ballintuber abbey Archives | Tara Fay Events

Long before Aimee and Adam shared their first dance as husband and wife during their enchanting Ashford Castle wedding, they were teenagers meeting for the first time at Theatre Club in Dublin. The two playfully competed over who was more flexible (Aimee won) and an instant friendship blossomed, followed by romance, when the two began dating a couple years later. From there, Aimee and Adam navigated life: college, new jobs, new friends, their “dog child”, and travelling the world. They grew up together; it only made sense to grow old together, too.

So, at a view point between Adam’s family cabin and Ashford Castle in County Mayo, overlooking Lough Na Fooey, Adam caught Aimee off guard when he asked a very important question. After 11 years together, Adam and Aimee were finally engaged and they knew exactly where they wanted to host their big day.

In the 1960’s, Adam’s grandfather bought a cottage in Joyce Country for his family to spend some time away from the city. Adam’s fondest childhood memories centre around the cottage, and when Aimee was introduced to the area she fell in love with the beauty of County Mayo and was thrilled to learn she had family connections there, as well! “Ashford Castle represents the history and beauty of this area,” says Aimee. “It was an easy decision to get married in this stunning venue.” And just like that, the date was chosen, the invites were sent, and shortly after, the day arrived!

One of Aimee’s favourite memories of the day was eating breakfast, relaxing and getting ready with her girls before the ceremony. It was a special time of bonding and toasting the day to come. When it was time to get ready, each bridesmaid wore a dress from Covet.

Yet another easy decision was the time of year the couple wanted to say their vows. “Autumn is our favourite time of year,” says Aimee. Flowers in every autumnal colour adorned the wedding, bridesmaids wore gorgeous dresses to match their bouquets, and the entrance to the ceremony was even decorated with fall foliage and gourds.

As the ceremony grew closer, Aimee was ready. “I wasn’t nervous at all. I knew everything was being taken care of,” Aimee says. “Tara was able to get to know our personalities, our likes and dislikes, our values… and produce a wedding that was even better than our wildest dreams.” At St Mary’s Church, an historic church just off the castle grounds, guests were gathering and preparing for Adam and Aimee’s walks down the aisle.

One of Adam’s favourite memories from the day was watching Aimee walk down the aisle. His second favourite memory was their first dance.

The groom and groomsmen got their suits from Louis Copeland & Sons. Inside each suit, Adam and Aimee had created personalised designs to match each groomsmen. Inside Adam’s suit were bikes to represent his love of cycling.

With the ceremony complete, Aimee and Adam moved on to the reception where they were a special surprise was in store. “A friend of the family surprised us with waiters who transformed into opera singers midway through dinner,” says Aimee. “We were so shocked, but it was absolutely brilliant and amazing to be surprised at your own wedding!”

Boasting a surprise of their own, each guest found a personalised picture and note waiting for them at their seat in The George V Dining Room. “Watching them find and seeing their reactions was really special,” says Aimee.

With two full time jobs and the inability to spend every extra moment planning a wedding, Aimee and Adam say they knew from the start they wanted to hire a wedding planner. “Wedding planning is such a daunting task, without a planner we wouldn’t have known where to start,” says Aimee. “Our wedding day was one of the most important days in not only our lives, but the lives of our immediate families and we wanted it to be the best it could possibly be for everyone involved.”

Something that warms this planner’s heart? Aimee and Adam say there is nothing they would have done differently. “From going on a run to shake off the nerves first thing in the morning, to bringing our dog with us, to hiring the most incredible vendors,” says Aimee, “There is nothing we wouldn’t do exactly as we did it.”

From the incredibly grounds of Ashford Castle to the reception surprises to the very special love between Adam and Aimee, this won’t be a wedding I soon forget. I was honoured to plan such a special day and wish you two the very best of luck in life (and on your honeymoon in Kenya and the Seychelles)!

Enchanted as I am by this incredible event at Ashford Castle? Learn everything you need to know here: Ashford Castle Wedding Venue: A Complete Guide

Slán go Fóill,

Tara

When it’s time to plan a wedding, some couples have no idea where to start. That wasn’t the case for Laura and Henry! Newly engaged, the couple knew exactly where they wanted to say their vows: Westport House. Not only is the venue family-owned, but it is a historical country house in County Mayo on Ireland’s west coast. The Georgian-era estate is home to lush gardens, three romantic venues and rests prominently on the shores of Clew Bay. Laura and Henry knew they could have the perfect winter white wedding at Westport House.

Even though the couple grew up mere minutes away from each other, it wasn’t until a chance meeting at the local pub that they were introduced. They talked about their hobbies (Henry plays the saxophone) and their careers (Laura is a doctor). As their love story goes, they conversed for hours, eventually closing the pub down. There was something magic between them, so they arranged to meet again.

Fast forward to June 2022 when Henry asked Laura to marry him while visiting Giant’s Causeway in Antrim. Later, the two celebrated their engagement at the Observatory Bar in the Grand Central Hotel in Belfast. Six months later, their winter wedding had finally arrived.

Laura was the picture of classic elegance in her designer Enzoani gown, standing out amongst her beautiful bridesmaids in shimmering silver Maya Deluxe dresses. Henry and his groomsmen wore Bond Brothers suits and black bow ties.

The ceremony at Ballintubber Abbey was filled with beautiful music. Brothers, sisters, best friends – all would lend their talents to serenade Henry and Laura throughout the ceremony. Green and white florals abounded, in the bouquets, archways and down the aisle. When all tied together, the ambiance was a perfect old-world charm meets winder wonderland – much to Laura and Henry’s delight.

Loved ones were thrilled to gather and celebrate with Laura and Henry on their wedding day. The couple truly cherishes their family and friends, so it was a priority to acknowledge how blessed they felt by each individual attending. It was also important to the couple that everyone had a great time! After the ceremony, a T2 Coffee Van kept everyone cozy and caffeinated. It was just what everyone needed before beginning the next celebration at Westport House!

The transition from ceremony to after party was breathtaking. Fireworks sparkled down the path as guests walked to the wedding banquet where they were met with a sparking silver venue, crushed velvet linens, a dancefloor with a candle lit backdrop and gleaming disco balls. Throughout dinner and into the after party, two bands entertained the wedding guests.

Laura changed into her very favourite second dress from Marchesa for Pronovias once it was time for the first dance and the after party was in full swing. (It was quite an undertaking to find this particular gown, but Laura had fallen head over heels for it when she spotted it in a wedding magazine.) Hundreds of candles cast an ethereal glow as the two shared their first dance. Highlighting a particularly special trip to the west coast of The United States, the couple chose Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper’s song “Shallow”.

After the ceremony wrapped up, the couple reflected on the day. Their advice? Don’t sweat the small stuff. Your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event. It’s best to relax, enjoy the ride, and try to remember every moment.

Check out more of Lauren and Henry’s Westport House Wedding here!

Slán go Fóill,

Tara

Tag: ballintuber abbey

Aimee & Adam’s Ashford Castle Wedding

Westport House Romance: Laura and Henry’s Winter White Wedding