Weddings | Spring | 2023

Dresses to impress!

1954 by Kenneth Winston. This style has detachable sleeves – two dresses in one!

Nala from the Romantica Collection

1964 by Kenneth Winston. This dress has a detachable train.

Monica by Romantica

Style 1946 by Kenneth Winston

Kirra-Belle from the Silhouette Collection by Romantica

Before Sunrise by Fox Bridal

Palmer from the Romantica

Hypnotised by Fox Bridal

Style 1980 by Kenneth Winston

Camilla Jane from the Silhouette Collection by Romantica

Glow!

A quick-stop guide to the hottest make-up trends this season

Blushing Bride

Super Blush is the trend that keeps on trending. Sweet in its nature, going bold with your blush is

your cheeks. Surprisingly, there

Hot Lips

take centre stage.

Up In Smoke

your wedding day look.

‘Lock’ in the look

Slick and Sleek

The slicked back, sleek wet look has captured the imagination of celeb hair stylists over the past few seasons. And as always this has trickled down into the wedding hair trends.

This simple yet sophisticated style comes in many forms. There is the dramatic slicked back look where every strand is held in place. This works well for the bride with shorter locks especially those with a blunt bob. It instantly elevates the style adding a touch of sophistication to the look.

If you love the look but feel it’s a tad stark, a combo of slick and smooth would work for you. Give it the Hollywood look by keeping the front of the hair slicked back behind your ears in a centre parting and leaving the rest to sit in soft loose curls.

Volume Up

The TikTok obsession with all things ‘90s has inevitably made its way to bridal hair trends. Back in the day the big and bouncy tresses of supermodel Cindy Crawford were the envy of all.

More is more when it comes to this style with the volume being turned right up. If you love the look but don’t have the length, extensions will add the extra layers you need.

If you prefer to go au natural this is a style that takes time to build. Well-conditioned hair is key to creating the vol-

ume you need, so preparation is key. A mix of supplements, regular haircuts and colour appointments will contribute to achieving healthy looking hair.

Create the look on the big day with heated or Velcro rollers that will give movement and volume to this runway ready look.

Curly Sue

Our love of curls is far from fading. Coming in all shapes and sizes there is a style of curl to suit all from the tousled waves of boho chic to sleek Hollywood glam.

Working in unison with the barely there makeup trend effortless waves create a more natural beach babe style for the boho brides big day. The loose curl works by giving you hair texture but lots of movement for a relaxed vibe. Adorn

When it comes to Hollywood glam, a fuller sleeker curl is the order of the day. Think old Hollywood where style and grace reigned supreme.

Hot Buns

amongst brides and it’s easy to see why. This classic and yet simple and sweet hairstyle is one that looks fabulous on any bride.

The chignon is romantic and simple at the same time. The

relaxed version is just a little bit undone, which adds even more to its appeal. It can be created as a knotted bun, or the regular chignon, but a little loose than usual for a different and more elegant effect.

A great choice of hairstyle for a bride with a dress that has a high neckline, the classic high bun draws the hair that can be worn with a tiara or a pretty pearl clip. Whether you’re in need of medium length wedding hairstyles or hairstyles for long hair, the bun is quite easy to create and maintain throughout the wedding day.

All In The Detail

While a traditional veil isn’t for everyone, there are many a simple tiara there is an embellishment to suit every bride. Thanks to designer Simone Rocha, Pearls are having a renaissance. For a classically chic vibe opt for a dainty pearl hair-vine or a contemporary oversized hairclip. If you’re feeling bold a pearl encrusted headband will have a dramatic yet timeless effect.

A celestial headpiece is a stunning alternative to having eyes as you adorn a twinkling star embellished hair clip or vine. If simplicity is the theme opt for a bridal bow. The perfect accessory for a half or full ponytail this will make a statement without all the drama.

After the dress, your hair is probably the next big thing in terms of your wedding day look. Have your locks looking lush with these great tips

The ring’s the thing

When it comes to choosing an engagement ring it looks as though we are going back to the future. From the traditional gold band to lab-grown diamonds, the choice is out of this world

Gold standard

There is a certain nostalgia hanging in the air of late. From the revival of ‘90s fashion, to Hollywood’s penchant for a remake, there is a yearning for yesteryear. As a result, what was once old-fashioned is now back in vogue.

Over the past decade or more, white gold or platinum has been the desired choice for engagement rings.

However, according to Skibbereen jeweller, Jim Seymour of Seymour Jewellers, there has been a shift back to the traditional gold ring.

‘Over the past few months we have seen a big swing back to couples choosing a gold band for their engagement rings,’ says Seymour. ‘Rose gold had a bit of a moment less white and platinum then before.’

Going for gold is a sure winner in the engagement ring stakes.

All stacked up

Stacking rings are a way of ensuring you get that eternity ring! While it may seem a bit premature, couples are now buying three rings at the one time – the engagement ring, wedding ring and eternity/anniversary ring.

‘Some couples have started to buy the wedding ring and eternity ring at the same time as the engagement ring,’ explains Seymour. ‘The reason is so they can get an exact match with the stones and that they

There are no rules when it comes to stacking rings. The beauty of the trend is to allow your personality shine through, so mixing and matching colours and metals is very much in style.

Ethically sourced

While diamonds may be a girl’s best friend they aren’t always the most ethically sourced gemstones. As we become more environmentally aware, mining for diamonds doesn’t sit well with the current state

of mind.

As a result Jim Seymour has seen a huge increase in couples looking for lab-grown diamonds.

‘Lab diamonds are becoming very popular with couples,’ explains Seymour. ‘Not only are they cheaper but they are exactly the same as a mined diamond. They have the same characteristics and under my tester there is no difference in clarity. They are graded the same as a natural diamond.’

Grown under severe pressure in a lab, the diamonds take months as opposed to years to make. It’s not only about the ethics. A cultured diamond is a much cheaper option, meaning the big rock is now attainable for half the price.

Three-in-one

In keeping with the traditional trend couples are choosing more old-school style settings.

‘Alongside the gold band, couples are choosing the more traditional settings of the solitaire or three-stone engagement ring,’ explains Seymour. ‘The style has gone back to basics which isn’t too surprising as trends tend to go in circles.’

The timeless silhouette of the solitaire diamond on a gold band never fails to impress. As a symbol of eternal love its a modern twist choose a slim gold band that allows the solitaire to shine to its full potential.

Brought back into the spotlight by Megan Markle, the three-stone ring or trilogy ring is a classic. The three stones represent the couple’s past, present and future, with the largest middle stone symbolising the present and the importance of being in the moment together.

Colour coded

While diamond engagement rings remain for colour. Ever since the ‘80s the Lady Di, sapphire ring has caught the imagination

of many. Amongst the coloured gemstones the sapphire is the top runner. However, for those stepping away from tradition, a ruby or emerald ring are just as eye-catching. For those wanting something unique, the black diamond is having a moment. A modern twist on the sapphire style it is said to symbolise power, passion and inner strength. Making the bold choice of a black diamond is perfect for those wanting a contemporary take on the traditional.

WEDDING RINGS,

Sapphire and diamond trilogy ring.

Lab-produced diamonds are ethical, up to half the price have exactly the same characteristics as mined diamonds. Stacked rings – lots of couples are buying three at once.

Elegant and simple – a solitaire diamond on a narrow band really allows the gem to shine!

Weddings at Baltimore Castle

CONTACT US:

CONTACT US:

T: (087) 7374592 | E: info@baltimorecastle.ie

T: (087) 7374592 | E: info@baltimorecastle.ieCONTACT US:

'The Ultimate Wedding Experience’

'The Ultimate Wedding Experience for you and your guests'

Mobile Cocktail Bar Service and Cocktails/mocktail options available.

Custom Cocktail Bar for your special day; from ‘His and Hers’ Cocktail Reception to ‘The Espresso Martini Bar’ after dinner

Offering a range of packages, including:

Offering a range of packages, including:

• Mobile Cocktail Truck - available May 2023

• Custom Cocktail truck (available from Spring 2023)

• Different cocktail reception options

• Day 2 bartending packages

• Mobile Bar for Day 2 events

• Cocktail classes (ideal hen party activity)

• Cocktail Classes – the perfect Hen Party activity

Baltimore, Co Cork info@foxglovecocktails.ie 083 092 3841 • foxglovecocktails.ie

The tux is back!

Hollywood glam

This season grooms are taking a step back in time by choosing a bit of Hollywood glamour for their big day. The tuxedo is making a welcomed comeback. Once the traditional suit of choice it had taken a back seat as the threepiece took centre stage.

A favourite of the black-tie event, the tuxedo oozes luxury. This is your chance to channel your inner Bond without the danger, while remaining very much on top of your style game.

Bringing the tuxedo into the 21st century, this time around there is a shift from the traditional black. Hues of burgundy and grey give a contemporary twist to the timeless classic. With added accents of satin and velvet piping, the tux is all about luxury.

In print

Block colours are often the tradition when it comes to grooms wear but this can be a little boring. To break up the monotony, why not introduce a touch of print? We’re not who are we to judge if you dare to be bold?

If brash is not your thing but you want a suit to standout for all the right reasons, a microprint works beautifully. Think of a checked blazer in deep tones of green and the print just for the upper half or if your feeling a bit braver it can be seamlessly brought through to the trousers.

sonality, introduce a print with a shirt instead.

Neutral territory

If you’re having a summer wedding or heading off to sunnier climates to say ‘I do’, the traditional suit can be a little washed landscape of traditional Spanish villages or on a beautiful sandy beach.

What works at home doesn’t always translate well to foreign lands. Perfect for a beach wedding opt for sandy tones matched with a crisp white shirt for a relaxed, fresh look.

The fabric is crucial here, as you don’t want to be melting like a sweaty Betty as you wait for the bride to arrive. Choose a cotton-linen blend that is breathable so even if she’s an hour late you’ll still look great.

While we may not get blazing heat here in Ireland, it’s still nice to freshen up your grooms wear for a summer wedding. In keeping with lighter tones a light blue or blush pink would work well for a boho style wedding in the gardens of Ireland.

Final touches

Elevate your wedding day style with accessories. This is the perfect way to let your personality shine through and to add a more personal touch to your look. If you love a statement tie choose a bold print or match the tones with that of

A dickie bow is always a nice alternative to the traditional and it works well with a funky print.

Pocket squares are another great way to uplift a look. Be daring with a bright pop of colour sneaking out of your suit pocket.

If there is the touch of the hipster brimming inside youterned socks.

Suit you

As weddings move more towards a tailored event that It’s no longer just about the bride’s dress giving us the wow factor on the day, the blokes are getting in on the action to. While it might be easier to buy a suit off the rack, going the extra sartorial distance for your big day is a must.

A bespoke suit is a personal piece that will last a lifetime. Whether it’s a traditional, contemporary or quirky, the and this is easily achieved with a bespoke suit. This option will offer more in terms of fabric and print giving you a oneoff suit like no other.

In yet another trend that sees modern weddings taking a note from yesteryear, it seems the tuxedo is making quite the comeback for style-conscious grooms

Something di erent!

Helen Riddell talks to couples about their multicultural celebrations

Jessica Kenny and Ricky Evans

Professional dancers Jessica Kenny and Ricky Evans met through their love of dance. Jessica, from BallNew Jersey native Ricky on Instagram. ‘A friend posted a dance video, I followed all the dancers one of whom was Ricky and after three the US and we met in person.’

However, it would be another nine months before they could meet again due to the pandemic. When travel restrictions had been lifted, the couple met in Cancun, Mexico where they got engaged.

After looking at a number of wedding options, Jessica and Ricky decided on Ireland and the Cork International Hotel where they were joined by family and friends including Ricky’s mother, sister and her husband and his best friends who travelled from the US. Ricky outlined how the couple were keen to include traditions from both cultures into their ceremony. ‘We did a jumping the broom, which is an African-American wedding ritual.’ Jessica who is half Bengali incor-

porated her Bangladeshi heritage. ‘I had a Bengali style hen party, where I wore a traditional wedding sari and had a bridal henna design painted on my hands.’

The couple looked after their own wedding entertainment creating a playlist which lasted from the meal until the end of the party. With both being professional dancers, they pulled out all the stops and choreographed a showstop-

The couple are now living in Philadelphia are plan to return to Cancun for a belated honeymoon.

Adrian de Juan and Aoife Maya

International couple Adrian de Juan and Aoife Maya married in Cork in 2022 and currently split their time between Ireland and Mexico.

Adrian, from the Philippines, moved met Aoife, who was born in Mexico to a an Irish mother and Mexican father, at Ashton Secondary School in Ballintemple, Cork.

Adrian explained that the couple didn’t get engaged in traditional sense. ‘We just talked about it and decided it was right for us to get married.’ They married in the summer of 2022 at theed at the River Lee Hotel. Adrian said their guests travelled from across the world. ‘When we got to the registry

were many more people outside than the ceremony in the small courtyard outside so everyone could see as it was one of the warmest and sunniest days of summer.’

After their wedding meal and speeches, the couple screened a slide show of photos of them both, and then held a few rounds of interactive games opened up for dancing. Adrian said what made their wedding day was ‘having all our friends and family together, everyone we love in one room. Every one of our friends and family was really involved and did their part to make the day a memorable experience.’

The couple are currently building a house in Mexico.

Nora Hall and Dan Sullivan

With each having a parent coming from Bere Island, it was almost inevitable that the paths of San Francisco-based couple Nora Hall and Dan Sullivan would cross. Nora explained that the families knew each other growing up, but their summer visits to the island never overlapped until the summer of 2017. The couple immediately hit it off and one year later got engaged on the island on New Year’s Eve.

After postponing their wedding three times due to the pandemic, the couple married in July 2022 at Bere Island’s Wild Atlantic Glamping, which Nora says was the perfect location.

‘We never considered getting married anywhere else. Bere Island is our happy

Guny Patel and Philip Gray

Kinsale based couple Guny Patel and Philip Gray married in Antigua earlier this year and are now planning a second wedding in Kinsale in the summer.

management where she met Philip Gray, a Kinsale-based artist. Says Guny, ‘I was very happy being single and then he arrives with his Irish charm!’

Guny joined Philip in Kinsale, where his studio is based and opened a successful womenswear business, Kinari, in the town.

The couple got engaged on Philip’s 60th birthday with Guny popping the question. ‘I booked a surprise break in Dubrovnik, we hired a small boat. I asked the skipper to pull into a bay and I got down on one knee and proposed.’

Brendan O’Sullivan and Peter Tora

Brendan O’Sullivan, a HSE manager from Bestwina, Poland celebrated their wedding in Beara and Poland. The couple met online and Peter proposed in May 2018. ‘Brendan’s mother was terminally ill at the time, and I wanted her to know that Brendan would be looked after before she passed.’ Sadly Mrs O’Sullivan died the following month.

The couple married on in September 2019 at the Beara Coast Hotel, Castletownbere, choosing a Humanist ceremony and included traditions from Peter’s native Poland.

‘We had a vodka toast during the speeches which all our guests enjoyed and used the Polish equivalent to cheers which is “Na Zdrowie”’. With Peter owning the awardtheir day.

Peter explained the couple’s decision to marry in Beara. It was important that we could enjoy the day without travelling long distances. Some relatives travelled from the USA and UK, they knew what was ahead of them in terms of an Irish celebration, maybe a same-sex wedding was new to most but we love to set the bar!’

The couple’s second celebration took place in Poland, hosted by Peter’s parents, which Brendan says one of the highlights was the food. ‘Peter’s Mom is a chef so the food was exceptional!’

Brendan says friends warned them they might have disagreements in planning the wedding, but said not one cross word was spoken. ‘We would do it all again tomorrow.’

Philip explains that the couple decided on Antigua following a holiday there with some friends last year. They were married at the Admiral’s Inn in Antigua on January 19th, 2023 with a renowned local saxophonist playing during the ceremony. To celebrate her Indian heritage Guny’s wedding dress was made by a Galway-based designer using sari fabric sourced in Leicestershire and Philip wore an Indian wedding coat. The couple were joined by their good friends from West Cork, Lucy and Peter Hagerty who acted as witnesses. ‘Everything

place. We had Bantry Bay and Hungry Hill as the backdrop. Catriona Hanley, the owner could not have been more accommodating.’

The couple held their reception at the Eccles Hotel, Glengarriff, and continued the celebrations the following day at Dessie’s Bar, Bere Island, catered by the Chef’s Table, Castletownbere followed by music in the Bere Island Hotel.

Nora and Dan said planning a West Cork wedding from overseas did present some challenges.

‘We tried to keep everything as simple as possible and kept the focus on having fun with our family and friends.’

The couple’s immediate families travelled from the US along with some of their friends.

‘I think the biggest takeaway for everyone was how friendly and accommodating the Irish are. Although our guests were surprised by how late Irish weddings can last and at how many events can be packed into one weekend!’

was just perfect.’

Guny and Philip are now planning a second ceremony in Kinsale this summer. When asked if there was anything they would change about their day, Guny said they’d do it all over again, with just one addition, ‘our golden retrievers Tigger and Simba.’

Personalised Wedding Stationery

Special Memories

Rebecca and Ian Hutchinson, Kerry Pike, were married in the Honan Chapel in UCC and celebrated with family and friends at Inchydoney Island Lodge and Spa on December 10th last.

(Photo: Dermot Sullivan)

Nigel Desmond from Kerry Pike and Paula Hegarty from Castlehaven were married in St Barrahane’s Church, Castlehaven on October 29th last. ey had their reception in the West Cork Hotel, Skibbereen. (Photo : Mark Coombes)

Catríona O’Mahony and James Tobin were married in St Barrahane’s Church, Castlehaven on December 16th, 2022. ey are pictured here at Bantry House prior to their reception in e Maritime Hotel, Bantry. Also included are bridesmaids: Kate O’Mahony and Laura Murray; groomsmen Derek Tobin and Dave White and flower girl: Hannah Tobin (Photo: Davitt Vaughan)

Emma Santry and Mike Walsh, Rosscarbery were married on October 8th, 2022. e ceremony was held in the grounds of Courtmacsherry Hotel and the reception afterwards was at Monk’s Lane, Timoleague. (Kate Bean Photography)

It’s a nice day for a ‘green’ wedding!

Sustainability is a vital concept at every turn these days, and rightly so. Many couples are now looking at the greener options for their big day

Venue and catering

Finding the right venue for your event is the logical beginning to your wedding journey and the perfect place to start asking the hard questions.

You will want to let every service provider know from the outset that you wish your event to be sustainable and ask them what they can do to meet your requirements.

Let an outdoor venue with sustainable practices inspire caterers too.

A good caterer will prioritise local suppliers, fresh organic produce and seasonal ingredients.

Sharon Thomas from Celtic Knot Events near Gougane Barra says that her clients are increasingly more environmentally conscious.

‘Getting the guests to keep hold of their glass and reusing it throughout the whole evening is especially popular with my outdoor weddings and saves on water wastage.’

Stationery

When getting the word out, consider going digital! Create your own invitations with free and easy-to-use online design tools like Canva. Then simply download and send via WhatsApp, social media, or email. email their response instead. You can set up a wedding email especially for this.

who deals with handmade, recycled paper and eco-inks and avoid using embellishments like glitter or ribbons that make them un-recyclable.

Dressing up

Finding an amazing looking dress is top priority for many top tips:

websites like Done Deal have pages of bridal dresses and accessories.

• Strike up a relationship with your local charity shops so they can be on the lookout for you. Just be prepared to clean or alter as necessary.

• Find a designer who is passionate about the environment like Alice Halliday of Skibbereen who creates each of her unique pieces by hand, using vintage, antique and locally sourced materials.

Alice suggests choosing a top and skirt instead of a dress, ‘that way you can wear them again in future as separates. You can even have a family heirloom piece reworked.’

• You might also consider rings made from recycled, reclaimed, sustainable materials, engaging a local jewellry

Décor/ owers

Avoid balloons! They take hundreds of years to biodegrade and are known to harm wildlife.

Instead, use pre-loved decorations found in online marForage greenery and blooms from your garden or greenery in the most sustainable way.

plastics.

Mags from Bumble Bee Flower Farm in Castledonovan warns that people need to, ‘stop being ostriches and start questions that sum up to mean … do you at least try to be ecologically sustainable?’

need to be more responsible.’

Renee from Flower and Leaf in Ballydehob agrees that the conversations need to start early. ‘Open the dialogue about wanting to make your wedding sustainable, instead of asking how much it will cost.’ Renee doesn’t grow all year round so she does import, paper rather than plastic.’

the sustainable option is never the cheaper option,’ acknowledges Renee.

can trust to use best practices and seasonal elements with

Don’t be locked into what you found on Pinterest and

Watch out for ‘green washing.’ This is when a business misleads the consumer into believing their product is en-

from Bumble Bee.

great taste.

Premier West Cork Photographer, Kate Bean has had the privilege of observing hundreds of weddings. ‘I have seen so many weddings now and honestly the couples who foHer advice is to try not to get overwhelmed by everything you see online. ‘It’s your wedding, try not to forget the meaning of it all by covering it all up with plastic things that are only going to end up in the bin the day after.’

An Alice Halliday designed wedding dress using sustainably sourced fabrics offset with natural headdress.

(Photo: Kate Bean)

INISH BEG ESTATE

An Unforgettable Waterfront Wedding Venue

If your dream wedding is private, elegant and highly personal, Inish Beg Estate is just what you’re looking for! The 97-acre island estate is home to countless beautiful spaces that are just perfect for ceremonies, drinks receptions, evening receptions and even day-two parties!

You can create a unique and unforgettable wedding celebration here at Inish Beg.

A location to suit every style of wedding, whether you’re planning on having 50 guests or 160

The stylish and incredibly popular

Marquee is ideal for up to 160 guests.

The idyllic, stone Boat House is perfect for smaller intimate wedding parties of 50 or less

Just drop us a line, and we will happily arrange a private viewing for you. Email us at weddings@inishbeg.com, call on 028 21745, or complete our handy online wedding enquiry form on www.inishbeg.com

Inish Beg Estate, Baltimore, West Cork

Octagon

There’s an indoor pool and steam room with luxury on-site accommodation for up to 52 guests.

Photo: Shane O’Neill of Aspect Photography

Photo: Dermot Sullivan