Tag: wedding

The Top 10 European Destination Wedding Hotspots for 2024

by Harmony Walton

When I consider romantic wedding locations, I always think of Ireland first, of course! But there are other great European destination wedding locations that are definitely worth mentioning. Below are the top European destination wedding hotspots of 2024. Let’s get into it!

Dublin, Ireland

First and foremost, the magical country of Ireland. With its castles, lush landscapes, and vibrant culture, Dublin provides a unique and enchanting destination for couples seeking an Irish fairy tale wedding – but really, anywhere on this incredible island will do. Here’s a wee look: Ireland’s Top Luxury Wedding Venues.

Santorini, Greece

With its stunning sunsets and iconic white-washed buildings overlooking the crystal-clear waters, Santorini continues to be a dream destination for couples seeking a romantic Mediterranean backdrop for their special day.

Tuscany, Italy

Picture rolling hills, charming vineyards, and historic villas – Tuscany is a timeless choice for couples who desire a rustic and picturesque wedding surrounded by the beauty of the Italian countryside.

Barcelona, Spain

The vibrant city of Barcelona offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern flair. From Gaudi’s architectural wonders to the lively atmosphere of La Rambla, it’s a perfect choice for couples wanting a cosmopolitan celebration with a touch of bohemian chic.

Porto, Portugal

Personally, I adore Portugal. Whether it’s inland or the coast, I go into more detail about my Top 5 Favourite Portugal Wedding Venues here. Porto, with its colorful buildings, historic bridges, and the Douro River, provides a romantic setting for couples seeking a blend of old-world charm and modern romance.

Amalfi Coast, Italy

Steep cliffs, lemon groves, and the azure sea make the Amalfi Coast an enchanting location for couples in search of a romantic seaside celebration. Whether in Positano, Ravello, or Amalfi itself, the backdrop is always breathtaking.

Prague, Czech Republic

The historic charm of Prague’s cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and the iconic Charles Bridge create a fairytale setting for couples looking to exchange vows in a storybook atmosphere.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” Dubrovnik boasts medieval charm, historic city walls, and breathtaking coastal views. It’s a destination that combines rich history with a touch of magic for couples seeking a truly unique setting.

French Riviera, France

From Cannes to Nice, the French Riviera exudes sophistication and glamour. Couples can choose from luxurious beachside venues or historic chateaus, offering a perfect blend of opulence and Mediterranean allure.

Reykjavik, Iceland

For the adventurous couple, Reykjavik offers a one-of-a-kind experience. Imagine exchanging vows under the dancing Northern Lights, surrounded by Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes – a true spectacle for a destination wedding.

 

Keep all these European destination hotspots in mind when you’re brainstorming the perfect location. Just like every couple, each of these destinations has something really special that makes them ideal. If you’re ready to make some plans, just give me a shout!

Slán go Fóill,

Tara

 

Images from Greg Finck, Christina Brosnan, Story of Eve and the website of Palácio Estoril Hotel

6 Ways to Celebrate Your Engagement in Ireland

by Harmony Walton

So, you’re engaged? First things first, congratulations! If you’ve made your way here, you must be thinking of celebrating in Ireland, and I must say you’ve come to the right spot. Here are some of the best ways to celebrate your engagement in Ireland:

Cliffside Picnic ( The Cliffs of Moher)

The Emerald Isle boasts one of the most stunning coastal cliffs I have ever seen, and they are the perfect location for a romantic picnic to celebrate your engagement. Take this celebration a step further with a private helicopter tour that will let you come face to face with the cliffs you dined upon. From there, land on the Aran Islands for a night (or a few) away to enjoy a quiet engagement celebration.

Traditional Irish Dinner

Want to celebrate without making it a long weekend or trip? Head out for a traditional Irish dinner! The cities have a variety of highly recommended local places to settle in for a meal. And there are even some modern fine dining takes on the local delicacies.

There are also a variety of places to offer incredibly fresh seafood across the island if that is more your taste.

Whiskey Distillery Tour

Are you and your partner whiskey connoisseurs? Head to the heart of where your favourite whiskeys are made with a tour of their original distilleries. With worldwide names like Jameson, Tullamore D.E.W, and Bushmills just a drive away, there is bound to be one, or multiple, that fit your tastes.

Whimsical Castle Engagement Party

Fulfill your royalty dreams with your own personal engagement party at a breathtaking Irish castle. Picture this: you and your loved ones dancing the night away in regal gowns under glimmering lights. The engagement pictures you’ll get are just a bonus to the memories you’ll have!

Adventure Activities

Are you and your partner more of the adventurous type? Ireland has a variety of adventurous activities to fulfill your love for the outdoors and more.

Take a hike through the Wicklow Mountains and pack a picnic to enjoy on your way up. Horseback ride in the lush greenery or along the cool beaches. Or, go for a private air balloon ride high above the stunning landscape.

A Jaunting Car in Killarney

In the South West of Ireland, the picturesque town of Killarney is the best place for a ride in one of the local jaunting cars (horse and carriages for my friends overseas). The town, which is home to our country’s first and largest national park, Killarney National Park, is the perfect spot for a jaunting car adventure and picnic. Set out at the right time and you’ll be able to get engagement pictures right as the sun sets on some stunning scenery.

What are you planning to do to celebrate your engagement? I hope these ideas on celebrating your engagement in Ireland have been helpful!

Slán go Fóill,

Tara

Images by Story of Eve

How to Dress up Your Church Entrance

by Harmony Walton

Dressing up a church entrance is a great way to welcome guests to your ceremony and provide a picturesque spot for wedding day photos. One of the ways I love to dress up the entryway is through stunning floral designs that envelope the archway or stand on each side of the beautiful front door.

When it comes to floral décor for church entrances, each is unique in its own way. From the flowers and greenery chosen to the overall shape, there are ways to make each special. Here are some of my favourites to inspire how you dress up your church entrance:

Green and White

A traditional green and white wedding can stun and this floral entryway shows just that. Something I love about floral decoration is that it can truly be anything you want and any shape you can dream of.

Add a touch of natural beauty by having your florals and greenery crawling up the archway of the church door in a way that makes it seem almost as if the carefully curated decoration grew there!

Autumnal Selection

One way to make your floral arrangement on your church entryway stand out is by going with the season. For obvious reasons, it is best to source flowers that will grow in the season you wed in. But for aesthetic purposes, it can also add to the mood of the season.

Along with this, work in some colours that are indicative of the season itself. Like in this case, pops of warm oranges bring out the feeling of Autumn in the air.

Wildflower Wonder

A fun way to incorporate the place you’re holding your wedding is by including wildflowers from the region. If you’re aiming to have a pop of every colour, start with a base of greenery and then piece in flowers in each of the tones you want.

Something Blue

A stunning floral piece like this is a great way to design a simple but elegant look for a church entrance. Along with this, the two-pillared shape makes for a floral frame for each of your guests’ wedding day photos.

The saying goes: “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.” And an entryway like this certainly pays homage to something blue.

Will you have a floral-decorated entrance at your church ceremony? Dress up your church entrance in a way that is fitting to your personality, and remember to enjoy every moment of your big day!

Slán go Fóill,

Tara

Images by Story of Eve , Anee Atelier and Greg Finck

Summer Must-Haves for a Destination Wedding

by Harmony Walton

Summer is the perfect time to host your destination wedding, but there are some things you’ll want to keep in mind when planning your big day during the busy season. These are just some of the summer must-haves for a destination wedding.

Outdoor Venue

The weather in summer is something worth taking advantage of and an outdoor venue will allow you to do just that! Picture yourself on a stunning beach, basking in the beautiful sun on your big day. If you’re not much of a beach person, gardens, vineyards, or even lush green mountains are fabulous choices. And, of course, I always recommend the stunning nature of Ireland for a dreamy and memorable wedding trip!

Clear Communication

When it comes to travel plans for your destination wedding, summer requires clear communication between you and your guests to get everyone there. As one of the busiest seasons for travel, your guests will want to know well ahead of time how to find their way to your country or location of choice.

This could even mean working out plans to travel as a unit of people rather than completely separate if that is the best way to keep all of your guests together.

Planned Accommodation

Just like you’ll need to communicate ahead of time for travel, planning accommodations will also make everything smoother during the busy season. Hotels can fill up fast during the summer travel season, so knowing your venue well in advance will need to be a top priority. As soon as you have that venue set, let your guests know!

Perhaps consider finding a hotel within a reasonable distance of your venue and see if you can book rooms for each of your guests as a large group so everyone is in a closer space.

Light and Breathable Attire

If you know your heart is set on a summer destination wedding, then it is likely your big day might be a bit warmer. Keep an eye on the typical weather of the destination and start to plan your attire accordingly. This doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the gown of your dreams! There are plenty of gorgeous wedding gowns that will look incredible at a summer destination wedding.

However, if your heart is set on a heavier gown, opt to have multiple outfits for the different pieces of your day. This could include preparing light and breathable attire for the longer reception that will take place after your “I do” moment.

Remember, the most important part about planning your big day is you, so focus on what will make the process most enjoyable to you. Happy summer destination wedding planning!

Slán go Fóill,

Tara

Image by Aspect Photography