Weddings Spring/Summer 2019 by southernstarIRL

Weddings Spring/Summer 2019

ADVERTORIAL

Say ‘I Do’ to the Eccles Hotel This stunning hotel in Glengarriff has everything you need to celebrate in style

he stunning Eccles Hotel in Glengarriff is one of Ireland’s most charming hotels and one of Cork’s most iconic wedding destinations, the perfect blend of tradition and class in a truly timeless venue. Famous guests of note over the years include WB Yeats, Maureen O’Hara, Maeve Binchy and Pippa Middleton. If you’re planning to say ‘I Do’, a visit to Eccles Hotel to meet the wedding team and experience the charm and character the Eccles Hotel offers in abundance, is a must do. From your first enquiry to when the final guest departs and everything in between, Rose O’ Sullivan, the wedding co-ordinator, is there to ensure that your special day runs smoothly. The Eccles can welcome up to 250 guests, and are on hand to organise everything from flowers to fizz, music to menus, all in the magnificent setting of the Ilnacullin suite, overlooking Bantry Bay. The hotel has undergone an extensive refurbishment with a new spa opening in April 2019. Look forward to a red carpet welcome and a sparkling toast for the happy couple. Renowned Head Chef Eddie Attwell has created a sumptuous wedding menu where guests can enjoy the finest West Cork produce that always celebrates the best of what’s fresh and in season on your big day. With 57 rooms and suites, you can book out the whole hotel and party the night away. And for the happy

couple, there’s the Yeats’ Suite with its own balcony overlooking Bantry Bay, a sitting area and a large bathroom that features a bubbling jacuzzi bath. Glengarriff and the Ring of Beara is a place of total serenity, which means all the more time and space for you. With stunning photo opportunities, you can really capture that cool calm feeling and treasure it for years to come. Why not stay a while and enjoy a celebration that lasts longer? There’s so much to see and do in this beautiful part of West Cork. Enjoy a round of golf, go kayaking in the harbour, go fishing in the rivers or lakes, stroll the spectacular Garinish Island Italian gardens, or try one of the hikes around the stunning surrounding countryside. Just ask and Rose and the wedding team will make

it happen. The Eccles Hotel has selected dates available for 2019 and is taking bookings for 2020. Comprehensive wedding packages start from just €58 per guest. To arrange a showaround or chat about your individual wedding needs, contact Rose and the Weddings Team by email on weddings@eccleshotel.com or call 027 63003.

A WEDDING

VENUE THAT’S TIMELESS ELEGANT, CLASSIC CHARM IN AN ICONIC WEST CORK VENUE Whether your dream day is an ‘all out’ vintage themed affair or a classic celebration in traditional style, The Eccles Hotel in Glengarriff is the perfect setting for your wedding day.

  Eccles Ad 239 x 150.indd 1

TO MAKE YOUR BIG DAY FEEL TRULY TIMELESS Contact Rose our wedding co-ordinator on 027 63003 or email weddings@eccleshotel.com 2

21/02/19 12:15

Welcome to the Spring/Summer 2019 edition of

Weddings

published by

West Cork’s biggest selling newspaper with 50,000 readers every week and the area’s biggest digital audience across southernstar.ie and our social media.

courtesy of The Southern Star GETTING married is, undoubtedly, one of the biggest and most exciting events in anybody’s life. Whether your big day is imminent or you’re only beginning to make plans, you’ll find some great reading in the following pages. We have lots of style ideas for brides and grooms, along with current hair and make-up trends. Read about the rise of drone photography, what to have on your wedding checklist and we have some great ideas for hen and stag parties. There’s a look at the legal side of tying the knot and we profile wedding planners working in four of the top venues in the area. There’s even a chance to win a copy of the newly-published Irish Bridesmaid’s Handbook! You’ll also find lots of great businesses advertising their products and services, so we’d ask you to please support where possible.

For all enquiries please call 028 21200 or advertising@southernstar.ie or www.southernstar.ie Publisher Editor/layout s Creative team Advertising Sales

The Southern Star Niall O’Driscoll Irene Paradisi, Muireann Brady Donnchadh Crowley, Jennifer Barron, Brian McCarthy, Anne Kelleher, Sue Ryan

For all design and publishing enquiries please call 028 21200

Read on, enjoy, and we wish you a wonderful wedding experience!

design | publishing | digital | print

– The Southern Star team

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Weddings | The Southern Star | Spring/Summer 2019

It’s all about the dress!

All styles on this page taken from the Romantica range, available from Brides of Eire, Clonakilty

Style: Carys

Style: Bailey

Style: Pandora

Style: Gemma

Spring/Summer 2019 | The Southern Star | Weddings

Style: 1818

Style: 1817

All styles on this page taken from the Kenneth Winston range, available from Brides of Eire, Clonakilty

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Weddings | The Southern Star | Spring/Summer 2019

Toning things down a little Get your glow on when saying ‘I do’ in 2019 when it’s all about the no make-up, make-up Luminious skin

Imagine Kim Kardashian, and then think of the exact opposite. That’s the vibe for bridal make-up this year according to all the experts. Everyone from international to West Cork MUAs are agreed on one thing and that’s that this year is about going back to basics with our make-up and hair. And while the aim is to look effortless and undone, it in fact requires a lot of hard work and dedication on the part of the bride in the run up to the big day to get great, luminous looking skin, which can then be shown off with a light, facial cover. Again Megan Markle can take some of the credit for this trend as brides everywhere now want to show off their freckles rather than conceal them under a heavy, matt foundation. Take note though, there’s quite a bit of work, skill and product needed in this look - and professional help is best.

Eye-eye

In general eyes are going quite naked for 2019– even without mascara if you could imagine! However, in the world of fashion nothing is straightforward – also popular are bronze/ silver lids with a dramatic winged liner. If you choose this, play down the lip obviously. It’s a case of one or another. As for brows, they’re full, so step away from that tweezers.

Tone down tan

With an overall pared back aesthetic, brides will also have to dial down their tan in favour of a natural vibe. Many are opting to pass on fake tan entirely in keeping with the natural approach. It is a matter of taste, but professionals in general advise even some light coverage on the day.

Everything’s rosy

Instead of dramatic contouring, make up artists are going for feminine, rose hues on cheek bones for a lovely dewy, youthful look.

Light, dewy and fresh best describe 2019’s bridal make-up.

Pucker up

Statement lips are enjoying a moment. Brides are encouraged to have a little bit of fun and show their personality through their lips with berry shades especially popular largely as they suit almost everyone. Take note that lip products are the one thing a bride will need to have with her to re-touch throughout the day.

Delicate rose hues are used on cheeks.

Top tips for bridal beauty from Clonakilty-based expert Cathy Duggan, has worked in the beauty industry for 12 years and is based at Hidden Beauty, Clonakilty. Here are her top bridal skin and makeup tips: • Every bride wants that natural glow on their wedding day and a good skincare regime is key to get that result. If your skin is naturally glowing and

healthy than any makeup on your wedding day, regardless of trends, is going to be flawless. • When it comes to tanning, I’m begging brides to please exfoliate and moisturise in the weeks coming up to the big day. We should all be doing this as regularly as every week anyway. I have used so many different products and the one I go

back to every time is a mix of white sugar and baby oil, combined into a paste and used in the shower. It can cause erythema to the skin which is redness but it also brings fresh oxygen and nutrients to the surface of the skin making it soft and supple. • Professional is always best for bridal make-up. And always get a trial done beforehand as it makes

the morning go so much smoother when both therapist and bride know exactly what they’re looking for. • The only thing a bride should have to re-apply throughout the day is her lipstick, so always invest in your lip liner, lipstick and gloss.

Spring/Summer 2019 | The Southern Star | Weddings

James Keating of Karizma Hairdressing Salon, Skibbereen and Linda Lane of West Cork’s mobile hair salon Be Glam share their bridal hair tips with Emma Connolly

The long and the short of it Boho braids

Loose plaits are as popular as ever for 2019 brides and are also perfect for bridesmaids, says James. It’s all about a casual, under done look, says Linda, and the vibe is relaxed and not too tight.

Sofly, softly

Think loose, under done looking hair, nothing too set or ‘in place.’ ‘Go for a soft and natural look with waves,’ says James. This could either be completely down or half up and down (see next point), but Linda cautions that it’s not something that suits every hair type. ‘I was at a wedding where the bride chose this style and because her hair was thin, mid-way through the day it looked like she hadn’t been to the hairdressers!’ she said. Not all hair will hold a curl/wave all day. Any dampness will also just encourage frizz so it’s not an entirely straight forward option.

Loose braids (left) are very on-trend for 2019. So too are jewelled hair accessories (above). Like make-up, the overall vibe is relaxed.

Expert advice

Half-up, half down

The half-up bridal hairstyle got a cool makeover this bridal season, says James. ‘Instead of pulling hair into a voluminous half-up section, just the face-framing layers are pulled oﬀ the face and simply pinned into place,’ he says. Meanwhile the classic half-up wavy hairstyle needs little more than a sparkly pin and veil to look fresh and new, he says.

Subtle tendrils

Blame Meghan Markle! The humble tendrils are back and bigger than ever, says James. Think two long face-framing pieces, curled away from the face, which is all you need to make a basic chignon look oh-so-2019.

Pony tails

This simple look makes quite the statement and is going to be very popular this year, advises Linda. Natually, like all styles, she says it will depend on the bride and her dress, but there’s something understated and conﬁdent about a healthy, shiny pony tail.

Accessories

With 2018 being a year for Royal weddings we will see a lot of inﬂuences

in bridal hair for 2019, notes James. ‘Look for a simple tiara that make a simple up-do, amazing,’ he says.

Linda says jewelled hair pieces are still enjoying their moment and look great in a romantic upstyle.

With over 30 years experience in the industry, James Keating and his team have had a lot of experience with wedding parties. Here’s some of his general bridal hair advice: • Whether you’ve known your hairstylist for years or are booking with someone who came highly recommended, you should absolutely book a wedding hair trial. This is especially important if you’re trying out a new bridal hairstyle since something may look great in a magazine, but might look different on you. • It can be tempting to try a hairstyle that’s totally different, but don’t go for something that’s just not ‘you’. Your wedding day is your day to shine and not to look like someone entirely different that your hubby won’t recognise. • If you haven’t chosen the dress, don’t settle on a hairstyle just yet. I recommend having the dress picked out before the hair trial. This will help decide whether to wear hair up or down and what kind of style would look right. • Bring as many photos as you can to your hair appointment as this will really help your hairstylist know exactly what you’re looking for, and he or she will be able to recommend ways it may or may not work for you and how to make the hairstyle even better. Create a bridal board on Pinterest.

Planner proﬁle Marie Dooley

Wedding & events manager, Celtic Ross Hotel, Rosscarbery How long have you a) been working in the hospitality industry, and b) been a wedding planner? 21 years b) I’ve been a wedding planner for two years. What signiﬁcant changes and trends have you seen in weddings over the years? People are leaning towards more intimate weddings – civil ceremonies are becoming much more popular. Also wedding cakes have changed – people seem to be moving away from the traditional cake to having ‘cakes’ made from wheels of cheese! What is the ﬁrst piece of advice you’d give to any newlyengaged couple? Don’t cave in to pressure. Whether you like it or not, everyone will have an opinion on what your wedding should be like, and chances are they’ll make their views heard. Remember, it’s your day. What is the most common mistake made by couples getting married? Getting caught up in the little details – they all fall into place. Most unusual wedding/request you’ve catered for? A nervous bride and groom wanted to practice their first dance on their wedding day when they arrived at the hotel. Any close calls/near disasters? A wedding on red alert snow day – lots of suppliers, the band and make-up artist cancelled, but we made it happen thanks to our fabulous local vendors. What is a) your favourite part of the job, and b) your least favourite part? Seeing the bride and groom’s faces when they enter the Ardagh Suite for the first time on their wedding day, seeing their dream a reality. b) your least favourite part? There is none really … I suppose having to go home when my day is done and not being able to stay and dance!

Warren Beach, Rosscarbery

‘My favourite moment from a wedding? Seeing the bride walk down the red carpet on the beach on the day of her wedding. Her dream to get married on the beach had come true ...’ months and years of planning are coming to life. It’s a busy day from checking the dining room to waiting by the front door with champagne on the red carpet for the newlyweds and to be there for the bride and grooms every need until I leave the building.

What is the largest number of guests you’ve catered for? 300.

Your favourite moment from a wedding you’ve worked on? Seeing the bride walk down the red carpet on the beach on the day of her wedding. Her dream to get married on the beach had come true and I was very proud to help make that happen.

Describe (brieﬂy) a typical wedding day for you in the hotel: It’s all systems go. There are a lot of things to oversee and questions to be answered on the day of a wedding –

What is the last thing you tell couples before their big day? Don’t forget to relax and enjoy yourselves it’s your special day! And remember to take the stickers off your new shoes!

Your West Cork Wedding Destination Contact our dedicated wedding manger Marie on weddings@celticross.com or Tel: +353 (0)23 88 48722 Celtic Ross Hotel, Rosscarbery, West Cork www.celticrosshotel.com 8

Suit up and stand out!

Spring/Summer 2019 | The Southern Star | Weddings

Grooms – look your best, but this means you can’t leave things to the last minute, writes Emma Connolly Grooms rarely devote as much time to their choice of outﬁt as their brides, but nonetheless, the modern husband-to-be is becoming far more discerning. And while a groom should never upstage his bride in his choice of attire on the big day, he should deﬁnitely stand out from his groomsmen in the style stakes. With most male guests likely to be wearing suits on the occasion, the emphasis is on injecting a little personality into your look to make sure you stand out as the man of the moment, advises Sean Murray of Sean Murray Fashions, Skibbereen. With vast experience in dressing men, Sean shares some tips to make sure those who are tying the knot in 2019, don’t get tied up in knots …

Trends

This year it’s all about the tapered fit and the three-piece suit. These are slick, sophisticated and statement-making. Importantly you’ll still look very ‘put together’ and will have an edge, when you inevitably take off your jacket and hit the dance floor. On trend colours? Well, take your pick. There are a lot this year. The most popular are probably royal blue, dark blue, grey and charcoal. Time of the year and location will play a slight role in choice of colour (e.g. grey is good in a warmer climate) but outside of that it’s a matter of taste and what suits. You’ve found ‘the one’, but be prepared to keep trying on suits until you find ‘the other one.’ Lots of men have a fixed idea of what they want to wear, but it may not suit their skin tone or body shape. Keep an open mind and listen to the experts. It’s important to realise that you don’t have to match your wedding party. In fact it’s better if you don’t. It’s more about co-ordinating with each other, than looking like carbon copies. A groom can buy a suit in a plain or subtle check while the groomsmen either rent or buy suits to blend in with him. The groom can also opt for a contrasting waistcoat to his groomsmen – just different enough to give him the edge. This year sees a return to regular collar shirts, skinny ties or dickie bows and pocket squares. The latter are a must for all men and really finish off the look. Burgundy, navy, brown and A pocket square really is a must if you want to tan shoes are popular with a matching belt. finish off your look.

Time

Give yourself plenty of time – an average of eight to 10 weeks (at least) to get your look together. We recommend you go suit shopping with the bride-to-be or the best man. Try to avoid bringing the entire wedding party initially as this often causes confusion and makes it difficult to make a decision. Don’t be afraid of flair: flashy socks, coloured cuff links, pattern dickie bow and pocket squares are all easy ways to be a bit different without being too outlandish.

Fashion forward ...

Last year, it was all about ankle skimming pants and going sockless for the hipster grooms. Coloured suits are having a bit of a moment in 2019, especially burgundy, coral or berry shades. We’re serious! They’ll probably look horribly dated in wedding photos in a few short years but they’ll certainly make sure your guests remember what you wore.

The three-piece suit is enjoying its moment of glory this year. Trend-conscious grooms should opt for a tapered fit.

Weddings | The Southern Star | Spring/Summer 2019

A different perspective These days the sky is, quite literally, the limit when it comes to preserving your wonderful wedding memories in photos and video, writes Brian Moore The use of drones, or to give them their proper title, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), to capture amazing photos and video of not only the scenery and the venue, but also as an addition to the traditional photography on the day is becoming more and more popular as people see just what can be achieved with these ﬂying photographic machines. ‘A drone can capture photos and video that only a few years ago would have been unthinkable unless you

hired a helicopter, and even then you wouldn’t be able to get the results that we can achieve today,’ says Tom Vaughan of Oakwood Aerial Photography in Ballydehob. ‘The UAVs or drones I use are packed with the latest technology for fully stabilised ﬂying to capture those incredible shots. Unlike helicopters, drones are able to get within ﬁve metres of the action giving a unique vantage point and a stunning image.’ Tom is normally called upon to pro-

Mobile Hairdressing

vide companies and organisations with aerial shots of their premises or video for promotional work but he has found that, especially here in West Cork, the local scenery has added a whole new dimension to that special wedding day. ‘We are spoiled for choice here in West Cork when it comes to locations and the drone can provide another choice that will complement the traditional photography and video on the day,’ Tom said. ‘For example we can provide aerial photos at the church, at the venue, or the gardens. Perhaps a video of the bride leaving her home in the bridal car, arriving at the church, or a shot of the happy couple arriving at their reception. Once the weather is ﬁne we can ﬂy over the event and provide a stunning and unique perspective on the day.’ Drones can capture the key moments that no mobile phone or handheld camera can get. From that special moment between the bride and groom or a view of the whole wedding party, to revealing a whole new, and for many, previously unseen perspective on the event, drone photos and video are adding a whole new angle on wedding photography. ‘There are a few limitations to re-

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member,’ Tom continued. ‘Firstly, the drone is weather dependent. We can’t fly in the rain. And of course we can’t fly indoors. But for example, as the guests enjoy their drinks on the lawn at the venue or the bride and groom take a walk with the photographer to their favourite spot around Lough Hyne, drone photography produces spectacular results.’ Tom’s drones can take 20mp photos and shoot video in 4K HD, or in other words, the drones provide extremely high-quality images. You will have to get permission from your venue before you can book your drone photographer and then there are the licence and permits that are required for every drone flight. ‘We cover all the permits and the licence with the venue before the day,’ Tom said. ‘While drone photography at weddings is becoming more popular, the ideal way to get exactly what you want is to talk with your drone pilot and watch examples of the events that have been covered before. If there is something special you want to capture for your special day – a return to the place where you got engaged perhaps or that incredible shot of the happy couple watching the sunset – there isn’t much that can’t be achieved.’

Spring/Summer 2019 | The Southern Star | Weddings

‘... the drone can provide another choice that will complement the traditional photography and video on the day’

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This image of Inchydoney, by Tom Vaughan, shows how drones are a great way to get venue shots that might not otherwise be possible. Left: Tom Vaughan of Oakwood Aerial Photography (www.oakwoodaerialphotography.ie). Opposite page: Your drone pilot/photographer will help capture key moments from unusual angles.

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Spring/Summer 2019 | The Southern Star | Weddings

Be prepared! By Brian Moore The big day has arrived and after months of preparations, planning, sweat and perhaps some tears, you’re both ready to say, ‘I do’. However, while you’ve worked hard to make sure your wedding day is perfect, have you considered what to do if things don’t go quite according to plan? And let’s face it, something will go astray. While you can’t anticipate every eventuality, once you have a good team around you, any deviations from your ideal wedding celebration can often be minimised. ‘The main thing to remember is not to panic. Your venue organisers can and will do all they can to help and to sort any problem out,’ Margaret Roche, wedding director and owner at Innishannon House Hotel, said. ‘Decide what you want when you are looking for your venue and start a checklist of your main concerns and wishes. Remember, there will be unforeseen events on the day but if you are aware and know that things can be sorted out then you will enjoy your celebration much more.’ So, what should be on your checklist? To start with ask yourself what exactly you want? For example, do you want to have a civil service? Is the venue licensed to oﬀer this at their location? Can your venue cater for an outdoor wedding? ‘Outdoor weddings are becoming more and more popular,’ Margaret said. But here in Ireland we have to consider the weather as a major factor, so you need to have a plan in place with your venue organiser as to what will happen if the weather is not good.’ Another question to ask is, ‘Who is my go-to person at the venue, and will they be on hand at all times? How about the guests with special dietary needs who ‘forgot’ to mention this to you, or those friends who went on a trip around the world and have come back vegan. What’s your plan to ensure that they enjoy the day as well? ‘Our chef can create for any eventuality,’ Helen O’Shea, events co-ordinator at the Maritime Hotel in Bantry said. ‘There is, no matter how well you plan, always some little mishap or a problem on the day. Just don’t worry we can sort it out.’ Whether it’s a torn dress or other wardrobe malfunctions the dedicated wedding specialist at the venue should be able to deal with it quickly. ‘We’ve had brides forgetting to bring their ﬂowers from the church, problems

with dresses (both bridal and guests), soup that spilled on shoes, broken nails and lots of other unplanned events,’ Helen said. ‘But we have plenty of needles and thread, we can send someone to collect the ﬂowers, clean the shoes or even provide jump leads for the wedding car. No matter what, we can handle it.’ Then there are the guests with children to consider. Can the venue provide a way for the kids to enjoy the day just as much as the adults? ‘A dedicated kids’ area can be arranged with perhaps balloons, DVDs and games,’ Margaret Roche said. ‘And for very young children, babysitters can also be provided but all this should be on your checklist and organised for the day.’ ‘Sometimes guests need a babysitter to stay overnight and this has to be factored into the planning as some venues have limited rooms for guests,’ Margaret said. ‘However, while we, at the Innishannon House Hotel cannot provide babysitters we can let our guests have contact details for babysitters in the local area so that they can arrange this for themselves.’ Whatever venue you choose or wherever you decide is the perfect location for your special day, just remember things will go wrong and not everything will go as planned, but with the help of a dedicated team to support you, just relax and enjoy the day.

Advance checklist ... As soon as you get engaged/once you’re ready to start wedding planning • Sit down with your other half and discuss your ideal wedding to make sure you’re on the same page • Draw up a budget • Start planning the guest list. Decide on approximate number of guests • Pick potential wedding dates - check with important guests to avoid clashes • Research potential wedding venues and ceremony locations. 12 months before • Visit and book your reception venue and ceremony location. • Research potential wedding services and suppliers photographer, florist, invitations, cake, decor, music, hair and makeup • Consider and review wedding insurance options • Decide what type of entertainment you want for the ceremony, drinks reception and dancing • Book photographer and videographer • Research and consider options for your venue and ceremony decor • Start your wedding dress research

8-10 months before • Book band and/or DJ for reception • Research and reserve accommodations for guests • Contact decor hire companies if you need to rent anything for ceremony/reception. • Book honeymoon - flights and accommodation • Order wedding cake

2-3 months before • Send invitations to guests • Attend dress fittings • Choose and order wedding rings • Organise gifts for parents, bridesmaids, groomsmen and each other • Buy shoes, accessories, hair-pieces, bow ties etc.

6-8 months before • Order your wedding dress - many boutiques consider under six months a ‘rush order’. • Book ceremony musicians • Ensure passports are in date for honeymoon - order new ones if necessary

4 weeks before • Have final wedding dress fitting • Finalise details for, and order mass booklets/order of ceremony • Complete any wedding DIY or craft projects • Review final RSVP list and call any guests who have not yet responded

4-6 months before • Choose bridesmaids’ dresses • Choose and order wedding invitations & stationery • Meet with your florist to discuss options • Shop for a groom’s suit. Rent the men’s formalwear • Organise the legalities — give at least 3 months notice to your registrar or celebrant • Organise wedding transport • Start gathering addresses for guest list • Organise hair and make-up trials and book the appointments for the wedding itself.

2 weeks before • Give venue/caterer final guest head count • Create your table plan 1 week before • Supply wedding coordinator with a list of supplier requests such as a table for DJ or setup space needed by florist. • Print place cards • Call all wedding suppliers to confirm arrangements - create a timetable for day

• Get manicure, massage, waxing & all your preening and prep • Do full wedding dress rehearsal from underwear to veil • Pack an overnight bag for the reception • Pack for the honeymoon 2-3 days • Make last minute changes to table plan if necessary • Grooms: Go for final fitting and pick up your formalwear. Ask the best man to make sure all groomsmen attend fittings and pick up their outfits. • Confirm pick-up times with wedding car company • Reconfirm final details with all vendors. Discuss any necessary last-minute substitutions The day before • Drop off place cards, table cards, menus, favours, table plan to reception coordinator • Provide all wedding professionals with an emergency phone number to call on the day of the wedding. • Ensure the cake is on track to be delivered to reception venue - have someone else look after this one! • Rehearse ceremony with full wedding party ceremony readers your officiant at the ceremony site to rehearse and iron out details. • Get a good night’s rest!

• See www.onefabday.com for more

Weddings | The Southern Star | Spring/Summer 2019

ADVERTORIAL

Say ‘I Do’ to the Eccles Hotel

Major wedding event to be held in Fernhill House Hotel Fernhill House has long been recognised as one of the premier wedding destinations in Ireland and they have recently announced their new Wedding Expert Event which they promise ‘to be one of the most amazing wedding events ever held in Ireland.’ The will be hosted by the renowned beauty Jackson (piccouple,blogger there’sSuzanne the heevent stunning Eccles Hotel in Glengarriff is one and fashion tured) or ‘SoSueMe’ as she is known. Highlights of the event include a gin & tonic reception, Yeats’ Suite with of Ireland’s most charming hotels and one fashion show, skin carewedding advice, make-up demos, tapas, wine, goodie bags, wedding tips and its own balcony of Cork’s most iconic destinations, the lots, lotsblend more. of tradition and class in a truly overlooking Bantry perfect Fernhill’s wedding co-ordinator Ann explains why the event will be special. ‘We are hugely Bay, a sitting area timeless venue. Famous guests of note over the excited to bring this event to the people of West Cork and share our wedding expertise. The and a large bathroom years include WB Yeats, Maureen O’Hara, Maeve speakers that we have lined up are exceptional and the mix of fashion and beauty will bring a that features a Binchy and Pippa Middleton. fun element to the event so it will be a fabulous day out. There is huge excitement that Suzanne bubbling jacuzzi If you’re planning to say ‘I Do’, a visit to Eccles Jackson will be hosting the event, especially as she was recently married herself. All are welbath. Hotel to meet the wedding team and experience come and it will be a great event to share with friends, family and bridesmaids of course.’ Glengarriff and owns the hotel, the charm and character Eccleswho Hotel offers in O’Neill Operations manager Neilthe O’Neill, is one of the family that the Ring of Bearafor generations so abundance,that is a ‘here must at do. From your firstbeen enquiry commented Fernhill we have hosting amazing weddings is the a place total to like when final guest departs andwedding everything in over we to the think that we have become experts years.ofWe wanted to share this serenity, whichSome means between, Rose O’ Sullivan, the wedding knowledge with couples and that is why we decided to create this event. amazing speakers have been handpicked by us tothat be part the day so it all willthe be more a fantastic time opportunity to get co-ordinator, is there to ensure yourof special inside tipssmoothly. to get the most out of what will be a truly special day in your and space forlife. you.At the event will day runs be also launching the next edition of our wedding magazine ‘Your Cork Wedding’ With stunning photo and will be The Eccles can welcome up to 250 guests, and are giving a free copy to all attendees.’ opportunities, you on hand to organise everything from flowers to The Fernhill Wedding Expert Event will be hosted at Fernhill on Saturday, March 2nd, 2019 can really capture fizz, music to menus, all in the magnificent setting from 6 till 9pm. This event will have something for everyone and is not to be missed. Keep an that cool calm feeling of the Ilnacullin suite, overlooking Bantry Bay. The eye on Fernhill’s social media for announcements of speciﬁ c suppliers and more information and treasure it for hotel has undergone an extensive refurbishment about the event. years to come. with a new spa opening in April 2019. Whytapas not stay while and enjoy forward to a €50 red for carpet and ashow, drinks, •Look Tickets are only the welcome talks, fashion andagoodie bags but a celebration that lasts longer? There’s so much sparkling toast for the happy couple. Renowned are limited so book now to avoid missing out. See www.fernhillhousehotel.com toto see and do in this beautiful part of West Cork. Enjoy a round of Head Chef Eddie Attwell has created a sumptuous buy yours. golf, go kayaking in the harbour, go fishing in the wedding menu where guests can enjoy the finest rivers or lakes, stroll the spectacular Garinish Island West Cork produce that always celebrates the best Italian gardens, or try one of the hikes around the of what’s fresh and in season on your big day. With stunning surrounding countryside. 57 rooms and suites, you can book out the whole Just ask and Rose and the wedding team will make hotel and party the night away. And for the happy

This stunning hotel in Glengarriff has everything you need to celebrate in style

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14 Contact Rose our wedding co-ordinator on 027 63003 or email weddings@eccleshotel.com 21/02/19 12:15

Spring/Summer 2019 | The Southern Star | Weddings

R ound two ... Over the years weddings have become more of a two-day affair. Although a new tradition for us Irish, it has been a ritual for many other countries such as Poland where a two to three-day wedding celebration is standard. Having been a bride myself I can understand the attraction of a two-day event. It might be construed as selfish, but after a year of planning, the built-up excitement and euro spent, it can be quite deflating to see it all end after a matter of hours. Not to mention the fact that on the day itself it can be difficult to get around and spend some quality time with all of your guests – getting to chat and kick back with the people who have come to share in your big day. Enter the next day festivities. This is the opportunity to really let your hair down and celebrate a little bit more with those closest to you. Big or small here are a few options to keep the festivities rolling.

The Next Day The Next Day Wedding Experts Wedding Experts Brunch

A humble brunch can be just the cure your guests are looking for. Irish weddings are renowned for spilling over into the early hours. Closing time at the bar is usually code for stocking up on enough drink to survive Armageddon. As a result your guests are more than likely to miss the early breakfast call. Brunch is perfect for a relaxed gathering of friends and family. You can sit back and enjoy the regaling of stories from the night before. Easy to organise as most hotels and venues will have a brunch menu available.

BBQ

Just like ﬂorals for spring it may not be the most original idea but a BBQ is a super-relaxed way to enjoy a second-day bash. Perfect for summer weddings,

choose a mid-afternoon time for a laid-back afternoon of food, laughs and drinks. Opt for a quirky take on the BBQ style like a pig on a spit or a pizza party. There is little planning needed as most venues oﬀer a next day BBQ.

from the bridesmaid to your long-lost auntie Mary up doing a jig. To keep costs down check out the local pubs close to the venue for trad sessions – they will be delighted with the extra business.

Themed Parties

Afternoon Tea

This is one for a more intimate aﬀair. If you’re lucky to still have your grandparents around, the loud, latenight festivities of the wedding can be a bit much for them. Organising an afternoon tea for both sides of the immediate family can be a great way for them to get to know each other and for granny not to have her hearing aid on full blast.

Trad Session

When the weather is even less predictable during the colder months a trad session the day-after is a lively option. In Ireland we love a good singsong mixed with an attempt to show oﬀ the few Irish dancing steps learnt way back when. If you have relatives or friends coming from abroad they will especially love this. A trad session will have everybody

Paula Burns looks at some easy-to-organise options for your day-after party

Choosing a theme for the post-wedding bash brings a dash of originality to the soirée. Think of easy things so guests don’t have to be too bogged down in details. If you’re having a beach honeymoon you could take the Club Tropicana approach. Hawaiian shirts and ﬂower garlands with Wham blasting from the playlist would be easy to pull oﬀ. For the movie enthusiasts you could create a cocktail menu from your favourite movies. Sip a Manhattan like Marilyn Monroe in Some Like it Hot or the everfaithful Cosmopolitan loved by Carrie Bradshaw.

A barbecue or garden party – especia lly in summer time – is a great way for you to relax and spend time with clos friends after the excitement of your e family and wedding day.

Weddings | The Southern Star | Spring/Summer 2019

Special memories ...

Paul and Aoife Lucey, who were married on May 4th, 2018 with their daughters Sarah, Kate, Jessica and Sophie. They had their ceremony and reception in the Celtic Ross Hotel, Rosscarbery.

Below: Micheal Kelly, Newtown, Rosscarbery and Elaine Galvin, Lyre, Clonakilty who were married at St. Mary’s Church, Rossmore on Saturday, December 22nd last with their reception held at Fernhill House Hotel, Clonakilty.

Above: Neil O’Neill and Trina Fitzpatrick who were married on December 31st 2018 in Sacred Heart Church, Darrara. They enjoyed their reception with family and friends in Fernhill House Hotel, Clonakilty afterwards.

Right: Ciara Booth and Raymond Powders were married on September 22nd, 2018 at St Finbarr’s Oratory, Gougane Barra, and the reception was at Inchydoney Island Lodge and Spa near Clonakilty.

• All photos on this page by Clonakilty-based photographer Dermot Sullivan www.dermotsullivan.com

Spring/Summer 2019 | The Southern Star | Weddings

Above: Mairead Dempsey, Schull and William Baker from Essex were married in St Finbarr’s Church, Gougane Barra, on August 17th, 2018. They celebrated afterwards with family and friends in the West Cork Hotel, Skibbereen. Above right: Danielle O’Regan from Castletownshend and Ivan Magner from Mallow were married in Castlehaven on September 21st, 2018 and had their reception in the West Cork Hotel, Skibbereen. • Photos on this page by Kornel Photography, Skibbereen. www.kornelphoto.com

www.dermotsullivan.com • 086 806 4613 17

Weddings | The Southern Star | Spring/Summer 2019

Over the years, stag and hen parties have evolved from full-on booze sessions to days and weekends filled with activities aimed at creating more meaningful memories. Paula Burns has some ideas to help get you planning, and there are a few that might even suit both ...

Stags Treasure Hunt

Imagine Cork city is your hunting ground and this is your chance to find the treasure that the rebel city has to offer. Starting point is a pub in the city where you can partake in some liquid fuel before the assignment. From here you will be given a challenge book with a digital camera. Your mission is to find the location, replicate the image. There are bonus points for the funniest photos. But be warned, challenges will be thrown into the mix. www.treasure-hunts-cork.com

A night at the dogs

then this is the challenge for you. Remember an hour in an escape room is sure to separate the weak from the tribe, and may actually leave you considering who truly deserves the role of best man. www.weescape.ie

hens

This is for the stag who would prefer to leave the activities on the pitch and go for a traditional stag of drinking and craic. But even the hardiest of partygoers needs a smidgen of entertainment. Heading to the greyhound races is a good way to get the night started, and again plenty of opportunities for good healthy banter. A night at the dogs also accommodates the likes of dad, uncles and the father-inlaw. Just remember, it ain’t Vegas so

probably best to keep the stakes low, especially in the company of the inlaws. www.igb.ie

Foot golf

Escape Room

Would you put your life in the hands of your friends? Could you imagine depending on their survival skills to help you escape an old mine in 60 minutes? Or escape a black book site before the FBI arrives? If Jack Bauer is your TV hero

For the lone golf enthusiast in the group, foot golf may be your only opportunity of getting the lads out on the course. Just as it says on the tin this activity amalgamates the two sports of football and golf. In other words, you kick a ball into a large hole in the ground and like its namesake the aim is to do so in as few shots as possible. This activity guarantees plenty of slagging opportunities in the pub later! www.footgolfcork.com

A day of fun and activity, with a few challenges thrown into the mix, will provide plenty of fuel for banter and laughs in the evening.

Spring/Summer 2019 | The Southern Star | Weddings ing will set the adrenaline pumping. A day at a fire station would not be complete without the inevitable Bridget Jones moment of swinging down the fire poll. Best to do this while still in uniform! www.firefighterexperience.ie

Firefighter Experience

In the words of Lena Dunham – ‘All adventurous women do’. What could be more adventurous then fighting fire on your hen party? Instead of having the cliché fireman stripper, why not join the real deal for the day? With Cork’s Firefighter Experience, you and your gal pals can channel your inner ‘Backdraft’ by stepping into the full firefighting gear. Once you look the part, running hoses and being rescued from a burning build-

Adventure Pursuits

For the more ‘outdoors-y’ of hens, an adventure park can create the perfect balance of having fun in nature. Outdoor activities don’t give good feels to everyone though, so choosing something with a theme and that’s not too strenuous will ensure all members of the girl squad get involved. Clonakilty Park Adventure Centre is one option in West Cork, where groups can bond and enjoy some serious high jinks on the high ropes, zip line, climbing

tower and power fan jump. For more information see www.clonakiltyparkhotel.ie

Harbour Cruise

Living your best life should be the theme for all hen parties. We have all imagined living the Instagrammable celeb life. Think sipping cocktails on a yacht, music pumping from the DJ, the ocean glittering ahead. It may not be a yacht and the ocean being the Atlantic rather the Paciﬁc but the Kinsale Harbour Cruise does promise exclusivity. This is your chance to put Taylor’s squad to shame with your best girl friends living it up on your own private cruise. With a full bar and complete access to your own tunes who cares if you’re wrapped up in a parka and hat? www.kinsaleharbourcruises.com

your painting skills to use with a more interesting muse than a bowl of fruit. With a bottle of bubbly to loosen the artistic juices the competition for best picture promises to be a pleasurable one. www.drawanude.ie

Draw a nude

A sprinkle of nudity is an unspoken rule for hen party fun. However, the thoughts of a semi-naked man in uniform dancing to cheesy tunes can send the wrong type of shivers down any hen’s spine. A more cultured alternative could be to draw a nude. Here there is no fear of personal space being invaded – instead you get to put

Since 1935 Fields of Skibbereen Bakers & Confectioners have been making a high quality cakes to suit all types of weddings. We offer traditional, contemporary and novelty wedding cakes tailor made to order to suit your wedding day. We cater for all shapes, sizes & themes according to your budget. Special Dietary requirements such as Gluten Free & Spelt can also be catered for. Traditional royal icing, roll-on & almond pasting a speciality. We can also provide dummy display cakes in line with your chosen wedding cake. Also available: An assortment of cake stands & full range of cake accessories.

A wide variety of cake flavours & fillings includes Madeira Toffee Real Belgian Chocolate Red Velvet Chocolate Biscuit Lemon Carrot Traditional Fruit Coffee And many more Or an alternative cake idea - cheese cake made with layers of your choice of delicious cheeses, decorated with fresh fruit, crackers, berries, leaves etc.

Call Kevin at 028 23040 to discuss your ideal wedding cake or email us at fieldskibbereen@supervalu.ie 19

Planner proﬁle Síle Browne

Wedding manager, Kenmare Bay Hotel, Kenmare How long have you a) been working in the hospitality industry? b) been a wedding planner? I started working with the Kenmare Bay Hotel in 2008 but have been the Wedding Manager since 2013. I had the pleasure of having my own wedding at the hotel in 2013 so I have the added bonus of inside information for all my couples. What signiﬁcant changes and trends have you seen in weddings over the years? Definitely one of the biggest changes over the years has been the influence of Social Media in Wedding Planning. It has now become so much easier for couples to find and research potential suppliers and the ability to get first hand feedback and information from past couples through reviews. Although many couples are having religious church ceremonies, we have found that we have a lot more civil and spiritual ceremonies over the past few years also. We provide all décor and flowers complimentary for ceremonies at the hotel so there is an added bonus. What is the ﬁrst piece of advice you’d give to any newly-engaged couple? Once I meet a couple for the first time, you start a relationship with them where you get a feeling of what they want out of their wedding day. It’s also very important for me to stress that not everyone can be pleased and that it is their day and the majority of decisions should be their own. I always advise my couples to book the bigger items of the day such as church/registrar, band, photographer etc. pretty soon after or alongside booking their venue and work from there. Once this is done, the rest will generally have a time-frame attached and can be booked over the months that follow. What is the most common mistake made by couples getting married? I don’t think many couples make too many mistakes through the process, perhaps a few bumps and we will always offer a nudge in the right direction if needed. We find that sometimes timing can be an issue and they can book the church or ceremony too early or too late. Just running through the timing of the day with them usually helps with this. Timing is everything and we have years of experience to make sure we get it perfect every time. Most unusual wedding/request you’ve catered for? I once had a groom who was a farmer and asked if he could bring in a sheep during the speeches to present to his new wife to welcome her into, as he put it ‘the life of a farmer’s wife’. Unfortunately we only allow two-legged guests so he opted for a pair of wellies and overalls instead. I think it was a safer option for all involved Any close calls/near disasters? Thankfully no disasters but some close calls. Weather can sometimes be an issue and is completely outside anyone’s control. Storm Emma in 2018 caused one of our couples to

lose a good number of their guests as they couldn’t travel in the snow but they got to the church on time and ended up having an amazing wedding day! What is a) your favourite part of the job, and b) least favourite part? My favourite part of the job has to be building relationships with my couples. I have made some great friends over the years and love getting updates. I have never had a ‘Bridezilla’, so for that I am thankful. But on the other hand when the wedding is over, you lose that contact with your couples and life goes back to normal in a sense. I’m grateful for the lovely updates I get after the wedding but I do miss the bond you establish during the planning and wedding day itself. What is the largest number of guests you’ve catered for? We can cater for up to 350 guests and as little as 50 but the most we ever catered for was almost 390 guests. It was a fantastic night and just involved a little adjusting of our table layout! Your favourite moment from a wedding you’ve worked on? There are so many favourite moments but I did have a couple who had a civil ceremony with us and the groom made a heartwarming speech and presented a gift to his stepdaughter which had the whole room in tears. I was at the back on music duty and missed my cue for the song completely as I was in tears myself. One quick motion and we were back in action again. Don’t think anyone noticed much but those small, intimate and truly magical moments are what it’s all about. What is the last thing you tell couples before their big day? I usually try to get all the final details, decorations and any final bits off my couples at least two days before the wedding. It’s so important to enjoy the time around your wedding day as much as the day itself because it’s gone in a flash. Make a list, delegate duties and make sure that you can enjoy some stress-free time with friends and family and make the day truly memorable.

Spring/Summer 2019 | The Southern Star | Weddings

ADVERTORIAL

It’s wedding season at Inchydoney Lodge & Spa Say ‘I Do’ to the Eccles Hotel The resort will host Your Day FM in association with Today FM this Thursday, February 28th as well as an Inchydoney Wedding Showcase on Sunday, March 3rd.he Inchydoney Island Lodge overlooks stunning Eccles Hotel & in Spa Glengarriff is two one magnifi cent stretches of Blue Flag beach, just outside of Ireland’s most charming hotels and one Clonakilty and isiconic a warm, polished and welcoming of Cork’s most wedding destinations, the seaside hotel and a glorious spot for perfect blend of tradition and classan inidyllic a trulywedding celebration. timeless venue. Famous guests of note over the Michelle & Jimmy from Offaly were the very lucky years include WB Yeats, Maureen O’Hara, Maeve couple who won their wedding with Today FM Binchy and Pippa Middleton. and Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa. In November If you’re planning to crowned say ‘I Do’, a visit to Eccles 2018, the couple were winners of Your Day Hotel to meet the wedding team and experience FM and have been busy planning with Muireann the charmand andher character the Today EcclesFM. Hotel offers in O’Connell team from abundance, is a must From yourwill firstenjoy enquiry The lucky couple anddo. their families an to when Inchydoney the final guest departs and everything in amazing Wedding Experience on Thursbetween, RoseIan O’ Dempsey, Sullivan, the wedding day 28th, while Muireann O’Connell and Ed Smith from theto Today FMthat family will be on co-ordinator, is there ensure your special hand t0 celebrate with them throughout the day. day runs smoothly. Once the celebrations have an end,and the are The Eccles can welcome up come to 250toguests, team in Inchydoney will be gearing up for their on hand to organise everything from flowers to Spring Wedding Showcase. perfect day tosetting disfizz, music to menus, all in The the magnificent cover and plan your Wedding by the Sea. of the Ilnacullin suite, overlooking Bantry Bay. The Between 1.30pm and 4.30pm on Sunday, March 3rd, hotel has undergone an extensive refurbishment the friendly and experienced wedding team will be with a new spa opening in April 2019. on hand to take guests of the showcase through their Look forward to a Brides red carpet welcome andwill a be wedding offerings. and grooms-to-be sparkling toast for the happy Renowned able to view the wedding room,couple. taste some beautiHead Chef Eddieby Attwell a sumptuous ful dishes created Head has Chefcreated Adam Medcalf and wedding menu where guests can enjoy the finest West Cork produce that always celebrates the best of what’s fresh and in season on your big day. With 57 rooms and suites, you can book out the whole hotel and party the night away. And for the happy

This stunning hotel in Glengarriff has everything you need to celebrate in style

couple, there’s the Yeats’ Suite with its own balcony overlooking Bantry Bay, a sitting area and a large bathroom that features a bubbling jacuzzi bath. Glengarriff and the Ring of Beara is ateam, placeand of total his take a look at table decoration options serenity, means and more.which Brown Thomas Cork will also be present all the theday, more time on with Jo Malone offering consultations and space for you. on how to create your own unique fragrance for your With stunning photo special day. Brown Thomas Cork Menswear Personal opportunities, Stylists will alsoyou be in situ to give advice and tips on can to really capture how choose the perfect suit for your wedding day. that cool calmIsland feeling Inchydoney Lodge & Spa offers something and treasure it for– the chance to say ‘I do’ outdoors unique to couples years to come.headland which offers unparalleled on Inchydoney dramatic the Atlantic Ocean and natural Why not views stay aofwhile and enjoy a celebration that music in the sound of the crashing waves. lasts longer? There’s so much to see and do in The warmthpart and of hospitality of the staffa at Inchythis beautiful West Cork. Enjoy round of doney Island Lodgein&the Spaharbour, is evident their wedgolf, go kayaking goinfishing in the rivers or lakes, stroll the spectacular Garinish Island Italian gardens, or try one of the hikes around the stunning surrounding countryside. Just ask and Rose and the wedding team will make

dings – from the moment of enquiry right through your big day, the hotel’s dedicated team of organisers are there with you every step of the way to ensure an impeccable and amazing day that you’ll never forget. With a range of wedding packages, tailored to meet the individual needs of each couple, there is something for everyone at Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa. Why don’t you take a closer look at how Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa and their stunning Inchydoney make yourhas dream day a dates reality it happen. Suite The can Eccles Hotel selected – come talk to them at their Wedding Showcase on available for 2019 and is taking bookings for March 3rd. 2020. Comprehensive wedding packages start from just • www.inchydoneyisland.com €58 per guest. To arrange a showaround or chat about your individual wedding needs, contact Rose and the Weddings Team by email on weddings@eccleshotel.com or call 027 63003.

WEDDING A WEDDING VENUE SHOWCASE THAT’S TIMELESS

Sunday 3rd March 1.30pm – 4.30pm ELEGANT, CLASSIC CHARM IN AN ICONIC WEST CORK VENUE Whether your dream day is an ‘all out’ vintage themed affair or a classic celebration in traditional style, The Eccles Hotel in Glengarriff is the perfect setting for your wedding day. www.inchydoneyisland.com

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TO MAKE YOUR BIG DAY FEEL TRULY TIMELESS

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Spring/Summer 2019 | The Southern Star | Weddings

ADVERTORIAL

Say ‘I Do’ to the Eccles Hotel

Actons Hotel Kinsale – the perfect venue for your special day! ‘We were so very lucky to get Acton’s Hotel as our wedding venue. We had our civil ceremony and reception in the one venue which made the whole stunning Eccles Glengarriff is one day he stress free and muchHotel easierinfor of Ireland’s most charming hotels and one everyone. ofActon’s Cork’s is most iconic wedding a beautiful hotel in adestinations, the fantastic location and the staﬀ perfect blend of tradition andcouldn’t class in a truly have beenvenue. more helpful orguests polite. of Ian, timeless Famous note over the the wedding took all ofO’Hara, Maeve years includecoordinator, WB Yeats, Maureen the stress and hassle out of the planBinchy and Pippa Middleton. ning and really is second to none – his If you’re planning to say ‘I Do’, a visit to Eccles calm, professional approach exceeded Hotel to meet the wedding team and experience our expectations and we couldn’t the charm and character the Eccles Hotel offers in praise him enough and we would abundance, is a must do. From your first enquiry have no hesitation in recommending to whenasthe final guest departs and everything in Acton’s an ideal place to get married between, Rose O’ Sullivan, the wedding or to hold any celebration.’ co-ordinator, is there to ensure that your special day runs smoothly. – Review from Áine & Stephen Taylor The Eccles can up to 250 guests, and are onwelcome Monday, 9th July, 2018 on hand to organise everything from flowers to fizz, music to menus, all in the magnificent setting Start your wayBantry – of theplanning Ilnacullinyour suite,day, overlooking Bay. The contact Actons Hotel,anKinsale on:refurbishment hotel has undergone extensive T: (021) 4779900 with a new spa opening in April 2019. E: ieaton@actonshotelkinsale.com Look forward to a red carpet welcome and a sparkling toast for the happy couple. Renowned Head Chef Eddie Attwell has created a sumptuous wedding menu where guests can enjoy the finest West Cork produce that always celebrates the best of what’s fresh and in season on your big day. With 57 rooms and suites, you can book out the whole hotel and party the night away. And for the happy

This stunning hotel in Glengarriff has everything you need to celebrate in style

couple, there’s the Yeats’ Suite with its own balcony overlooking Bantry Bay, a sitting area and a large bathroom that features a bubbling jacuzzi bath. Glengarriff and the Ring of Beara is a place of total serenity, which means all the more time and space for you. With stunning photo opportunities, you can really capture that cool calm feeling and treasure it for years to come. Why not stay a while and enjoy a celebration that lasts longer? There’s so much to see and do in this beautiful part of West Cork. Enjoy a round of golf, go kayaking in the harbour, go fishing in the rivers or lakes, stroll the spectacular Garinish Island Italian gardens, or try one of the hikes around the stunning surrounding countryside. Just ask and Rose and the wedding team will make

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70–71,Bridge BridgeStreet, Street,Skibbereen Skibbereen• •Tel: 70–71, Bridge Street, Skibbereen Tel:028 02821861 21861 70–71, www.seymour.ie www.seymourjewellers.com www.seymour.ie

  Eccles Ad 239 x 150.indd 1

TO MAKE YOUR BIG DAY FEEL TRULY TIMELESS

23 Contact Rose our wedding co-ordinator on 027 63003 or email weddings@eccleshotel.com 21/02/19 12:15

Weddings | The Southern Star | Spring/Summer 2019

In law ... Emma Connolly takes a look at the legalities involved if you’re planning on tying the knot THERE are a million and one things to think about once you decide to get married. Some of the elements are fun to organise, some are more tedious, and others are simply head-wrecking. But before you start anything, you must be aware that there are a few key decisions to make and a few legalities to be observed, that there’s simply no way around. The first decision is probably what kind of marriage ceremony you wish to have. There are three legally binding in this country: civil, religious or secular. Different rules apply to each of the three – for example, if getting married by civil ceremony in a Registry Office or other approved place, you should approach the Registrar of Civil Marriages on how to proceed. If you are getting married by religious or secular ceremony, you should approach the authorities of the body concerned for the relevant advice. However, regardless of which option you go for, since November 2007 anyone marrying in Ireland (regardless of whether they are an Irish citizen

it. After all there’s no point giving notice for a certain date and realising your priest or registrar isn’t available, or the preferred venue is booked. • Take note that the cost of notification is €200. There is a reduced notification fee of €50 for same-sex couples who are already in a civil partnership that is registered in Ireland and now wish to marry. The notice period in this scenario is five days.

or a foreign national) must give three months’ notiﬁcation before they marry. This can must be done in person to any Registrar in the country – it doesn’t have to be where you’re from, or where you’ll marry. And if living abroad it can be done by post. Take note though, that while three months is the legal minimum notice, Superintendent Registrar for the HSE South Civil Registration Services based at Adelaide St in Cork city, Thomas Walsh advises couples to aim for even longer if possible. Thomas points out there may be a waiting time for an appointment especially from January to mid-April which is peak time for notices for summer weddings. And with time on your side, there should be no panic or stress should any potential delays arise with paperwork or other matters, he says.

Booking a notification

• Contact any registration oﬃce, anywhere in the country. In Cork it can be done in Adelaide St, in Skibbereen, Castletownbere or Mallow. But Thomas Walsh points out that wherever you start the process, is where you’ll see it through. • At this stage you will be informed what information and documents you need to bring with you on the day. It’s important to be organised in this matter – get yourself a folder and keep all related documents together.

Before you give notification

Checklist of documents

• Decide on your type of wedding, the date and conﬁrm who is performing

• On ﬁrst reading, it may seem like you need a lot of paperwork, but chances are you’ll have all these documents to hand. • Start by downloading what’s called a ‘capture of data form’ from the HSE website and bring it with you to the appointment. • For the full check list see hse.ie but it includes passport; PPS numbers, birth certs etc • If you are an EU national marrying a non-EU nation or if one you is a foreign national, you may be asked to provide a Letter or Certiﬁcate of

Fact and figures Nationally around 20-22,000 marriages take place every year. That breaks down as: - Religious: 13,000 - Civil: 6,000 - Secular: 2000 In Cork and Kerry last year, 3,070 marriages took place. That breaks down as: - Religious: 1,900 - Civil: 798 (of those 508 took place in Civil Registration office venues; and 290 in hotels) - Secular: 288 Freedom to Marry or other documentary confirmation of your civil status from your country of origin. • Different paperwork criteria applies to those with Irish and non-Irish divorces. Again see hse.ie for info.

At the appointment

• Remember you are both required to attend in person. You will sign a declaration stating that you do not know of any legal reason why the marriage can’t happen (eg over 18, in full capacity and are not related). • If all your paperwork is in order, the registrar will give you a marriage registration form there and then which is valid for six months of the marriage. If it’s not registered in that time frame you have to repeat that process. For more see hse.ie or citizensinformation.ie (More >>)

Spring/Summer 2019 | The Southern Star | Weddings

Thinking about getting married abroad? Q: My partner and I are planning to get married abroad next year. What do we need to do? A: You should contact the civil registration office in the country in which you plan to marry to find out what you need to do. The legal validity of your marriage depends on the laws of the country in which you marry. The legal formalities abroad are usually different to those in Ireland. For example, a church marriage abroad is usually a purely religious ceremony with no legal effect. You may decide to have a civil marriage in Ireland followed by a religious ceremony abroad. Although you must meet the requirements of the country you are marrying in, you are still bound by Irish law in relation to the capacity to marry. For example, if you ordinarily live in Ireland and one or both of you is aged under 18, you must have a Court Exemption Order to marry. If you marry abroad without this, your marriage will not be recognised under Irish law. Marriages that take place outside the State are not normally registered in Ireland. They are usually registered in the country where they take place. Your foreign marriage certificate will usually be accepted for official purposes in Ireland if you need to show evidence that you are married. If the certificate is in a foreign language, you must provide an official translation or a translation from a recognised translation agency. You may require a Certificate of Freedom to Marry to get married in some foreign countries. This may also be called a Certificate de Coutume; or Certificate of Nulla Osta. You apply online to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for a Certificate of Freedom to Marry. You should apply at least four months before the date of your marriage. It normally costs €60 per person. However, if you apply 28 days or less before the date of your marriage, the fee rises to €120 per person.

Pre-nuptial agreements Pre-nuptial agreements have no basis in law in Ireland. As a result, they are not strictly binding. This means that if you have a pre-nuptial agreement in place and you are before the courts upon the breakdown of the marriage the judge is not bound by the terms of the pre-nuptial agreement. However, there is nothing in Irish law which stops a couple intending to marry from signing a pre-nuptial agreement. Importantly, such agreements can serve as guides for the courts in judicial separation and divorce cases. If a pre-nuptial agreement makes ‘proper provision’ for each party it is more likely to be persuasive on the judge. Therefore, in situations where one party is likely to inherit a signifi signiﬁcant family farm or business, it will guide the judge in the divorce or judicial separation on what the parties’ intentions were at the outset. • Information from Citizens Information Services

• Compiled by West Cork’s Citizens Information Service

Wedding Music by Jewel

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We are vocalist Julie O’SullivanNicholson and pianist John Cullinane and we have been performing together for many years. Offering a wide-ranging repertoire to suit any type of wedding ceremony, be it church, civil or humanist, we are passionate about performing and helping couples choose the best musical accompaniment to enhance your special day. We can also play for the wedding reception after the church, saving you the trouble of having to deal with multiple musicians.

We offer the warmest hospitality, award winning food and the attention to detail that will make your day truly special.

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Weddings | The Southern Star | Spring/Summer 2019

Planner proﬁle Barry Looney

Barry’s family owns and runs the West Cork Hotel, Skibbereen

Weddings at the West Cork Hotel Skibbereen

How long have you been working in the hospitality industry? I have been working here for about five years now. What signifi signiﬁcant changes and trends have you seen in weddings over the years? There are always changing trends in weddings , what is ‘in’ or ‘out’ that season etc. The West Cork Hotel has been doing weddings since 1902, and needless to say there have been many changes since then. The biggest one we have seen lately is a break from tradition, with couples looking for a more relaxed ‘chilled out’ style of wedding . Here at The West Cork Hotel , we are able to cater for both silver service in our ballroom, complete with chandeliers, and a more alternative style wedding in the more rustic venue Daly’s Store House. Couples often use both venues on the day. What is the fiﬁrst piece of advice you’d give to any newly-engaged couple? Take a moment to celebrate and enjoy your engagement, and the build-up to your special day. It can be very easy to get caught up and stressed with all the arrangements to be made – leave that to us. What is the most common mistake made by couples getting married? We have found that there are very few mistakes made by couples getting married with us – we have a great team here guiding them along every step of the way.

Romantic & Unique

Most unusual wedding/request you’ve catered for? Very hard to pin one down , but we did have a couple arrive to the hotel by boat. They cruised up the Ilen river and docked at out pontoon here where they were greeted with champagne. It was really cool – guests lined the Kennedy Railway Bridge attached to the hotel, and scattered flowers as they passed under.

With its riverside location and laid-back charm this hotel remains the wedding venue of choice in West Cork since 1902. Catering for wedding parties up to 350 guests.

Any close calls/near disasters? Thankfully none and hopefully that will continue. Although I remember a drinks reception on The Railway Bridge a few years ago , where the bride was showing her wedding ring to guests. It somehow fell and got knocked into the river below. A guest attending the wedding, who is a member of the fire brigade, shot off and returned decked out in full survival suit. He used a small boat belonging to the hotel to cruise out to where the ring has dropped in – located it , held it aloft, and the crowd went wild. It created some atmosphere for the rest of the night!

Call us now on 028-21277 or email weddings@westcorkhotel.com to book your appointment with our Wedding Co-ordinator

What is a) your favourite part of the job, and b) your least favourite part? There are no bad parts to working in a hotel really. My favourite part of the job is meeting new couples and forming a relationship with them and their extended family. A lot of couples getting married here – their parents

www.westcorkhotel.com

have been married here as well, so it’s nice to have that connection. Then some couples getting married here have no connection to the area, but end up coming back for christenings , parties etc. They seem to really enjoy the family welcome they get here. What is the largest number of guests you’ve catered for? Our largest wedding party to date was 350 guests. We are lucky that our ballroom can cater for weddings of varying sizes , without ever losing that intimate feeling that you want your guests to experience. Describe (briefl (brieﬂy) a typical wedding day for you in the hotel: For us a wedding actually starts days in advance of the actual event, with all our planning and prepping. We start to set up the night before if possible, and again early that morning. We often have guests staying the night before the big day, so we like to get to know them and make sure they are looked after. Generally guests arrive around 3pm, where a drinks reception is held for them in Daly’s Store House. Dinner call is usually 5.30-6pm and the night just flies then – five-course meal, music, some evening nibbles, and party on til the early hours! Your favourite moment from a wedding you’ve worked on? There are so many to pick from and every wedding is different, but one that springs to mind is from a wedding last New Year’s Eve, when we were running a duck race outside in the river (every wedding table is assigned a duck, and all guests go outside to cheer on their duck to the finish line. The winning table receives a prize). The best man usually does commentary on a megaphone provided by us, but on this occasion, the groom decided he would be the best man for this particular job – and he was, he was hilarious! What is the last thing you tell couples before their big day? Take a breath and relax - this is your perfect day and you have been planning it for so long. You are in the best hands here with our team at The West Cork Hotel.

COMPETITION COMPETITION

Win one of 5 copies of ‘The Irish Bridesmaid’s Guide’ by Natasha Mac a’Bháird Published by The O’Brien Press - www.obrien.ie Win one of 5 copies of ‘The Irish Bridesmaid’s Guide’ by Natasha Mac a’Bháird Published by Thefashion O’Brien Press - www.obrien.ie Planning, organisation, advice, emotional support and bags of positivity - what’s expected of a modern Planning, organisation, advice, emotionalhandy support bridesmaid these days?fashion Natasha Mac a’Bháird’s new and bags ofaims positivity - what’s expected a modern guidebook to answer questions andofease the fears bridesmaid days? bridesmaid. Natasha MacWhether a’Bháird’s new of any newlythese appointed it’shandy a sister, guidebook aims to answer questions ease the fears friend or relative getting married, theand bride is planning of any appointed bridesmaid. Whether sister, one of newly the most important days of her life andit’s it’saup to friend or relativeto getting married, thecan. bride is planning her bridesmaids help as best they one of the most important days of her life and it’s up to The Irish Bridesmaid’s will leadcan. bridesmaids her bridesmaids to helpGuide as best they

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To be in with a chance of winning, simply answer the question below, fill in your details and send your entry to: Weddings competition, c/o The Southern Star, Ilen Street, Skibbereen, Co. Cork to be received no later than close of business on Friday 8th March 2019. To be inwill withbea announced chance of winning, simply answer the question below, fill in your details and send your entry to: Weddings Winner in The Southern Star. *T&Cs apply. competition, c/o The Southern Star, Ilen Street, Skibbereen, Co. Cork to be received no later than close of business on Friday 8th Q: What actor played the part of ‘Father of the Bride’ in the 1991 film of the same name? March 2019. Winner will be announced in The Southern Star. *T&Cs apply. Answer: Q: What actor played the part of ‘Father of the Bride’ in the 1991 film of the same name?

Name: Answer: Address: Name: Contact No: Address: Email: Contact No:

Please tick here if you do not want us to contact you by electronic means (e-mail or SMS) with information about Southern Star offers, competitions and promotions and services which we feel may be of interest to you.

Email: Please tick here if you do not want us to contact you by electronic means (e-mail or SMS) with information about Southern Star offers, competitions and promotions and services which we feel may be of interest to you.

Spring/Summer 2019 | The Southern Star | Weddings

ADVERTORIAL

Say ‘I Do’ to the Eccles Hotel

Plan your dream wedding at the Trident Hotel, Kinsale The Trident Hotel oﬀers a warm and welcoming environment with its own unique style and beautiful surroundings,he perfectly complemented our stunning Eccles Hotel by in Glengarriff is one superb cuisine, luxury accommodation of Ireland’s most charming hotels and one and professional service. Whether enof Cork’s most iconic wedding destinations, the joying every moment of your wedding perfect blend of tradition and class in a truly day with us, including ‘I Do’ or simply timeless venue. Famous guests of note over the choosing individual elements to suit years include WB Yeats, Maureen O’Hara, Maeve your preference, your day will be Binchy and Pippa Middleton. tailored perfectly to your requirements If you’re that planning to say ‘I Do’, visit to Eccles ensuring your wedding is theaone Hotel to meet the wedding team and experience of your dreams. the charm and character the Eccles Hotel offers in abundance, is a must do. From your first enquiry Arrive by boat! toItwhen the final guest departs and is a breath-taking experience to everything in between, Rose O’ Sullivan, the wedding view Kinsale, when approaching from co-ordinator, is there to ensure that your special the harbour. The stunning scenery day runs smoothly. provides an idyllic backdrop for a truly The Eccles welcome up to 250 magical day.can Contact the Trident Ho- guests, and are tel, ﬁnd outeverything more, on: from flowers to on Kinsale hand totoorganise 021-4779 300 fizz, music to menus, all in the magnificent setting www.tridenthotel.com of the Ilnacullin suite, overlooking Bantry Bay. The hotel has undergone an extensive refurbishment with a new spa opening in April 2019. Look forward to a red carpet welcome and a sparkling toast for the happy couple. Renowned Head Chef Eddie Attwell has created a sumptuous wedding menu where guests can enjoy the finest West Cork produce that always celebrates the best of what’s fresh and in season on your big day. With 57 rooms and suites, you can book out the whole hotel and party the night away. And for the happy

This stunning hotel in Glengarriff has everything you need to celebrate in style

couple, there’s the Yeats’ Suite with its own balcony overlooking Bantry Bay, a sitting area and a large bathroom that features a bubbling jacuzzi bath. Glengarriff and the Ring of Beara is a place of total serenity, which means all the more time and space for you. With stunning photo opportunities, you can really capture that cool calm feeling and treasure it for years to come. Why not stay a while and enjoy a celebration that lasts longer? There’s so much to see and do in this beautiful part of West Cork. Enjoy a round of golf, go kayaking in the harbour, go fishing in the rivers or lakes, stroll the spectacular Garinish Island Italian gardens, or try one of the hikes around the stunning surrounding countryside. Just ask and Rose and the wedding team will make

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ELEGANT, CLASSIC CHARM IN AN ICONIC WEST CORK VENUE Whether your dream day is an ‘all out’ vintage themed affair or a classic celebration in traditional Hotel in Glengarriff is the perfect setting for your wedding day. Extensive Range: Diamond Rings, Weddingstyle, Rings,The GoldEccles and Silver Jewellery Gifts for: Flower Girls, Bridesmaids and Best Man available at:

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  Eccles Ad 239 x 150.indd 1

TO MAKE YOUR BIG DAY FEEL TRULY TIMELESS

29 Contact Rose our wedding co-ordinator on 027 63003 or email weddings@eccleshotel.com 21/02/19 12:15

Planner proﬁle Pat Gill

General manager, Westlodge Hotel, Bantry

Where Memories Begin...

How long have you a) been working in the hospitality industry? b) been a wedding planner? 42 years in the industry. I have been looking after weddings for at least 30 years.

Still on the hunt for the perfect venue?

What significant changes and trends have you seen in weddings over the years? Weddings nowadays are more elaborate than before and quite often the bride and groom are able to express their individual personalities. The old tradition of ‘going away’ on the night of the wedding has also disappeared. What is the first piece of advice you’d give to any newly-engaged couple? Book the church, venue, band and photographer and then relax! Always listen to the band live before booking! What is the most common mistake made by couples getting married? Sometimes the bride and groom become too immersed in the accommodation bookings for their guests – leave it to them to do themselves. Most unusual wedding/request you’ve catered for? I once hosted a ‘Celtic Wedding’ involving druids, witches, spiders and fairies flying around on the day! Any close calls/near disasters? A few! What is a) your favourite part of the job, and b) your least favourite part? My favourite is when the bride and groom tell me that we have exceeded their expectations! I actually don’t have a least favourite part. What is the largest number of guests you’ve catered for? I used to work at the Gleneagle in Killarney and 800 is the largest I catered for there. Describe (briefly) a typical wedding day for you in the hotel: I usually arrive around 11am on the day of the wedding. I liaise with my senior management team and ensure all is in order. I then meet with the head chef. I greet the bride and groom and my next job is MC during the meal. I check with

all tables after the meal to make sure everyone is happy. I always remain on-site until the first dance. Your favourite moment from a wedding you’ve worked on? Being a father myself, the father’s speech almost always strikes a chord. What is the last thing you tell couples before their big day? Relax, enjoy the day and trust us to ensure that you have the best day of your lives.

‘Weddings nowadays are more elaborate than before and quite often the bride and groom are able to express their individual personalities. The old tradition of ‘going away’ on the night of the wedding has also disappeared’

The Westlodge Hotel nestled on 26 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens overlooking Bantry Bay on the Wild Atlantic Way is your perfect Wedding venue in West Cork.

Catering for up to 350 guests and licensed for Civil Ceremonies 027-50360 patrickgill@westlodgehotel.ie norma@westlodgehotel.ie www.westlodgehotel.ie 30

ADVERTORIAL

Selecting a celebrant

Tips from Spiritual Ceremonies on how to pick the right celebrant for you.

s anyone who’s been through the process will attest, planning a wedding is full of little details, so much so that the really important stuff can get lost in figuring out what font to have on your invitations, or the politics of who should be sitting beside who during the reception. It’s a big day, so there’s lots to consider, but the most important part of it is the moment you exchange rings and vows, and therefore one of the most important considerations of the day is the person who’s marrying you. From the outset, your celebrant should be able to guide you through the process of registering your intention to marry and putting your ceremony together. Here are some important things to ask when looking for a celebrant. 1. Is your Celebrant registered with the General Registrars Office to conduct the legal part of the ceremony? A solemniser is a person who is registered with the General Registrars Office to conduct the legal part of your ceremony. There are a lot of people and organisations out there offering their services to act as the celebrant for your ceremony, but not all of them are solemnisers, so be careful when choosing the celebrant. You don’t want to be sitting in the HSE office giving your notice of intention to marry to be told that your celebrant isn’t registered. “This happens very regularly,” says Rose of

Spiritual Ceremonies. “We get couples ringing from the HSE in tears, asking if we can facilitate them on their wedding day because they’ve just found out that the celebrant they originally booked isn’t registered to perform the legal element of their wedding.” There are a number of non legal celebrants misinforming couples that the only way to get married is to have 2 ceremonies, your legal ceremony in the registry office and then they will do a ceremony for you at your venue. This is not the case. 2. Is the celebrant working on his or her own, or as part of a group? It is very important to check with the person you are looking to perform your ceremony what happens if they get sick or cannot attend to do your wedding. Do they have someone else who can perform your ceremony? The last thing you want after all your planning is no one turning up to actually marry you. 3. Is the person you want to do your ceremony able to cater for you and your partner? Every couple and every wedding is different. According to Rose: “Couples have told us that they’ve been told by celebrants and celebrant organisations that they don’t cater for same-sex marriages, or that they don’t cater for foreign

couples, to name a few.” Your celebrant should be able to give you the ceremony that you are looking for on your special day, subject to all of the legal requirements of a marriage being met. 4. Can you tailor the ceremony? Your wedding is one of the most important days in your life and you should have an idea of what you would like to include. A solemniser should be able to customise your ceremony for you, into one that reflects you and your partner as a couple. Your celebrant should be able to work with you to choose any theme of music, readings or poems that convey a message about you and your partner. Says Rose: “Spiritual Ceremonies have been privileged to have walked with thousands of couples from all over the world on their journey toward their special day here in Ireland. We travel the length and breadth of Ireland, from Cork to Donegal, seven days a week, making memories with our couples on their special day. We can perform a ceremony indoors and outdoors (outdoors is subject to requirements under the Civil Registrations legislation).” 5. Can your celebrant bring a spiritual element to your ceremony? The definition of spirituality encompasses real self, the truth of our inner self, our inner being. “At Spiritual Ceremonies we take time with you to design your ceremony, so that it reflects you as a couple, honouring your beliefs and values, ensuring they are reflected in the content and length of your ceremony,” says Rose. Spiritual Ceremonies have a large team of Registered Solemnisers available in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, all of whom can perform the legal element of a wedding ceremony. They also perform vow renewals, wedding blessings, naming ceremonies and Celebration of Life ceremonies (funerals). According to Rose, “We are highly-trained to design your ceremony, to reflect your personal needs, because we understand this is one of the most important days of your lives. We ensure your ceremony is created with you, for you and about you. Our highly experienced team have performed nearly 8,000 wedding ceremonies to date” Find out more about Spiritual Ceremonies at www.spiritualceremonies.ie CLIENT TESTIMONIAL We cannot thank Rose enough for officiating our wedding ceremony! It was just perfect! All about us and our little girl included in every aspect which made it even more special! All our guests remarked on how personal our ceremony was! It’s was exactly what we wanted and very much a celebration about us! Rose was an amazing calming presence on the morning of our wedding & I knew all would be in place and run perfectly with all her organisation & planning over the months! This was evident from our 1st point of contact! Highly recommend Rose for that something extra special on your day!

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