22 GAZETTE 2 February 2012
BRIDE& GROOM Dublin’s complete
Costello Flowers’ heritage
COSTELLO Flowers has been in the heart of Dun Laoghaire for the past 20 years, and services all of the south side, from Dalkey and Bray to Stillorgan and Foxrock. Costello Flowers has the proud boast of having the best selection of flowers in the south side, stocking Irish-grown flowers and plants that only become available once they’re certain the quality is the best available. Ann Joyce has been at the helm since 1992, while Olivier Besombes is the designer, and loves looking after brides, while Linda Mac is available to view your site, if necessary, while the florists say that every budget can be accommodated.
g u i d e to yo u r w e d d i n g
l A DV I CE FO R M E N AND WO M E N T YING T H E K NOT TO E ACH OTHER l
Catholic marriage values MARRIAGE is as popular in Ireland as it has ever been. Despite the recession, and, for the most part, an unknown future, thousands of couples choose to get married each year. In our work with couples preparing for marriage, we at ACCORD meet thousands of them, and their expectations of what marriage is about are very interesting. Many have the same ideas and expectations that previous generations had. They want security, fulfilment, love, respect, an opportunity to grow, a safe place for themselves and their family. Many of these expectations could be classified as “traditional” which, for some, might suggest that they are old or outdated.
Yet, given the opportunity to describe what they believe marriage is all about, these are the types of responses offered. ACCORD, in its work with couples, emphasises that marriage is a journey, not a destination. This journey began when the couples first met, and it is a journey that combines their individual journeys so far in life. Despite all their differences, many couples enter into marriage with the intention of staying married to each other for life, and do so. This commitment that couples make to each other is what getting married is all about. They commit themselves to everything that their partner is to become in the future, and this
commitment is mutual. They announce publicly their intention to stay together for better and for worse, in the knowledge that life will deliver good and bad times to them in the course of their life. The couples who present themselves to AC C OR D f o r m a rriage preparation do so because of their intention to get married by the Catholic Church. By doing so, they express a wish to avail of the Sacrament of Marriage. This sacrament is unique, in so far as the couple are the co-ministers of the sacrament, one to the other. In the presence of the priest, their families and guests, they declare their consent to become husband and wife.
Despite all their differences, many couples enter into marriage with the intention of staying married to each other for life, and do so
Marriage is not lived in isolation, but in community, and the newlymarried couple enter the community as witnesses to marriage, and to all that this special sacrament stands for. ACCORD wishes to congratulate you as you
prepare for your marriage. We promise to help you prepare well for this wonderful adventure, and to be there for you at all times in the future, offering our support and care for you and your marriage.
Thomas Sabo is open at Pavilions BRIDES and grooms preparing for their wedding will be delighted to know that Thomas Sabo have opened its largest Irish “shop in shop” at Bernard John Jewellers, located at the Pavilions Shopping Centre in Swords. For cutting-edge, fashionable jewellery for your big day, this north county Dublin store is the ultimate destination. With the recent refit, the Bernard John store is an ultra-modern concept, with a reserved number of premium jewellery brands included in its offering. Previously, it was a traditional jewellers, stocking a large range of jewellery and watch brands. Opening its doors to the public in November proved to be a great success with a positive response. Amanda Keogh, store retail manager, Bernard John Jewellers, said: “We are delighted to welcome Thomas Sabo to our store. We feel this is a refreshing addition, and is not only proving popular with our existing loyal customers, but is also enticing new visitors to our premises. We are very happy with the initial response.” Every element of the decor and the specific material used were chosen in a spirit of refinement, with a unique objective which gives character to the space. Thomas Sabo will offer three collections at this retail location, and presented with a highend ambience – Sterling Silver, Charm Club and Watches – with all the latest jewels and watches for trend-conscious men and women. All existing collections are harmoniously coordinated with each other, and can be combined in a variety of ways which go beyond the limits of the individual collection lines.