September 2026 | Tara Fay Events

Engage!25 Mallorca Welcome Party: An Island Market Reimagined

September 29, 2026September 2, 2026 by Harmony Walton

As an experienced Creative Director for Engage!, I know how important the welcome party is in setting the tone for the whole event. It’s the ultimate icebreaker, encouraging attendees to step out of their comfort zones and start building new connections, while also highlighting the local culture and cuisine in a creative, immersive way. For Engage!25 Mallorca, I wanted to set a vibrant, joyful tone. This first evening wasn’t about spectacle, but about easing everyone into the rhythm of the island and into one another’s company, so that the following days felt like a gathering of friends. And, after months of planning and anticipation, it was also the moment when the retreat truly began to feel real for me and my team!

To create a welcome that felt Mallorcan while remaining unmistakably Engage! in spirit, we turned to the market for inspiration. Markets are such a fundamental part of life on the island and they offered colourful inspiration for an opening night designed around movement and connection. Rather than asking guests to sit and observe, the experience invited them to wander, taste, linger, and talk, much like you would in a local plaza.

With this in mind, we transformed the gardens at Four Seasons Resort Mallorca at Formentor into a reimagined island market scene, elevated yet relaxed, and layered with texture and warmth. Bright florals by Ars Festum in saturated hues were arranged in terracotta pots and clear Perspex boxes, stacked to form sculptural installations. Handcrafted textiles and natural materials grounded the design, while fringed garlands in orange, green, yellow, and red added movement overhead as the breeze passed through the stretch tent. Lounge areas were scattered throughout the space, encouraging guests to pause and settle into conversation, cocktail or cava in hand.

One of the most important aspects of the evening was how it flowed. There was no single focal point demanding attention. Instead, it unfolded organically as people moved from one area to another. Food stations celebrated different regions of Spain, each offering their own flavours and traditions, and encouraging guests to taste and discover. The act of wandering became part of the experience, sparking spontaneous conversations and natural introductions.

Then came the evening’s most memorable moment, a live flamenco performance. Watching the dancers move, skirts swirling and feet striking the ground with precision and passion, was electric. I love the way that music and dance are a universal language that at the same time a unique way of experiencing different cultures. It’s something we often see with the traditional Irish dancing so often woven into celebrations back home, and truly adds something special to a destination wedding or other event.

I think what made the welcome party so special wasn’t any single element, but the way everything came together. The design, the food, the music, the setting – all worked in harmony. For many, it was a first introduction to the island; for others, a familiar place seen through a new lens. Either way, it set a clear intention for the days ahead, that this would be a retreat defined by connection, creativity, and shared moments.

Slán go Fóill,
Tara

You might also like:

Engage!25 Mallorca: Inside an Immersive Three-Day Retreat
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Saoirse-Monica Jackson & Hector Barbour’s Joyfully Unconventional Celtic Wedding at Dromquinna Manor

September 22, 2026September 2, 2026 by Harmony Walton

When Derry Girls star Saoirse-Monica Jackson married Scottish DJ Hector Barbour (known professionally as Denis Sulta) in a three-day celebration at Dromquinna Manor in Kenmare, County Kerry in August last year, it quickly went viral. Vogue was the first to share the story, followed by multiple outlets on both sides of the Atlantic. But behind the headlines was something much more personal: a wedding weekend designed entirely around family, heritage, and fun. I loved working with this creative couple and bringing their unique vision to life!

I first met Saoirse and Hector about eighteen months before the wedding, when they told me they wanted to bring everyone they loved together for a proper Irish celebration on the west coast. They wanted the sea nearby, space for their guests to stay together for the weekend, and a celebration that honoured both their Irish and Scottish roots. Just as importantly, they wanted it to feel relaxed, joyful, and surprising, and for tradition and theatricality to sit comfortably side by side. The results were truly something special. And while Tara Fay Events has produced many high profile weddings over the years, no matter the client, the goal is always the same: to create a celebration that feels entirely authentic to the people at the centre of it.

From the get-go, Saoirse and Hector were clear that they wanted the weekend to feel immersive rather than formal. They wanted to create an environment where their friends and families could relax together, share meals, tell stories, and celebrate late into the night. Dromquinna Manor turned out to be the perfect setting for that vision. Tucked along the shores of Kenmare Bay, it offered everything they were looking for: privacy, sweeping views of the water, space for a full weekend of celebrations, and fantastic hospitality. From the moment Saoirse first saw it, we knew we’d found the one.

The Brennan family and their team bring a level of warmth and service that’s hard to replicate. Food is prepared fresh on site, much of it sourced locally. For a couple like Saoirse and Hector, who wanted the weekend to feel laid-back and generous rather than overly staged, that approach suited the spirit of the celebration perfectly.

Guests arrived on the Friday to a pizza and drinks reception, giving everyone time to settle into Dromquinna’s lakeside setting. Saturday was the main event, beginning with a ceremony that tipped its hat to Irish culture through music, language, and storytelling, before unfolding into dinner, speeches, and a series of surprises that kept the energy building throughout the night. By the time the dancefloor opened, the atmosphere had shifted to something closer to a festival. Sunday brought a gentler close to the weekend with a breakfast barbecue and mimosas, before the celebrations continued in the nearby village of Sneem. It was the kind of destination wedding that feels like a shared adventure for those who attend.

From our earliest conversations, Saoirse had a wonderfully clear vision for how she wanted the wedding to feel. It needed to pay homage to both her Irish roots and Hector’s Scottish heritage, but it also had to reflect their personalities – creative, slightly rebellious, and not afraid of a little drama. My role was really about helping that vision take shape across the weekend, bringing together the right creative partners and making sure every detail felt cohesive rather than contrived.

Florist Mark Grehan at The Garden played a big part in achieving that balance. Saoirse didn’t want anything overly structured or formal; she wanted the flowers to feel as though they belonged naturally to the landscape around Dromquinna. Mark has an incredible instinct for reading a setting, and he built arrangements that echoed the gardens outside, with soft foliage, loose textures, and plenty of seasonal blooms. Lilac tones appeared throughout as a tribute to Saoirse’s granny, whose favourite colour it had been, and we carried those shades through into the candles and table details so everything felt subtly connected. The bride’s bouquet was a mix of white flowers and foliage, and looked like it had been freshly picked from the Dromquinna gardens.

Fashion was another major element of the creative direction. Working alongside stylist Katie Bryce, Saoirse created a bridal look that was fun, fashion-forward and effortlessly cool. Her Annie’s Ibiza gown, inspired in part by a Dior runway design, combined lace, puff sleeves and corsetry in a way that was equal parts romantic and rock ‘n roll. One of my favourite details was the reversible corset lined with tartan, a nod to Hector’s Scottish heritage that was revealed later in the evening as the dress transformed for dancing (a surprise for the groom!). The bridesmaids wore emerald-green dresses by Rat & Boa, which complemented the kilts worn by many of the Scottish guests. Saoirse also wore Eily O’Connell emerald jewellery, while she gifted her bridesmaids custom pieces made by another Irish jewellery designer, Fada.

Throughout the design we tried to keep the atmosphere playful and full of personality. The stationery, created by a close friend of Hector’s, introduced graphic elements that reappeared across the weekend, while little surprises, like the purple smoke that filled the air as the couple exited the ceremony, added moments of theatre without overwhelming the setting. It was exactly the sort of creative brief I love: thoughtful, expressive, and full of small details that meant something.

By the time the cake was cut (with a conga line leading the way, naturally), the dancefloor had taken on a life of its own. Live music by , a DJ set from Dateline’s Steven Simpson, and the sheer enthusiasm of the guests meant the party carried on well into the wee hours.

Saoirse and Hector’s wedding had it all: personality, family, creativity, and an unforgettable celebration by the sea. For me, it was also a wonderful reminder of how Irish weddings can feel both deeply rooted in tradition and super contemporary. If you’re planning a destination wedding in Ireland or looking for an experienced planner who understands the unique considerations that come with high-profile celebrations, I would love to hear from you.

Slán go Fóill,
Tara

You might also like:

The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Luxury Destination Wedding in Ireland
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Designing the Guest Experience: How to Curate a Bespoke Wedding Weekend in Ireland

September 8, 2026September 2, 2026 by Harmony Walton

I might be biased, but one single day in Ireland will never do it justice.

When couples travel here to marry, they aren’t hosting a traditional event. They are inviting their guests into a private world for several days — shaped by heritage, landscape and exceptional hospitality.

The foundation of this bespoke experience is always the setting. A storied estate, a grand castle steeped in history, or an exclusive coastal property immediately establishes tone. Venues such as Ashford Castle or Adare Manor have their own presence; the architecture, the grounds and the interiors create atmosphere before a single floral arrangement is placed. The goal is not to compete with the surroundings, but to complement them – believe me when I say the property’s character will naturally guide the weekend.

Arrival sets everything in motion. Guests should feel anticipated rather than accommodated. Seamless check-ins and beautifully curated welcome baskets placed in bedrooms create a sense of belonging straight away. Beautiful itineraries, artisan Irish treats and a handwritten note let your guests know that every detail has been thoughtfully orchestrated just for them.

An informal but refined opening evening. Champagne on a terrace at golden hour, an intimate supper beneath soft lighting, or a private gathering in a historic drawing room accompanied by traditional musicians creates warmth without excess. The intention is relaxing and easy – allowing guests to connect while absorbing their surroundings. A falconry display on the lawn, a guided historical walk through the estate grounds, or a curated tasting introduces guests to the richness of the region. For those seeking stillness, perhaps a spa ritual or a quiet morning stroll along the shoreline.

When the wedding day arrives, it will feel like a natural crescendo. Live strings greeting guests as they approach the ceremony space, thoughtful comforts placed – every sensory element — scent, sound, texture — contributes to the atmosphere.

Dinner becomes an experience in its own right. Menus should highlight Ireland’s finest seasonal produce, impeccably paired wines and luxurious touches such as roaming oyster service. Late in the evening, an Irish coffee bar or a curated whiskey lounge will extend your guest conversations.

Luxury lies in nuance. A personalised note at turndown. A recovery brunch that reflect guests individual preferences. A uniquely Irish farewell gift. Behind every seamless moment is careful coordination and a team moving discreetly in the background , allowing the celebration to unfold without interruption. Guests never feel managed — only cared for.

A bespoke wedding weekend in Ireland is not about grandeur alone. It is about curation. It is about gathering people in a setting rich with history and allowing hospitality to shape the narrative. Long after returning home, guests will speak not only of the ceremony, but food, the setting, the conversations that carried into the early hours and the unmistakable sense of having been part of something rare.

That is the true art of designing the guest experience in Ireland.

Slán go Fóill,

Tara

Images by Brosnan Photographic

What Truly Sets a Luxury Destination Wedding Apart?

September 2, 2026 by Harmony Walton

If you ask me, there’s a noticeable shift the moment a wedding moves beyond a single-day celebration and becomes a full experience. A luxury destination wedding isn’t just about a beautiful venue or a no-expense spared mentality – it’s about how every detail feels to the people attending. It’s layered, immersive, and carefully shaped to reflect both the couple and the setting.

At its core, it’s about guest experience.

Not in a surface-level way, but in how each moment flows. Guests aren’t arriving, attending, and leaving—they’re stepping into a curated few days where everything has been thoughtfully planned. Travel, welcome moments, downtime, and celebrations all connect seamlessly. A warm greeting at the airport, a handwritten note waiting at check-in, or a relaxed gathering at a local pub on the first evening all set the tone.

Never overlook personalisation. It ties everything together. It’s not about adding more, but about choosing what matters and executing it beautifully. Whether it’s a menu inspired by the couple’s travels, a ceremony that blends family traditions, or a farewell brunch that feels like a final cosy hug, each decision reflects your intention.

Hospitality is where luxury truly lives.

I’m not talking about just polished service; it’s intuition and generosity. Guests shouldn’t have to ask what’s next or where to be. Transport is organised, timelines feel effortless, and there’s always someone nearby to guide without being intrusive. In Ireland especially, hospitality leans into warmth and personality. Staff who greet guests by name, a perfectly timed cup of tea after a coastal ceremony, or a late-night tray of comfort food appearing just when it’s needed—these are the moments people speak about long after the event.

Another defining element is cultural integration.

A destination wedding should feel rooted in its surroundings rather than transplanted into them. Ireland offers a wealth of ways to weave local character into the celebration without it feeling staged. That could be a traditional music session during the welcome party, a whiskey tasting led by a local expert, or incorporating Irish textiles and seasonal blooms into the design. Even small gestures, like locally sourced menus or regional storytelling during speeches, add depth and authenticity.

The setting makes a difference.

The setting itself plays a significant role, but it’s how it’s used that makes the difference. A castle, a coastal estate, or a countryside manor becomes more than a backdrop when the experience is designed around it. Perhaps guests wake to falconry on the grounds, spend the afternoon exploring nearby villages, and gather for dinner in a candlelit hall that feels steeped in history. Each part of the venue is activated in a way that feels natural and engaging.

Luxury also shows up in the pacing.

There’s space to breathe. Not every hour is filled, yet nothing feels lacking. Guests can enjoy quiet moments as well as lively ones, creating a balance that keeps energy high without becoming overwhelming. This rhythm is often overlooked, but it’s one of the clearest markers of a well-planned destination celebration.

When all of these elements come together—guest experience, thoughtful hospitality, cultural connection, and considered pacing—the result is something far beyond a wedding day. It becomes a shared story, one that guests carry with them long after they’ve returned home.

Slán go Fóill,

Tara

Images by Brett Harkness Photography and Story of Eve