IRISH
Your Complete Guide to Getting Married in Ireland
New Rules for Modern
Weddings
Honeymoons And Weddings Abroad
Winter 2018
DIARY Preview of
2019
Wedding Dresses
Winter Wonderland
The Top
Wedding
Venues
Weddings
8Stories
Real Brides’
€5.80 £4.00
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16 32
Winter ion fasHion
34
Bride of tHe e W year sHoW
HealtH H & Beauty
42 64
WeddinG G rules ules
54 WeddinG G Gifts 66
Grooms’ oom room
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BallymasCanlon anlon oot PHotosHoot WeddinG G travel ravel
Quirky’ WeddinGs WeddinG Gs
102
Winter Wonderland nderland
84
106
130
8 i iWd Contents i Winter 2018
16
Wedding Diary News
32
Preview of the Bride of the Year Show 2019
34 42
110
real eal WeddinGs s
166
Winter Fashion Wedding Beauty
50
Weight Watchers Wedding Weight Loss
54
Grooms Room
61
Competitions
64
New Wedding Rules
66
Wedding Gifts
78 82
Boudoir Photography Winter Wedding Wonderland
84
Ballymascanlon Hotel Bridal Photoshoot
102
Something Different Quirky Wedding Ideas
106
Wedding Travel
110 WeddinG G aBroad road
2019 Bridal ColleCtions tions
Contents
WeddinG G neWs s
Real Weddings Abroad
130
2019 Wedding Dress Collections
150
Ireland’s Leading Wedding Venues
153
Wedding Fairs
166
Real Weddings
Collection 2019 Find authorized retailers at: www.lunanovias.com
DiaryNews
Perfect Setting
New Showroom Frilly’s brides are in for a brand-new shopping experience. This long-
established boutique has upped Frocks and moved into The Old Court House in historic Drogheda, Co. Louth, doubling their showroom space. Brides and their guests can meander around the rails of one of the largest and evergrowing collections of bridal wear, shoes and accessories on the east coast. Supplier partners include Eliza Jane Howell, House Of Mooshki, Mikaella Bridal, Stella York, and Rembo Styling with a full list on their website. Whether you are looking for a traditional, vintage, or boho frock, ‘Team Frillys’ passion for styling “your wedding your way” remains at the heart of their customer service and they look forward to seeing you soon. Tel: +353 41 980 1740 www.frillyfrocks.ie
Dunboyne Castle Hotel and Spa is the perfect setting for your dreams to come true. With such an idyllic setting, Dunboyne Castle and Spa offers a magnificent backdrop against which to set an exclusive wedding reception. With a sweeping tree-lined approach, the Old House stands majestically over its 21-acre demesne of mature formal gardens, making any arrival an unforgettable one. Dunboyne Castle Hotel and Spa prides itself on its exceptional service from the grandest occasions, expertly planned to the tiniest detail. Happily ever after begins here. Tel: +353 1 801 3500 www.dunboynecastlehotel.com
Wow Your Guests
WOW comprises four experienced musicians who have come together to form the ultimate wedding band. Between them, the members have played every major venue in Ireland from the 3Arena in Dublin to the SSE arena in Belfast. WOW is a unique fully costumed party band experience. Starting your night off with a selection of swing music, dressed and performed in the style of The Rat Pack, then seamlessly changing costume for classic party hits.Then once again, a slick transition into iconic 80s attire; next, it’s the 90s. Then the final part of the show is filled with current floor fillers, keeping your night and dance floor hopping till the wee hours! “WOW played the @TwitterDublin Christmas party this year and to say they were a hit is an understatement. We didn’t want you to stop playing on the night!” said Shona O’Toole, Twitter. See www.facebook.com/wowpartyband Tel: 087 983 1232 Email: wowpartyband@gmail.com
30 I IWD I Wedding Diary News
Irish Wedding Diary Our New Website has Everything you need to plan your wedding in Ireland
T O TA
L LY
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ES
News
PO
NSIVE
Suppliers
Dresses
We’ll keep you updated on the wedding related
You’ll find the top wedding suppliers in Ireland.
If it’s Wedding Dresses you’re after you won’t be
news be it the latest collection of Wedding Dress-
We’ve divided the wedding suppliers you’ll need
disappointed with Irish Wedding Diary Website.
es from top international Bridal Gown Designers
into four sections. “For the Bride” has everything
We have the latest collections from the top
available in Bridal Shops in Ireland, the latest
the bride needs to look and feel perfect on her
international designers all of whom have stockists
offers from the best Wedding Venues in Ireland or
wedding day. For the Event is everything else
in Ireland. We also have the best of Irish wedding
the best shots from Ireland’s top Wedding Photog-
you’ll need for the day, The grooms and guest
dress designers showcasing their latest creations.
raphers. From the proposal right through to the
section is for the other members of the bridal
With bridal boutiques and bridesmaid dresses
honeymoon and everything in between you’ll find
party and before and after is everything else
plus mother of the bride and occasion wear, your
useful hints and tips on how to make your dream
you’ll need in the planning stage and after the big
whole wedding attire is will be sorted for you at
day just perfect.
day including the all important honeymoon.
Irish Wedding Diary.ie.
www.IrishWeddingDiary.ie Weddings I IWD Feature I 31
New Rules For Weddings Some traditions are worth keeping but not all of them. Claudia Gocoul takes us through what traditions to ditch at the altar.
O
ne, don’t pick up the phone … Oops, our bad, wrong rules, they’re Dua Lipa’s. We all know the basic set of rules that come with weddings: guests shouldn’t wear white, brides should; the bride’s parents foot the bill, Dad walks the bride up the aisle ... However, times have well and truly changed and brides and grooms are singing to their own hymn sheet now, or not, as the case may be. Whilst some of the traditional wedding etiquette can, and should, be ignored, there’s an even bigger chunk of rules that should be introduced, pronto…
Don’t: Wear White Unless you want to, of course. There is absolutely no obligation to wear white on your big day. Why do women feel they have to wear white? Tradition. Celebrities have avoided white for years: Elizabeth Taylor wore green for her wedding to Eddie Fisher (and yellow for her wedding to Richard Burton); Jenna Dewan Tatum, Jessica Biel and Anne Hathaway all opted for pink.
Do: Shelfie The Selfie
Don’t: Do Meat And Two Veg
First up, and arguably, the most important of
Sure, everyone likes a roast dinner, but a
A-List, it’s good enough
the rules is, of course, tech related. Love Island
wedding roast? It’s unreliable at best. Tradition
for us. Disclaimer: If you’re
stars Olivia Buckland and Alex Bowen put an
may dictate turkey and ham but who wants
reading this as a wedding
all-out ban on phones at their September
to be traditional anyway? Why not mix it up
guest, the don’t wear white
nuptials, and they had the right idea. Whilst
with food trucks parked outside that guests can
rule still stands, even if
you probably can’t ask your guests to box off
avail of and bring back to their tables? Or a
you’re sure the bride is
their phones for the full day and night, you
themed buffet which focuses on your heritage.
wearing lime green. Don’t
can politely ask that they refrain from sharing
Real bride Holly Tempan got married last year
be that guest.
images of the big day, especially before you.
and opted for a Jamaican buffet as opposed
Wedding photographer Sarah Brice says, “So
to a sit-down meal. She had the DJ switch the
many brides are disappointed as an unflattering
tunes to a reggae mix whilst dinner was being
picture is put up of them before they get a
served and served rum punch. She says,
chance to share their own pictures. The whole
“The guests lapped it up. My family loved
point of having a photographer on board is that
it because it was a taste of childhood,
we capture the most beautiful imagery. Put
of the food our granny would
your phone down, we’ve got this, we promise.”
cook,
and
my
husband’s
family loved it too. It created such a lovely, relaxed experience, different service.”
64 I IWD Feature I Weddings
to
very silver
If it’s good enough for the
Do: Minus Plus Ones No, we’re not talking about maths, we’re
Do: Dump The Dance
talking about guest lists, which are often
Is the thought of a first dance giving
Sure,
more complicated. You should be surrounded
you cold feet? You may sense a
lovely to leave from
by your nearest and dearest on your big day,
theme here but if you’re not feeling
your wedding for three
your favourite people in the world. Often your
the foxtrot, set it free. First dances
weeks in the Bahamas
budget dictates that you can’t have everyone
are often uncomfortable for everyone
like in the movies, but
you would like present for the full day. The
involved. If you don’t like having all
sometimes that’s just
simple answer? Cut plus ones, and be ruthless.
eyes on you (as many people don’t),
not practical. A wedding
If it’s a choice between your sister’s new
it will be glaringly obvious that you’re
can be a massive financial
boyfriend (whom she met four weeks ago) and
not having fun. You’ll spend the
strain
your work wife, we know who we’d be picking.
weeks leading up to your wedding
honeymoon is often just as
Don’t feel obliged to invite anyone, be ruthless.
anxious about having to (literally)
expensive. There is no rule
Real bride Clodagh O’Connor told us, “I could
have the spotlight on you, and
that says a honeymoon
only afford 50 at my wedding and have lots of
you’ll be waiting all day to get
has to be taken within a
cousins that I’m super close with. It was either
it over and done with. Why
certain period of time,
cut plus ones or cut the cousins. Obviously,
bother? You should enjoy
you’ve got the rest of
the plus ones were dumped. Everyone had a
every second of your big
your lives together. That
ball, no awkward introductions, no sitting in the
day and if that means
said, a few days with
corner minding your partner because they don’t
getting rid of the
no-one else present will
know anyone.”
first dance, go
be welcomed with open
for it.
arms after the chaos
Do: Pick A Seat, Not A Side
Do: Take A Minimoon it
and
would
the
be
dream
of extended family. Pack an
You’ve probably heard the saying, ‘Pick a seat,
Don’t: get superstitious
overnight bag, hop in the car, and take off on
not a side’, and wondered what it even means.
It’s bad luck for the groom to see the bride
your first adventure as Mr and Mrs, whether
Tradition (there it is again) dictates that guests
in her wedding dress, right? Wrong. Don’t get
it’s the Wild Atlantic Way or West Cork, quality
sit on the bride or groom’s side at the ceremony,
caught up in silly superstitions. Your big day is
time is key.
according to who invited them. Encourage your
about two people, you and your hubby-to-
guests to pick a seat, not a side. You don’t
be. If you want to have a few minutes
want the ceremony to look unbalanced, and
with him before the madness of the
everyone will be family by the time the groom
ceremony, then go for it. It’s easy to
kisses the bride anyway.
get overwhelmed in front of a room full of people, even if they are your
Don’t: Toe The Line
nearest and dearest.
If you want your father to walk you up the aisle, great. If you want your father and your
Why not ask your photographer to
mother to walk you up the aisle, great. If
take a first-look picture before the
you want to walk up the aisle on your own
ceremony? And whilst you’re at it,
… you get the picture. Just because tradition
you might as well get the bulk of
dictates your father should give you away
the bridal party pictures taken, leaving
doesn’t mean you have to go down that route.
you more time to hit the dancefloor and enjoy
If it doesn’t sit right, for whatever reason, do
your day.
what makes you feel comfortable. If Meghan Markle can break royal protocol and flounce down the aisle at St George’s Chapel like the independent lady she is, so can you.
Weddings I IWD Feature I 65
Mirror Elegant
G ifts Made W it h Love ^
Kettle
Pots
Green
Copper
Argos Home 5 pice Full Famed for our elegant and beautiful
Copper Pan Set,
style of glass use, our designers
€175 Argos
used their world-renowned talent and gorgeous glass to produce this blinding splendor. www.bocadolobo.eom
Back Sit
Japan
Breville Strata Green Jug Kettle €69.99 Littlewoods Ireland
Tea from
Bobbled Throw, €20 Penneys (Ireland)
Modern minimalist Japanese side handle teapot of Nankei, Yokkaichi. Real pottery from natural Banko tone. €79.90
Teapot Table Golden
Siver
Armchair, Made.com at The Wedding Shop €401.50
Bed Sofa
The Lemprica side table mirror brings together the whirlwind decade of the 1920’s with rich
Carpetright, Apollo Sofa Bed, Grey. £399 Carpetright
74 I IWD Feature I Wedding Gifts
angular shapes and multi-colored Gold teapot €12.99 HomeSense
glass from the Art Deco period. byKoket.com
Wonderful Weddings at the Ardboyne Hotel, Navan Celebrate your wedding in style at our award winning venue Take a walk through our perfect manicured gardens for the perfect wedding picture. Packages start at â‚Ź38.95 per person and all inclusive wedding packages from â‚Ź6995 To enquire call us on 046 9023119 or email us on weddings@ardboynehotel.com
www.ardboynehotel.com
Ballymac Bridal Photoshoot in Ballmascanlon House Hotel Photography by Dermot Byrne
Set in 130 acres of majestic parkland and surrounded by mature grounds and stunning vistas, the Ballymac (as it is fondly known by one and all) has been a favourite wedding choice for close to 70 years. The fact that the children and even grandchildren of couples who got married here also choose Ballymascanlon House Hotel for
Ballmascanlon House Hotel
Hair: Sandra Maher
Carlingford Road, Dundalk, County Louth, Ireland Telephone - +353 (0)42 9358200 Email - info@ballymascanlon.com
Make up by The Makeup Lady
their own weddings speaks volumes.
Photography by Dermot Byrne
This unique venue will impress the most discerning
Bray, Co. Wicklow Web: www.dermotbyrnephoto.ie Phone: +353 (0)1 282 9560
couple; from the arrival up the secluded, leafy driveway to the magnificent house faรงade & stunning interiors, this is the setting that romance was made for.
84 I IWD Bridal I Ballymascanlon House
Phone 087-1253813
Web: www.makeupbydeborah.ie Tel: +353-85-707 9350
Dress by Roisin Cross Silks Deansgrange Business Park, Kill Lane, Deansgrange, Co. Dublin Tel: +353 (0)1 2846282 Web: www.silks.ie
Ballymascanlon House I IWD Bridal I 85
Dress by Roisin Cross Silks Deansgrange Business Park, Kill Lane, Deansgrange, Co. Dublin Tel: +353 (0)1 2846282 Web: www.silks.ie
86 I IWD Bridal I Ballymascanlon House
Dress by Roisin Cross Silks Deansgrange Business Park, Kill Lane, Deansgrange, Co. Dublin Tel: +353 (0)1 2846282 Web: www.silks.ie
Ballymascanlon House I IWD Bridal I 87
WEDDINGTRAVEL
Love In Jamica
HONEYMOONS & WEDDINGS ABROAD Compiled by Alex Joyce
Nestled within a secluded sandy cove, Jamaica Inn is a truly special Caribbean resort just east of Ocho Rios. Combining unrivalled privacy with heartfelt personalised service, Jamaica Inn is a firm favourite among the sophisticated jet set with Marilyn Monroe and Arthur Miller choosing to honeymoon at the iconic resort in 1957. Spread over eightacres and boasting a 700-foot private white sand beach, considered to be one of the best in the Caribbean, Jamaica Inn is a timelessly elegant resort and a perfect hidden spot for honeymooners. Additionally, among the swaying palm trees and on the soft sands of resort’s private beach, Jamaica Inn is an idyllic scene for a destination wedding. Against the backdrop of turquoise waters, couples are invited to start their lives together in a paradisaical setting surrounded by their loved ones. www.jamaicainn.com
Arabian Nights
A jewel of the Emirates, Sharjah is GHM’s newest destination for a luxury escape beyond compare. Meaning ‘The Home’, the Al Bait hotel in Sharjah is nestled within the fulcrum of the UAE’s vibrant landscape, with convenient access to all the wonders this glittering Emirate has to offer. This enchanting luxury hotel in Sharjah combines the best of modern comforts and amenities with echoes of the old world. This ambitious restoration and conversion project of these historic manor houses was undertaken with the vision of embodying the cultural renaissance that has swept the Emirate. During your stay, you’ll encounter first-class gastronomy with traditional and international cuisine, indulgent spas to rejuvenate and more, all in an atmosphere that will take your breath away.
New Radisson
Situated on Phu Quoc island’s picturesque northwest coast, Vietnam’s first Radisson Blu Resort heralds a new era for the Radisson Hotel Group. On Phu Quoc, renowned for its natural splendour, placid waters, iconic fish sauce, black pepper and prominent place in the history of the Nguyen Dynasty, Radisson Blu will cut the ribbon on 514 rooms, suites and villas, an all-day restaurant, three bars, an executive lounge, immense tropical lagoon swimming pool and kid’s club. “Phu Quoc is fast developing a reputation as Vietnam’s answer to Thailand’s Phuket and the beach experience here is one of a kind,” said Radisson Blu Resort Phu Quoc’s General Manager Peter Feran. “This is a tropical island setting that comes right out of a storybook and is all the more spectacular every day at dusk when the sun goes down over the Gulf of Thailand.”
106 I IWD Travel I Honeymoons
5* Luxury Caribbean Honeymoons by Classic Resort the Award winning Longhaul Tour Operator Specialist in Ireland for over 30 years
7 nights All Inclusive
€1699
from pp including taxes
Mexico: 5* Secrets Silversands Riviera Cancun
On the Riviera Maya coastline sits the lively 5* Secrets Silversands Riviera Cancun. Designed for young souls with modern, sleek décor, Secrets Silversands boasts the largest suites in the Riviera Maya. Gourmet dining, top-shelf spirits and nightlife begin with eight gourmet restaurants, eight chic bars, and live entertainment in an open-air theatre and bar. Enjoy an array of activities such as yoga, volleyball and sushi making classes - experience Unlimited-Luxury ®.
Based on 2 sharing • Travel May/June • Flights, taxes, transfers and hotel accommodation included in a preferred Club Junion Suite, Pool View. Quote ref 74862
7 nights All Inclusive
€1675
Dominican Republic: 5* Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana
from pp including taxes On the palm-studded, sugar white beach in Playa Bavaro, Secrets Royal Beach Punta
Cana offers adults a serene seaside getaway in paradise. Delight in limitless gourmet dining and top-shelf spirits, or spend a night out at nearby participating resorts with the Sip, Savour & See Dining Experience. Bask in the warm Caribbean sun, enjoy daily activities and entertainment - all inclusive with Unlimited-Luxury ®.
Based on 2 sharing • Travel May/June• Flights, taxes, transfers and hotel accommodation included in a Junior Suite, Tropical View. Quote ref 74862
Upgrade to a Preferred Club Junior Suite Tropical view fr €239pppw The Unlimited-Luxury experience includes: • Limitless access to gourmet à la carte dining options without reservations required • Unlimited international and domestic top-shelf spirits, natural juices and soft drinks • 24-hour room and concierge services • Pool and beach wait service • Daily refreshed mini-bar with soft drinks, juice, bottled water and beer • Daily maid service • Endless daytime activities and live nightly entertainment • Theme parties, oceanfront bars and entertainment venues • No wristbands required • All taxes and gratuities • Enjoy free Wi-Fi with Unlimited Connectivity. The mobile app also allows guests to view the schedules of all events, activities and restaurants at the resort and much more!* Unlimited-Luxury for all-adult romance. Complimentary Anniversary Nights: Stay a minimum of 7 nights with your qualifying wedding or
Complimentary SECRETS NEWLYWED & ANNIVERSARY PACKAGE: Welcome letter, Fresh fruit, Bottle of sparkling wine, Special turndown service, Breakfast in bed with Mimosas (reservation must be made in advance with concierge), 15% discount on all spa treatments. Complimentary within 3 months of the wedding.
Call Classic Resorts now to book your Honeymoon with our Expert Travel Consultants on
Tel: 01 8745000 or Email: info@classicresorts.ie Web: www.classicresorts.ie 24-25 Lower Liffey Street, Dublin 1. 100% Irish Owned and fully bonded.
WEDDINGTRAVEL HONEYMOONS & WEDDINGS ABROAD
Tropical Island Wedding
Compiled by Alex Joyce
In the Med
Bodrum, in the southwest Mediterranean coast of Turkey, Let the amber sunsets and island breezes lure you into the open air at Niyama Private Islands, one of the most mesmerising resorts in Maldives.
embodies a traditional and Mediterranean way of life. The charming, coastal town is home to a medieval castle, dazzling beaches and numerous art galleries.
Each villa has a secluded deck that offers pure privacy to luxuriate in al fresco rain showers,
Located in a sheltered cove with deep blue waters and pine-
moonlit dips, or an intimate afternoon basking in the sun. This resort will make for a dream
covered hills, five-star Il Riccio Beach House, one of the hotels
tropical island wedding.
within Mytha Hotel Anthology, welcomes guests with first-
Bodu beru drums beat a searing rhythm in perfect harmony to a magical wedding in Maldives where flames in the night burn like your passion. Kiss beneath a sky clad in stars. Exchanges vows at sea beneath pure white sails. Unite souls in a ceremony set within a palatial villa and awaken the next morning to endless ocean views. From private island bliss to a modern ‘cathedral’ draped by the design of the reef, find a backdrop that moves you like nowhere else in the world. www.niyama.com
An Authentic Taste of Vietnam
The Anam’s new ‘A Day in the Life’ experience embed themselves into the warp of a Vietnamese family from the neighbouring countryside. Anchored by the preparation of a delectable feast at the Vietnamese family’s home, the day-long experience kicks off with fresh Banh Mi baguettes for breakfast at the host family’s favorite local bakery. The two families then visit the markets the Vietnamese family shops at daily as well as a herb garden and noodle-making house. The Vietnamese family then welcomes guests into their home in the countryside for an authentic cooking class. During the class the Vietnamese family shares recipes handed down the generations, teaching guests how to cook each dish traditionally without toning down spice or flavour just as they would when cooking for themselves. The hosts give their guests a recipe book to keep along with new memories before they head back to The Anam. For reservations and more information: www.theanam.com
108 I IWD Travel I Honeymoons
class hospitality and its own private beachfront. Immersed in lush greenery, the exclusive retreat features ten beautifully designed guestrooms and spacious grounds. Nestled in the picturesque Aegean bay, every aspect of the hotel is inspired by the sea. Light, white spaces offer a blank canvas for a memorable stay, with just ten rooms and suites all with views of the bay, the mood is more home than hotel.
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
9
â‚Ź2.9
ly Year ption cri Subs
9
â‚Ź9.9
Available On IOS & Android Phones
Live l in Video ks an photo d Galle ries
Technology I IWD Feature I 109
The Real Wedding of
Karina & Tom At The Phoenicia Malta on 5th June 2017
T
om and I met at our mutual friends’ engagement party 11 years ago; Tom was friends with the groom-to-be and I was friends with the bride-to-be. Unfortunately, the night was coming to an end before we actually got talking but Tom wasn’t letting me go without getting my phone number. I got a text the next day asking if I was free for a drink! Despite his enthusiasm, almost a month passed before our first date. On a Monday night in November, we went to “Christmas on Ice” in the RDS; we both learned that we were equally bad at ice-skating that evening and decided we needed to have that drink afterwards.
Photography by Joseph Muscat of M&J Photo Studio www.mj-photostudio.com
126 I IWD Feature I Real Wedding Abroad
Fast forward eight years and Tom was down
hotel and grounds. They described a fairytale
Rathnew. Once the choice of dress has been
on one knee in Central Park holding my
wedding and helped us envisage the hotel
narrowed down, my Dad was called in for the
grandmother’s engagement ring while I was
once the renovations were complete. We were
final seal of approval! Tanya and her staff were
sitting on a park bench eating a red velvet
hooked! After almost an hour, we returned the
fantastic throughout. Tanya altered the dress
cupcake! Of course, there was no hesitation
hard hats and left the hotel. We ventured into
perfectly and when departure time came, she
and the words, “yes, absolutely yes” were out
Valletta to visit a church which Chrystelle had
even folded the dress into my hand luggage
of my mouth without a second thought.
mentioned; it was just beautiful. We emailed
for me! Tom’s suit came from Protocol for
Chrystelle a few days later to set the date.
Men on Dawson Street who also kitted out the groomsmen and both Dads.
So then the fun started; we had a wedding to plan. I had always liked the idea of a destination wedding and when I mentioned it to Tom, he was completely on board. We had been to Malta a few years previously and really loved the island so decided we would start researching. Almost instantly we knew this was where we were going to get married. We sent some emails, arranged to visit some venues and off we went. The first day of our trip, we
The lead-up the wedding was pretty stress
Fast forward eight years and Tom was down on one knee in Central Park holding my grandmother’s engagement ring.
free.
Chrystelle
guided
us
through
the
paperwork for the civil marriage registry and the Archdiocese of Malta, and arranged everything from the photographer, to hair and make-up, music, the flowers, the menu and the cake. Everything was going smoothly until the Maltese government scheduled a general
viewed six venues but they were missing that
election for two days before our wedding!
spark. On the morning of our second day, we
As we learned, in Malta, the celebrations
met Chrystelle and Philip at The Phoenicia
following an election block the streets! The
and everything changed. At that time, The
The hunt for the dress took a bit longer. A
Phoenicia was closed for renovations so Philip
number of Saturdays were spent with my
handed me and Tom a hard hat each and off
Mam and sisters in bridal boutiques before
we went with Chrystelle and Philip around the
I found my dress in O’Brien’s Bridal Couture,
Prime Minister would be sworn in just hours before our wedding, next door to our church, and huge crowds were expected. I think it’s fair to say there was a weekend of panic
Real Wedding Abroad I IWD Feature I 127
2019
Bridal
Collection
146 I IWD Feature I 2019 Bridal Collections
Tamem Michael
www.tamemmichael.com
2019
Bridal
Collection
Tamem Michael
www.tamemmichael.com
2019 Bridal Collection I IWD Feature I 147
2019
Bridal
Collection
148 I IWD Feature I 2019 Bridal Collections
Eternity Bridal
www.eternitybridal.co.uk
2019
Bridal
Collection
Eternity Bridal
www.eternitybridal.co.uk
2019 Bridal Collection I IWD Feature I 149
Venues
Leading Wedding
Venues Leading Wedding
Choosing the right reception venue should be an easy task as there are so many venues available, and there is 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. 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. 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.
Ballymascanlon House Hotel A truly stunning Wedding Venue located in 130 acres of majestic parklands and surrounded by mature grounds and stunning vistas, the Ballymac (as it is fondly known by one and all) has been a favourite wedding choice for 60 years. The fact that the children and even grandchildren of couples who got married here also choose Ballymascanlon House Hotel for their own weddings speaks volumes. Our dedicated wedding team is available to assist you with all your wedding arrangements. We work with each couple to design a wedding package to suit their taste and budget. The Garden room catering up to 300 guests boasts exquisite chandeliers, which frame the high ceilings and add a sense of timeless elegance with uplighters that bring a delignate atmosphere to the room. We also accommodate for civil ceremonies. At Ballymascanlon House Hotel we offer a total of 97 bedrooms. In the Victorian house, there are 6 of the original luxuriously designed rooms dating back to the 19th century. One of which includes the spectacular Duchess Suite with its own living space that overlooks the prize-winning Gardens. Facilities include a Leisure Club and Golf Course and fun outdoor activities for adults and children. The Ballymascanlon House Hotel, Golf and Leisure Club, County Louth. Tel: 042 9358200 Web: www.ballymascanlon.com
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
150 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
The Real Wedding of
Jemma & Rob At the Clanard Court Hotel on 15th June 2018
186 I IWD Feature I Real Wedding
Photography by: Gary Kavanagh Photography www.garykavanagh.ie Tel: 089 485 4270
I
am originally from Scotland, although I’ve been living in Ireland for 15 years, and Rob is from Co. Kildare. We met almost six years ago through our mutual love of horses, although love didn’t blossom for us until nearly a year later when we kissed on a night out at Hallowe’en.
date right away that day. We both knew that no other hotel would match up to the feeling we got when we walked in. I dealt with Claire with most of the details in the lead-up to the wedding, and I honestly felt I could email or call her about anything. She helped make our experience so brilliant, she is one in a million!
From our very first date in the Wax Museum,
we got the best news ever when we found out
we both knew we would be inseparable. For
we were pregnant. So when Rob planned a
I didn’t plan to get my dress
the next few years, we had our ups and downs
weekend away to Edinburgh, I couldn’t believe
on the day I did. My mum,
(mainly ups!). We moved in together, went on
it when, in Edinburgh Zoo, he pulled out a ring
Aimee, and I went along to the
various holidays, and generally had the most
and got down on one knee. Little did I know he
Ballsbridge Hotel as they had
fun together.
had been planning the trip since January, and
a wedding dress sample sale.
both of our families were in on it. I couldn’t
I thought it would be a good
For about six months before we got engaged,
believe my Mum had been able to keep it a
place to start trying dresses,
I kept hinting and jokingly sent Rob photos of
secret!
but didn’t really plan to actually
engagement rings, and he appeared to just
buy one that day. As soon as I
laugh it off! Getting engaged was pushed to
We put any wedding planning on hold and just
saw my dress on the rail I knew
the back of my mind because, in March 2016,
enjoyed the bliss of being newly engaged and
it was ‘the dress’, and when I
the excitement of becoming parents. After the
tried it on, Mum and I looked at
longest nine months, our beautiful daughter,
each other and cried! To top it
Aimee, was born. As any new parent knows, the
all off, Aimee started clapping!
first few months of parenthood are so special, but very busy and very tiring. So wedding
My dress was Blush by Hayley Paige from
planning hadn’t really crossed our minds until
Padanee Bridal, and C&M Bridal in Clane did
we heard that the Clanard Court Hotel in Athy
all the alterations. The ladies there made me
were having a wedding showcase.
fall even more in love with my dress. I had my friend, Niamh, as my maid of honour and my two
As soon as we walked into the Clanard Court,
friends, Yvonne and Katie, as my bridesmaids.
we were blown away, we got such a special
We bought their multiway dresses online after
feeling. The hotel is beautiful; the fireplace in
shopping around, and Aimee’s flower-girl dress
the hotel lobby, the floor-to-ceiling windows
was from Debenhams. Rob had his brother,
in the ballroom that overlook the gardens,
Karl, as his best man, and his brother, Ian, and
the chandeliers. There is such character and
friend Damien as his groomsmen. We hired
attention to detail. Not only that, but all of the
their kilts, along with both Dads’, my brother’s
staff are amazing, they are so family orientated,
and our pageboy’s kilts, from Debenhams, and
which was so important to us. We booked our
I have to say they all looked so handsome.
Real Wedding I IWD Feature I 187