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

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

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.

Adare Manor Wedding Reception

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

Event Planner: Tara Fay | Venue: Adare Manor |  Photography: Story of Eve | Videography: Dream Catcher | Bridal dress: Carolina Herrera | Bridal shoes: Manolo Blahnik | Groomswear: Custom Mason & Sons | Stationary (Save the Dates, Wedding Invitations, Rehearsal Dinner, Invitations, Place Cards, Menus: Papellerie |  Welcome bags, Mass Books, Songbooks, & Itineraries: Judson Design | Linens Wedding Day: Total Event Rental | Band Wedding Day: Sway | Ceremony Music Singer: Carly Coonagh | Ceremony Music Instrumentals, Welcome Party Music: D Strings | DJ All Weekend: Gordon Johnson | Welcome Dinner Drummer: Hit Machine | Hair: David Cashman | Makeup: Michelle Kinsella| Cake: Clare Anne Taylor  | Staging and Lighting: Gorilla Design | Sound and AV production: KCLS | Rehearsal Dinner Dress: Custom David Peck | Rehearsal Dinner Suit: Custom Mason & Sons | Flowers: The Garden | Welcome Party Sweater: Lalo, Purchased/Styled at Katia | Welcome Party Skirt: Malene Birger, purchased/styled at Katia | Welcome Party Handbag: Gedebe, purchased/styled at Katia

A Guide to Planning a Holiday Weekend Destination Wedding in Ireland

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

Ireland’s Best Historic Wedding Venues

The island of Ireland has many incredible historic properties. It’s part of our rich cultural heritage. So when planning a destination wedding in Ireland, it only makes sense to enjoy the romance and grandeur of a historic property and share the experience with your guests. Imagine, for example, saying ‘I do’ in an ancient castle. Or a stately country house that has seen generations of parties and celebrations. Historic wedding venues in Ireland are full of character and tradition. And like fine wines, they’ve only gotten better with time!

Here are five of the best historic wedding venues in Ireland.

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Adare Manor

Adare Manor is a delightful mix of old and new. This 19th-century neo-Gothic manor house underwent a complete renovation in 2017 that retained the charm of its past while adding five-star modern conveniences. The 840-acre estate is set beside a picture-perfect village in County Limerick, and also includes medieval ruins, elegant parterre French gardens, winding woodland paths and a picturesque river.

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Ashford Castle

When it comes to fairytale Irish castles, Ashford Castle lives up to the fantasy every bit. Not to mention an ample dose of five-star luxury! With multiple event spaces within the venue, this 800-year-old castle is as versatile as it is beautiful. It also includes a state of the art spa, school of falconry, and 350 acres of lush green land. It can be booked exclusively for complete privacy and seclusion. One of the most iconic of the historic wedding venues in Ireland!

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Ballyfin

This magnificent country house – considered one of Ireland’s finest Georgian mansions – is located at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains in County Laois. The secluded estate features over 600 acres of ancient forests and gardens, while inside the property you’ll find luxurious guest rooms, crackling fireplaces, and a 2000-year-old Italian mosaic. Ballyfin is, as Veranda Magazine noted, “like a house party out of Downton Abbey”. What more could a bride or groom wish for?

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Luttrellstown Castle

This idyllic 15th-century castle will provide you with the best of both worlds. On the one hand, Luttrellstown Castle is nestled into a secluded 560-acre estate, offering complete privacy and exclusivity. On the other, it’s conveniently located just twenty minutes from Dublin, allowing your guests to enjoy everything the city has to offer during their stay. And the castle was built for gracious entertaining. From the elegant dining halls to the magnificent ballrooms, it’s the epitome of timeless romance.

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Powerscourt House and Gardens

Voted one of the world’s top ten mansions and houses by Lonely Planet, Powerscourt House stands at the heart of a vast historical estate. The gardens are also internationally renowned and provide a dazzling backdrop to any celebration. Exclusive use of the house and gardens is available, and ceremonies can take place in the gardens, in front of the ornate Bamberg Gate, or indoors in the ground floor entry hall. Afterward, guests can enjoy a reception in the stately neo-classical ballroom, which features vast ceilings, marble columns, and elaborate plasterwork.

Of course, there are many more incredible historic wedding venues in Ireland to discover. These are just a few of my favourites!

Slán go Fóill,

Tara

Images by Eric Kelley, Fred Marigaux Photographer, Ashford Castle, Photogenic Photography, Luttrellstown Castle