Irish wedding traditions Archives

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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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

5 Unforgettable Wedding Experiences You Can Only Have in Ireland

November 25, 2025August 8, 2025 by Harmony Walton

Not every couple dreams of a cookie-cutter celebration. Thankfully, Ireland is brimming with possibilities that speak to the wild-hearted, the poetic, and the non-conventional. I’ve worked with couples from around the world who’ve sought experiences that reflect their unique love stories—and no place delivers quite like this island. Here are five distinct Irish wedding experiences only available on the Emerald Isle. They’re soulful, bold, and a little wild—in the best way.

Exchange Vows in a Fairy Glade or Ancient Forest

Ireland’s woodland landscapes offer a setting straight from folklore. Think twisted trees, lichen-covered stones, and streams flowing softly in the background. In these sheltered groves, ceremonies feel both grounded and transportive. A barefoot entrance, floral garlands, or a harpist playing beneath the canopy—nature doesn’t need dressing up, only reverence.

Say “I Do” on a Tiny Island Only Reachable by Boat

For those craving solitude, Ireland’s coastal islands are an untamed delight. Arriving by ferry to a car-free place like Inishbofin or Clare Island creates an immediate sense of departure from the everyday. You’ll find windswept beaches, historic churches, and salt air that carries both excitement and calm. Once there, time slows. It’s a getaway in every sense, with the sea as your witness.

Marry at a Prehistoric Stone Circle or Celtic Ruins

Some couples are drawn to sacred sites that predate written history. The energy surrounding these ancient places—like Grange Stone Circle or the Burren’s dolmens—is deeply resonant. Weddings held at such locations feel rooted in something enduring. Many couples choose to align their ceremony with the solstice or lunar phases, bringing a natural rhythm to the celebration.

Invite a Celtic Storyteller or Seanchaí to Your Ceremony

Here, storytelling is more than tradition—it’s a living art form. Inviting a seanchaí to share legends or love tales as part of your ceremony lends texture and cultural richness. Their words—woven with cadence and charm—add a moment of stillness and reflection. Many couples also choose Irish poetry to accompany readings, blending old and new in lyrical harmony. Some even choose to incorporate traditional Irish vows into their ceremony.

Host a Communal Dinner in a Barn, Greenhouse, or Ruined Abbey

Not everyone wants a ballroom reception. Rustic barns, glass-roofed greenhouses, and ivy-cloaked ruins offer spaces with character. Long tables filled with fresh bread, local cheeses, and seasonal fare create an atmosphere of intimacy. Your guests will feel part of something authentic and heartfelt.

Ireland isn’t a backdrop—it’s a presence. Its forests, folklore, ruins, and coastal hideaways offer more than beauty – they offer meaning. If you’re looking for a place to forge your own path, the Emerald Isle is the place to do just that – with spirit and substance. I’m willing to bet you’ll find your rhythm here and I’d be honoured to help you shape every last detail.

Slán go Fóill,

Tara

Images by Greg Finck and Ivana Patarcic and Cinzia Bruschini and Erik Kelley and Brosnan Photographic