Tag: luxury wedding

The Irish Mead Sharing Ceremony: A Symbolic Toast to Love

by Harmony Walton

When I’m asked to weave ancient traditions into elegant, modern celebrations, one of my favourite suggestions is a tradition that has captivated couples seeking a meaningful and unique ritual: the Irish Mead Sharing Ceremony. This ancient Celtic custom, steeped in history and romance, is a beautiful way to symbolise love, prosperity, and the sweet journey of marriage.

The History and Significance of Mead in Irish Weddings

Mead, often referred to as the ‘nectar of the gods,’ is one of the oldest alcoholic beverages in the world and has deep roots in Irish history. Made from fermented honey, water, and herbs, mead was believed to have magical and aphrodisiac properties. In Celtic tradition, newlyweds would drink mead for a full lunar cycle (or a ‘honeymoon’) to promote fertility and ensure a strong and harmonious union. This is where the term ‘honeymoon’ originates, making mead an incredibly symbolic beverage for wedding celebrations.

How the Irish Mead Sharing Ceremony Works

During the ceremony, a beautifully crafted goblet or a pair of engraved chalices filled with mead is presented to the couple. The act of sharing this sacred drink symbolises their commitment to one another and the sweetness of their future together. After exchanging vows, the couple takes turns sipping mead from a shared goblet, signifying their unity and devotion. In some ceremonies, close family members or guests also take part by offering blessings before the couple shares their first sip. Others may ask their parents or closest friends read a meaningful poem before sipping the mead.

Some couples choose to have a bespoke blend of mead created, infused with botanicals that hold personal or cultural significance. The type of mead can also be chosen to suit personal tastes, from a rich, spiced variety to a light, floral-infused blend. Additionally, miniature bottles of mead can be gifted to guests as a luxurious and meaningful keepsake of the special day.

Elevating the Mead Ceremony in a Luxury Setting

For couples planning an opulent destination wedding in Ireland, the Mead Sharing Ceremony can be beautifully tailored to match the grandeur of their venue. Whether set against the backdrop of a majestic castle, a historic estate, or an intimate countryside retreat, this ritual adds a touch of old-world charm and sophistication. I often suggest collaborating with Ireland’s finest mead producers to source premium, locally crafted mead that enhances the experience. Personalised goblets engraved with the couple’s names, wedding date, or a Celtic knot design can be a beautiful and elegant addition. The mead-sharing moment can also be accompanied by a harpist or a traditional Irish toast to create a truly magical atmosphere.

The Irish Mead Sharing Ceremony is a timeless and deeply romantic wedding ritual that perfectly complements the grandeur of a luxury Irish destination wedding. It’s a tradition that sweetens the journey ahead. Whether embraced as a nod to Irish heritage or simply as a heartfelt symbol of love and unity, sharing mead with your beloved (and your beloved guests) is a beautiful way to begin your journey as a married couple—one sip at a time.

Slán go Fóill,

Tara

Images by Anée Atelier and John Cain Photography

What is the Irish Wedding Bell Ceremony?

by Harmony Walton

Breathtaking weddings are steeped in Ireland’s history, culture, and enchantment. One of the most beautiful and symbolic Irish wedding traditions that many couples incorporate into their ceremonies is the Irish Wedding Bell Ceremony. This age-old custom is not only a romantic nod to Ireland’s past but also a meaningful way to bless the couple’s union with love and harmony.

The Significance of Wedding Bells in Irish Tradition

Wedding bells have long been associated with Irish nuptials. Historically, the ringing of bells was believed to ward off evil spirits and ensure a marriage filled with good fortune. The bell’s chime was also thought to bring clarity and peace, reminding couples of their vows during times of difficulty. In modern weddings, this tradition has evolved into the Irish Wedding Bell Ceremony—a heartfelt moment that adds a touch of magic and sentimentality to the celebration.

How the Irish Wedding Bell Ceremony Works

During the ceremony, a small handbell—often crafted from fine silver or a family heirloom—is rung either by the officiant, the couple, or even their guests. This gentle chime symbolises the blessings of love, unity, and everlasting happiness. There are a few different ways to incorporate this tradition into a luxury wedding, and I often work with couples to personalise it to suit their style and preferences.

The Couple’s Bell Ringing: Just before or after exchanging vows, the couple rings the wedding bell together, symbolising their commitment and the joyful beginning of their life as one.

The Guests’ Blessing: Small bells can be distributed among guests, allowing them to ring them in celebration as the couple shares their first kiss or is pronounced married. This creates a stunning auditory experience, reminiscent of church bells ringing in the distance.

A Keepsake Bell: Many couples choose to have a specially designed wedding bell engraved with their names and wedding date, serving as a cherished keepsake that they can ring during anniversaries as a reminder of their vows.

Ringing Away Disputes: A charming interpretation of this tradition suggests that whenever a disagreement arises, ringing the wedding bell will bring harmony back to the marriage, reinforcing the values of love and understanding.

Incorporating Wedding Bells into an Irish Wedding

For couples seeking an exquisite destination wedding in Ireland, the Wedding Bell Ceremony adds a unique cultural and sentimental touch. I often recommend custom-made bells from renowned Irish artisans, featuring intricate Celtic designs, family crests, or even a touch of gold for added opulence. Some couples may choose to incorporate the bell motif into wedding stationery, table décor, or favours to further enhance this elegant theme.

At some of Ireland’s most luxurious wedding venues—think fairytale castles, stately manors, or coastal retreats—the gentle chime of wedding bells can beautifully echo through historic halls or open landscapes, making the moment truly unforgettable.

A Tradition That Stands the Test of Time

The Irish Wedding Bell Ceremony is a poetic and symbolic way to honour Irish heritage while embracing a timeless ritual of love and unity. What I love most about this tradition is knowing the sweet sound of wedding bells will forever resonate as a blessing upon your marriage. Here’s to your lifetime of harmony and happiness.

Slán go Fóill,

Tara

Images by John Cain Photography

Cheese as a Wedding Cake – A Luxurious Twist

by Harmony Walton

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

Wedding Cake Alternatives for 2024

by Harmony Walton

Breaking away from the conventional wedding cake and embracing the rich culinary heritage of Ireland can add a charming and memorable touch to your destination wedding. There’s a delightful array of cake alternatives to explore that can be tailored for an unforgettable Irish wedding experience. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with these irresistible wedding cake alternatives:

Guinness Chocolate Cake

Combine two Irish favorites by serving a rich and decadent Guinness chocolate cake. The stout adds depth to the chocolate flavour, creating a memorable dessert for guests to enjoy. This would be especially poignant for couples getting married at Ashford Castle, a gorgeous venue in County Mayo that was once home to the Guinness family.

Irish Dessert Table

Why settle for one dessert when you can have multiples? How about an array of traditional Irish desserts such as Irish cream truffles, Bailey’s Irish cream cheesecake, or Irish whiskey bread pudding. This allows guests to sample various treats and adds a cultural flair to the celebration.

Miniature Pies or Tarts

Consider offering an assortment of miniature pies or tarts filled with Irish-inspired flavours such as apple and whiskey, or berries with Irish cream. Guests can enjoy a variety of flavours and textures without committing to a single slice of cake.

Irish Scones or Soda Bread

I love the idea of serving freshly baked Irish scones or soda bread accompanied by clotted cream, jam, and butter. This option is rustic and comforting. I think it would be brilliant for a cozy winter or fall wedding.

Irish Apple Cake

Everyone loves apple cake! This traditional Irish dessert features layers of spiced apples between moist cake layers, often served with a dollop of whipped cream or custard. It’s a delightful seasonal option for a wedding celebration.

Irish Dessert Shots

Who says dessert can’t be in a shot? Serve miniature dessert shots featuring Irish-inspired flavours such as Baileys Irish Cream, Jameson whiskey, or Irish coffee. These small treats are perfect for sampling different flavours and adding a fun element to the wedding dessert spread.

Trifle

Another idea is to create a stunning trifle featuring layers of sponge cake, custard, fruit, and whipped cream, perhaps infused with Irish whiskey for an extra kick. Trifles are visually appealing and can be customized to suit the couple’s preferences.

Cheese Tower

For a savory option, consider a tower of Irish cheeses accompanied by crackers, fruit, and chutneys. This unconventional choice is sure to delight cheese-loving guests and can serve as a unique centerpiece for the wedding dessert table.

From decadent desserts infused with Bailey’s Irish Cream to rustic scones and savory cheese towers, I hope this list of mouthwatering options inspires you. It’s sure to impress your guests! Need additional menu inspiration? Check out how to create an Irish wedding menu and elevate your wedding reception to a whole new level of Irish charm.

Slán go Fóill,

Tara

Images by Story of Eve and Anée Atelier

Aimee & Adam’s Ashford Castle Wedding

by Harmony Walton

Long before Aimee and Adam shared their first dance as husband and wife during their enchanting Ashford Castle wedding, they were teenagers meeting for the first time at Theatre Club in Dublin. The two playfully competed over who was more flexible (Aimee won) and an instant friendship blossomed, followed by romance, when the two began dating a couple years later. From there, Aimee and Adam navigated life: college, new jobs, new friends, their “dog child”, and travelling the world. They grew up together; it only made sense to grow old together, too.

So, at a view point between Adam’s family cabin and Ashford Castle in County Mayo, overlooking Lough Na Fooey, Adam caught Aimee off guard when he asked a very important question. After 11 years together, Adam and Aimee were finally engaged and they knew exactly where they wanted to host their big day.

In the 1960’s, Adam’s grandfather bought a cottage in Joyce Country for his family to spend some time away from the city. Adam’s fondest childhood memories centre around the cottage, and when Aimee was introduced to the area she fell in love with the beauty of County Mayo and was thrilled to learn she had family connections there, as well! “Ashford Castle represents the history and beauty of this area,” says Aimee. “It was an easy decision to get married in this stunning venue.” And just like that, the date was chosen, the invites were sent, and shortly after, the day arrived!

One of Aimee’s favourite memories of the day was eating breakfast, relaxing and getting ready with her girls before the ceremony. It was a special time of bonding and toasting the day to come. When it was time to get ready, each bridesmaid wore a dress from Covet.

Yet another easy decision was the time of year the couple wanted to say their vows. “Autumn is our favourite time of year,” says Aimee. Flowers in every autumnal colour adorned the wedding, bridesmaids wore gorgeous dresses to match their bouquets, and the entrance to the ceremony was even decorated with fall foliage and gourds.

 

As the ceremony grew closer, Aimee was ready. “I wasn’t nervous at all. I knew everything was being taken care of,” Aimee says. “Tara was able to get to know our personalities, our likes and dislikes, our values… and produce a wedding that was even better than our wildest dreams.” At St Mary’s Church, an historic church just off the castle grounds, guests were gathering and preparing for Adam and Aimee’s walks down the aisle.

One of Adam’s favourite memories from the day was watching Aimee walk down the aisle. His second favourite memory was their first dance.

The groom and groomsmen got their suits from Louis Copeland & Sons. Inside each suit, Adam and Aimee had created personalised designs to match each groomsmen. Inside Adam’s suit were bikes to represent his love of cycling.

With the ceremony complete, Aimee and Adam moved on to the reception where they were a special surprise was in store. “A friend of the family surprised us with waiters who transformed into opera singers midway through dinner,” says Aimee. “We were so shocked, but it was absolutely brilliant and amazing to be surprised at your own wedding!”

Boasting a surprise of their own, each guest found a personalised picture and note waiting for them at their seat in The George V Dining Room. “Watching them find and seeing their reactions was really special,” says Aimee.

 

With two full time jobs and the inability to spend every extra moment planning a wedding, Aimee and Adam say they knew from the start they wanted to hire a wedding planner. “Wedding planning is such a daunting task, without a planner we wouldn’t have known where to start,” says Aimee. “Our wedding day was one of the most important days in not only our lives, but the lives of our immediate families and we wanted it to be the best it could possibly be for everyone involved.”

Something that warms this planner’s heart? Aimee and Adam say there is nothing they would have done differently. “From going on a run to shake off the nerves first thing in the morning, to bringing our dog with us, to hiring the most incredible vendors,” says Aimee, “There is nothing we wouldn’t do exactly as we did it.”

From the incredibly grounds of Ashford Castle to the reception surprises to the very special love between Adam and Aimee, this won’t be a wedding I soon forget. I was honoured to plan such a special day and wish you two the very best of luck in life (and on your honeymoon in Kenya and the Seychelles)!

Enchanted as I am by this incredible event at Ashford Castle? Learn everything you need to know here: Ashford Castle Wedding Venue: A Complete Guide

Slán go Fóill,

Tara

Event Planner: Tara Fay | Venue: Ashford Castle |  Photography: Peter Carvill Photography| Videography: Dream Catcher Productions| Invitations: Sarah O’Dea | Groomswear: Louis Copeland | Bridesmaid Dresses: Covet | Bridal Makeup: Ashley O’Rourke | Bridal Hair: David Cashman | Flowers: Shop the Garden | DJ: Tommy Elliott | Wedding String Ensemble: D-Strings |

Pantone Colour of the Year: 2024 Wedding Ideas

by Harmony Walton

Pantone has selected the colour of 2024 and they’ve gone with warmth for the new year. Pantone 13-1024, also known as Peach Fuzz, is a gentle mix of oranges and pinks that creates a warm peach tone. There are a thousand ways to incorporate the colour into your big day, but here are a few ideas on how to use the Pantone colour of the year in your wedding décor.

Florals and Lighting

Florals are always a great way to add pops of colour into your wedding day and lighting just enhances every tone. You can opt for an all peach fuzz bouquet like the one above or mix in a few subtle whites and greens to make the colour really stand out.

A touch of this orange-pink hue also makes for a great floral centrepiece. Couple these stunning displays with warm lighting, or even a gently tinted light to enhance the colour, and your venue is sure to wow!

Table Runners

A table runner can be any texture you desire, and it is a perfect way to weave the colour of the year into the details of your big day. Whether you opt for silk, satin, cotton, or any other fabric, peach fuzz is going to be an easy find in the new year.

Take your décor one step further with a table runner made completely of florals!

Bridal Party Attire

We can’t talk about colour without addressing bridal party attire! One of the most essential pieces of designing your dream day is the bridal party, and the most important people in a bride’s life will be front and centre with her throughout the ceremony.

Nothing will say “the colour of the day is peach fuzz” quite like a bridal party all adorned in the gentle tone. It may be easiest to purchase the same outfit for every bridesmaid to keep the colour cohesive, but if you want to have different designs make sure to start with one and colour match from there.

Embroidered Linens

Want to include the colour of 2024 in a subtle way or even in the smallest details of the day? Embroidered linens are a great touch if you’re looking for subtle, or even if you want to have the colour included in the little pieces of décor.

Tip: Choose a base colour like white or off-white and have the embroidery done in Pantone 13-1024 for an elegant look.

Candles and Cakes

Another centrepiece of any wedding décor is the cake, and with it, the candles across the tables. One way to include the warm peach tone is like in the cake above, having a one-tone cake with texture as the accent to make it pop.

If you aren’t fond of the one-tone approach, you can choose a base colour to act as the main hue of the cake and opt for peachy florals or other decorations to make the dessert pop.

Whether you go all in with the Pantone colour of the year, or opt to have it as a secondary accent tone for your big day, the results are bound to be stunning. I personally can’t wait to continue to use the gorgeous warm colour in the 2024 wedding season!

Slán go Fóill,

Tara

Images by Unikeye, Ivana Patarcic, and Studio Brown