Furniture

Zebra

Zebra Vase - Standing Tall £142 at Audenza

82 I IWD Feature I Wedding Gifts

Face sculpture €30 at Next

The Kilternan Gallery, Enniskerry Road, Co Dublin T: 01-2950006 E: info@alicemay.ie W: alicemay.ie

Intimate, Special and Different

“One of Ireland’s top five sexiest hotels” UK Observer Ireland’s Top Food & Wine Destination IRELAND’S HOTEL OF THE YEAR 2018 The Twelve Hotel, Bearna VIllage, Galway, Ireland tel: +353 91 597000 E: sales@thetwelvehotel.ie

www.thetwelvehotel.ie

The Twelve Hotel Autumn 2013.indd 1

22/05/2013 13:23

Chandelier Hanging

G ifts Made W it h Love ^

Espresso Maker Hand held

Coffee

Bodum three-cup coffee maker at

The Wedding Shop €41

Tahlia chandalier € 160 at Next

Berry Merry

Nanopresso Portable

Argos Home Berry

Handheld Espresso Maker Ground + Case

Christmas Palatial 12 Piece Dinner Set ‚Grey,

$89.95 at Gyrofish

Eden

€38 at Argos

East of

Eden Floor Light

€150 at Debenhams

Family Golden

Stool

Elephant Family Trio

€75 at Harvey Norman

Carved

Carved Green Stool at Boca Do Lobo

84 I IWD Feature I Wedding Gifts

Leather Tan

Smithfield Tan Leather Armchair With Wooden Fee £1400 at Habitat

Ardan Gift Box

set of six wine glasses

â‚Ź170

Introducing the Waterford Ardan Collection, designed to be used and enjoyed every day, the collection blends form and function in perfect harmony.

waterfordvisitorcentre.com

Waterford Crystal The New ‘Waterford Ardan’ range is a contemporary collection for a younger consumer blending form and function in perfect harmony.

W

aterford, established in 1783, renowned for the finest quality crystal, Irish craftsmanship and lifestyle, launches a new range ‘Waterford Ardan’, which has been created to target a younger consumer with a contemporary lifestyle and everyday usage in mind. It is a mid-priced range with a more accessible price point that perfectly complements and extends the current premium Waterford ranges.

The name ‘Ardan’ refers to the Irish

of deep wedge cuts. The Blasket Islands

word meaning ‘high aspiration’ featuring

have been called Next Parish America,

two new fresh patterns: Enis and Mara.

based on the erroneous idea that the next

These two new Waterford patterns draw

parish west of the islands would be the

inspiration

from

their

Irish

heritage,

United States.

beautiful

landscapes

and

rugged

coastlines.

Mara – The Irish word for ‘sea’ is evocative of the wild Atlantic Ocean to which the

Enis – The Irish word for ‘island’ recalls the

rugged west coastline of Ireland is greatly

silhouettes of the striking Blasket islands,

exposed. The long and short deep vertical

located off the south west coast of Ireland,

cuts represent the crest and troughs of the

and features a scattered geometric design

waves.

86 I IWD Feature I Wedding Gifts

Enis & Mara perfectly compliment a contemporary way of living with a design functionality that is completely versatile so that the 2 patterns can be used alone or mixed and matched. The design style is relaxed yet elegant, simple yet beautiful, with Waterford’s quality and attention to detail, without being overly decorated and fussy. The design has been created in Ireland by Waterford’s internal design studio in the House of Waterford, located in the city of Waterford, Ireland.

Both patterns are available in a full range of Barware and Stemware, gifting and entertaining essentials.

Prices range from €65–€105.

Set of 6 glasses retail at €170

Take a Tour Why not visit the factory located in the centre of Waterford City in Ireland’s Ancient East and take the opportunity to witness the manufacture of these and many other Waterford Crystal products? The guided factory tour, which welcomes over 200,000 visitors a year, is a unique and captivating experience that enthrals visitors of all ages, both national and international.

The tour – which takes approximately one hour – allows visitors to understand each stage of production. They get to see how Waterford Crystal pieces are crafted from initial design right up to the final engraving of the piece. Every year the House of Waterford Crystal melts more than 750 tonnes of crystal, using traditional and cutting-edge

manufacturing

techniques.

On completion of the tour, visitors can experience over 12,000 sq ft of crystal heaven in the largest retail and brand showcase of Waterford Crystal in the world.

For further details on the tours available all year round visit www.waterfordvisitorcentre.com or call 051 317000.

Wedding Gifts I IWD Feature I 87

The Wedding Band

M

any couples say they wished they spent more time selecting their wedding band. Like most things in life, the golden rule is, you get what you pay for. Here’s a quick guide to understanding the bands that are available and which one is for you.

How long do bands play for?

Check with each band, but usually two and a half or three hours is the norm for a wedding reception. The band usually plays from 9 to midnight, and the DJ plays from midnight to

Why do I need a Band?

These bands are usually registered businesses

2am. That covers the band for 3 hours and the

The climax of all weddings is the party that

paying all necessary taxes, fulfilling health and

DJ for two hours.

evening. One of the first questions your friends

safety requirements, carrying public liability

will ask as you make plans is “who’s the band?”.

insurance and in general are in business for

It’s such an important part of the Irish psyche:

the long term. Therefore, it is in their interest

Choosing the right style of music

wedding equals band. There is an obvious

to protect their reputation by being reliable,

A number bands are now available who offer

disappointment when they hear “we’ve just

providing the best service and ensuring the

swing, traditional Irish music, jazz and soul.

booked a DJ”.

satisfaction of their clients.

These acts are excellent at what they do and

For music to be engaging (i.e. have people

are a breath of fresh air in the industry. The

to the sound. People like to see music being

How far in advance should I book?

created in front of them. To be a real feature

Generally, bands are booked at least one year

music. It is important to ask whether you want

for your wedding that visual need is just not

before the wedding date. The rule of thumb

your guests to dance at your wedding or if you

fulfilled by pre-recorded music played by a DJ

for weddings is that you should book venue,

would like them to be entertained in their seats.

– no matter how good they are. The trusted

band, photographer and church early in your

Then select the style of music to suit that. Most

combination has always been a live band

planning process.

party bands offer a broad mix of music to suit

dancing) there needs to be a visual element

followed by a DJ.

Why such a price difference between bands?

What about deposits?

most important thing for a bride and groom to consider is how their guests will react to that

the broad mix of people found at a wedding reception, so the decision is yours.

A deposit is the only way to secure a date – be it for a venue or a band. Quite often couples

During your search for a band you will

Wedding bands range from EUR 1,500 up

engage in talks with suppliers but never actually

encounter one that you get a good feeling

to EUR 4,000 (and beyond if you want to be

confirm the booking and pay a deposit. Next

from. A band that seems trustworthy and

extravagant). Most bands fall into the EUR

thing you know it’s a few months prior to the

dependable, and willing to work with you to

1,500 – EUR 1,900 price range and are usually

wedding and your supplier has taken another

create the festive atmosphere you want for

semi-professional groups who perhaps also

booking because you never came back to them.

your wedding reception.

have other occupations. As you creep up the

In short, deposit and or booking confirmation

scale from EUR 2,000 – EUR 4,000 you meet

are essential.

the full-time professional bands.

Finally, for 5 tips for a great wedding reception visit www.blackknightsband.com/5tips.html

By Alan Brereton - The Black Knights

88 I IWD Feature I Wedding Band

wedding day moments...

To book a wedding consultation, contact Madeleine Doyle at 066 7199100 or email mdoyle@therosehotel.com The Rose Hotel, Dan Spring Road, Tralee, Co. Kerry. V92 HKA4.

View both our spectacular outdoor natural Wedding Rooms and our magnificent indoor ballroom, catering for weddings and civil ceremonies of all themes and sizes.

Creating a very different Irish wedding experience for the happy couple, their families and guests.

Evening ceremonies are also a possibility for our many couples.

Please contact our wedding coordinator who will be delighted to help. Email: weddings.blanch@carlton.ie • Call: 01-827-5600 Web: www.carltonhotelblanchardstown.com

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

90 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

Venues

Leading Wedding

Breaffy House Resort Breaffy House Resort with its majestic 19th century Victorian façade is located on a stunning 90-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

Castle Dargan Entering the gates, the sweeping tree-lined driveway leads you to the 18th Century Castle Dargan House and Hotel. Set in the heart of Yeats County, with 170 acres of parkland and ancient woodland set against Sligo’s rolling hills, Castle Dargan Estate is an infusion of history and beauty with spectacular views of fresh water brooks, old stone walls and ancient castle ruins.

A warm welcome awaits you and your guests as you arrive to the old-world charm of the 18th Century Coach House Lounge with its stunning vaulted ceiling. Here family and friends will mingle enjoying your drinks reception in the warmth of the open log fire with the grand piano tinkling in the background.

The old-world merges seamlessly with the new and it is the new that provides the piece de resistance - the floor to ceiling glass walls of The Ormsby Room; your wedding suite with its uninterrupted panoramic views of the breath taking estate.

Contact our dedicated wedding co-ordinator Tanya Walsh to arrange a viewing call +353 (0)71 911 8080 or email weddings@castledargan.com visit www.castledargan.com

Castle Leslie Estate A truly private and stunningly beautiful rural escape in the Irish countryside, Castle Leslie Estate in Monaghan is a magical setting for your special wedding celebration. Nestled on 1,000 acres of undulating Irish countryside, the Estate is dotted with ancient woodlands and glittering lakes providing a unique setting for timeless wedding memories. In the hands of its founding family since the mid 17th Century, the Estate is steeped in history and provides an incredibly romantic and unique atmosphere for your special day.

Located in the village of Glaslough, Co. Monaghan, the Estate is only 80 minutes from Dublin, 60 minutes from Belfast and a million miles from anywhere...

The character and charm can only be felt, not described, at Castle Leslie Estate; therefore they invite you to come and experience it for yourself and look forward to welcoming you to sample their renowned hospitality. A selection of exclusive wedding dates are available throughout summer and autumn 2020 at very special rates. So arrange a private viewing now.

Contact 047 88100, email events@castleleslie.com or visit www.castleleslie.com

Castle Oaks House Hotel Castle Oaks House Hotel, now part of Só Hotels, located in the picturesque village of Castleconnell, and is a unique and charming Georgian Country Manor House set in 26 acres of manicured gardens and a romantic woodland, with walks that sweep down to the banks of the Majestic River Shannon making an ideal setting for your photographs or even a stunning outdoor ceremony in our gardens. The hotel combines the highest possible standards of locally produced food and superb service with traditional charm and true Irish hospitality.

With over 34 years’ experience co-ordinating weddings and providing the most memorable days, The Castle Oaks ensure that every wedding is sheer perfection. Each wedding is tailor made to suit the individual requirements of all couples that walk through the doors.

Castleconnell, Co. Limerick. Tel: +353 61 377666. Email: info@castleoaks.ie www.castleoaks.ie/

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Venues

Leading Wedding

Dunboyne Castle Hotel Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa is one of Ireland’s leading and most popular wedding venues. Set within 21 acres of mature, formal gardens, which surround the beautifully restored manor house, this is a magical setting for a wedding.

For brides and grooms, the Bridal Suite at Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa has been featured in Social & Personal and its recognition is well deserved. Its opulence and style makes for an ideal first night.

Renowned for the quality of food and service, it is easy to see why this is such a sought after venue, yet Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa is competitively priced. Special mid-week and weekend wedding packages are available. A complimentary bridal package includes: Red carpet on arrival; champagne for the bride and groom; complimentary overnight accommodation in the bridal suite for the bride and groom, with a champagne breakfast; special accommodation rates for guests; landscaped gardens for photographs; complimentary hire of the ballroom; candles on the tables; personalised menu cards; cake stand; and a professional wedding team to help you every step of the way.

To plan your special day and book your date, call 01 8013500 or visit www.dunboynecastlehotel.com

Four Seasons Hotel, Carlingford You Chose Love, You Chose Forever, now it’s time to choose your Venue.

Set in the historic village of Carlingford between the mountains and the sea, the newly designed 4* Four Seasons Hotel & Spa, Carlingford provides a truly idyllic setting for your wedding. It has unveiled a superb redesign including a beautiful wedding suite, the new Luxe Spa, boutique styled bedrooms and more. In this Medieval Heritage setting you will find historic details and rustic surroundings to create a magically romantic moment for timeless photographs. This is the ultimate destination for romance, culture and elegance. Their expert wedding dream team, will help make any wedding the celebration of a lifetime, whether it is a private moment or with hundreds in attendance. The Grand Summer Ballroom has detailed Georgian ceilings, striking crystal chandeliers, floor to ceiling cut glass mirror and lush carpet and the balcony boasts breath-taking views across the bay and Cooley Mountains. Experience peace and tranquillity in the new Luxe Spa pre or post your wedding day with their new Bridal specials.

For more information or to book a private show around please email events@fshc.ie or call on +353 (0)42 937 3530. www.4seasonshotelcarlingford.ie.

Glenview Hotel There are weddings ….. and then there are the Glenview Weddings…

The multiple award winning Glenview Hotel offers all those special touches that you have dreamed of to bring to life your most magical day. Set in the stunning Glen of the Downs, the hotel and gardens surpasses all your expectations From outdoor ceremonies by a babbling brook to stunning drinks receptions set in the manicured gardens followed by a 5 course sumptuous dinner with dancing in the elegant Glenview Suite, the hotel has it all.

With our renowned service and Laura, our personal wedding coordinator, we are here make your dream come true.

T: 01 274 0080 E: sayido@glenviewhotel.com W: www.glenviewhotel.com

The Johnstown Estate A newly refurbished 4-star-deluxe resort, The Johnstown Estate is filled with history, character and warmth.

Their wedding team has welcomed hundreds of couples through the fine Georgian doors and find it’s the little details which make a wedding personal to the happy couple and their guests.

The newly reimagined Grand Ballroom has a large foyer and a private entrance leading to a uniquely picturesque, walled wedding garden. This beautiful, enclosed garden is also a favourite spot to exchange vows or host drinks … for those couples lucky enough to catch a radiant Irish summer day.

Show stopping food delivered with passion is also The Johnstown Estate’s calling card. And after a whirlwind day of celebration, couples can relax in the stunning and luxurious 3-room Lady Margaret Suite in the manor house.

Only 35 minutes from Dublin’s city centre, amidst 120 acres of fields and forest, The Johnstown Estate has 120 guest bedrooms and 40 two-bedroom lodges. For those who might like to make it a weekend affair, there is an 18-room Elemis spa, a leisure centre and two fantastic restaurants.

Tel: 046 9540000 or email weddings@thejohnstownestate.com

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HAPPENING . . . “ Our team prides itself on excellent service & we promise we will go the extra mile to tailor-make your day” Elisabet Diaz, General Manager.

To make an appointment to view the venue, please contact our Events Team on 01 801 3500 or email: events@dunboynecastlehotel.com Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa, Dunboyne, Co. Meath, A86 PW63. www.dunboynecastlehotel.com

Venues

Leading Wedding

The K Club The K Club is the most stunning location in the country to host a wedding. Your special day deserves a special venue and The K Club really has it all. Located in the pretty village of Straffan, Co. Kildare, and on the banks of the River Liffey, the hotel is surrounded by 550 acres of mature woods, parkland and magnificent formal gardens – perfect for your wedding photographs. Dating back to 1832, Ireland’s first AA Five Red Star property is the original home of classic Irish hospitality and offers a host of opulent facilities to make wedding dreams come true. The original house, Straffan House, has been sympathetically restored to its former glory and now boasts 140 bedrooms and suites which are individually appointed to the highest standard. The resort can cater for large and lavish weddings or more intimate affairs, from just 14 people in the Pantheon Suite right up to 300 guests in the Legacy Suite. Facilities include a Resort Spa, two championship golf courses, fishing on the River Liffey, lots of dining options and fun outdoor activities for adults and children. The K Club is also delighted to cater for outdoor weddings and civil ceremonies.

The K Club, Straffan, Co. Kildare. Tel: 01 6017200 Web. www.kclub.ie

The Lodge at Ashford Castle Set within the beautiful Ashford Estate with spectacular views of Lough Corrib, it’s hard to imagine a more romantic setting for your special day. Situated on the outskirts of the charming village of Cong, in the heart of Mayo, The Lodge at Ashford Castle will provide the fairy-tale day of your dreams. As part of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection, The Lodge embraces the philosophy of ‘no request is too large, no detail too small’. Whether you desire an intimate celebration with close friends and family, or favour a more elaborate affair, The Lodge offers a choice of exceptional spaces to really set the scene. Enjoy al fresco drinks on the lawn overlooking Lisloughrey Pier and dine in the elegance of the Harbour Room with its sparkling chandeliers and panoramic vista. Expect the finest cuisine using ingredients from artisan suppliers throughout the Connemara, Mayo and Galway regions and at the end of a perfect day, their sixty four sumptuous rooms and suites will accommodate your guests in style. Providing the perfect backdrop for wedding photographs, the estate offers plenty of activities to keep your guests entertained –the perfect excuse to stay longer! For a wedding unique to you contact E: cduggan@thelodgeac.com W: www.TheLodgeac.com Tel: :094 9545400

Lough Eske Castle From the Fairy-tale Castle Tower, to an imposing glass and stone façade, an easy-going blend of casual, country-style comfort and modern luxury awaits you and your guests inside. This award-winning luxury castle hotel offers a fresh perspective on castle living.

Let the magic of Lough Eske Castle become entirely yours for your special day. Utilising years of five-star service and attention to detail, the Castle has carefully designed a unique collection of wedding packages designed to suit all of your tastes. Each package incorporates the sumptuous wedding menus specially designed by Lough Eske Castle’s Executive Chef using an array of the finest locally sourced foods and suppliers.

E: info@lougheskecastlehotel.com T: +353(0)74 97 43163 W: www.lougheskecastlehotel.com

Lough Rynn Castle Lough Rynn is more than just a wedding venue, it is a lovingly restored 19th century castle home. This unique, luxurious, fairy-tale setting, with its secluded location, breath taking views and classic romanticism, is the perfect backdrop against which to begin your life together. The Walled Gardens at Lough Rynn truly are unmatched for photo opportunities; allow the concierge to chauffer you to the Gardens and around the Estate with your photographer to take some perfect pictures. Lough Rynn Castle delivers impeccable, unobtrusive service that is never compromised. Guests can relax under the careful attention of the staff and enjoy an exquisite selection of gourmet foods and wines. Can you imagine a more perfect day?

The manicured Lawns provide a breath-taking setting for a Champagne or Drinks reception on a Summer’s day - and the Castle’s backdrop is equally spectacular for a Winter Wedding. To Sample the atmosphere please contact Tel: 071 9632700 email: enquiries@loughrynn.ie Lough Rynn Castle, Mohill, Co Leitrim

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Lough Rynn Castle Estate & Gardens MIDWEEK WEDDINGS

FROM

€75 €68 per person

INCLUSIVE OF:

ARRIVAL DRINKS RECEPTION FIVE COURSE MEAL HALF BOTTLE OF WINE PER PERSON EVENING BUFFET

LOUGH RYNN CASTLE

MOHILL, CO.LEITRIM T: 071 96 327 00 E: ENQUIRIES@LOUGHRYNN.IE

Venues

Leading Wedding

The Lord Bagenal Inn The Lord Bagenal Inn prides itself on providing a personal and exclusive wedding service specifically with you in mind. Booking your wedding with The Lord Bagenal Inn guarantees you an experienced team and dedicated Wedding consultant. Offering you the flexibility to plan and organise Your Wedding Your Way, you can choose from our €41 or €59 Wedding Package. Alternatively use the Menu Selector to create your own unique wedding package. The Marina Room with its spacious, bright, classic décor caters for 280 guests.

Opening out onto the new terrace and marina garden, the hotel encapsulates the peace and tranquillity of this stunning river backdrop, with Wedding photographs capturing everlasting memories to treasure forever.

For more intimate celebrations, the stylish, contemporary Waterfront has dining for up to 70 family and friends. Civil Ceremonies can take place in The Gallery, Marina Room or on the terrace outside. Whether your wedding is traditional or a more relaxed informal gathering, The Lord Bagenal Inn has something for you #yourweddingyourway. Offering a 15% discount off weddings booked for Jan/Feb/Mar/Apr/Nov 2020/21. www.lordbagenal.com Ph: 0599 774000

The Lucan Spa Hotel Picture a wedding venue of style, romance, elegance and beauty. The Lucan Spa Hotel has become one of Ireland’s most stunning Wedding Venues over the last few years since its recent redevelopment. The brand new Boyne Suite is a spectacular setting for the most perfect day, providing brides and grooms with a venue with that all important WOW factor.

Picture your first dance under crystal chandeliers. Strolling together under private woodland. Sipping champagne over the balcony overlooking Lucan Golf Course. Or warming yourself by their beautiful Dublin Corbel Marble Fireplace. Saying “I do” outside within the romantic confines of the gorgeous woodland area. This Georgian Hotel is situated in the picturesque village of Lucan and within the grounds of The Old Sarsfield Estate. The location offers convenience and luxury, being only 15 minutes from Dublin Airport within grounds of a country setting.

They take pride in the high quality of their menus and dishes and all their weddings are unique. The Lucan Spa Hotel wedding coordinators and chefs will sit with you and help you design your perfect package. Call: 01 628 0494 Email: reservations@lucanspahotel.ie Website: www.lucanspahotel.ie

Portmarnock Hotel and Spa On account of its stunning location and its ideal situation, tucked away in a private all-encompassing beachside stretch, Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links is a hugely popular wedding destination for more reasons than one. Catering as much to indoor grander weddings as to smaller outdoor, intimate affairs and civil ceremonies, the Hotel’s coastal surrounds presents a perfect backdrop against which to set your timeless photographs on your special day.

With a dedicated wedding team on hand to organise anything and everything you might need for your special day, we think of all of the smaller things so you don’t have to.

From our complimentary sample menu, seating arrangements and stylish transport, simply say the word and let us take care of all of the rest.

For more details please contact: Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links, Strand Road, Portmarnock Co. Dublin, Tel: +353 (0)1 846 0611 Email: weddings@portmarnock.com, www.portmarnock.com.

Radisson Blu St Helens Set in luxurious surroundings and expansive four acres of garden, the 1750 stately mansion offers effortless elegance with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. From perfect pictures and amazing food to exclusive touches and an unrivalled location.

The Radisson Blu St. Helen’s Hotel Dublin offers three amazing private dining suites to choose from, each one having its own unique style and character and catering for 20 – 240 guests. St. Helen’s Hotel has a number of elegant and unique areas, perfect for civil ceremonies, garden blessings, traditional weddings and post wedding celebrations.

St. Helen’s Wedding Consultants are available to offer advice and assist you with planning every detail of your wedding day, from reserving your date to co-ordinating all the finer details. Contact Kaela or Zuzana on (01) 2186054 or email: weddings.st.helens.dublin@radissonblu.com Also visit their website. www.radissonblu.ie/sthelenshotel-dublin and check out their Facebook page www. facebook.com/RadissonBluStHelensDublin

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HEART SEARCH THE

KNOWS WHEN THE IS OVER

WEDDING SHOWCASE

SUN 12th JANUARY SUN 26th JANUARY

WEDDING FAIR

SUN 9th FEBRUARY (ALL EVENTS 1.00PM - 5.00PM)

The Lucan Spa Hotel T: 01 628 0494

E: sales@lucanspahotel.ie W: www.lucanspahotel.ie

Venues

Leading Wedding

Seafield Hotel Situated in the idyllic location of North Wexford and just an hour from south Dublin, the award-winning Seafield Hotel & Spa Resort exudes contemporary elegance in a magical setting on Ballymoney Shore.

With its own private access to Wexford’s magnificent coast and set on 160 acres of lush parkland, this Hotel is synonymous with style and luxury. The resort also includes the multi-award-winning Oceo Spa, complementing 102 carefully designed deluxe bedrooms and 30 courtyard apartment suites.

Seafield is an inspired choice of venue for your wedding. A true getaway. A statement of luxury and a worldclass level of comfort and sophistication.

Enjoy their undivided attention, as you exchange vows and celebrate in style in one of four bespoke event spaces, including the impressive Pavilion Marquee and exclusive Clubhouse. Let the Seafield Team swoon you and your sweetheart!

Arrange a first date with Sonia or Fran…

E: events@seafieldhotel.com T: 053-9485107 W: www.seafieldhotel.com

Step House Hotel The Step House Hotel is a four star family run boutique hotel located in the picturesque village of Borris, Co. Carlow at the foot of the Mount Leinster & The Blackstairs Mountains. The warm and welcoming atmosphere of the hotel is designed to indulge, relax and unwind you. From the original Gothic detailing of the entrance to the restrained opulence of the interior, this is a place to soothe and inspire.

The Step House Hotel has been specifically designed to host the most romantic and personal weddings.

The Ballroom has been luxuriously tailored to facilitate weddings for a maximum of 200 Guests. The Cellar Restaurant & Residents Bar can also cater for weddings up to 40 Guests. Beautifully crafted French arched doors lead out onto the landscaped garden with Mount Leinster and the Blackstairs Mountains peering in the distance. This idyllic country setting with its relaxed yet elegant function room, exceptional cuisine and traditional hospitality will leave friends and family with memories to treasure forever. www.stephousehotel.ie Tel: 059 9773209 weddings@stephousehotel.ie

Summerhill Country House The Summerhill Country House, situated in the picturesque village of Enniskerry, is the ideal country house venue for your wedding. The Avondale Suite can accommodate from 80 to 250 guests. Fully licenced for civil ceremony you can enjoy your entire wedding in this wonderful location. Set in five acres of private grounds this 87 bedroom country house is one of the leading wedding specialists in the Dublin/Wicklow region. Concentrating on just one wedding reception per day affords them the opportunity to provide you and your party with the intimate service and the attention to detail you would deserve and expect. A fantastic selection of packages are available all year round and packages and menus can also be customised to suit your individual requirements. The experienced Wedding team are always on hand to guide and assist you through your preparations. Every wedding booked at the Summerhill Country House receives over 12 complimentary extras. Every Sunday is a Wedding Open Day so why not visit the Summerhill Country House, Enniskerry.

For information call 01 – 2867928. E: weddings@summerhillhousehotel.com W: www.summerhillhousehotel.com

Tulfarris Tulfarris Hotel & Golf Resort is the perfect marriage of elegance and beauty, providing everything you need for a magical wedding day. The stunning Blessington Lakes, secluded beaches and captivating woodlands are the perfect backdrop for your special photographs. Whether it’s an intimate affair for 20 or a lavish occasion with 250 guests this 4 star resort is the ultimate wedding and civil ceremony destination.

Our enchanting Manor House provides the perfect beauty spot to spend your first night as husband and wife.

All of the lavish suites command stunning views across the beautiful lakes or up to the Wicklow Mountains, giving you the ultimate Lord and Lady of the Manor experience. Our main hotel comprises 60 superbly appointed deluxe rooms overlooking our 18 hole championship golf course and our selection of restaurants and bars provide unlimited options for your day-after party.

Ideally located just an hour from Dublin and with all inclusive packages, this is an opportunity not to be missed to start planning your dream wedding.

Tel : 045-867 600. www.tulfarrishotel.com, info@tulfarris.com

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Tulfarris is a perfect choice for your dream wedding day. Located just 40 minutes from Dublin, your guests will experience exquisite surroundings and gourmet cuisine against the spectacular backdrop of the Blessington Lakes and Wicklow Mountains.

Our team are absolute experts in perfecting every detail. The resort comprises the stunning 18th century manor house and is complimented by a luxury 4 star hotel. We can host weddings for both small and large numbers, the maximum capacity being 250 guests for dinner.

Contact our dedicated wedding team to arrange a tour of our beautiful grounds and banquet rooms.

Tulfarris Hotel & Golf Resort 00353 (0) 45 867 600 • weddings@tulfarris.com www.tulfarrisweddings.com

A P P L E B E R RY A T E L I E R An atelier (French: [uh·teh·lee·ei) is the private workshop or studio of a professional artist in the fine or decorative arts, where a principal master and a number of assistants, students, and apprentices can work together producing pieces of fine art or visual art released under the master’s name or supervision.

Our stationery business was officially started in 2010 doing our first bespoke painted invitations, venue illustrations and letterpress printing, in a time where the norm was a more traditional text based invitation. This is also when Ailbhe did her first wedding dress portrait, after seeing the most stunning dress on a bride, she just had to paint it!

We have happily grown from strength to strength combining our passion for design, typography and fine art illustration. Over the years we have of built up a collection of over 100 ready to go designs, 120 venue illustrations and countless hand painted bespoke

invitations. Aside from the event and wedding industry Ailbhe has worked on the illustrations for the Irish, Nigerian and Tanzanian passports as well as many other corporate commissions.

Due to our experience working on completely bespoke and tailored events we are trusted by some of the best wedding and event planners in Ireland and abroad.

From save the dates, invitations, to large signage, menus, embroidered napkins and hampers for their guests, not only for weddings but also private social functions to corporate retreats and society galas.

Our new name is now Appleberry Atelier. We have always been a small boutique studio, a strong team of only three ladies specialising in design and strong customer service but sometimes with the misconception of being a large printers. We carefully choose the best papers available and out source to printers that we trust, so that we can concentrate on the design. We feel now it is time to streamline our offering to better suit our strengths and give our best to our clients.

Our Appleberry Atelier brand will now have three sections. Bespoke offerings, an heirloom shop and a venue invitation section. We will continue to offer a range of our more popular venue invitations under a sister section called Appleberry Venues with a clear and streamlined way of ordering and stunning new designs which can all be customised.

The Appleberry Heirloom boutique was born from the idea of designing so many logos and custom crests that are used to brand an event from start to finish. We also used for newly weds as lifestyle/ home logo by combining their 2 coat of arms to create something new.

We have partnered with Luxury Irish brands to offer heirloom gifts and items that can be personalised with a commissioned logo or crest. You will also be able to commission one off pieces of art whether it be a portrait of a private home, wedding dress or capturing that special wedding moment as a painting.

With Appleberry Atelier we want to focus more on working with event planners on their luxury events, as well creating something unique for each couple that they will love and cherish for years to come.

We hope you can follow us over on Facebook and Instagram and know that we are the same dedicated, creative, stationery obsessed girls, offering the same bespoke design service!

COMING 1ST OF JANUARY 2020!

W W W. A P P L E B E R RYA T E L I E R . C O M

Dress by The Bridal Lounge Austin Friar St., Mullingar, Co. Westmeath 044 9335298 www.thebridallounge.ie

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Spring Bridal Photoshoot in Athlone Springs Hotel Photography by White Amber Photography Dresses by The Bridal Lounge

Location: Athlone Springs Hotel Tel: +353 (0)90 644 4444 Email: info@athlonespringshotel.com www.athlonespringshotel.com The Athlone Springs Hotel, we would like to help you ensure that your new chapter is started in the best possible way: a beautiful Roscommon and Westmeath wedding venue, a superb wedding team that will ensure your every need is catered for and an excellent service and food offering that will be hard to find elsewhere in the Lakelands and Midlands area making us the ideal wedding venue in Athlone.

Photography by: White Amber Photography Web: www.whiteamberphotography.com Tel: +353-87-7656706

Hair by: Sandra Maher @sanzmarr_hair_dublin Phone 087-1253813

Makeup by: Charlene Campbell Kells, Co. Meath, 0868738787 www.charlenecmakeup.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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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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Wedding MASTERCLASS

16th February, 1-4pm WITH MC SARA KENNEDY, THE IRISH WEDDING BLOG PANEL DISCUSSIONS WITH TOP LOCAL SUPPLIERS WITH TIPS AND TRICKS ON FASHION, BEAUTY, BUDGETING, DÉCOR, TRAVEL AND MUCH MORE! INTRODUCING OUR NEWLY RENOVATED BALLROOM AND STUNNING BRIDAL SUITE

Special discounts available when you book on the day!

Athlone Springs Hotel, Athlone, Co. Westmeath • (0)90 644 4444 • events@athlonespringshotel.com • www.athlonespringshotel.com

LUCIA JORDAN AESTHETIC CLINIC Medical & Health • Lip Fillers, Botox / Hyaluronic acid • Face and Body Lifting with Threads • Facial contouring and volume Restoration • Non surgical Rhinoplasty Free • Hairline Mesotherapy d ation an • Body contouring Consult scount 15% di /2020 • Breast augmentation 9/2 before 2 • Buttocks augmentation u show when yo ing 20 • Mesocorrection of local fat r IWD Sp • Hyaluronic Acid Chin correction • Correction facial wrinkles and nasolabial folds • PRP Plasma ( Vampire Therapy) • Mesotherapy /face/hair/neck/décolleté • Microdermabrasion • Skincare rejuvenation Lucia Jordan Aesthetic Clinic Dr. Lucia Jordan • 087 416 0906 dermainfobook.ie@gmail.com | 72 Malahide Road Clontarf West, Dublin 3.

White Amber Photography

www.whiteamberphotography.com info @whiteamberphotography.com Phone 00353(0)87-7656706

Exclusive Destination Wedding Photographer Ireland & Worldwide

TIMELESS. MAGNIFICENT. UNFORGETTABLE. The K Club, Straffan, Co. Kildare. + 353 1 601 7200 | weddings@kclub.ie | www.kclub.ie

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Outfit by Condici

Outfit by Marian Gale

Outfit by Gabriela Sanchez

Outfit Veni Infantino

Outfit by Luis Civit

Outfit by Carla Ruiz

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From Barcelona a Stunning collection of Mother of the Bride and Guest outfits.

Available from premier boutiques throughout Ireland.

Amanda Nimmo Fashion Agency www.amandanimmo.com

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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

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Outfit by Giorgio Jo

Outfit Veni Infantino

Outfit by Claudia C

Outfit by Carla Ruiz

Outfit by Rosa Clara

Outfit Sonia Peña

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Outfit by Condici

Vanity Fair Stockists of • Condici • Laura Bernal • • Luis Civit • Veni Infantino • • Ispirato • Teresa Ripoll • • Mashiah • Fely Campo • Veromia + many more leading designers Specialists in Mother of the Bride/Groom Wedding Guests also catered for with leading designers Gina Bacconi , Daisy May, Kevan Jon, Aideen Bodkin and Caroline Kilkenny

Vanity Fair

The Courtyard Shopping Centre Newbridge, Co.Kildare Ph: 045 431905

www.vanityfair.ie

www.facebook.com/VanityFairBoutique

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Outfit by Condici

Outfit by Claudia C Outfit by Marian Gale

Outfit Sonia Peña

Outfit Sonia Peña

Outfit by Rosa Clara

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Design Centre has been dressing Ireland’s most stylish women for over 30 years. We stock the very best of Irish and international labels including the iconic Philip Treacy, the exclusive award winning Tricotine label, Catriona Hanly, Synan O’Mahony and much more.

Design Centre, Powerscourt Townhouse Centre, 59 South William Street, Dublin 2 P 01 6795718 | 01 6795 863 • Email: designcentredublin@gmail.com • www.thedesigncentre.ie

Dedicated Occasion Wear Specialists

Don’t Call Me Dear 8 Mill Street Galway City Tel: 091 530760 www.dontcallmedear.com

Mother of the

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Vanity Fair is one of Ireland’s best loved boutiques for mother of the bride/groom dresses and outfits and also designer wear for all occasions. Stocking classic labels such as Teresa Ripoll, Caroline Kilkenny and Aideen Bodkin as well as all the traditional mother of the bride favourites such as Condici, Laura Bernal, Veromia and Luis Civit, a visit to their boutique in Newbridge, County Kildare, is a must. You’ll be spoilt for choice, with something for every style, size and budget!

You’re sure to find that ‘something special’.

Tel: 045 431905. www.vanityfair.ie. Like them on Facebook and keep up to date.

Contemporary Classic &

A visit to Evita Boutique, Naas, is sure to cater for all your mother of the bride and groom needs. Whether you are looking for a classic or contemporary style, you will be spoilt for choice in this leading boutique. Evita stocks an extensive range of brands in sizes 8 to 26 and has a wide range of dresses, separates and casuals for any occasion. Their passionate and experienced staff will be more than happy to help you chose that special outfit.

Follow them on Facebook to keep up to date with their latest collections. Open seven day a week. Tel: 045897172 www.evita.

128 I IWD Feature I Mother of the Bride

Design Centre has been a leading force in Irish fashion, dressing Irelan d’s most stylish women for over three decad es. For the contemporary woman who loves simplicity and elegance, Design Centre is the ‘go to‘ destination in Dublin for those timeless covetable classics.

Voted ‘Best Irish offering’ in the Image boutique awards 2018 and winners of the XPOSE ‘XFA‘ fashion awards 2017 ‘Best Occasional Boutique‘, this team of fashion experts will help put togeth er a truly beautiful and uniquely individual look for that big occasion. Design Centr e stocks the bestselling exclusive ‘Tricot ine‘ label along with the very best of Irish designers including Synan O’ Mahony, Caroline Kilkenny, Catriona Hanly, Debor ah Veale, Sookyoung Song, the iconic Philip Treacy, and bespoke in-house milline r Aoife Harrison. Tel: (01) 679 5718 www. thedesigncentre.ie

Giorgia Jo

Gabriela Sanchez

Rep. of Ireland.

Evita Boutique, Naas Ebony Boutique, Trim Fusion Fashion, Galway Isobel, Adare Jennys Boutique, Dunshaughlin & Malahide Kathleens, Sligo La crème, Gorey Macbees, Killarney McelhInneys, Ballybofey

Rep. of Ireland.

Evita Boutique, Naas Isobel, Adare Jennys Boutique, Dunshaughlin & Malahide Kathleens, Sligo La crème, Gorey Macbees, Killarney McelhInneys, Ballybofey

Northern Ireland Blush Boutique, Belfast Gasp Boutique, Armagh Magowans, Ballynahinch The Fashion House, Margherfelt The Queen B, Five Mile Town The Wardrobe, Ballyclare Style Boutique, Omagh

Northern Ireland Blush Boutique, Belfast Gasp Boutique, Armagh Magowans, Ballynahinch The Fashion House, Margherfelt The Queen B, Five Mile Town The Wardrobe, Ballyclare

T H E

F A S H I O N G R O U P

Tel: 0044 141 221 7666 T H E mandy@mandybarrfashion.co.uk F A S H I O N www.mandybarrfashion.co.uk.

G R O U P

MARIANS A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE

Bridge Street, Boyle, Co. Roscommon Phone: +353-(0)71-9662031

Web: www.marians.ie

Mother of the

BRIDE And occAsionweAr

Desireables Hand-picked

Ultimate

Occasionwear

Macbees Killarney is a destination bou tique for mothers and daughters see occasion-wear pieces king out the ultima . te A modern mother-o f-the-bride or gro om wants to embra ce individuality, ele comfortable all day gance and feel . The experienced staff at Macbees wil l guide you throug from choosing the h the whole process, perfect fit to flatter every figure to add ing those extra-spe that you will want to cial finishing touche remember forever. s Macbees offers a larg e selection of stunni brands, including Fel ng wedding-wear y Campo, Luis Civit, Gabriella Sanchez, Paola, Moskada, Aid Caroline Kilkenny and een Bodkin, Fee G, Roisin Linnane.

As a guest at a we dding in a Macbees look, you are sure to wow thanks to cutting-edge fashio a dazzling array of n from Stine Goya, Essentiel Antwerp and Carla Ruiz. If your understated and chi look is more c, find luxe fabrics and impeccable tail oring in Max Mara Ribkoff and Colour Stu dio, Joseph Nude. Macbees occ asion-wear collection s range from timele contemporary statem ss classic cuts to ent looks – perfect for life’s occasions. w: www.macbees.ie

La Crème Boutique, Gorey, Co. Wexford, will leave you

Love Fashion

honing in on its vast selection of hand-picked desirables for

Marians of Boyle has been dressing stylish brides for over

the mother of the bride/groom & wedding guests: versatile

60 years, and are delighted to be adding fabulous new

daywear & fabulous footwear all waiting to tempt discerning

designers to their mother of the bride/groom collection

fashionistas in this heavenly haven of high style. The highly

for 2020. The fashion-buyers brief, at Marians, is to source

trained team of stylists at La Crème take pride in doing things

glamorous, contemporary fashion of classical cut and

a little bit differently with not only astounding outfits and

design, that is well-tailored and affordable. Providing great

accessories fit for any occasion, but important add-on details

fashion advice on dressing for your shape, size, lifestyle

and a top-class level of styling expertise. They will help you

and wardrobe. A fantastic variety of labels guarantee smart

pick the outfit that will match the theme of the wedding and

styling for sophisticated ladies up to size 24. For the lovely

truly stand out in the crowd on that special day.

mums, Marians is a must-see destination store for top

Visit www.lacremeboutique.com to view some of their

selection of chic occasion wear including hats, headpieces

amazing collections.

and jewellery. Marians, since 1954, are reliable, dedicated fashionistas who love fashion and have fun with it.

Tel: 071 9662031 or visit www.marians.ie to see their new collections.

A Must Visit

Don’t Call Me Dear is a must for anyone looking for something special to wear on a big day. Situated in Galway City, this store has become the leading dedicated boutique for Occasion Wear in the West of Ireland. Stocking labels from throughout Europe complimented by a huge millinery and hat hire collection as well as a shoe boutique, the DCMD girls really can look after you from head to toe.

With in-house stylists as well as their own seamstress service, DCMD really have thought of everything.

Pay a visit and see for yourself. with relaxed surroundings and attention to offering the very best in

130 I IWD Feature I Mother of the Bride

customer service, the DCMD experience is a must. Stocking sizes 8 to 28, Tel: 091 530760. www. dontcallmedear.com

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Irish Wedding Diary Magazine Digital Edition Your favourite wedding magazine is now available for downloading to your phone and tablet so you can now carry the magazine with you everywhere. You will also be able to view it on your laptop and desktop computers

le Singue Iss

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132 I IWD Feature I Technology

A Hen Night at the Dogs Hen party planners, you’ve got a big job to do.

134 I IWD Feature I Hen & Stags

H

en Party planning needn’t be a headache; the secret is all in choosing venues and activities that make your life a little easier. Enter a Night at the Dogs.

It’s the perfect way to accommodate that funny

touch-ups, there’s no need to move again. The

mix of the mammy, wild friends and pregnant

restaurant is tiered, so don’t worry if you’re not

ladies! And all while keeping it crammed into an

at a window seat; you’ll still be able to keep a

impossibly small budget.

close eye on the racing or, if you’d prefer to see it a little closer, the racing will also be live on

Young or young-at-heart, all are welcome to

there’s plenty of options for a more casual night out. New for 2020: check out the Hen & Stag Party package for only €19.50 per person, perfectly priced to make managing the budget a little easier. Guests can enjoy a night out

the TV screens overhead or beside you.

with admission and race programme included,

join the festivities when you go Greyhound Racing. Best of all, they’ll all enjoy it too.

If you don’t fancy a sit-down meal on the night,

It’s fast paced: a typical race lasts only 30 seconds and they run every 15 minutes. That means no long and boring wait and plenty of time for eating, drinking between!

and

chatting

There’s

in

usually

between 10 and 12 races on a night so hopefully you’ll have mastered the art of picking a winner by the end!

a glass of prosecco on arrival and a selection of delicious finger food. The Hen will receive a free souvenir t-shirt and a €5 Tote betting voucher for a lucky flutter plus the night will be captured with a group photo emailed to the organiser.

The racing usually winds up about 10.30pm, which leaves plenty of time for some post-race partying either in the stadium or in another pub or club in town. Venues in Dublin and Limerick even offer a free weekend Shuttle Bus to town, so be sure to ask about it and save those

With just six Greyhounds in a race, choosing that winner is easier than you’d imagine and if you fancy a flutter (just €1 will do!) then the Whether you’re planning a weekend away

precious pennies!!

Planning the Hen Party is pretty straightforward.

Choose a package that suits your budget and the team at the Greyhound Stadium will take care of the rest.

Tote betting staff will come right to your table.

A Night at the Dogs is a popular Hen (and Stag)

or keeping it local, there’s bound to be a Greyhound Stadium nearby. The Irish

Now, let us talk about the food. We all know the

Greyhound Board has venues in major towns

food offering can make or break a party, but

and cities across the country: Dublin, Cork,

you don’t need to worry about that here. The

Limerick, Galway, Mullingar, Newbridge, Tralee

food is prepared and cooked by the talented in-

and Waterford.

house kitchen team and the menu is packed full of Irish produce and modern menu favourites.

Party destination, so you’ll be in good company.

But don’t worry, it’s not over-run with them, you’ll still find a surprising mix of groups on the night and the stadium will big enough to cater for them all. It’s even featured on RTE’s Don’t Tell the Bride as a popular party destination.

New to a Night at the Dogs? Let us set the scene.

Naturally, there’s plenty of bubbly and prosecco

The stadium buildings are glass-fronted, so

on offer to add some extra fizz to the night too!

you won’t miss a minute of the racing action

Now the most important thing about a Hen

and there’s a variety of spaces to choose from

Party is of course the Bride-to-Be! It’s only right

inside with restaurant, bars and grandstand

that a fuss should be made of her and with a

areas on offer. Most also offer private suites for

Night at the Dogs there’s plenty of ways to do

exclusive party use.

that – just ask us. Maybe she’d like her name in

For restaurant customers, the evening usually

lights with a race named in her honour, a shout

begins at about 7pm when you’ll arrive and

out from the commentator or maybe it’s just

be shown to your table in the restaurant.

something as simple as having her favourite

Everything is served to the table, including

wine at the ready.

drinks, so, bar the toilet breaks or make up

Greyhound Stadiums include: Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium, Dublin Curraheen Park Greyhound Stadium, Cork Galway Greyhound Stadium Limerick Greyhound Stadium Mullingar Greyhound Stadium Newbridge Greyhound Stadium Kingdom Greyhound Stadium, Tralee Kilcohan Park Greyhound Stadium, Waterford For more information or to book your Hen Party visit www.GoGreyhoundRacing.ie

Hen & Stags I IWD Feature I 135

Pop the Question

with that all importnat ring

A

sking your partner to marry you should be one of the happiest days of your life and, hopefully, theirs too. It’s a sign you’re in a great place in your relationship, you have found the one person you truly love and want to spend the rest of your life with.

Proposing is a pressure situation though, but as

Style of ring

you’re only going to do this once, we’re great

Firstly, decide on the style of ring. You’ll get a good

advocates of going big. We love the traditional route

idea of what she’ll like by looking at her other jew-

of a surprise proposal, in a romantic location, down

ellery; is it big and brash or subtle and understated?

on one knee and a big sparkler in your pocket.

Is her style classic or modern? Normally the style of jewellery matches her personality as outgoing sassy

One of the biggest dilemmas for guys proposing is

ladies normally prefer big and bold while the quiet

what to do about the ring. Do you get a token ring

confident types might prefer simple elegant designs.

for the proposal and then let her pick her own ring,

If your fiancé’s jewellery is predominantly silver you

or do you go brave and pick the ring yourself? About

should opt for a white gold or platinum ring which

75% of brides told us that their fiancé picked the

ties in with her other pieces.

ring themselves and 95% of those brides said they loved the ring.

Now you need to look at the stone. Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend but they might be a guy’s

136 I IWD Feature I Jewellery

So if you’re going to be brave and go the traditional

nightmare if you get it wrong. So, no lads, they’re

route we’ve got a couple of pointers to help you

not all the same. Here’s a quick guide to what to

choose the right ring.

look out for.

“

The Four Cs

It’s the ring itself, and the meaning behind it that counts

Cut

”

Cut doesn’t refer to the shape of the diamond but to the angles and proportions of the stone.

It is probably the most important one as this is the one that gives the ring its sparkle as

A Girls Best Friend

What size.

Diamonds are generally rated by the Four Cs:

The best way to gauge your partner’s ring size

jeweller to show you a few different grade

Cut, Colour, Clarity and Carat. We’ve explained

is to borrow one of her rings and bring it to

cuts and you should see the difference. Pick

the four Cs on this page but there is a danger

the jeweller or, if you don’t want to risk that,

a diamond that has an Excellent or Very Good

that you’ll become overwhelmed and confused

put one of her rings on your finger and mark

cut and you should have a happy lady.

by the technical aspects of a diamond, many

where it comes to – this will give the jeweller

of which are not really visible to the naked

a good idea. Rings can be resized if there is

eye. The band, the setting and the

a small discrepancy so don’t’ stress too much

shape of the diamond, (not

the light hits off the different angles. Ask the

Colour Yes, diamonds do have different colours and

about that.

the most highly sought after are colourless

to be confused with the cut) will affect the overall look of the ring more than the diamond itself. Settings range from a prong setting to house one large diamond to a cluster setting which contains smaller stones around a central diamond. The shape

diamonds but these are extremely rare and

Finally, the hardest question… How much to spend?

therefore very expensive. The colour of the diamonds are graded from D, colourless, to Z, light yellow. Most people would not notice

The question of how much to

the difference between a D, E or F, except

spend on a ring is the one of

in their wallet. Ask the jeweller to see them

the

in natural light as the lights in jewellers will

most

questions

often and

posed one

of the diamond is very varied, from geometric

that has no real

circles, ovals, squares and rectangles to pear

answer, except to

and heart shaped stones.

spend

what

probably enhance both the diamonds colour and its sparkle.

Clarity

you

can afford. You’ll hear

Clarity is how perfect the diamond is. Each

many myths such as three

diamond will have some imperfections but

month’s salary, one month’s salary, even

the ones with the fewest ‘inclusions’ or

three month’s rent, but the truth is there’s no

‘imperfections’ are the most expensive. Many

fixed figure on it. Most brides-to-be don’t care

of the imperfections are invisible to the naked

in the slightest how much you’ve spent on the

eye so reducing the clarity will save you

ring. It’s the ring itself, and the meaning behind

money with little noticeable difference.

it that counts.

Carat

While we’ve been concentrating on diamonds,

If you’ve taken the time and effort to do your

don’t forget that the ring doesn’t have to

research and then chosen a ring that you think

house a diamond, as there are plenty of other

suits her personality, she’s sure to love it. If

the stone the more expensive the diamond.

precious stones to choose from. If your fiancé

not, the jeweller will always work with you to

You can get good value by going slightly

likes to go against the grain and is a more

get the one she really wants!

under the round figures, as a 0.9ct stone

Carat is the weight of the stone – the heavier

adventurous, independent type of gal, maybe

could be a good bit cheaper than a 1.ct stone

a ruby, an amethyst or an emerald might win

even though both diamonds may look similar

her heart.

in size. This is the same for 1.4ct and 1.9ct stones.

Marquise

Princess

radiant

rOund

trilliOn

assHer

Baguette

cusHiOn

Oval

taPered Baguette

Heart

eMerald

Pear

Jewellery I IWD Feature I 137

Handmade Double Wedding Ring Specialists In our full instore workshop, each ring is handmade to the highest quality and standards to compliment, match and support your engagement ring.

A diamond band at either side of your engagement ring will enhance and frame your ring, creating a stunning result and take it from ordinary to extra ordinary!

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Established in 1989 Inside SuperValu | Lorcan Avenue | Santry | Dublin 9 For Appointments T: 01 8426197 | E: chris@cmjewellers.com | www.cmjewellers.com

© - ERIC MOLIMARD PHOTOGRAPHY

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Irish Wedding Diary 210 x 297.indd 2

11/11/2016 13:59

The Wedding of

Kirsty & Shane Married in Malta with Sarah Young Wedding Planner.

K

irsty and Shane first met whilst living and working in Doha, Qatar. Kirsty is from Enfield, London and Shane is from Bruff, Co. Limerick.

They first met each other through the Qatar

however the move proved most successful for

GAA Gaelic football team at one of the clubs

their social lives, making amazing friends and

many social events. They had both made the

of course meeting each other.

move to Doha separately to take up new jobs

140 I IWD Feature I Weddings Abroad

Qatar is a very small community and on Kirsty and Shanes first date, whilst trying their best to be inconspicuous, they were spotted by some of Shane’s team mates who decided to send over a dessert with ‘Happy Engagement’ written in chocolate on the plate! Maybe it was a sign, thankfully Shane took it well and the rest is history.

Shane proposed in Cesme, Turkey on the

and Mdina, to the picturesque countryside,

day after Kirsty’s birthday. He pretended

peaceful Gozo and most of all the welcoming

that he had forgotten to give her one of her

Maltese people.

birthday presents, he then produced a small box wrapped in birthday wrapping paper and

It was no small task organising a wedding in

proceeded to get down on one knee. Kirsty was

just 10 months but they were lucky enough

taken completely by surprise and of course said

to have the help of the most amazing

YES, they celebrated the occasion with cheese,

wedding planners in Sarah, Michelle and the

crackers and bubbles on the balcony as the sun

rest of the team at Y Plan Events. They made

and her team made sure that no stone was left

set.

the planning process completely stress free

unturned at a time when their minds had to

and they were confident that their wedding

be focused elsewhere. They cannot thank them

They both agreed that they wanted their

was in safe hands from the moment they met

enough for all their help during this time.

wedding abroad with close family and friends.

Sarah and experienced her meticulous take on

After doing some research they visited Malta to

wedding planning.

‘It was everything they could have hoped for and they would highly recommend Sarah to

check out some venues. From the moment they landed in Malta they knew it was perfect for

The last year and a half have been an extremely

anyone looking to plan their dream wedding in

them, from its unique architecture in Valletta

difficult time for them due to illness but Sarah

Malta’

Weddings Abroad I IWD Feature I 141

They were delighted to have 94 of their closest

already beautiful even before they put their

friends and family travel to celebrate their

own personal touch to it.

special day. Guests travelled from Ireland, England, Spain, Kuwait, France, United States, as well as 20 of their closest friends from their time in Qatar.

They chose to have three days of events

The whole venue is used for the wedding, making it an intimate and private event.

starting with a pre wedding party in a nautical themed bar with a marina view within a

Kirsty and Shane wanted to keep their bridal

prestigious hotel. They organised a ‘pub quiz’

party quite small and each decided to have

about themselves for their guests and mixed up

two of their closest people by their side.

the teams so that people could get to know one

Shane had his best friend since he was a

another before the big day. The day after the

child, John and his uncle Micheal, both are

wedding was a more low-key affair with drinks

more like brothers to Shane. Kirsty had

and a traditional Irish sing song in a local Irish

her best friend from school, Sophie and

pub. Many enthusiastic singers, both friends

her best friend from Qatar, Laura one each

and family were singing into the small hours.

from important parts of her life. They are all very special to them and they couldn’t have

Sarah Young brought them to some beautiful venues to choose from but they settled on a rustic vineyard due to its natural beauty and rustic feel.

imagined their day without them.

were all so kind and made the process a very happy and easy one. Her Made With Love dress that she decided on was ‘Sasha’ as the shape fitted her like a glove and the lace was everything she was looking for, simple and

During her search for the dress one designer kept coming up which was Made With Love.

Kirsty couldn’t get their dresses off her mind so herself and her mum headed to Heart Aflutter,

elegant. A special thanks to Craig from Made With Love who was present for the ‘yes to the dress’ moment and his input with the perfect veil which completed the gown perfectly.

a bridal boutique in London. The experience they had at Heart Aflutter was just lovely, such a personal experience as every appointment

The wedding venue was located on the grounds

is one to one in the studio. The selection of

of an old Maltese farmhouse and its abundance

dresses available were expertly curated and

of flowers, trees and grapevines meant it was

were all in the style that Kirsty loved, it was

142 I IWD Feature I Weddings Abroad

easy making a selection from them. The team

For their honeymoon they are attending a friend’s wedding in Phuket at the end of February and they are using this opportunity to travel to their dream destination of Vietnam for 2 weeks.

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.

144 I IWD Feature I Wedding Travel

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.

Wedding Travel I IWD Feature I 145

Unexplored Europe Brest, Belarus

Some of the less travelled places in Europe

As soon as you arrive in Brest, you’re met with the sight of World War II memorial, the 19th-century Brest Hero Fortress, a celebrated site of Soviet resistance during WWII. Brest has a variety of museums for culture vultures and for those who love exploring the outdoors, the impressive Belavezhskaya Pushcha National Park is a real treat. It is most famous for its world-renowned lamplighter, who every evening lights the kerosene lanterns, distinguished by their extraordinary beauty. Only after this ritual does the light in the rest of the city turn on. Taking a picture with him is a matter of honour for every tourist.

Tallinn Estonia

Tallinn in Estonia is starting to lose its ‘most unexplored places in Europe’ tag in terms of tourism. When you factor in that it is one of the best preserved medieval towns in Europe and the entire town has even been accorded a UNESCO Heritage Status it’s no surprise. The cruise ships have started to dock but they are gone at night and leave the locals and you to the fairy-tale charms of its Old Town.

The walled, cobblestoned Old Town, is home to cafes and shops, as well as Kiek in de Kök, a 15th-century defensive tower. Its Gothic Town Hall, built in the 13th century with a 64m-high tower, sits in historic Tallinn’s main square. It’s lively yet not boisterous, absurdly photogenic with wonderful ancient churches, medieval streetscapes and noble merchants’ houses.

Piran. Slovenia

Piran in Slovenia is one of the most picturesque cities on the Adriatic coast which at first glance, with the red roofs jutting out into the aqua sea, resembleresembles the more famous Adriatic city of Dubrovnik’. In Piran however, you’ll be spared the throngs of tourists as this is one of those cities that are not on the main tourist trails. The main square is surrounded on three sides by colourful houses with the port and the Adriatic sea on the other. Here you’ll see local fishermen unloading their catch or mending their nets.

For the best view of Piran, Climbclimb the 146 rickety steps to the top of the bell tower and you’dyou’ll get a panoramic view over this beautiful city. Then wander the narrow cobbled lanes, view the venetianVenetian architecture and find a beautiful seafood restaurant andto dine on the local catch. _____________________________________

146 I IWD Feature I Wedding Travel

Naarden, The Netherlands

Naarden, located just 30 minutes from Amsterdam, is shaped in the form of a star. It has 16th century fortress architecture and is the only fortification in Europe with double walls and moats. With its classical town centre still encompassed by two elaborate star-shaped moats and stone walls, it’s one of the most remarkable examples of a fortified town in Europe, and a perfectly preserved piece of Dutch defensive history. As you stroll through Naarden you’ll find more historical buildings and monuments, such as the St. Vitus Church, a large Gothic basilica from the 14th and 15th centuries.

You can also head to terrace cafes and restaurants in order to enjoy the sunshine with food, drinks and friends.

There are plenty of cute terrace cafes in Naarden where you can sit beside the canals and enjoy the sights and sounds of this lovely little town and share a beer with your amiable Dutch hosts.

Lake Komani, Albania

If you like beautiful deserted beaches then you should head to Albania but don’t dawdle, it’s been tipped as one of Europe’s up and coming beach destinations. But Albania is more than just beaches – northern Albania is a hiker’s and nature lover’s paradise. You can take a oneday hike through the breathtaking and secluded Accused Mountains to reach Lake Komani. If you don’t fancy a hike to get here, the drive is spectacular, with rugged raw beauty all around.

The best way to see the lake is to take a boat tour, which takes about four hours. You can truly immerse yourself in the lake by staying in an old stone guest house right in the middle of the lake. Here you’ll sample homemade cheese, honey and pancakes as well as the typical Albanian liquor, Rakia, which they brew in the house.

Coimbra, Portugal

Coimbra, once the capital of Portugal, is a beautifully preserved medieval town dating back to the 13th century which sits proudly on the banks of the river Mondego. Home to the historic University of Coimbra, it is an irresistible city which offers an intoxicating mix of history, culture, and art and makes a wonderful base for honeymooners in search of a little culture with their sunshine. It is a truly Portuguese experience, without the crowds you’ll find in the larger, more famous, Lisbon and Porto.

Sit a while in the city centre which dates back to Moorish times or explore the history which abounds in the dark cobbled lanes and monumental cathedral. Soak up the sun and the sounds of the city that bounce off the old buildings then, to get a different perspective of the whole city, take a boat trip on the River Mondego.

Wedding Travel I IWD Feature I 147

The Heart of a

Happy Honeymoon

Of all the holidays you will ever take, this is the one where the memories will last forever. So don’t go it alone, it’s too important. So, let a tour operator like Trailfinders take all the planning off your hands, from start to finish, leaving you free to prepare for your big day.

Every year, more than 7,000 couples choose

They also negotiate special offers exclusively

Trailfinders to inspire them. Trailfinders can

for honeymooners that you shouldn’t miss out

open doors that are otherwise closed and

on, from a complimentary bottle of champagne

they’ll include many unique and memorable

to help you celebrate, to reduced rates, room

experiences – whether you’re looking to stay at

upgrades and even free nights; they’ll ensure

the most stylish hotels in the hippest locations,

you have the honeymoon you deserve.

Call 01 881 4918, pop in for a chat or visit trailfinders.ie/honeymoons.

celebrate with a romantic candlelit dinner on a far-flung beach, or splash out on a stay in the

South Africa often tops the charts - many

ultimate honeymoon suite – their specialists

honeymooners choose to combine it with

can help you every step of the way.

the beautiful beaches of the Indian Ocean or the glitz and glamour of a short stay in Dubai. Southeast Asia is also hugely popular with Thailand, Bali and Vietnam making many couples’ wishlists. Perhaps you’d like to explore Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, tour New Zealand’s South Island or do a classic California road trip before relaxing on the white sands of

They know you’re busy so why not make use of their ‘Honeymoons by Appointment’ service.

This allows you to talk through your ideas with a consultant so they can start investigating your options before your appointment in one of their travel centres.

a Mexican beach – it’s all possible!

Trailfinders has travel centres in Dublin, Cork, No two honeymoons are the same, so don’t worry if you’ve yet to make up your mind as Trailfinders has dedicated honeymoon consultants on hand to help.

148 I IWD Travel I Honeymoons

Limerick and Belfast which are open seven days a week: Monday - Friday 9am-7pm Saturday 9am-6pm

Sunday 10am-6pm.

Trailfinders Honeymoon Wishlist

Honeymoon Top Tips Trailfinders has over 45 years experience of organising honeymoons all over the world. Here’s a few gems of wisdom they’ve picked up over the years to help things go smoothly...

Sydney Opera

House

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Thailan

Burj Khalifa , Dubai

ridge, Gate B Golden

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ncis San Fra

At a time when finances can easily be stretched by a wedding, it’s comforting to know there is a very easy way to give your friends and family the chance to help your honeymoon dreams come true.

A Trailfinders Honeymoon Wishlist can be set up

Maldive

s

at any time, even before you’ve made your travel plans. The service is completely free of charge and is your personal crowd funding site. Your guests can share your excitement, keep up to date with your wedding and honeymoon plans, make a contribution and post their congratulations.

Trailfinders will provide you with stylish guest cards that you can use to let everyone know your preference for the ‘gift of travel’ and they’ll alert you by email each time your guests contribute.

They’ll also send an automated thank you to your friends and family, and you can send a personalised e-card if you wish.

What’s more, to help you on your way, Trailfinders will contribute the first €100 towards your Honeymoon Wishlist. The €100 will be credited when you initially set up your Honeymoon Wishlist with them and can be used towards your honeymoon booking, provided you have had at least one other contribution from your guests.

So break with tradition - instead of unwrapping Egyptian cotton sheets, enjoy a stay in your chosen luxury hideaway, knowing it will mean as much to your friends and family as it does to you.

It’s so easy - speak to one of their consultants on 01 881 4918 or check out the Trailfinders Honeymoon Wishlist at trailfinders.ie/wishlist.

Book Early Flights can get booked up a long way in advance - especially over summer or Christmas, So once you have a wedding date decided, get your honeymoon booked. With Trailfinders, you can book your honeymoon

Stopovers

with a deposit, with full payment normally only

If you are travelling long-haul, consider

needed two months before the big day.

breaking your journey midway for a couple of nights, allowing you to recharge the batteries

Take Your Time

and arrive at your final destination rested.

After all the excitement of the ‘big day’, you certainly won’t want to be rushing off anywhere

Think Ahead

at the crack of dawn. So if you get married on a

Pre-book as much as possible so you don’t have

Saturday, try and book a Sunday afternoon or

to worry when you are away. For example,

evening flight. You might even want to consider

enquire about meal plans at hotels where you

a Monday departure in order to avoid any last

have long stays or ask about vehicle hire if you

minute rush.

are keen to do some exploring.

Take it Easy

Special Offers

Don’t underestimate the physical and emotional

Remember to tell Trailfinders your holiday

exhaustion resulting from a hectic lead-up to

is your honeymoon from the outset. Many

the wedding and the excitement of the day

hotels provide special offers exclusively for

itself. Make sure you factor in lots of relaxation

honeymooners, from reduced rates and free

time, especially when you first arrive, and don’t

nights to romantic dinners or spa treatments.

bite off more than you can chew by planning a

Their travel consultants will help you choose

jam-packed itinerary.

the best value offer to suit you.

Honeymoons I IWD Travel I 149

Sign up to

Sign up to TRAILFINDERS TRAILFINDERS

Honeymoon Wishlist Honeymoon Wishlist and we’ll contribute and we’ll contribute €100 to get you €100 to get you started. started.

◊ ◊ Booknow nowfor foraachance chancetotoWIN WIN the the cost cost of of your your honeymoon as Book as part part of of TF’s TF’s 50th 50thanniversar anniversaryycelebrations celebrations

When only only award-winning award-winning travel When travel will willdo do 5 COCO COCOBODU BODUHITHI HITHI 5 MALDIVES MALDIVES

5 + THE THE OBEROI 5 + OBEROI MAURITIUS MAURITIUS

5 5 SIX SIXSENSES SENSESSAMUI SAMUI THAILAND THAILAND

€2,699 10 NIGHTS FROM €2,749 10 NIGHTS FROM €2,749

€3,199 10 NIGHTS FROM €3,349 10 NIGHTS FROM €3,349

€3,899 10 NIGHTS FROM €3,749 10 NIGHTS FROM €3,749

SAVING OVER €1,550 SAVING OVER €1,550 Includes flights, speedboat transfers, Includes daily flights, speedboat transfers, breakfast & a 50% daily booking breakfastroom & a 50% early discount early booking room discount • Stunning island retreat • island retreat • Stunning All villas with private pools • All villas with privateoptions pools • Wealth of dining Wealth of dining options ••Beautiful overwater Coco Spa • Beautiful overwater Coco Spa

SAVING OVER €2,150 SAVING OVER €2,150 Includes flights, private transfers, Includes aflights, privatebooking transfers, daily breakfast, honeymoon discount daily breakfast, honeymoon & a freeabottle of wine booking on arrivaldiscount & a free bottle of wine on arrival • Idyllic north west coast location coast location •• 20Idyllic acresnorth of lushwest sub-tropical gardens •• 20Exceptional acres of lush sub-tropical gardens service • Holistic spa • Exceptional servicedining • Holistic spa • Excellent • Excellent dining

SAVING OVER €1,100 SAVING OVER €1,100 Includes flights, private transfers, private pool villa, Includes flights, private transfers, pool villa, daily breakfast, an early bookingprivate discount breakfast, an‘Dining early booking discount &daily a FREE dinner at on the Rocks’ & a FREE dinner at ‘Dining on the Rocks’ • Private pool villas • Six Senses Spa • Private pool•villas • Six Senses Spa • Peaceful beach 2 restaurants including • Peaceful beachoffering • 2 restaurants ‘Dining on the Rocks’ fine diningincluding perched ‘Dining the outcrop Rocks’ offering fine dining on aon rocky with beautiful viewsperched on a rocky outcrop with beautiful views

For exclusive offers, information on our honeymoon wishlist, or to request your free honeymoon brochure For exclusive offers, information on our honeymoon wishlist, or to request your free honeymoon brochure

Call 01 881 4918 • Pop in for a chat • Visit trailfinders.ie/honeymoons Call 01 881 4918 • Pop in for a chat • Visit trailfinders.ie/honeymoons

Prices are per person ‘from’ prices based on double share, subject to availability & valid for selected May & June 2020 departures. ndersbyisthe licensed by the Commission Aviation TA Regulation, TA 0542.

Trailfinders isTrailfi licensed Commission for Aviation for Regulation, 0542. ◊visit trailfinders.ie/win Prices are per person ‘from’ prices based on double share, subject to availability & valid for selected May & June 2020 departures.

Trailfinders is licensed by the Commission for Aviation Regulation, TA 0542. ◊visit trailfinders.ie/win 03423 Irish Wedding Diary Winter Ad_ 210x297mm.indd 1

03/09/2019 11:40

Ready to plan your big day?

For more information please call +34711006205 email rachel@takeavow.es or visit our website www.takeavow.es

Memorable destination weddings happen at Take A Vow. Based in beautiful Marbella, we plan magical & romantic weddings & renewal of vows from traditional to modern, formal to relaxed throughout Southern Spain.

AWARD WINNING WEDDING PLANNER

Truly Classic Honeymoons L

ooking for some inspiring ideas of where to honeymoon? At Classic Resorts, our dedicated reservations team have over 80-years’ experience of the best places to go. From the turquoise seas of the Caribbean to the vibrant cities of Asia, and African safaris to the deserts of Arabia, we have something for you! We can book a limo transfer to Dublin airport, provide VIP check and fast track you through security to start your honeymoon off right! Contact us by phone on 01 874 5000 to talk to our experts, or make an appointment to call in. Alternatively, you can email us at info@classicresort.ie.

Asia Africa 152 I IWD Feature I Honeymoons

Caribbean

n

T

he Caribbean has many islands and they are all quite different.

With sunshine year-round and temperatures around 25 degrees, be prepared for some liquid sunshine during our summer months.

St. Lucia St. Lucia is one the most tropical islands in the Caribbean. With its rain forest and Piton Mountains dominating the skyline, it’s a very

Grenada

Mexico

Grenada is dubbed the ‘Spice Isle’ because the

Mexico has recently become one of the top

hilly main island is home to numerous nutmeg

Caribbean Sea destinations for Irish couples.

plantations. Its capital is St. George’s, whose

With its white sandy beaches, great water

colourful homes, Georgian buildings and early-

sports, Mayan culture, and great nightlife, there

18th-century Fort George, overlook narrow

is plenty to see and do. A 7 night stay at the 5*

Carenage Harbour. To the south is Grand Anse

UNICO 20°87°’ in a Alcoba Tropical view room

Beach, with resorts and bars. This beautiful

on an All Inclusive basis will start from €1925pp.

island can be combined with Barbados for a

Relaxing spa treatments. Championship golf.

lovely twin-centre holiday. A 7 night stay in

Scuba diving experiences. A day spent exploring

a Junior Suite at the 5* Calabash Grenada on

ancient ruins and purifying cenotes. With UNICO

BB in May starts from €2799pp. Travel May to

20°87°’s Unlimited Inclusions*, these one-of-a-

Oct and receive Free Half Board Or choose the

kind activities are all part of your experience.

Honeymoon package. Honeymooners receive a

Take your stay to the next level with unlimited

resort for over-18 adults only, and is provided on

suite upgrade, bottle of prosecco, home-made

golf, scuba dives, spa treatments, local tours

an all-inclusive basis. This means you know what

chocolate truffles and a romantic candlelit dinner

and beauty salon services. It’s the all inclusive

your honeymoon will cost before you travel, with

on the beach. Quote ref 90626

redefined. Quote ref: 90628

all meals and drinks, entertainment and non-

Dominican Republic

Barbados

The

Dominican

Republic,

beautiful island. 4* Rendezvous is a couple’s

St Lucia

motorised water sports included. It’s a perfect choice for your wedding or honeymoon. A 7-night

recent

Barbados Barbados is one of the best know

stay starts from €2299pp, including flights, taxes

times, has become extremely popular with

islands in the Caribbean and has plenty to

and transfers. Honeymooners receive chilled

honeymooners, families and couples. This is due

offer. Take a visit to a local rum shack to meet

sparkling wine in the room on arrival, and one

to the great value for money offered by the 5*

the locals, or a trip to Bridgetown, the island’s

complimentary Honeymoon Massage per stay.

all-inclusive resorts, and its white sandy beaches

capital, for some great duty-free shopping. You

Couples booking the Luxury Beachfront Suite can

with tropical palm trees. The beaches offer some

can visit the Andromeda botanical gardens, go

have the Honeymoon Massage in their room, and

picturesque places for a marriage ceremony.

on a 4x4 adventure, or try some water sports.

are also given one complimentary honeymoon

over

A 7-night stay at the 5* Dreams Dominicus La

turndown

service,

including

candlelight,

Romana resort, in a Deluxe Tropical View room,

The new 4* Wave Hotel & Spa by Elegant Hotels

scattered petals and soft music, on the first night

on an all-inclusive basis, starts from €1499pp.

offers contemporary beachfront luxury on the

of their stay. A standard turndown service is

Honeymooners receive a welcome letter, fresh

West Coast, on an all-inclusive basis with Spa

offered on all remaining nights. There is a weekly

fruit, a bottle of sparkling wine, a special turn

Treatments. Honeymooners receive a bottle of

beachside Honeymooners exclusive social event

down service, breakfast in bed with mimosas,

sparkling wine, and flower petals on the bed on

and, if you are interested in getting married, this

and 15% discount on all spa treatments. Quote

arrival. Prices for a 7-night stay in a Standard

beautiful resort offers free weddings for stays of

ref: 90627

guest room on an all-inclusive basis start from

7 nights or more, (additional legal fees apply).

€2149pp, including flights, taxes and transfers.

Quote ref: 90630

Quote ref: 90629

Grenada

Domincan Republic

Mexico Honeymoons I IWD Feature I 153

A

frica and the Indian Ocean have long been a favourite destination for honeymoons. The exotic islands of Mauritius, The Seychelles, and The Maldives are paradises waiting to be explored. Combine your stay in South Africa to include Capetown, wine lands and a safari to really top off your honeymoon.

Asia and Beyond....

Hong Kong & Bali

Hong Kong

Kenya

One of the world’s most exciting holiday destinations, Bali has always had a special attraction for the international traveller. The beauty of Bali is that it has everything

Dubai

– beaches, mountains, jungle, thousands of shops, amazing restaurants, nightlife, and the most beautiful people, with a culture steeped in tradition and the Hindu religion. It is a vibrant place in parts, and untouched in

Maldives The Maldives & Dubai

have put together a package to include flights

If a honeymoon is meant to be a celebration

from Dublin with 2 nights in Nairobi and 3 nights

of love in an intimate, secluded, and most

on Safari with 2 game drives per day. You will

importantly, beautiful setting, then the Maldives

then head to Mauritius for a 7-night stay at the

is the world’s best backdrop for all of these

4* Canonnier Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa on

things. There are endless ways to let the magic

an All Inclusive basis. Honeymooners will receive

of the islands dazzle you on your holiday as a

2 course lunches are offered, per night paid, in

couple, whether it is a dinner under the stars,

a selected restaurant if Half Board is pre-booked

with the occasional flicker of candle light to

for the couple, 1 Bottle of Sparkling wine, 1 free

bring you back into the real world, or just lazing

experience offered to the couple, to be chosen

around in your private villa watching the endless

from a catalogue of experiences,minimum stay 4

turquoise waters. We have combined a stopover

nights required. This 12-night honeymoon starts

in Dubai for 3 nights bed & breakfast (BB) at the

from €3549pp, which includes all flights, taxes,

5* Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach and 7 nights at

transfers, and hotel accommodation. Quote ref:

the 4* Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu on Half Board in

90632

others. Bali is known as ‘The Island of the Gods’ and is a true paradise for a great holiday. Combining this with a stopover in Hong Kong, with its shopping, sightseeing and culinary experiences, we have put together a package that includes 3 nights in 4* Harbour Plaza North Point in Hong Kong (room only), where honeymooners will receive a bottle of sparkling wine, chocolates and flowers on arrival, plus a city tour and tram tickets, and then 7 nights in Bali at the 4* Tanjung Benoa Beach Resort BB, with honeymooners receiving chocolates on arrival. This 10-night package starts from €1399pp and includes all flights, transfers and hotel accommodation.

Quote ref: 85676

Thailand

an Ocean Front Villa. The Maldives stay includes a honeymooner’s refreshing welcome cocktail on

Kenya

arrival. The couple will be provided with a bottle

One of the best places to see the wildebeest

of Sparkling Wine & Tropical Fruit platter, as well

migration and the ‘Big 5’, e.g. lion, elephant,

as a Special bed decoration. The couple is also

on your game drives, is in the Massai Mara

entitled to a Romantic 3 course candle lit dinner.

National Game Reserve. This amazing country

10 nights from €2449pp. Upgrade to all Inclusive

offers you both an amazing safari experience and

for 7 nights in Maldives for €670pp. Quote ref

relaxation on the beaches of Mombasa, before

90631

heading home. We have put together a package to include return flights, taxes and transfers as

Mauritius & Safari

follows – Kilimanjaro safari to Mombasa Coast

If you are looking for a very special place to spend

safari, including one night’s accommodation

your honeymoon, Mauritius is definitely the place

in Nairobi (BB), Amboseli National Park (FB),

for you. Every hotel on the island offers extensive

Tsavo West National Park (FB) and Taita Hills

wedding and honeymoon packages. They can

Game Reserve (FB). You then head off to the 5*

also help you in organising every single detail of

Leopard Beach Resort & Spa on Half Board basis

the ceremony. Combining this a Kenyan Safari

for a six-night stay in a Superior Balcony room.

will really add adventure to your honeymoon. We

Prices from €2269pp Quote ref: 90639

Thailand Thailand, known as the ‘Land of Smiles’, has long been a favourite with the Irish traveller. It offers many beautiful islands with sandy beaches, vibrant cities, culture, nightlife and much more. The luxury 5* The Vijitt Resort Phuket is charmingly ensconced in a garden setting, not too far from Phuket Town, and the airport.

This accommodation is designed to relax and refresh your senses, both visually and physically. Stay 7 nights (BB) and then head up to the 4* Elephant Hills Lake Jungle Safari for 2 nights (FB). Learn about, and feed, the Asian elephants before you take a kayak through the mangroves, and head up to the floating camp, where

For further information on any of these holidays please contact us at Classic Resorts, 24-25 Lower

you will experience the amazing sights and sounds of the

Liffey Street, Dublin 1, Tel 01 8745000 Email info@classicresorts.ie Web: www.classicresorts.ie

jungle. This holiday costs €1949pp for 9 nights, including

154 I IWD Feature I Honeymoons

flights, taxes and transfer. Quote ref: €1949pp

s n oo m y e on 5* H in Mexico 10 nights All Inclusive from

€2399pp The Grand at Moon Palace Cancun Imagine elegance to the hilt, days brimming with promise, the melding of luxury, technology and convenience, alluring magical nights, and having your every craving satisfied the moment you feel the urge. Now, picture this rapturous realm set on a beach that seems as if it was plucked from a dreamy postcard. Pinch yourself, it’s real, it’s The Grand At Moon Palace Cancun. Located in Riviera Cancun only 20 mins from Cancun itself, the resort boasts 11 exceptional restaurants, specialities include Mexican, Lebanese, Peruvian, French, Italian, and Oriental fare. Try any of the 13 bars, or dance the night away at Unique nightclub. There are 9 outdoor pools, including 2 adults’ pools with children’s areas, 5 swim-up bars and an amazing waterpark with slides, lazy river and wave pool.

Honeymooners receive at any Palace Resort, a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine, mini cake, honeymoon dinner at select restaurants, 2 T-shirts, honeymooner’s desk and late check out until 6p.m.

Resort Credit of $2000 per room per stay, Palace Resorts are offering an In-Resort Credit per room per stay, which can be used for Spa Treatments, Weddings, Special Dinners, Golf and Tours.

Discount of 15% included Prices are based on 2 sharing a Grand Deluxe Resort view room on an All Inclusive basis for 10 nights, flights from Dublin, taxes, 1xbag, Private Transfers, local rep and hotel for 10 nights All Inclusive. Travel in September.

Quote ref: 90449

TA167

Contact Classic Resorts for your personal quotation T: 01 8745000 • E: info@classicresorts.ie • W: www.classicresorts.ie.

24-25 Lwr Liffey Street, Dublin 1. 100% Irish owned and Bonded!

WEDDINGTRAVEL HONEYMOONS & WEDDINGS ABROAD Compiled by Alex Joyce

Raffles Restored

Eco Honeymoon

Bali Eco Village – A Cosy Balinese Eco lodge Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor reopened on October 1, 2019, after a closure of six months for renovations. Designed in the late 1920s by architect Ernest Hébrard in French colonial style, the hotel’s interior combines Khmer art and furnishings with Art Deco influences. Renowned for its wrought-iron and timber elevator, ‘The Grand’ served as an early base for archaeologists, explorers and visitors to the rediscovered kingdom of Angkor. It was taken over in 1997 at the invitation of Cambodia’s HRH King Sihanouk by Fairmont Raffles Hotels International.

‘The refurbishment of the restaurant has brought it up to date with freshness and light, while retaining the sense of traveling back in time,’ said Hotel Manager Vincent Gernigon. ‘The new look of the restaurant perfectly complements the exciting menus being created by Chef Angela, which adds a new dimension to Khmer cuisine.’

‘Khmer cuisine is a combination of refined, simple, delicate flavours,’ she said. ‘The dishes are much subtler than, say, Thai recipes. Khmer flavours pop out, but don’t knock you over.’

Chef Angela said she aims to craft traditional Khmer recipes with a modern approach. ‘Not fusion, but dishes that can be adapted to a Western palate,’ she added.

One of her new signature dishes is the melt-in-your-mouth Beef Cheek, served with a local aromatic herb known as ma-om, and quail egg curry. www.raffles.com/siem-reap/

I know it’s a bit of a stretch to call an Eco honeymoon ‘ethical’ when you have to fly halfway around the world to get there, but when you do arrive at this Balinese eco village, you become part of nature rather than distracting from it.

A cosy Balinese eco lodge surrounding an impressive bamboo eco structure is mad up of five private bungalows that come with incredible views into the neighbouring forest. Bali eco village aims to be completely self-sustainable and self-sufficient. This Bali eco mountain retreat has been built with passion using only natural materials and aided by the local Bali community. At Bali eco village, they tread lightly on the earth, respecting nature, and its power and beauty, offering an antidote to the stress of everyday life. Come and stay in a part of Bali you have never seen before. Picture rolling hills, greenery, cool clean mountain air, amazing views and unique bamboo bungalows, complete with their own fireplaces. Experience the beautiful, undisturbed, natural surroundings of Bali eco village, where local villagers quietly gather the world’s most expensive coffee, organic ‘Koppe Luwak’. https://positive.travel

The Great Outdoors

If the great outdoors is your first love, well second after your new spouse, then the great outdoors doesn’t get much greater than this. Aman has just announced the arrival of Camp Sarika by Amangiri, a serene encampment encircled by the raw wilderness of the Utah desert, scheduled to open in April 2020.

Amangiri has drawn travellers to Utah’s starkly beautiful landscape of deep canyons and vermillion rock formations for a decade. To herald its special anniversary, the resort will soon welcome guests to Camp Sarika

by Amangiri – 10 tented pavilions with individual private plunge pools surrounded by 600 hectares of wilderness, close to Amangiri.

Formed for escapism, adventure and privacy, Camp Sarika will perfectly reflect the Amangiri experience with a main pavilion and restaurant, two spa suites, one main swimming pool and a jacuzzi. www.aman.com/camp-sarika

156 I IWD Travel I Honeymoons

Everlasting memories in the

Island of Love

It’s not just about saying ‘I do…’; it’s about creating memories. And what better place to do it in than the island of love, the birthplace of Aphrodite.

Greek

destination for your romantic get-away, your

Goddess of love and beauty was born of the

honeymoon or your wedding ceremony all year

sea foam at Petra tou Romiou. Legend tells that

round.

According

to

legend,

the

Ancient

wedding, blessing and/or renewal of vows ceremonies with holidays and honeymoons.

• Highly experienced and professional municipal wedding officers available to help you plan your event to suit both your vision and your budget.

she rose from the waves and was escorted on a shell to this particular beach in the Paphos area.

• Location provides a combination of

From nuptials on seaside piers and on-board yachts, to five-star spa resorts and wineries, civil ceremonies or religious blessing, quaint village taverns or lavish banquet halls, Cyprus offers a wealth of venues and options for all tastes, all budgets and all love stories.

Making it easy for you: If the beauty of the island has not yet convinced you perhaps this will. There are so many reasons why Cyprus wins the hearts of couples

• Highly experienced and professional wedding planners available, with specialising in beautiful bespoke weddings.

• Family and friends can combine the wedding with a holiday.

• Delicious Mediterranean cuisine.

• Warm and welcoming culture.

• Diverse activities including water sports, golf, sailing, horse riding, walking, cycling and even skiing and snowboarding in winter.

wishing to marry abroad, including:

• Short flying time from the UK and all European countries.

Cyprus is a small island with a long history and a rich culture that spans over 11,000 years, making it one of oldest civilisations in the Mediterranean. As such, the island is an open-air museum comprising monuments from prehistoric settlements to British colonial-style

• Significantly lower costs compared to marrying in other countries.

• Simple marriage formalities with worldwide legality.

• Wedding certificate given at the ceremony on the same day.

buildings. It is not surprising that UNESCO

• Ease of last-minute arrangements.

includes a number of the island’s sights on its

• English widely spoken.

World Heritage Sites list.

• Stunning variety of different wedding venues including beaches, yachts, castles,

Apart from its rich culture, Cyprus is blessed

museums, wineries and traditional villages.

with the beauty of nature’s best palette. The

• A range of bespoke, themed and packaged

scenery of the island unfolds across glittering

weddings all available on the island.

coasts, rolling mountains, fragrant forests and

Traditional Cypriot village weddings that

rugged headlands. With more than 320 days

follow the local customs available as

per year of sunshine, Cyprus is the perfect

something different and unique.

For more information you can visit our website www.visitcyprus.com, send us an email MariaSocratous@visitcyprus.com or give us a call +357-22691290.

Weddings I IWD Feature I 157

WEDDINGTRAVEL HONEYMOONS & WEDDINGS ABROAD Compiled by Alex Joyce

Secret Garden Set in a secret garden at the heart of a 32-hectare forest, Aman Kyoto, Aman’s third destination in Japan

which

opened on 1 November 2019.

The resort is a secluded otherworldly retreat: moss-covered boulders glow emerald-like in the lush undergrowth, winding footpaths link tranquil forest glades, and streams provide a soothing soundtrack broken only by birdsong.

From this peaceful haven, where gardens, forest and healing waters rejuvenate body and mind, guests can explore all that Kyoto has to offer on uniquely curated, behind-the-scenes Aman Journeys.

Bohemian

https://www.aman.com/resorts/aman-kyoto

Hideaway

Bohemian luxury hideaway The Nautilus has been unveiled as the only Maldivian member of Relais & Châteaux, one of the world’s most prestigious hotel and restaurant associations and a globally recognized signifier of exceptional quality. Coming hot on the heels of its official opening in spring 2019, The Nautilus’ inclusion as one of only 13 new Relais & Chateaux members this year further burnishes its already glowing credentials as one of the Indian Ocean’s most immaculate luxury private island experiences.

In his 1870 classic Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, Jules Verne described his legendary Nautilus as a ‘masterpiece containing masterpieces’; launched in spring 2019, The Nautilus Maldives is quickly earning a similar reputation.

Located in the UNESCO biosphere reserve of Baa Atoll, The Nautilus is a luxury bohemian hideaway which celebrates freedom and individuality, where guests are encouraged to be themselves and shape their own personal journey. www.thenautilusmaldives.com

Yosemite In 1866, US President Abraham Lincoln signed the Yosemite Land Grant bill to protect Mariposa Grove and Yosemite Valley – marking the first time in its history the US government preserved a space for public use.

To celebrate 130 years of Yosemite being a national park, discover some of the best ways to enjoy winter in Yosemite Mariposa County – the ‘mother of counties’ and home to the iconic Yosemite Valley.

Stay at Yosemite National Park’s distinctive AAA fourdiamond hotel: The Ahwahnee boasts a striking granite façade, magnificent log-beamed ceilings, massive stone hearts and richly coloured Native American artwork.

Located in the jaw-dropping Yosemite Valley, The Ahwahnee is a National Historic Landmark and one of the most distinctive resort hotels in North America.

158 I IWD Travel I Honeymoons

Standard room from $341 per night.

THE MOMENT WHEN HAPPY EVER AFTER BEGINS

The bells have finished ringing, the confetti has settled, and the crowd have departed. After all the excitement, you deserve some us-time on your dream honeymoon.

From the tropical beaches in Mexico to the beautiful, sandy beaches in Spain, we are here to help choose the perfect honeymoon destination for you.

Call 1850 929 141 | tuiholidays.ie | TUI Store TUI is a trading name of TUI Ireland Limited, a member of TUI Group, and is fully licensed and bonded by CAR T.O.021.

Old World

WEDDINGTRAVEL HONEYMOONS & WEDDINGS ABROAD Compiled by Alex Joyce

Duong Lam, Oldest Village in Vietnam With a foundation wall over 1,000 years old, honeymooners can cycle through paddy fields and visit fascinating temples of the two ‘hero’ kings of Vietnam – Phung Hung (approx. 790AD) and Ngo Quyen (898 – 944AD) who ‘chased the Tang Dynasty army back to China’. You can

Nature Lovers

enjoy special foot reflexology massages and learn to cook authentic country cuisine with comfortable home stays. April and September are the best months to visit.

Visit www.journeys-to-the-east.com for more information.

Imagine island-hopping through the Galápagos

faces towering high over the ocean, lava

Archipelago aboard a comfortable yacht; the

beds, white sand beaches and simmering

combination of close-up wildlife viewing – on

volcanos compose some of the fascinating

land and under water – along with spectacular

scenery here, with numerous endemic birds

island scenery has made Galápagos National

and animals waiting to be discovered. With

Park among the most sought-after adventure

a highly-trained crew of eight, including

destinations on earth.

an

English-speaking

park

naturalist,

the

Reina Silva is a 90-foot deluxe yacht that This yacht travels only at night and by breakfast

accommodates her 12–16 passengers in six

guests find whole new worlds to explore. Cliff

air-conditioned cabins. See: www.oars.com

Chill Out in Africa

If you’ve been dreaming of enjoying the ultimate Kenyan safari, what better time to do it than on your honeymoon?

This Kenyan tour by &Beyond begins in the country’s capital of Nairobi, where travellers can kick off their safari with close-up animal interactions at the charming Giraffe Manor. A semi-domesticated herd of giraffe wanders the property, entertaining guests with their antics over

Jungle Fever

breakfast, when they have made it a habit to stick their heads into the manor’s dining room, investigating the tasty selection of treats on offer.

From here, you will travel off the beaten track to the relatively unknown Laikipia Plateau or the Samburu National Park. Boasting one of the largest elephant populations in East Africa, the Laikipia Plateau stretches from the slopes of Mount Kenya to the rim of the Great Rift Valley. In

It is rare to be able to stay at a resort that allows you to enjoy the highlights of

addition to the usual game drives, a safari here offers guided walks,

the country you are visiting without having to travel further than its grounds.

horseback safaris and an optional helicopter flight around Mount Kenya.

Sabah’s remarkable natural attractions include a complex rainforest, glorious

For more information about this and other luxury African safaris, log on

beaches and stunning wildlife, especially the orangutan – found only in Borneo

to www.andBeyond.com

and Sumatra.

Rasa Ria is set on a glorious long white sandy beach fringing the South China Sea and cradled by a jungle headland with a backdrop of Sabah’s icon, Mount Kinabalu. The peace and beauty of Rasa Ria, where a chorus of birds mingles with the soothing sounds of the sea, exerts its magic on visitors. The temptation to do nothing more than laze about the pool vies with the desire to go horseback riding, play golf at Dalit Bay Golf and Country Club, cruise to the nearby islands on the Rasa Ria catamaran, bump along the great outdoors on the resort’s organised all-terrain vehicle (ATV) safari, windsurf or hike on a trail through the secondary forest of the Nature Reserve.

Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort, Dalit Bay Golf & Country Club. Sabah, Malaysia Tel: 6088 792888 www.shangri-la.com

160 I IWD Travel I Honeymoons

The Website for Wedding Dresses Our Website has the latest wedding dresses from the top Irish and international wedding dress designers

www.IrishWeddingDiary.ie Wedding Dresses I IWD Feature I 161

WEDDINGTRAVEL HONEYMOONS & WEDDINGS ABROAD Compiled by Alex Joyce

A Slice of Heaven MORE THAN A VACATION

EXPERIENCE PURE MAGIC The azure waters and pristine private beaches of Turtle Island offer the ideal setting to slow down, be present and savour the serenity of nature. According to one of our former guests: ‘Heaven has a name, and it’s called Turtle Island’. As a private island they can offer guests a unique, bespoke experience. With just 14 villas, guests can choose from among a dozen secluded beaches that they can have to themselves.

They will pack the picnic, and chill the champagne.

All you have to do is relax, recharge and reconnect.

Call them on your personal handheld radio and they’ll collect you ... or simply refill your glass. Guests have said that their experience on the island went beyond a mere vacation. You can share some of that magic with everyone that stays on Turtle Island.

Italian Treasure

Paragon 700 Boutique Hotel & Spa, is an elegantly restored red palace in

the heart of Puglia’s White City, Ostuni, set to open in February 2020. This quintessentially Puglian property is being meticulously restored to boast 11 individually curated rooms and suites with a cosmopolitan soul. Standing in stark contrast to the whitewashed buildings of Ostuni, Paragon 700’s red brick façade cocoons a lush garden and swimming pool, a rare green space in the heart of the city, that will offer guests a tranquil and exclusive oasis, just a five-minute walk from Ostuni’s main square. This new boutique hotel will also offer gourmet meals created by Michelin-starred chef Paulo Airaudo, creative cocktails at the hotel’s eclectic bar and indulgent treatments at the private spa. www.paragon700.com

Devon’s Delight Set in the heart of Devon’s enchanting countryside, just half an hour from the historic city of Exeter, Paschoe House is a country house hotel with a difference. Here, traditional old school glamour harmoniously rubs shoulders with cool, contemporary elegance.

Rooms and suites are sumptuous and sophisticated, the gardens glorious and the cuisine exceptional.

For your wedding day at Paschoe House, they will work entirely to your own schedule. You take over the entire house and its grounds with exclusive hire, meaning that you and your guests have absolute privacy and can use Paschoe House however you

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wish. Meanwhile of course, their team are on hand to provide the very best in food, drink and hospitality.

The Seychelles The perfect place for your romantic escape.

Photo: © Torsten Dickmann

Photo: © Ennio Maffei

Photo: © Torsten Dickmann

Seychelles Tourist Office - UK & Ireland Ground Floor, 130-132 Buckingham Palace Road SW1W 9SA Tel: +44 (0) 207 730 0700 · seychelles@uksto.co.uk · www.seychelles.travel Photo: © Torsten Dickmann

Sechelles-IrishWeddingDiary-Ad-297x210mm-June2019.indd 2

05/06/2019 15:53

Seychelles

Love is in the Air

Torsten Dickmann

I

n our frantic, modern world, relaxation techniques invite us to close our eyes and dream of a place where tired spirits can be refreshed. But why dream when Seychelles is only hours away?

These friendly islands are blessed with perpetual summer, space to breathe the purest air and room to unwind on the powder-soft sand of endless beaches.

Arab seafarers, before being colonised by the Against the romantic backdrop of these

French in 1770 and then by the British in 1814.

diverse islands, scattered like pearls upon the

It became an independent republic within the

warm, azure waters of the Indian Ocean, your

Commonwealth in 1976.

wondrous coco de mer, and fabled Aldabra, the largest raised atoll in the world.

Throughout

the

islands

can

be

found

unparalleled

opportunities

for

sailing

on

bareboat or skippered yachts, world-class deep sea and fly fishing, as well as a wide and experienced diver alike. From Mahé, the

In

an

ecologically

compromised

world,

Seychelles offers sanctuaries for numerous Seychelles, made up of 115 pristine, tropical

native species of flora and fauna that are

islands, is a magnificent archipelago, containing

amongst the rarest on earth. Many of these

the only mid-ocean granitic islands on the

species can be discovered on the network of

planet. It was certainly known to the early

guided walks. The islands are also home to

164 I IWD Travel I The Seychelles

de Mai, upon whose ancient palms grows the

variety of dive experiences for the novice

yearning for ultimate beauty and tranquillity will become reality.

two UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Vallée

principal island of the Seychelles, the nation’s islands extend 100 km north and 1000 km in a glittering arc towards the east coast of Africa.

Between 15 minutes and 1 hour flight time from Mahé, several of our select island getaways offer accommodation in well-appointed lodges

Chris Close

Torsten Dickmann

and resorts, ranging from sumptuous five-star

Whether in Seychelles for a wedding or a

Come and savour the ultimate in tropical

luxury to beach-side cottages with a natural

honeymoon, make a rendezvous with destiny

romance! Be swept off your feet by the breath-

and homely elegance.

and set your own stage for the most romantic

taking beauty of the world’s most stunning

days of your life beneath swaying palms,

islands, where you will be offered diversity, a

The islands enjoy a rich variety of hotels and

alongside crystal waters fringed by silver-soft

carefree lifestyle and the services of dedicated

guesthouses, each with its own brand of

sands.

professionals whose attention to detail will leave you with the freedom to enjoy the

welcome to seduce the visitor with the charms and rhythms of an island lifestyle that are refreshingly authentic, with sights, sounds and flavours that are typically Creole.

Sensual Seychelles has long been dubbed ‘the islands of love’. Home to the unique Vallée

Sip exotic tropical cocktails against the backdrop of crimson sunsets.

moments of a lifetime.

de Mai, purported by many to be the site of the original Garden of Eden, it is little wonder that lovers are inspired to take their vows and

Visit the island of La Digue, where time stands

wed in this gentle and romantic atmosphere.

still and bicycles and ox-carts hold sway on the

Lay back and watch the days and nights slip ever so slowly by from within the luxurious cocoon of a dream island getaway

pathways, or the dream beaches of Grand Anse and Source d’Argent. Or simply lay back and watch the days and nights slip slowly by from within the luxurious cocoon of a dream island getaway.

Chris Close Seychelles Tourist Office – UK & Ireland

Quietly stroll the Vallée de Mai, where the

Ground Floor, 130–132 Buckingham Palace

legendary coco de mer nut grows high on

Road SW1W 9SA Tel: +44 (0) 207 730 0700

Marriage and honeymoon packages are offered

ancient palms. Dine tête-à-tête with your feet

seychelles@uksto.co.uk www.seychelles.travel

by several leading travel agencies to ensure

in the sand on uncrowded beaches, or try your

that your wedding day or honeymoon will be

hand at dancing the Moutia, ancient dance of

as blissfully romantic and unique as you desire,

slaves, whose sensuous rhythms beckon from

allowing the memories of those special days to

the flicker of a beach fire beneath a lover’s

become forever emblazoned in your hearts.

moon.

The Seychelles I IWD Travel I 165

All-Inclusive Honeymoons From the Honeymoon Experts Hayes & Jarvis So, you’ve just experienced one of the happiest whirlwind experiences of your life, you’ve tied the knot and it’s time to jet off together for some quality time as husband and wife. Our luxury all-inclusive honeymoons ensure that you and your newlywed can arrive at your chosen honeymoon destination with nothing else to do but have fun and make the most of this special time together.

Relax, Let Go and Indulge Your Senses with An All-Inclusive Honeymoon Go for the full VIP experience and stay at Mexico’s UNICO 20°87° Riviera Maya. This place takes allinclusive honeymoons to another level. With a minibar full of your favourite drinks and a personal butler to tend to your every need, retire to your honeymoon suite after a day of cocktails on the beach. This all-inclusive hotel boasts five different fine dining restaurants with a wide range of international cuisines to choose from. With unlimited spa inclusions, you can relax and unwind with a massage or if you’re feeling adventurous, set off on an organised day trip together.

166 I IWD Feature I Wedding Travel

In search of a tropical oasis that will leave both of you in awe?

Maldives

The Maldives must be one of the best honeymoon destinations in the world. Head to OZEN by Atmosphere at Maadhoo for an all-inclusive honeymoon retreat perfect for healthconscious couples. Languish in the comforts of the over-water Elena Spa complex, connect with daily yoga classes and enjoy the fresh and nutritious food from the R.A.W bar.

For explorers, the Aqua Club offers a wide range of activities such as water skiing, diving trips or sunset fishing and snorkelling. At night, toast to your journey together with a champagne dinner in the breath-taking underwater

Zanzibar

For a honeymoon resort nestled amongst the forest head to The Residence Zanzibar or for the ultimate private beach break in Thailand, check out the Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach.

One thing our all-inclusive hotels promise is complete peace of mind so that you can jet off to your honeymoon destination safe in the knowledge that everything has been taken care of.

Thailand

For more information and to book an appointment with one of our destination specialists call 01 4331052 or visit the Hayes & Jarvis store on Exchequer Street, Dublin 2.

Wedding Travel I IWD Feature I 167

H&J_Irish Wedding Diary_Dec2019.indd 1

03/12/2019 16:42

Your wedding day is perhaps the most significant day of your life. You want everything to be perfect, and when you book your reception and Hilton Malta, we will make sure your day is truly unforgettable. You can also hold your civil ceremony at our beautiful venue. We have everything to make your big day even more special.

For additional information visit www.malta.hilton.com

Terms & Conditions apply.

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

Boyne Hill Housel Estate I IWD Bridal I 171

Dress by Lamelia Bridal www.Lameliabridalstudiosligo.ie Beltra, Co. Sligo Tel: 071-9310561

172 I IWD Bridal I Boyne Hill House Estate

Dress by Lamelia Bridal www.Lameliabridalstudiosligo.ie Beltra, Co. Sligo Tel: 071-9310561

Boyne Hill House Estate I IWD Bridal I 173

Dress by Lamelia Bridal www.Lameliabridalstudiosligo.ie Beltra, Co. Sligo Tel: 071-9310561

174 I IWD Bridal I Boyne Hill House Estate

Boyne Hill House Estate I IWD Bridal I 175

176 I IWD Bridal I Boyne Hill House Estate

Dress by Lamelia Bridal www.Lameliabridalstudiosligo.ie Beltra, Co. Sligo Tel: 071-9310561

Boyne Hill House Estate I IWD Bridal I 177

178 I IWD Bridal I Boyne Hill House Estate

Dress by Lamelia Bridal www.Lameliabridalstudiosligo.ie Beltra, Co. Sligo Tel: 071-9310561

Boyne Hill House Estate I IWD Bridal I 179

180 I IWD Bridal I Boyne Hill House Estate

Dress by Lamelia Bridal www.Lameliabridalstudiosligo.ie Beltra, Co. Sligo Tel: 071-9310561

Boyne Hill House Estate I IWD Bridal I 181

Dress by Lamelia Bridal www.Lameliabridalstudiosligo.ie Beltra, Co. Sligo Tel: 071-9310561

182 I IWD Bridal I Boyne Hill House Estate

Boyne Hill House Estate I IWD Bridal I 183

The perfect setting for the wedding day of your dreams.

I

magIne 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.

s

et In

38

acres of

stunnIng IrIsh

countrysIde, stunnIng gardens and

parklands overlookIng the rIver boyne, thIs exclusIve estate Is sItuated

In

navan, co, meath, less than 1 hour from dublIn.

DEDICATED TO YOU Every wedding is completely unique. We cater for bespoke & unique weddings for up to 180 guests, with 42 luxurious guestrooms on the estate.

Inclusive Packages, designed by you, executed by us, creating a unique and truly memorable wedding celebration you will cherish forever.

Our dedicated wedding planners and hospitality team are here to take care of your every need and guide you every step of the way.

Not one but Two beautiful locations for your civil ceremony, including our secret garden, surrounded by ancient forestry and the relaxing sounds of a running stream. us today Contact unted ur disco o s s u c is d to d on selecte .

Boyne Hill House has everything you could wish for and more, it is no surprising it is package 21 0 2 2020 & considered one of Ireland’s most exclusive private venues and wedding destination. dates in ention Please m iar y to edding D W h is r I offer.

Boyne Hill House, Kilcarn, Navan, Co. Meath, Ireland +353 46 903 1247 info@boynehillhouse.ie avail of

www.boynehillhouse.ie

www.thomassunderland.ie

22 Castle Street Carlow • Phone: +353 (0) 59 9142278 • Email: info@thomassunderland.ie

The Wedding of

Gemma & Tom In Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links

T

om and I met while backpacking in Australia. We were staying in the same hostel in Cairns when we first met. Although we went our separate ways after Cairns we kept in touch, and met back up a few times when our paths crossed until eventually we were both living in Brisbane and began our relationship. We were together about a year when we made the decision to move back closer to home, to Scotland.

186 I IWD Feature I Real Wedding

Photographer by Marc Millar Photography www.marcmillarphotography.com

At Christmas, 2016, Tom proposed. He made a bauble for our Christmas tree and put my engagement ring inside. We had been out for dinner and when we got home he got down

Portmarnock fulfilled our requirements perfectly.

on one knee and presented the bauble to me, asking for my hand in marriage. As is the

Portmarnock is only a stone’s throw away

norm in our relationship, due to having friends

from Dublin airport and, as it is easily

and family scattered near and far, we cracked

accessed from the motorway, so we had

open some champagne and spent a few hours

all bases covered. We had 137 guests in

facetiming our nearest and dearest, celebrating

total and the majority were staying at

via video call. Once we got into the new year,

the venue. Portmarnock hotel were really

the wedding planning began.

generous with their room allocation for

The most important thing for Tom and I was that our guests could easily travel to our wedding.

our guests and, as we had a lot of people staying from Friday to Monday, the hotel was able to accommodate our guests for the whole weekend.

On the Friday, the night before our wedding, we met our friends and family

As we would have guests travelling from

who had already arrived in the Jameson

Scotland, England, France, Canada, Australia

bar in the hotel. It was a very casual,

and obviously all over Ireland too it was really

relaxed evening with exceptional bar

important to us that their journey would be

food and lots of well-made drinks by very

simple to plan and they would have the option

friendly staff. This set the tone for our

of accommodation within our venue when they

whole wedding weekend. The perfect

arrived.

introduction to Irish hospitality.

Real Wedding I IWD Feature I 187

It was our aim to have a wedding full of fun and

Being at a coastal destination was really special

guests were tucking into their dessert we snuck

happiness. As Tom and I both lost our fathers

for us as the beginning of our relationship

off to have some photos taken on the beach

to illness when we were teenagers, we were

revolved around daytime dates at the beach

at dusk. The private walk to the beach from

very aware that this would be a very emotional

the hotel is beautiful and it is a really special

day for not only us, but our families too. We

memory for us, having that snippet of time to

wanted to keep or wedding very relaxed and this led us to choose to have a humanist ceremony conducted by Pat Coyle in the Secret Garden at Portmarnock Hotel and Golf Links.

The weather was incredible for us which meant all our guests could enjoy the stunning scenery of the velvet strand and Portmarnock’s beautiful grounds during our drinks reception. The staff

All our guests could enjoy the stunning scenery of the velvet strand and Portmarnock’s beautiful grounds during our drinks reception.

take in everything from the day. Our wedding continued on to the early hours of the morning with our band ‘Dance ‘til Dark’ supplying the music from ceremony right through to DJ. After a huge weekend of celebrating, Tom and I checked out on Monday and drove to the west of Ireland. We spent a week at various stops along the wild Atlantic way. The weather

at the hotel turned our ceremony set up into a

was wet and windy most of the time but the

relaxed drinks reception in jig time, meaning there was plenty of seating for guests outside

and lots of seaside barbeques with friends.

welcome was warm everywhere we went. We

as well as in.

On the evening of our wedding, while all our

couldn’t have asked for anything more.

188 I IWD Feature I Real Wedding

Portmarnock HOTEL & GOLF LINKS

www.portmarnock.com | Portmarnock | Dublin | +353 (0)1 846 0611

The Wedding of

Carla & Eric

Who were married at the Radisson Blu St Helens Hotel on 14th September 2019

Photography: Colin Colleran Photography www.colincolleranphotographer.com

190 I IWD Feature I Real Wedding

I

first met Eric at the 21st birthday party of one of my friends in March 2009, we got chatting straight away. We exchanged phone numbers and two weeks later we were on our first date, walking along Killiney beach near where we both lived. At the end of the date Eric kissed me on the beach and I knew that it was the start of something special.

Things were not that straightforward at the

one of our trips but he had a different plan. In

start of our relationship as Eric was soon off

April 2019, Eric took me completely by surprise

to Belfast to complete his masters at Queen’s

on a sunny morning walking along Killiney

University. Luckily Eric has a passion for trains

beach when he knelt down on one knee and

so nearly every weekend he took the train back

asked me to marry him. I couldn’t contain my

to Dublin to visit me. No sooner was Eric back

excitement and was delighted to say yes. Eric

living in Dublin when I got a job in Galway

had calculated that that date was exactly 10

city. We spent lots of weekends exploring the

years since our first kiss at that exact spot. Eric

Wild Atlantic way coastline and seeing parts of

had then arranged a weekend away in Belfast

Ireland we hadn’t seen before.

where we stayed at the luxury Merchant hotel and visited our favourite places that we had gone to during the first year of our relationship.

As we had been together for 10 years I couldn’t wait to get married. We were keen to try to get good weather for our wedding which meant having to plan it quite quickly given that it was May at this stage. As we are both from Dublin and this is where the majority of our friends and family live we were keen to have it somewhere local.

In 2014 we moved in together; renting an apartment in Dún Laoghaire. We have great memories living there and in 2016 we moved to Blackrock where we bought our first home together.

We went to the Radisson Blu St Helens Wedding Open Day and we both knew instantly that this was where we wanted our wedding to be.

We had developed a passion for travelling and I always thought that Eric might propose on

We were very impressed with the mix of the old house, perfect gardens and the beautifully

Real Wedding I IWD Feature I 191

our planning meetings at the hotel, the grounds were set up for a work BBQ. We saw lots of the fun games and inflatables on the lawns and thought why not have a similar set up for our wedding?

draped room decorated with cherry trees. We were delighted there was availability for early September and had a celebratory lunch with our parents after booking our big day.

Lots of people kept telling me we were mad to get married so quick and one thing that kept coming up in conversations was, how on earth will you find a dress on time? I was starting to get a bit worried but luckily the dedicated team at Alice May Bridal came to the rescue and I found my dream dress, designed by Catherine Deane, that fit me perfectly and was available to take home that day.

I was keen to have some surprises and elements of fun at our wedding. During one of

The day of the wedding was absolutely wonderful.

It was one of the hottest days of the year with perfect weather throughout the day.

I was ecstatic walking up the aisle with my Dad in Monkstown Church where the sun was shining in through the tall stained glass windows. After saying our vows, we walked joyfully outside where we had lots of confetti cannons and an ice-cream van for our guests.

We were then greeted at the hotel with a glass of champagne and walked down the red carpet to the beautiful hallway entrance of the Radisson Blu St Helens. The drinks reception was my favourite part of the day, and we opted to have it outside in the gardens which were in full bloom. We had a large lawn that was very private, set up with an outside bar and seating area for our guests. We enjoyed craft beers, prosecco, lots of sweets and canapĂŠs and had a lot of fun. The highlight was having a gladiator duel on the inflatables with Eric where I managed to knock him off.

The day flew by and we were soon dancing the night away after the delicious food and heartfelt speeches. We had great fun with our selfie mirror and our guests enjoyed our beautiful cheese wheel cake that the kitchen staff put together with lots of crackers and figs.

192 I IWD Feature I Real Wedding

We had the best day of our lives and our family and friends were talking about it for weeks after. Our wedding planners; Zuzana, Kaela and the whole team at the Radisson Blu St Helens were amazing to deal with, very organised and helpful with all aspects of the planning. We managed to have a great wedding with just four months to plan and this was really down to the dedication and hard work of all the hotel staff who made it seem effortless.

For our honeymoon we rented a car and did a road trip around Montenegro, Bosnia and Croatia. We had a lovely time exploring small villages, swimming in the sea, driving around the mountains and visiting some spectacular waterfalls and National Parks.

A VENUE FOR ALL SEASONS

Contact Kaela or Zuzana on (01) 2186054 or Email weddings.sthelens.dublin@radissonblu.com Radisson Blu St. Helen’s Hotel, Stillorgan Road, Blackrock, Co. Dublin Radisson Blu St. Helen’s Hotel, Dublin | @RadissonStHelen | radissonblu.sthelens

ST HELEN’S HOTEL, DUBLIN

The Wedding of

Katherine & Ben In Castle Oaks Hotel & Estate on 16th August 2019.

Ben and Katherine recreated some of Ben’s parents’ photographs from their wedding on the stepping stones.

K

atherine and Ben met in London in 2015. Katherine was there for grad school and they met after two weeks of arriving in London. Katherine’s friends introduced her to Bumble one evening. Ben and her matched instantly! His profile made her laugh, the only thing he had written was ‘woo feminism’ and he had some pictures of a sport (hurling), that she did not recognise.

Ben proposed to Katherine in Paris on 13th August 2018

Their first date wasn’t a very auspicious start

another Katherine had once been in Ben’s life.

Ben proposed to Katherine in Paris on 13th

to a relationship as Katherine got the times

Ben’s Grandmother Kit Honan, eighty years

August 2018. Katherine was in Paris on a girls’

mixed up and was a whole hour early, and Ben

before, moved to New York, also at the age of

weekend. The girls were aware that Ben was

got disastrously held up and was a whole hour

nineteen and worked in that very same Empire

going to come to Paris and surprise Katherine

late. Katherine, making either the best or worst

State Building for many years.

with a proposal and they made sure that she was looking her best, insisting that her nails

decision of her life, decided to wait and give him a chance. Eventually, Ben burst through

Time flew and Katherine had a previous

and dress etc. were all immaculate. Katherine

the door in a beam of light, gave her one of his

arrangement made for dinner with her Mum.

thought this was suspicious but couldn’t have

huge, life-saving hugs, and that was it.

Katherine suggested that he join them for

been ready for the surprise of her life.

dinner, but when her Mum saw them she On their first date they spent a lot of time

decided to leave and give them space. A few

She was posing for a photo in the Jardin

talking about their lives, similarities and

days later, Ben sent Katherine a message

de Tuileries and Ben sneaked up behind to

differences and Katherine learnt what hurling

asking to take her and her Mum out for dinner.

propose. She felt an arm on her shoulder and

was. Katherine at aged 19 moved to New

Within a few months, Katherine was on a plane

when she turned, there was Ben on one knee

York and on that fist date, she discovered that

to spend her first Christmas of many in Ireland

with ring in hand.

194 I IWD Feature I Real Wedding

Photographer: Livia Figueiredo www.liviafigueiredo.com

They looked at numerous wedding venues and fell in love with the Castle Oaks House Hotel & Estate.

It ticked all their boxes as the location was perfect and the staff were very helpful in helping them to plan. They agreed on having approximately 150 attendees. The Castle Oaks House Hotel & Estate were fantastic on the day with the service and quality of everything being second to none. They would gladly recommend this hotel to anybody.

Ben’s parents also got married in Castleconnell, 36 years ago in 1983. The same musicians played this march at their wedding, and added in a few of their children to build out the numbers.

Before Katherine got engaged, she already knew who she would ask to be her bridesmaids.

She is fortunate to have many wonderful ladies in her life who have been with her through thick and thin. She chose six leading ladies. Her

sister is the dearest lady in her life, so she was Maid of Honour.

Katherine America

was

in

visiting

her

sister when they went dress shopping and she fell in love with a Justin Alexander dress. Her sister worked her magic online and found the same dress in the correct size on a website where women resell their wedding dresses.

The woman who sent the dress was very sweet and the dress arrived within a few days, with a nice note wishing her the same happiness she got from the dress. She flew back to London with her dress.

Ben went to Walker Slater in London for a tweed suit to keep with their vintage theme. He went for a blue Border tweed from the south of Scotland, which was lighter and suitable for a summer wedding. His groomsmen picked out suits from Rees and they went to Esquire Formal Wear in Limerick for accessories which made their suits stand out and tie in with the theme.

Real Wedding I IWD Feature I 195

Ben chose two groomsmen, his brother Conal

was being unpredictable. Two hours before the

Ben’s childhood friend Sarah Ryan officiated in

and best friend Randal. They have both been

ceremony, the outdoor ceremony was called off

a very special ceremony that mentioned Ben’s

massive parts of his life since he was a child.

and everything was moved indoors. Katherine

grandmother’s trip to America and their family

He also jokes that it helps that they are both

was not sad for long because she knew they

histories. It was a deeply personal occasion.

corporate lawyers, so he wouldn’t have to pay

had a plan B. She was confident that the indoor

for their suits!

ceremony would be just as special. When they

They had a mini moon in Kerry for just under a

went outside in the sunshine for the reception

week, before they had to rush back to London

One of the reasons they picked Castle Oaks

it was wonderful, but were very happy to have

for another wedding. The weather was terrible

House Hotel & Estate was that it was across

opted for inside as the weather could not be

but they stayed at a stunning guest house

the river from where Ben grew up in Clonlara

depended on.

called Barrow House just outside Tralee. They

and it was where his parents had got married.

They even got to recreate some of his parents’ photographs from their wedding on the stepping stones.

The wedding was supposed to be outside, but as beautiful as the day was, the Irish weather

196 I IWD Feature I Real Wedding

They held the ceremony in the hotel, which had a room with stained glass windows and great acoustics.

visited Paidi O’Se’s pub, drove through Connor Pass and came home via West Clare to visit Ben’s family.

They are planning to do a full honeymoon at a later date.

For more information or to organise a show around please contact

weddings@castleoaks.ie • 061 377666 • castleoaks.ie

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.

198 I IWD Feature I Real Wedding

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.

Real Wedding I IWD Feature I 199

ceremony

in

the

beautiful

Cong

Church

I decided to stay at The Lodge at Ashford Castle

fashionably late with my two bridesmaids

the night before with my bridesmaids. Ronan

Fiona and Heather, my dad, my brother and his

stayed in Ryan’s hotel in Cong village. Many

family in our Volkswagen van from Costello’s

of our family and friends joined us the night

Wedding Cars. After the church, on arrival

before to start the celebrations.

at The Lodge at Ashford Castle, our guests enjoyed the wonderful array of canapés, chilled

The morning of the wedding was very relaxed.

beers and prosecco. One of the main reasons for selecting The Lodge at Ashford Castle was the quality of food and service they provide. I really want to say a special thanks to Brianán, our amazing wedding coordinator at The Lodge

On the morning of the wedding, we had the

at Ashford Castle. She was very professional

most wonderful breakfast and enjoyed the

and her attention to detail was exceptional. Our

company of family and close friends. Ally McGinn

wedding photographer was John McMahon and

was our makeup artist and Helga Kempaff was

he captured our day so eloquently.

our hairdresser. Both did a fantastic job and I have to thank them for making us feel so calm

The next day we enjoyed a barbeque with

on the wedding morning and making us look

family and friends. We ended the night sitting

incredible.

listening to the wonderful singing and piano playing of a local duo. After leaving The Lodge

The wedding day itself was so laid-back. Fr.

at Ashford Castle from the best weekend of our

Charlie set the tone for the day. He got everyone

lives we enjoyed a week with our families and

relaxed beforehand with a few jokes and a

then headed to Portugal for a bit of rest and

few digs at Ronan. I arrived to our wedding

relaxation.

200 I IWD Feature I Real Wedding

The Wedding of

Joanne & Mark The Millhouse on 31st August 2019

Photography by Rafal Borek Photography. www.ralvphotoworld.com

Real Wedding I IWD Feature I 201

M

ark and I first met in 2006 when we were working together in a clothing shop during college. After a couple of years of friendship and a good few cinema dates we started to go out.

We never really had a first date but one of those cinema dates would definitely count as it.

After

returning

home

from

a

four-year

estate. I wasn’t as eager as it was raining and

adventure in Toronto, Mark proposed.

getting dark.

It was amazing to be home when we got engaged so we could enjoy celebrating with our family and friends.

After a little persuasion, we went on one of

After a busy few months for us both I decided to book a weekend away to Farnham Estate at the end of November 2017. Mark had let me book the weekend as he thought I would be suspicious if he had planned it all. We arrived just after 3pm and Mark really wanted to go and walk one of the gorgeous trails in the

202 I IWD Feature I Real Wedding

the walks and what a walk in turned out to be!

By the time we got to the end of the trail, it was almost dark. I was a little scared in the woods and suggested that we head back to the hotel and with that Mark was down on one muddy knee proposing! It was one of the best moments of my life. I was so, so happy, the two of us were.

Mark had only told my dad Declan, so we facetimed and called all our family and friends to tell them the big news! We were floating on cloud nine during this time – it was just amazing!

In January 2018, we set up some appointments

trying on a few dresses, Caroline brought in the

We had everyone we loved with us celebrating.

to look at venues and after visiting a number of

one I actually chose. I was trying it on for the

Friends and family flew from the other side of

them we came across The Millhouse. We visited

skirt but when I looked in the mirror I just knew

the world to be there with us and for that we

the beautiful Mill and grounds on a dark and

it was the one. My sister happened to be home

are so grateful. The day went off without a

rainy day in January and it was still beautiful.

from Canada for that particular shopping trip

hitch and that is due to the amazing staff at The

The ceremony room took our breath away, its

which made it even more special.

Millhouse. They could not have done enough

rustic charm was something we hadn’t seen before.

We wanted something a little different for our venue, somewhere that was all ours for the day and The Millhouse was it.

Finding the dress took a few goes. Like the venue, the minute I walked into the White Room in Mullingar and met the lovely Caroline I had a feeling I would find my dress there. After

for us on the day and on the lead up. We are Anyone planning a wedding knows the lead

so happy to have had our wedding day at The

up can be a little bit stressful. However the

Millhouse. We can’t wait to go back as guests

suppliers we chose were just amazing and

hopefully someday.

really helped ease any stress. From our venue, photographer, and videographer, to our

We originally were going to hold off on our

hair and make-up ladies they really were all

honeymoon until 2020 but we decided to

unbelievable. You have to trust them, they do

go for it and booked to head away a couple

this day in day out, and that’s what we did. It

of days after the wedding. We went to the

really is so important to enjoy the lead up as it

beautiful island of Mauritius and followed that

goes by with a blink of an eye.

with a couple of days in Dubai. It was such an

Our wedding day for us was everything we could have wanted and more.

amazing trip. Mauritius was out of this world. It was so nice to head away while we were still in the wedding bubble as it made it feel like a real honeymoon. We enjoyed every single minute.

Real Wedding I IWD Feature I 203

Custom Cakes is an Award Winning Professional Wedding Cake Company based in Drogheda County Louth. Estd in 2011.

We aim to provide Ireland with custom made handcrafted cakes all made with finest ingredients and with a professional personalised service our customers can rely on.

* * ** *

• Delicious Flavours • Award Winning Quality

• Create Any Design • Suit Any Budget

• Fun, Friendly, Professional Service www.customcakesireland.ie Email: info@customcakesireland.ie Phone: 041-9818315 or 01-5397974 Rathmullen Rd, Drogheda,Co Louth, A92CF24

MM Studios is a luxurious creative space for Hair, Make Up, Brows and Aesthetic treatments founded by Celebrity Make Up Artist Michelle Montgomery.

This warm, friendly, Studio has won a number of awards for Bridal Hair and Make Up and was recently awarded Top Rated by Treatwell based on collective customer reviews and online reputation.

At MM Studios your Bridal Experience can begin with the preparation for your big day, including Aesthetics, Brows & Haircare as well as the team of highly experienced artists being able to create bespoke Bridal Packages for your Wedding Day. The Studio also has a stunning private room exclusive for your one on one Bridal Trial.

MM Studios is brightly lit and immaculately presented, their dynamic interior blends contemporary style. From the striking chandeliers to the ornate chairs, every detail has been specifically designed to create a truly luxurious experience.

Located moments from Windy Arbour Luas stop and minutes from award winning shopping centre Dundrum Town Centre.

Michelle Montgomery Studios 1 Windy Arbour Dundrum RoadDublin 14 By appointment only www.mmstudios.ie

204 I IWD I Wedding Diary Directory

WINTER WEDDING PACKAGE at Clayton Hotel Sligo MAKE YOUR WEDDING DAY TRULY MEMORABLE

€6,999 for 150 guests

T&Cs apply.

If you are looking for a Wedding Venue with a difference, then look no further…

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Wedding Diary Directory I IWD I 205

Cassidy Chauffeur Drive Vintage Wedding Car Specialists

Suppliers of Rolls Royce & Bentley Cars Complimentary bottle of bubbly

Contact: 01-4501533 Mobile: 087 2567822 www.cassidychauffeurs.ie

WOW is a unique, fully costumed, party band experience comprised of four professional musicians who have come together to form the ultimate wedding and party band.

From Swing to Classic Hits, 80s/90s to Modern Chart Hits, we guarantee a packed dancefloor all night!

Facebook.com/wowpartyband Wowpartyband Tel: 0879831232 / 0868624614 wowpartyband@gmail.com

www.wowpartyband.ie

206 I IWD I Wedding Diary Directory

Classic & Executive Cars Suppliers of Genuine Classic Wedding Cars

Contact Dermot: dermot@classicandexecutivecars.com classicandexecutivecars.com T: 087 260 2507

Never allow your guests to ever forget your Big day.

Clikring Photo Keyrings Wedding Favors www.clikring.ie info@clikring.ie Tel: 01 6268847 / 087 2521135

Wedding Diary Directory I IWD I 207

UKEBOX

UKEBOX are an impeccable, talented and professional Ukelele Trio who play and harmonise like nobody else.

UKEBOX guarantee to bring fun and sunshine to your wedding or party and can walk from table to table entertaining your guests P h: 087-9831232 ukeboxmusic@gmail.c om Facebook.c om/ukeboxmusic Ukeboxmusic www.ukeboxmusic.c om 208 I IWD I Wedding Diary Directory

Contact Jamie 00 353 87 6778204 | Email jamie@celticrhythmdancers.com

www.celticrhythmdancers.com

One programme 3 ways to live it Member Anne lost 3st 8lbs and daughter Rebecca lost 6st 4lbs.

ww.ie 01 870 3900 WW logo is the trademark of WW International, Inc. Š 2020 WW International, Inc. All rights reserved.

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CASTLE O

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