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Real Wedding: Emma and Lane’s Wedding at Adare Manor

January 30, 2024January 3, 2024 by Harmony Walton

On April 15th, 2023, a fairytale came to life at Adare Manor Hotel in Adare, Co. Limerick, Ireland. Emma and Lane tied the knot amidst the verdant Irish countryside, orchestrating a wedding that was both incredibly personal and uniquely beautiful. Learn more about the day’s charming details, and the heartfelt journey that led Emma and Lane to say, “I do.”

Emma and Lane’s Adare Manor Wedding

Emma and Lane’s story began in Houston, where they were introduced to each other through mutual friends. After a blind date, they quickly found themselves in a long-distance relationship when Emma relocated to Chicago for a fellowship. Their love only grew stronger, and a year and four months after a picturesque Central Park proposal, they celebrated their wedding.

Emma’s wedding ensemble took centre stage with a carefully crafted floral design that adorned her dress, veil, and topper. This recurring motif subtly permeated the entire event, tying everything together in an elegant way. It was imprinted on wedding stationery and even the cake, thereby being an integral part of every aspect of the wedding, from beginning to end.

The couple’s personal touch was particularly evident in the wedding logo, which Emma had designed, inspired by the Rosewood Miramar Hotel’s logo. With a twist of creativity, two intertwined W’s were crafted to look like an old-world regal emblem, sitting atop a Celtic Knot.

Their choice of Adare Manor as the wedding venue was a sentimental tribute to Emma’s Irish grandparents, who had vacationed there several times. As a young girl, Emily’s grandmother often sent her articles about the hotel’s renovation, expressing hope that her granddaughter might consider it for her wedding. And indeed, it came to pass.

Emma’s design flair manifested again in the place cards. Guests found their names written in calligraphy on colourful purple and green envelopes. Inside, a card held a handwritten note from Emily or Lane, expressing their gratitude for the guests’ friendship—a gesture that left many attendees emotional.

The couple, with their eyes on details, did not let any aspect of the wedding preparation go unattended. A humorous incident during the week leading up to the wedding saw Emma suffer from food poisoning. She attended her doctor’s appointment all dolled up, ready to proceed to the welcome party right after!

The couple’s creativity also shone through in their DIY projects. Emma’s mother crafted unique party favours and explained the cultural significance of Ireland’s 99 ice cream through creative notes. She even included euros for everyone to experience this treat, a nod to their Irish roots.

The couple’s outfits were a showcase of sophistication. Emma’s stunning dress, a Carolina Herrera piece, featured a high neck and long sleeves inspired by Grace Kelly, Kate Middleton, and Pippa Middleton. Lane complemented her in a suave groom’s outfit that perfectly matched the elegance of the occasion.

When it came to their theme, Emma wanted to highlight traditional Irish elements. The colours of the Irish countryside, green and purple, were given a modern twist in the wedding’s décor. As for their favourite detail from the day, the couple had a hard time picking just one. From the tactile invitations that replicated Adare Manor’s window patterns to the breathtaking reception design and well-curated music, every aspect was meticulously planned and executed.

Emma and Lane's Real Adare Manor Wedding

Emma and Lane's Real Adare Manor Wedding Reception

Looking back, Emma and Lane cherish their first dance the most. The intimate dance to “Yellow” was a joyous realization of their dream becoming a reality. Emma’s mother’s reaction to the ballroom design was another touching moment, her eyes welling up with tears of joy.

While planning a destination wedding amid a pandemic was a challenging feat, the couple found over-communication was key. By keeping their guests updated with timely emails, travel recommendations, and reminders, Emma and Lane ensured everyone felt comfortable and excited about the celebration.

All in all, Emma and Lane’s wedding was a heartfelt celebration that honoured their Irish heritage and personal love story, made all the more memorable by the majestic backdrop for their wedding. It was a testament to the power of love and the magic that can be woven when personal stories meet exceptional creativity.

Slán go Fóill,

Tara

How to Find Your Wedding Vendors Overseas

January 16, 2024January 3, 2024 by Harmony Walton

Finding wedding vendors overseas can be an exciting yet challenging task. Planning a wedding in a different country requires thorough research, communication, and coordination. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you find and hire wedding vendors for your overseas wedding.

Hire a Wedding Planner

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: A local wedding planner is worth their weight in gold. I won’t go into every detail here, because I already have here: Why You Need a Wedding Planner Now More Than Ever. A seasoned wedding planner will help you compile a list of trusted vendors (venue, catering, photography, florals, entertainment, etc.) with positive reviews, impressive portfolios, and experience with destination weddings.

Check Reviews and Portfolios

If you want to research some of the options yourself, make sure you review online reviews, testimonials, and portfolios of the vendors you’re interested in. This will give you an idea of their quality of work, professionalism, and how well they’ve served previous clients.

Get in Touch and Stay in Touch

You can arrange virtual meetings or video calls with the vendors you’re considering. (Email works, too!) This will give you a chance to discuss your vision, ask questions, and get a feel for their personality and communication style. Ask about their availability on your wedding date, and inquire about their services, packages, pricing, and any additional fees for working internationally.

A Checklist of Topics to Discuss

Some important details to confirm and questions to ask when interviewing your vendors:

During your meetings, discuss the specific details of your wedding, including your theme, colour palette, and any cultural or traditional elements you want to include. Make sure the vendors understand your expectations and can accommodate your requests.
Discuss the specific details of your wedding, including your theme, colour palette, and any cultural or traditional elements you want to include. Make sure the vendors understand your expectations and can accommodate your requests.
If possible, ask the vendors for references from past clients who have had destination weddings with them. This can give you insight into the vendor’s performance and how well they handle international events.
Ask for detailed quotes that outline the services, inclusions, and costs. Review contracts carefully to ensure they cover all aspects of the service, including payment terms, cancellation policies, and what’s expected from both parties.

Tips for Success

If you have the opportunity, visit your wedding destination in advance to meet vendors in person, tour venues, and get a feel for the local atmosphere. This can also help you finalize your decisions and make any necessary adjustments.
Communication is key. Maintain open communication with your vendors leading up to your wedding. Discuss logistics, timelines, and any changes that might arise.
Once you’ve chosen your vendors, review the contracts once again to ensure everything is in order and keep records of all transactions.
Prepare for the unexpected. Despite thorough planning, there may be unforeseen challenges with an overseas wedding. Have backup plans in place for potential issues like travel restrictions or weather concerns.

If you’re wondering how to find your wedding vendors overseas, look to the pros. An experienced wedding planner can take all the to-dos off your plate. They will communicate with your vendors, ask the right questions, organize the details, provide an invaluable local contact, and help avoid unnecessary bumps in the road. The celebration, reflection, and revelling in special time with friends and family – that part is up to you.

Slán go Fóill,

Tara

Images by Story of Eve, Lisa O’Dwyer Photography, Christina Brosnan, Aspect Photography

A Guide to Planning a Holiday Weekend Destination Wedding in Ireland

January 2, 2024January 3, 2024 by Harmony Walton

Wedding bells are ringing and you’re considering a destination wedding over a holiday weekend. The idea seems tempting but carries its unique challenges, especially if your dream destination is none other than the Emerald Isle. But before you dive in headfirst, let’s break down the pros and cons of planning your nuptials over a holiday weekend in this land of mystic beauty.

Pros of a Holiday Destination Weekend in Ireland

Extended Celebrations

Holiday weekends mean extended time off work and transforming your wedding into a mini-vacation for your guests. It’s not just a day, but a complete weekend of joy, celebration, and unforgettable memories.

Travel Ease

With extra days off, your guests have more leeway to manage their travel. They can arrive early or stay late without eating too much into their allotment of vacation days.

If the holiday weekend aligns with an Irish festival, your wedding can incorporate elements of Irish culture, providing your guests with a rich, immersive experience. Whether it’s the lively parade on St. Patrick’s Day or the traditional festivities on Easter Monday, these unique cultural experiences can elevate your wedding to a whole new level of enchantment.

Cons

Availability

Holiday weekends, especially holidays shared between countries like Christmas or St. Patrick’s Day, are peak times for travel. Flights, accommodations, and even your desired venues may be booked months in advance and prices are likely to be higher.

Attendance

Not everyone will be keen on using their holiday for a wedding, as these days are traditionally spent with family or on personal vacations.

Scheduling Conflicts

US and Ireland holidays don’t always coincide. For instance, while both nations enjoy festivities on St. Patrick’s Day, US-specific holidays like Labor Day or Memorial Day won’t be observed in Ireland, and vice versa for Irish holidays like Easter Monday or St. Stephen’s Day.

Before setting the date, research and compare Irish holiday schedules. You might find an overlap that works perfectly, no matter what countries your guests are travelling from.

Navigating the journey of a destination wedding over a holiday weekend can be tricky. Yet, with a dash of planning, a spoonful of understanding, and a pinch of flexibility, you can create an enchanting experience that marries the magic of the holiday and the romance of a wedding in a memorable Irish backdrop. The pros and cons are many, but at the end of the day, the sound of your loved ones’ laughter echoing across the Irish moors and under the holiday fireworks, will make it all worthwhile. If you are interested in reading more about planning a destination wedding in Ireland, check out my Do’s and Don’ts blog here.

Slán go Fóill,

Tara

Images by Fred Marigaux Photography, Story of Eve, Unikeye Photography

9 Proposal Ideas for your Engagement in Ireland

December 12, 2023 by Harmony Walton

With all of the beautiful and breathtaking backdrops on the Emerald Isle, opportunities to pop the big question abound. Whether you opt for a historic castle, a natural wonder, or a quaint village, your engagement is destined to be memorable and meaningful. If you’re looking for inspiration, here are some proposal ideas for your engagement in Ireland:

Private Tour

The Dublin Castle is a historic landmark in the heart of Dublin. Arranging a private tour or visiting during a quieter time could be an incredible lead up to a very regal and special proposal.

Watch the Sunset (or Sunrise!)

Our beautiful island has no shortage of gorgeous sunsets and sunrises. Take your partner to Giant’s Causeway, a unique geological destination and a magical place. Proposing here as the sun sets or rises would be an incredibly memorable moment for both of you.

Romantic Stay

Plan a romantic visit to Ashford Castle. This luxurious hotel in County Mayo offers a fairytale setting. You could propose in the castle’s gardens or by the lakeside.

Plan a Picnic

The breathtaking Cliffs of Moher provide a dramatic backdrop for a proposal. You could plan a private picnic and pop the question against the stunning coastal views.

Scenic Drive

The scenic drive along the Ring of Kerry offers numerous picturesque spots for a proposal, from lakeshores to rolling hills.

Take a Ferry

Taking a ferry to one of the Aran Islands and proposing against the backdrop of rugged landscapes and traditional Irish culture could be a unique and intimate experience.

Reflect in a Garden

The serenity of a garden can offer an invaluable moment to reflect on your love before making it official. Try Kylemore Abbey. The abbey and its Victorian-walled garden create a serene and romantic ambiance. Another option would be Kilkenny Castle. The historic castle and its surrounding gardens will preface your proposal with indubitable charm. You might even consider organising a private event for your special moment.

Scenic Hike

Imagine the tranquility of serene lakes and lush greenery. Glendalough, an ancient monastic settlement, is surrounded by both and offers a handful of picturesque viewpoints, perfect for a proposal.

Visit the Coast

Choosing a spot along the coast could make for a dreamy proposal. Known for its stunning coastal views, charming villages and rugged landscapes, Dingle Peninsula would be an ideal coastal destination.

Now that you have a handful of proposal ideas for your engagement in Ireland, you might want to prepare for what’s next. I’ve got you covered. Read more here: The First Things to Do After Getting Engaged When Planning a Destination Wedding.

Remember, as with every engagement, you’ll want to consider the personality and preferences of your partner, but no matter where you find yourself in our beautiful country, follow your heart and your proposal will be absolutely perfect. And if you need a little more guidance, we can always help you plan it!

Slán go Fóill,

Tara

Images by Barry McCall, Aspect Photography, Eric Kelley, Lisa O’Dwyer Photography

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

December 5, 2023December 6, 2023 by Harmony Walton

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

Fairytale at Adare Manor: Ryan and Emily’s Enchanted Wedding

November 7, 2023December 6, 2023 by Harmony Walton

You may have heard the saying before: It’s all about who you know. In the case of Ryan and Emily, a string of knowing-someone-who-knows-someone is what brought the two together. At a business dinner, Emily sat next to one of Ryan’s friends. The next day, the same friend told Ryan all about Emily. Interested, Ryan started asking around. When he found a mutual friend, he wasted no time asking Emily out on a date. His persistence paid off. Fast forward: Emily was returning from a trip to the Galapagos Islands. Looking for a place to grab dinner and pass the time during a 12-hour layover in Quito, Ecuador, Emily suddenly found herself inside an empty restaurant – empty, except for a multitude of candles and flowers – and Ryan, down on one knee.

With the magic of their first meeting and Ryan’s perfect proposal, the couple felt certain Adare Manor, adorned with their theme of white, green and a myriad of candles, would be the ideal place to say their vows. The couple booked the venue “sight unseen” and accepted the fact that they wouldn’t see the place until the day of their wedding.

Little did they know their wedding planner (me!) would soon discover they were vacationing in London. With a little coaxing, the couple agreed to take a minor detour. In a whirlwind of 12-hours, Ryan and Emily were swept away by the grandeur of Adare Manor. They toured the venue and the surrounding village, explored after party locations, tasted cake options, and even worked in a hair and makeup trial! It was certainly an undertaking, but if their mind wasn’t made up on Adare Manor before, it certainly was now!

When the day finally arrived, Emily and Ryan stayed true to their color scheme. Emily wore a gorgeous white gown by Zuhair Murid and adorned heels by Manolo Blahnik. Ryan wore a dark green, custom-made suit. Once all the details were in place, it was time for the ceremony to begin. A white horse and carriage arrived to whisk Emily off to the ceremony, where guests were taking their seats amongst the meticulously groomed gardens of Adare Manor.

When Emily felt the horse and carriage pull forward, she began to cry. Her fairytale wedding was in motion. Shortly after, tears of joy were transformed into tears of laughter when she encountered all of her best guy friends in kilts and knee high socks. The invitation had specified “Black Tie or Kilt” and her friends had made sure their attire fit the regulations.

During the ceremony, more laughter ensued when Ryan attempted to follow the Jewish tradition of breaking a glass under his foot at the end of the ceremony. Surprisingly, it was much more difficult than he had anticipated. After three tries, the glass finally shattered. It was then that Ryan realized the simple drinking glass had been replaced with a nearly indestructible whiskey bottle!

After the ceremony, Ryan and Emily spent some quiet time together, reflecting on their new roles as husband and wife. With so many emotions surrounding the wedding, it’s easy to be swept up in all the special moments. Taking time away from the crowd post-ceremony to meditate on such a monumental day is imperative. In fact, these are the moments many couples will remember the clearest when recalling their wedding day.

When Ryan and Emily returned to their guests, they were met with a wonderland of green and white floral, candles, and all of their family and friends. The atmosphere was absolutely enchanting.

Emily and Ryan spent the evening celebrating with all their favourite people under a chandelier of lush white and green florals. The Event Band kept the party going so everyone could let loose on the dance floor. Even Emily slipped into a light and breezy Vera Wang party dress that made it much easier to move. With so much to celebrate, dancing all night felt entirely appropriate!

If you ask Ryan and Emily for their advice, the couple’s first recommendation is to inquire with others who have gone before you. Find out what they did and how they did it. Secondly, the couple advocates strongly for an experienced wedding planner. Emily and Ryan knew they wanted a planner from the beginning, but they couldn’t have known how freeing it would be to have someone take control, help make the big decisions, and be there to navigate any unforeseen bumps in the road.

Emily and Ryan’s wedding at Adare Manor was an absolute vision. The beautiful couple spread their contagious joy wherever they went and their true love was evident to everyone in attendance.

Slán go Fóill,

Tara