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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

Planning Your Holiday Wedding in Ireland | Pro Tips

November 28, 2023December 6, 2023 by Harmony Walton

Planning a wedding for the winter holidays can be daunting yet worth every minute when it all comes together. When it comes to a holiday wedding in Ireland, there are some key things to keep in mind when you get to planning.

Design and Destination

From stunning landscapes to local arrangements, winter in Ireland is a breathtaking time to host a holiday wedding. Although there are some things to consider in your design and destination to take full advantage of the seasonal beauty.

Choose a venue that will complement the holiday season. Whether it’s a historic castle or a cosy inn among a roaring fire, there are plenty to choose from.
Fill the atmosphere with a holiday colour palette. Bring a bit of holiday warmth to the chilly season with deep reds and greens or even mix in some gold and silver.
Tie the room together with local seasonal floral arrangements. Touches of amaryllis, poinsettias, or even wild berries can bring a bit of holiday spirit to the room.

Delicacies and Culture

Something that is always a highlight of the holiday season is cuisine and cultural events. Your wedding menu is a fantastic way to work in some local winter delicacies and add a touch of Irish culinary warmth, all while your loved ones enjoy a touch of Irish culture.

Add to the taste of the holidays with a menu made of warm comfort foods. Here in Ireland, hearty meals are just right for the cool season. From roast meats and warm soups to decadent desserts like Christmas pudding, the ideal winter wedding meal is just a menu away.
Bring in a piece of Irish culture by lighting a Unity Candle. Enjoy the moment of being one together by the warmth of a candle symbolizing your union and love.

Entertainment and Extras

Holidays and entertainment go hand in hand as everyone gathers together to be with the people they love. A holiday wedding is no different, and Ireland provides a beautiful space for holiday entertainment and cheer.

What is a holiday wedding without music? Live music is essential for a holiday wedding in Ireland. With a mix of your favourite songs and Irish carols or holiday tunes, there’s space for just the right mix of holiday cheer.
Mix in some drinks and a space to chat with a mulled wine and hot chocolate bar. For those moments when everyone wants to sit back and relax, a bar of warm drinks is just the place to be.
Send your guests home with a holiday-inspired gift. The people you spend your big day with are some of the most important people in your life. Spread a bit of the holiday positivity with a themed favour like personalised ornaments or even personalised jars of local jams or honeys.

Remember, the most important part of the holidays is the people you spend them with! Each of these tips can help create a wedding experience that you and your guests will remember for a lifetime. Don’t forget to enjoy each moment with the people that mean the most to you.

Slán go Fóill,

Tara

Images by Story of Eve

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

Make Your Irish Destination Wedding Stand Out

October 24, 2023 by Harmony Walton

Planning a destination wedding is not for the faint of heart. In fact, it requires quite a bit of heart (and a fantastic wedding planner) to pull it all together. If you want to make your Irish destination wedding stand out, it’s truly all in the details. You’ll want to focus on personalisation and infusing your unique story and personality into every aspect of your wedding.

Start with Personal Details

Every couple has a unique story to tell; include it in the story of your wedding day.

Maybe it’s a location that holds significance to your family or to you as a couple. Maybe it’s where your grandparents met, where you had a special date, or simply a place that resonates with you.
When the day arrives, you can set up a display with photographs of important moments in your relationship, from the time you met to your engagement. This visual timeline can be a touching way to share your journey with your guests.
Write vows that reflect your past, present and future. Share anecdotes, promises, and aspirations that are uniquely yours.
Incorporate family heirlooms into your wedding attire or décor. This could be jewelry, a veil, or even a piece of fabric from a family member’s wedding attire.
Create a playlist of songs that are meaningful to you as a couple. Include both Irish tunes and songs that hold significance to your relationship.
Create decorations that reflect your personalities. This could be through personalized signage, table centerpieces that represent your hobbies or interests, or mixing in your favourite colours.

Stand Out with Cultural Elements

If you’ve travelled all this way, Ireland must hold a special place in the hearts of you and your partner. For this reason, incorporating Irish cultural elements will truly make your wedding standout.

Include Irish wedding traditions, such as the Claddagh ring, which represents love, loyalty, and friendship. A handfasting ceremony, where your hands are bound together with ribbon or rope, is a beautiful symbol of unity.
Traditional Irish music and dance will create the perfect ambiance. Consider having a traditional Irish band or dancers perform.
Irish folklore, phrases or blessings in your vows are a memorable way to honour the culture and traditions of the country.
Showcase Irish cuisine in your wedding menu. Incorporate dishes like colcannon, soda bread, Irish stew, and seafood. To make it personal, share stories about why certain dishes are meaningful to you.

Great Details Make Great Memories

There are many ways to make your Irish destination wedding stand out. Start with memories that will last a lifetime.

Engage your guests with interactive elements that showcase Ireland. You could have a whiskey tasting station, Irish dancing lessons, or a DIY station where guests can learn how to make traditional Irish crafts.
Offer guests wedding favours that are tied to Ireland. This could be local chocolates, miniature bottles of Irish whiskey, or small trinkets representing Irish culture.
Instead of a traditional guest book, have guests sign a map of Ireland or a piece of artwork that can be displayed in your home as a lasting memory of your special day.

Remember, it’s all in the details! It’s the personal touches that really create a memorable experience for you and your guests. By incorporating the unique aspects of your love of each other and of Ireland, your wedding will truly be a reflection of your journey together.

Slán go Fóill,

Tara

Images by Brett Harkness Photography, Brosnan Photographic, Under The Veil Weddings, Fred Marigaux Photography

5 Luxury Venues for a Small Wedding in Ireland

April 20, 2021April 7, 2021 by Harmony Walton

We often think of weddings as great big parties with lots of people, but more and more couples are now opting for a small wedding in Ireland instead. This is partly due to the Coronavirus pandemic making micro weddings the norm for the next while. But even before COVID-19, smaller weddings were on the rise. And why not? Bijoux celebrations create a lovely, intimate feeling and allow you to spend quality time with each of your guests. They also allow you to splash out on elements like the food, photography – and venue! And, while the Emerald Isle is home to huge castles and sprawling estates, you’ll also find many gorgeous options for a small wedding in Ireland. But that doesn’t mean giving up any of the beautiful spaces or five star service you’d expect from a large-scale event. Here are five luxurious Irish venues perfect for an intimate wedding.

Please note: Venue capacities quoted below may not reflect changes due to COVID-19 safety guidelines. Please contact individual venues for their most up-to-date information and guidance.

Clonwilliam House

Nestled atop the Vale of Avoca in County Wicklow – the ‘garden of Ireland’ – Clonwilliam House is a stunning Georgian property known for its exclusivity and impeccable style. The property combines boutique countryside charm with the amenities of a luxury hotel, including six sumptuous bedrooms, a personal butler, an underground swimming pool, and spa treatments. The house, which plays host to only a limited number of weddings each year, boasts a mix of classic and contemporary décor, with pastel hues, decorative plasterwork, open fires, and sparkling candelabras. With no guest minimum, the dining room is the perfect location for a chic small reception, although larger parties can be accommodated in the barn and stables.

Waterford Castle

If you’re dreaming of a castle wedding in Ireland but want to make it an intimate affair, Waterford Castle is your venue. This fairytale 16th century castle is set on its own 310-acre island, accessible only by private ferry. Couples are able to book exclusive use of the castle and its 19 stately bedrooms and suites, making it the ultimate in privacy, security, and luxury. And yet it’s only 90 minutes away from either Dublin or Cork. With a variety of rooms, the award-winning resort caters to intimate elopements right up to events with 120 guests.

No. 25 Fitzwilliam Place

For a micro wedding in Dublin, you won’t find a more stylish venue than the ultra chic No. 25 Fitzwilliam Place. Set in the heart of the city, along the Georgian mile, this beautifully-restored period venue specialises in smaller weddings, hosting up to 60 guests. The décor is gorgeous, the food is divine, and the views from the floor-to-ceiling sash windows make this a truly special city wedding venue.

Virginia Park Lodge

Foodies: this one’s for you! Virginia Park Lodge is a former 18th-century hunting estate that was taken over in 2014 by Michelin star chef, Richard Corrigan. Set in beautiful Cavan countryside, and decorated in a style best described as ‘homely luxury’, the venue unsurprisingly has a strong focus on food. All wedding menus are exclusively designed by Richard Corrigan, incorporating fine seasonal produce sourced from local suppliers and the Lodge’s own extensive gardens. While larger Virginia Park Lodge weddings take place in the glass-walled pavilion, the beautiful Marchioness banqueting room hosts smaller weddings for up to 90 guests.

Bantry House

Bantry House in West Cork is a charming setting for an intimate destination wedding in Ireland, an exclusive space that offers complete privacy. The true country house experience! Built in the early 18th century, this fine historical home is set within lavish tiered gardens, overlooking beautiful Bantry Bay. The views are incredible, and the house itself is home to an impressive private collection of art and antique furniture. It has a maximum capacity of 100 guests (a marquee can be erected for larger weddings) and six carefully-restored bedrooms, with additional accommodation available nearby.

These are just a few of the amazing venues available for a small wedding in Ireland. I’m always happy to help guide my clients to find the perfect one for them, so if you’re considering a micro wedding, do get in touch!

Slán go Fóill,

Tara

Images by Lisa O’Dwyer, Christina Brosnan, Clonwilliam House, Waterford Castle, No. 25 Fitzwilliam Place, Virginia Park Lodge, Lisa O’Dwyer