cheese tower Archives | Tara Fay Events

Clodagh and Benjamin’s Cashel Palace wedding was a beautiful fusion of timeless elegance, heartfelt Irish traditions, and warm personal touches. Although they live in New York City, this dynamic couple chose to host their celebration in Ireland, where both families have roots and Clodagh’s side enjoys a long-standing connection to the countryside. From the start, they envisioned a wedding weekend that felt more like a country house party than a formal event – warm, gracious, and effortlessly elegant. The weekend unfolded at Cashel Palace in County Tipperary, with guests travelling from around the world. For many it was their first taste of Irish hospitality, and what a welcome they received!

We were delighted to have this real wedding at Cashel Palace featured on Love My Dress. You can see the full feature here.

Cashel Palace is a restored Palladian manor house that offers historical beauty balanced with modern, five-star hospitality. It was only the second venue the couple visited, but once they stepped foot on the grounds, they knew it was the one! Having booked out the property for the weekend, Clodagh and Benjamin treated their guests to a range of country activities, including fly-fishing, golf, kayaking, archery, and walks to the nearby Rock of Cashel. The wedding weekend began with a rehearsal dinner at the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant, The Bishop’s Buttery. This was followed by a welcome party with spritzes from an Aperol tuk tuk in the walled garden.

The venue also featured heavily in the stationery for the event. The invitation suite featured artwork from Cashel Palace, and the itinerary booklet featured an antique etching of the Rock of Cashel. A floret used throughout the paper goods was also recreated from the decal utilised throughout the venue’s ballroom.

In true Irish form, the day of the wedding delivered four seasons in one, with a bit of rain just before the ceremony for luck, followed by bursts of sun, dramatic clouds, and golden afternoon light. The ceremony took place in a nearby church, styled with formal arrangements of white flowers and trailing greenery. Clodagh arrived in a 1930s-style Brenchley convertible, wearing a bespoke Phillipa Lepley gown and a lace-edged chapel-length veil. Her classic chignon and pearl-and-diamond earrings completed the look.

The couple also added some special touches to the ceremony itself, including a traditional Irish ring warming. The rings were passed through the pews before the bride’s arrival so that each guest could imbue them with their well wishes. It was a heartfelt moment that made the vows feel all the more meaningful. After the ceremony, guests joined the newlyweds for a joyful procession through the town, led by a piper. Locals came out to cheer them on – one of those delightfully spontaneous moments that only happen in Ireland.

The couple portraits included a detour through nearby cow fields, where the couple posed at the magical 12th-century Hore Abbey, with the Rock of Cashel rising behind them. The dramatic setting, combined with a few good laughs and a bit of mud, resulted in some of the couple’s favourite moments of the entire weekend.

The reception décor was inspired by Irish and English gardens, a mix of formality and wild, organic beauty. The Tara Fay team transformed the ballroom space so that it evoked an orangerie with trees and lavender bushes scattered throughout and a custom stage backdrop of 18th century pastoral murals. Taking their cue from an old world dinner party, the long tables were dressed in pale blue cloths with cream floral detailing. Napkins embroidered with the couple’s custom crest were tied with duck egg blue velvet ribbons with hand-calligraphed names. The florals were lush arrangements of blooms, with moss and fruit spilling out onto the tables. Tall tapered candles cast soft tree shadows on the walls, heightening the illusion of dining in a garden. Each table number featured a vintage botanical print of a flower representing a place significant to the couple’s story, with fun facts on the back for guests to discover.

The couple’s love of good food and thoughtful hosting was woven throughout the weekend. One of the highlights was the oyster and Guinness bar during cocktail hour, as a nod to Clodagh’s family’s home in Waterford, which overlooks an oyster farm. Later in the evening, guests were treated to a wedding cake made of stacked wheels of cheese, beautifully decorated with fresh fruit and set on a moss-covered table. The dance floor opened with a classic first dance, followed by a night of music and merriment. The best kind of country house celebration!

It was a true joy to bring Clodagh and Benjamin’s Cashel Palace wedding to life. From the wild beauty of the Irish countryside to the quiet elegance of their details, every moment felt like a page out of a storybook. Wishing them many more adventures together!

Slán go Fóill,
Tara

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Cheese as a Wedding Cake – A Luxurious Twist

As a luxury wedding planner in Ireland, I’ve seen my fair share of trends come and go (and I talk about some of my favourites in this article on PopSugar), but one that has taken hold in recent years is the delightful and unexpected trend of using cheese as a wedding cake. This indulgent alternative to the traditional sweet cake is perfect for couples who want to offer something unique and memorable at their wedding reception. With the rise of farm-to-table dining and a renewed appreciation for artisanal Irish produce, cheese towers have become a symbol of luxury, sophistication, and a celebration of Ireland’s rich culinary heritage.

A Bespoke Culinary Experience

What makes a cheese wedding cake so alluring is its ability to offer a completely bespoke experience. Unlike traditional cakes, where you may be limited by flavour profiles and decoration, a cheese tower allows for endless customisation. As a planner, I work closely with artisan cheese suppliers to curate a selection that reflects not only the couple’s taste preferences but also their story.

Many Irish couples enjoy incorporating local cheeses into their tower, paying homage to Ireland’s world-renowned dairy industry. A typical tower might feature rich Cashel Blue from Tipperary, a smooth and creamy St Tola goat’s cheese from County Clare, and a strong, crumbly Cahill’s Porter cheese, which adds both flavour and visual intrigue with its marbled appearance. For couples wishing to indulge their guests further, I recommend adding imported cheeses to complement the Irish offerings—perhaps a delicate French Brie or a robust Manchego.

Designing the Perfect Cheese Cake

Just like a traditional wedding cake, a cheese cake can be a showstopping centrepiece. As a luxury wedding planner, my role is to ensure that the cheese tower is not only delicious but also visually stunning. Each cheese wheel is carefully chosen for its shape, colour, and texture, crafting a tiered masterpiece that rivals any confection. Garnishing the cheese tower with fresh fruits, figs, berries, and even edible flowers can add vibrant splashes of colour, while rustic elements like fresh herbs or leaves provide a natural, organic feel.

For couples desiring an extra touch of opulence, I often suggest pairing the cheese tower with artisanal breads, crackers, and a selection of chutneys and honey. A beautifully designed grazing table featuring these accompaniments, along with cured meats and pâté, creates an interactive dining experience where guests can serve themselves throughout the evening.

A Unique Take on Tradition

One of the most appealing aspects of a cheese wedding cake is its ability to turn tradition on its head without sacrificing elegance. Many couples like to keep the ceremonial cutting of the cake, but instead of the classic sweet slice, they slice into a large wheel of cheese. This can be a fun and memorable moment for the couple, and it invites guests to partake in a one-of-a-kind culinary experience. As an alternative, I often suggest serving the cheese cake alongside a more traditional dessert table, offering both sweet and savoury options to guests.

Pairing the Cheese Cake with Wine

A cheese wedding cake is more than just a savoury treat; it can also become an integral part of a couple’s overall dining experience. As part of my planning services, I often collaborate with expert sommeliers to pair each tier of the cheese cake with wines that enhance and complement the flavours. Whether it’s a crisp Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the richness of a Brie or a full-bodied Bordeaux to pair with a mature cheddar, these pairings can elevate the dining experience and add another layer of luxury.

The Perfect Ending to a Wedding Feast

In Ireland, where the landscape lends itself to exceptional dairy produce, a cheese wedding cake is the perfect way to honour local craftsmanship while adding a luxurious twist to a couple’s big day. Whether used as a savoury centrepiece or incorporated into an elaborate grazing table, this trend is a testament to how versatile and sophisticated Irish weddings can be.

Slán go Fóill,

Tara

Images by Brosnan Photographic and Aspect Photography

Tag: cheese tower

Clodagh & Benjamin’s Elegant Cashel Palace Wedding with Old-World Charm