Wedding in Ireland Archives | Page 2 of 3

Aimee & Adam’s Ashford Castle Wedding

April 16, 2024February 29, 2024 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

The Warming of the Ring Ceremony

April 2, 2024February 29, 2024 by Harmony Walton

Often, I am asked by my lovely couples how they can incorporate Irish culture and tradition into their wedding day. One of my favourite answers is the Warming of the Ring Ceremony. Recently, I was honoured to be interviewed by The Knot in regards to this centuries-old Irish wedding tradition.

What is it?

The Warming of the Ring Ceremony is a strongly symbolic tradition that includes everyone in attendance. Each ring is held (whether in the box or out of the box) by every attending friend and family member. Guests are encouraged to speak well wishes, pray, or internally focus on some loving intentions for the couple. In this way, the rings are ‘warmed’ with love before they end up on the fingers of the newlyweds.

How does it work?

There are a couple different ways I’ve seen the Warming of the Ring Ceremony preformed.

Typically, there is an officiant with a script for each different version. In the first, the officiant meets the guests as they arrive and offers them the rings. Before they take their seats, the officiant asks each attendee to ‘warm the rings’ with their intentions for the couple.

In the second version, the tradition takes place during the wedding ceremony. In this case, the officiant asks that before exchanging, the rings are passed around to each guest. Personally, I like this version the best. The physical warming of the rings carries such a beautiful sentiment.

How can you make it yours?

For your loved ones who cannot be in attendance, I always suggest adding a personal item of theirs: like jewelry, a linen or lace hanky to pass around with the rings. Personally, I think it is more intimate to pass the rings around without a box to make the ‘warming ceremony’ even more literal. As each guest physically warms the ring with their hands, they infuse even more warmth by way of loving thoughts and wishes. In the past, we’ve read poetry or scripture as the rings are passed to each attending guest, making these moments even more sentimental and sweet.

Are you interested in incorporating the Warming of the Rings Ceremony into your wedding day? Read my interview on The Knot or get in touch!

Slán go Fóill,

Tara

Image by Barry McCall

Pantone Colour of the Year: 2024 Wedding Ideas

March 26, 2024January 3, 2024 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

Top Places in Ireland to Wed in 2024

March 5, 2024January 4, 2024 by Harmony Walton

Are you considering a destination wedding to Ireland? I am absolutely thrilled that you are here! It is no secret that I believe Ireland is the most beautiful and magical place to say “I Do”. In fact, deciding on a wedding venue can be one of the hardest parts because there are so many gorgeous venues to choose from. Ireland is known for its picturesque landscapes and romantic settings, making it a popular destination for weddings. But there are some that stand out amongst the others. Here are the Top Places to Wed in Ireland in 2024:

Ashford Castle (Cong, County Mayo)

A stunning castle set on the shores of Lough Corrib, Ashford Castle offers a fairytale setting for a wedding. With its gorgeous acres of manicured gardens, lush forests and lively woodland, there is magic floating on the breeze and over the sparking waters of Lough Corrib. Additionally, working with the team of professionals at Ashford Castle is truly a rewarding experience in itself. It is nearly impossible to run out of things to do or options for entertainment. A wedding at Ashford Castle can be customized to fit the personalities of every couple that decides to say their ‘I Do’s’ at this enchanted place.

My other favorite detail? The accommodations at Ashford Castle are beyond compare. Each of the 83 rooms have been lovingly designed and individually restored, whilst taking every effort to incorporate the latest modern luxuries. The unique works of art and antique furniture are carefully and meticulously curated. Every one of the team’s efforts comes to fruition as you and your guests take in the sumptuous fabrics, custom-designed carpets, exquisite toweling, feature lighting and drift off to dreamland on bespoke beds wrapped in Egyptian Cotton bed linens.

Find my Deep Dive here: Ashford Castle!

Adare Manor (Adare, County Limerick)

A five-star hotel set on a vast estate, Adare Manor is known for its opulent architecture and elegant surroundings. The manicured gardens and the grandeur of the Manor provide a luxurious backdrop for a wedding.

Adare Manor wedding grounds scenery

An Adare Manor wedding is always one to be savoured, whether it’s small and intimate or a grand affair. It has a unique ambience, a mix of old-world glamour and modern technology and comfort, suffused with warmth and good old-fashioned Irish hospitality, that makes it one of my personal favourite Irish destination wedding venues. It’s what is known as a Gothic revival calendar house, so named because it has 365 leaded windows, 52 chimneys, seven stone pillars, and four towers, which mark the days, weeks, and seasons of the year. The award-winning hotel also includes a championship golf course (set to host the Ryder Cup in 2027) and a Michelin-starred restaurant. In 2018, it was named Hotel of the Year at the Virtuoso Best of the Best Awards ahead of properties like the famed Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat in France and the Berkeley in London.

But really, what makes Adare so unique is not only the setting, but the people. They have a motto they use, ‘Beyond Everything’, and that is really what they do. They go above and beyond for every single guest and every single wedding. For example, there’s Philip, the wedding butler and one of my favourite people at Adare. He becomes so involved with the wedding couple that when they say goodbye it’s a little like parting from a member of the family. Another example is Mary, part of the Adare Food and Beverage team. She gets to know every member of both families, what they would like to eat and drink, and where they need to be and when. It really is an extraordinary level of service, which reflects my philosophy as a wedding planner. It’s this kind of personal attention that makes guests feel truly pampered and turns an Adare Manor wedding from an event into an experience.

Find my Deep Dive here: Adare Manor!

Museum of Literature (Dublin)

When I speak to couples who imagine their wedding in an an intimate and opulent setting, surrounded by rich history and literary legends, I tell them the Museum of Literature Ireland (also known as the MoLI) is the venue for them. Couples who appreciate this city’s love of literature know that MoLI is the perfect wedding setting. Just traverse through Dublin and you’ll find a myriad of bookshops, historic libraries, literary plaques and statues. Some of the world’s most famous writers called Dublin home.

Museum of Literature Ireland wedding groom

A relatively new addition to the cultural scene in downtown Dublin, it is a dedicated museum that celebrates the rich literary heritage of Ireland and its literary luminaries. MoLI is a partnership between University College Dublin and the National Library of Ireland. Inside the hidden historic rooms of the MoLI, you will find yourself encompassed by Georgian lavishness and you and your guests will join the ranks of all the fascinating characters that have passed through over the centuries.

Couples who choose the Museum of Literature Ireland have access to the gardens outside, including the beautiful Iveagh Gardens, which were originally owned by the Guinness family. The Iveagh house is located just a few doors down from the MoLI. Intimate weddings at MoLI are a joy to plan. It is stylish and elegant and offers opportunities for celebration both inside and out. I relish creating an atmosphere of exclusivity for you and your cherished friends and family to focus on the moment at hand.

Find my Deep Dive here: Museum of Literature!

Dromoland Castle (Newmarket-on-Fergus, County Clare)

Another castle setting, Dromoland Castle, offers a historic and romantic atmosphere. The castle is surrounded by lush greenery and a beautiful lake, creating a magical setting for a wedding.

Originally the seat of the descendants of one of the last High Kings of Ireland, Dromoland Castle is now an amazing luxury hotel that has welcomed celebrities and dignitaries from Bono to Nelson Mandela. Magnificent scenery, sumptuous interiors, a championship golf course, and elegant French-inspired fine dining add to the unforgettable experience. The venue is also incredibly versatile, offering a wide range of ceremony and reception spaces of different sizes, from a charming walled garden to the magnificent Brian Boru Hall.

Merrion Hotel (Dublin)

As soon as you step through the elegant Georgian doors of the Merrion Hotel in Dublin, you’re immediately transported into a world of luxury and charm, wrapped in a warm Irish welcome. This place embodies grace, romance, and hospitality – making it an unrivaled destination wedding venue in the heart of Ireland.

The Merrion Hotel takes its distinctive character from 18th-century townhouses, which once belonged to influential Irish figures — boasting 123 guest rooms and 19 suites, a two-star Michelin restaurant, a luxurious spa, and meticulously manicured private gardens. The hotel exemplifies grandeur, splendor, and comfort – everything you might wish for your wedding day.

You cannot go wrong with a Merrion Hotel wedding; it is undoubtedly a testament to Ireland’s rich history, elegantly situated within four meticulously restored Georgian townhouses in Dublin. These 18th-century townhouses, once the homes of notable figures such as Viscount Monck and Garret Wesley, were designed by famed Irish architect Richard Cassels. Over the years, they have witnessed significant events in Irish history, such as the birth of Arthur Wellesley, the future Duke of Wellington. The hotel’s name, ‘Merrion’, comes from the title ‘Viscount Merrion’, granted to Sir Charles Monck in 1760. Today, the hotel blends its historic grandeur with modern luxury, offering a unique retreat that is deeply rooted in the city’s architectural and social history. It serves as a beautiful reminder of Dublin’s Georgian heritage while providing world-class services to its guests.

Find my Deep Dive here: Merrion Hotel!

Ballyfin Demesne (Ballyfin, County Laois)

I’m always delighted when my clients choose Ballyfin Demesne for their destination weddings in Ireland, as it truly is a special place. Built in 1820, the neo-classical Regency mansion (and later, boys’ school) underwent an extensive renovation in the early 2000s, finally reopening as a luxurious five-star country hotel in 2011. Since then, it has received multiple prestigious accolades, including being voted the best hotel in the world by Conde Nast Traveler and receiving the AA’s Hotel of the Year Award in 2018. If you want something very unique and private, then this is the place for you.

Wedding photos in front of Ballyfin Demesne

What makes Ballyfin wedding venue so special is that visiting it is like walking back in time. Think of it as a Downton Abbey house party of your very own. On arrival, the staff line up to greet you, just as if you were the lords and ladies of the manor returning to your country pile. And that’s just the start of the old-world charm and traditional Irish hospitality you can expect during your stay. The butlers all have a personal connection to the property, so they are part of the family there, and everyone has a story to tell.

Although Ballyfin is described as a country house venue, I think of it more as a little bit of paradise in the middle of Ireland. On a clear night, it’s easy to imagine what the world was like 200 years ago. With very little light pollution, the countryside is so still and serene that it feels like you’re the only people for miles around. And it’s so private that once you enter you really feel like you have arrived home. I’m delighted to have such a strong relationship with the wonderful team there, and to be able to recommend it to my clients knowing that they’ll love it as much as I do.

Read my Deep Dive here: Ballyfin Demesne!

Mount Juliet Estate (Thomastown, County Kilkenny)

A country estate with a Georgian mansion, Mount Juliet offers a blend of luxury and natural beauty. The estate includes a golf course, gardens, and a river, providing various picturesque backdrops.

To describe a bit more about why I suggested Mount Juliet, it is nestled within the verdant Irish countryside, it is a breathtaking wedding venue that offers an idyllic setting at a majestic Georgian Manor house, set on a sprawling 500-acre estate. The bride described to me that she had always dreamt of a winter wedding and this venue seamlessly blends historic elegance with modern luxury, providing an enchanting backdrop for the ultimate fairy-tale winter wedding. Surrounded by meticulously landscaped gardens, ancient woodlands, and the tranquil River Nore, Mount Juliet is the epitome of romance and charm.

Read about Esias and Sheena’s Mount Juliet Estate wedding here!

These are some of my favourites and what I would consider the top places to wed in Ireland in 2024. There are so many, so reach out! We can talk about even more Incredible Wedding Locations in Ireland. Remember to consider the capacity, check reviews and testimonials, and visit the location, if possible. You should always discuss your specific needs with your wedding planner as they should be the expert in whatever venue you choose. Once you’ve decided on a location, you can move on to the next best part: First Steps to Planning a Destination Wedding.

I am so excited for you!

Slán go Fóill,

Tara

Images by Ashford Castle website, Christina Brosnan, Dromoland Castle website, Story of Eve, Mount Juliet Estate website

Ireland Winter Wedding Do’s and Don’ts

February 6, 2024January 4, 2024 by Harmony Walton

Winter in Ireland is magical and wonderful in more ways than one. If you’re planning a seasonal wedding you’ve chosen just the right spot! While the basics of wedding planning remain the same, there are some Ireland winter wedding Do’s and Don’ts to keep in mind.

Do Dress in Layers

When it comes to winter weather, layers offer the most flexibility to change and adapt. By wearing layers, you can enjoy outdoor festivities while remaining cozy, and then hang up the extra pieces to dance the night away indoors. Plus, it doesn’t hurt to bring layers even if you don’t end up using all of them!

Don’t Expect Snow Everywhere

If you’re hoping for snow, you may want to research where it’s most likely to occur. Ireland does not get snow on all parts of the island. Some of the more mountainous regions will experience some snow, but the most common weather in winter is rain. If you’re really wanting that all-white winter, you can work it into your theme and design a winter wonderland without the hassle that real snow brings.

Do Provide Warmth for Your Guests

Winter in Ireland can get chilly, which means it is important to provide some form of warmth for your guests. Although your venue may provide a heated indoor space, a thoughtful way to show your guests you care is by providing ways for them to keep warm during the outdoor portions. This could be something as simple as having blankets ready, cozy shawls, or a warm drink bar would be lovely in the winter chill.

Don’t Underestimate the Rain

Irish winter weather can be unpredictable and often comes in the form of rain (rather than snow). Don’t let this dissuade you from a stunning seasonal wedding on the Emerald Isle. However, do make sure you keep an eye on weather patterns and adjust accordingly.

Do Book Accommodation in Advance

Tourism in Ireland is busy in the winter season so you’ll need to book in advance. When planning, try to give yourself and your guests enough time before the wedding to be able to secure accommodation during your wedding weekend.

Don’t Assume Everything is Open

As the season rolls in, hours of operation change across the country. Whether it’s local shops or even attractions you want to enjoy while in Ireland, make sure to do your research. Many places will shorten their hours for the winter and some may close for renovations, so it is always good to know before you go.

Do Be Mindful of Shorter Days

If you want your ceremony to take place in the daylight, or have plans for photos during the golden hour, just remember that the days become shorter as winter rolls in. With a little research, this is easy to work with and may simply require your day or reception starting a few hours earlier than you had expected.

Don’t Assume There’s Sufficient Heating

Although some of our oldest historic castles make for stunning wedding venues, it is important to check and make sure the venue has sufficient heating to keep you and your guests comfortable. While the majority of these venues have had modern heating and amenities built in, it is still good to double-check what they offer to combat the winter cold.

Don’t Let the Season Discourage You

Planning a winter wedding, like any wedding, has its own difficulties and details to look out for. This doesn’t mean it is impossible! In fact, some of my favorite Ireland weddings took place in the winter. Hopefully, these Ireland winter wedding Do’s and Don’ts can help you plan your perfect seasonal wedding in Ireland.

Slán go Fóill,

Tara

Images by Story of Eve

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