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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

Why Choose Tara Fay Events?

January 9, 2024January 3, 2024 by Harmony Walton

Nice to meet you! I’m Tara Fay.

You may be wondering: Why Choose Tara Fay Events? Before I point you to my website and my Instagram where you can see many examples of my work, I thought I would start with an introduction. I am so excited you’re here and happy to share a little bit about myself!

First and foremost, I’m a Dublin girl and I truly believe Ireland is the most incredible place. No matter where in the world my career or travels with my husband and children take me, this city will always be my home. Even when I’m traveling, the Emerald Isle is never far from my heart. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: I think this beautiful isle is simply the most magical place on earth!

Wedding planning is what I love to do (and I have been doing it internationally for more than two decades) but I am a fan of all events, big and small. I started my career as an event planner in Los Angeles but returned home to Ireland in 1997 to begin Xena Productions, which would eventually become Tara Fay Events. In those days, wedding planners were something completely new, and I think people thought I was a bit mad! We were the very first company here in Ireland to specialise in private parties, weddings, corporate and social events.

We’ve come a long way since! (My Instagram is a testament to this fact!)

Over the years, my team and I have created and produced many of the country’s most creative and extravagant celebrations for a discerning list of celebrities and leading business figures, both at home and abroad. We’ve had our work featured in all sorts of publications, including Hello Magazine, Martha Stewart Weddings, Brides, and many more. (Most recently, I was interviewed by The Knot about the Irish Ring Warming Ceremony.) I have been a regular guest on national radio and television and I host a YouTube channel with my colleague and dear friend, Bruce Russell, called: Bruce & Tara Live. You could say I keep quite busy!

If you’re newly engaged and ready to start looking for a wedding planner, here is my best advice:

First, ensure that you have a rapport with your wedding planner and can trust them. This will be the base of your relationship and the most important factor for a stress-free wedding experience. Second, learn about their pricing structure! This information will provide you with a better understanding of what you can expect from them. Lastly, request testimonials from the venue where you’d like to host your wedding, the vendors that you’d like to hire, and from couples they’ve worked with in your selected venue.

I’d love to help you plan the most important day of your life, so if you’d like to learn more about me or discuss working together, please don’t hesitate to get in touch!

I wish you all the best!!

Slán go Fóill,

Tara

Image by Barry McCall, Story of Eve, Aspect Photography and my Instagram

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

10 Irish Drinks for a Wedding Bar

April 6, 2021April 5, 2021 by Harmony Walton

Whether you’re planning a destination wedding in Ireland or want to give a nod to your Irish heritage from afar, having Irish drinks at your wedding is a great way to do it. After all, the Irish famously do like a tipple! Fortunately, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to Irish drinks. Our beverages, from stout to whiskey, are distributed and enjoyed across the world. So whatever your taste, you’ll find something to tickle your fancy. Here are ten Irish drinks to consider adding to your wedding bar.

Irish Whiskey

First on the list has to be Irish whiskey, as we produce some of the world’s finest! The Gaelic term for whiskey is ‘uisce beatha’ (pronounced ish-ka bah-ha) which translates as ‘water of life’. Common types include single malt, single grain, and blended whiskey, and many of the most popular brands (such as Jameson, Bushmills, and Tullamore Dew) are household names. With so many to choose from, a special Irish whiskey bar is always popular with guests, but other options are having a whiskey toast, serving whiskey-based cocktails, or enjoying a whiskey tasting menu as part of your meal.

Guinness

There are actually several delicious Irish stouts available (including Murphy’s and Beamish), but Guinness is certainly the most famous. It has been brewed at the Guinness Brewery in St, James’ Gate, Dublin, since 1759. Including Guinness on your bar menu is an easy way to add a touch of Irish flair to your wedding. Another option is to serve Black Velvet, a cocktail made of half Guinness, half champagne.

Bailey’s Irish Cream

Another very famous Irish export is Bailey’s, an indulgent cream liqueur with a creamy, chocalatey taste. Bailey’s only uses cream from Irish cows in their product, adding an extra level of authenticity. Serve it as an after-dinner liqueur, either straight or chilled over ice. (If you’d like to try a different Irish cream, Coole Swan made in Co. Meath is a great option! It’s made with Belgian white chocolate and single malt whiskey.)

Irish Coffee

Another after-dinner favourite, Irish coffee is a delicious mix of hot coffee and Irish whiskey, and sugar, topped with freshly whipped cream. It makes a great dessert addition (or alternative, for some guests) but could also be served during cocktail hour to warm guests up on a chilly day.

Apple Cider

There’s nothing quite like a cold Irish cider on a sunny afternoon. Bulmer’s/Magner’s is the most popular brand, and can also be found quite easily outside of Ireland. In winter, swap out cold cider for a hot spiced cider, which is also a great option for warming guests up after time outdoors.

Irish Mist

Irish Mist is a whiskey liqueur made right here in Dublin. It’s warm, sweet, and aromatic, and is a good addition to cocktails as well as a stand-alone drink. Ingredients include aged Irish whiskey, honey, heather, and aromatic herbs.

Poitín

Pronounced ‘put-cheen’, poitín is a drink distilled from malted grains or potatoes and milk whey. It’s essentially the Irish equivalent of America’s moonshine and was illegally produced for over 200 years, often in rural regions. It was legalised in 1997 and in 2008 was granted Geographical Indicative Status. It’s very potent (although not as potent as the original version!) but makes a great addition to a cocktail. A fun brand to include in your wedding bar would be Straw Boys Poitín, named for the boys who would crash weddings for a drink and a dance, bringing good luck with them.

Dingle Gin

The Emerald Isle may be better known for whiskey than gin, but the gin market has seen a rapid expansion in the last few years. So if gin is your tipple, you’ll find plenty of options to include in your wedding bar! The best known is probably Dingle Gin, which is proudly produced in Co. Kerry, and uses botanicals from the local landscape like rowanberry, fuchsia, bog myrtle, hawthorn, and heather. It’s a wonderfully refreshing drink – perfect for a summer destination wedding in Ireland!

Mead

Mead has a long association with weddings in Ireland. In fact, the term ‘honeymoon’ comes from the tradition of newlyweds sharing the malted honey beverage through the first month of their marriage. It can be served either warm or cold. And, while it’s too sweet to be to many guests’ tastes, it makes a meaningful traditional alternative to a champagne toast to the couple.

Signature Cocktails

Of course, signature cocktails are always a great addition to any wedding bar menu! It’s especially fun when the cocktail names or ingredients have personal meaning to the couple or pay tribute to the wedding destination. Some appropriate Irish drinks for cocktail hour include the Irish Mule (a Moscow Mule with whiskey instead of vodka), the Wild Irish Rose (whiskey, grenadine, lemon juice, sugar, and soda), or the Irish Kiss (whiskey, peach schnapps, ginger ale, orange juice). Or why not create your own? The bar staff at the best Irish wedding venues are always happy to customise cocktails for couples.

Here’s to all our favourite Irish drinks. Sláinte!

Slán go Fóill,

Tara

Images by Lisa O’Dwyer, Kieran Harnett, Doreen Kilfeather, Story of Eve