WIN A FANTASTIC PRE-WEDDING SHOOT & CANVAS €3.50 INC VAT £2.

50 STG SPRING 07
 WEDDINGSnow is published by

editor’s letter Golden Egg Productions Ltd,

Clarenbridge Business Park, Clarenbridge,
Co Galway, Ireland
Tel 091 777077 Fax 091 777080
Listen up brides to be, WEDDINGSnow is your answer to fulfilling e-mail info@galwaynow.com
your dream of the perfect wedding day. You have found the man of your www.galwaynow.com
dreams and now it’s time to plan your special day.
The best advice that any bride can give you is not to panic. Speaking Managing Director Patricia McCrossan
from experience as a newlywed, if you set achievable goals when organ- patricia@goldenegg.ie
ising your big day, it will all fall into place. The initial thing to do if Group Editor Sinéad Ní Neachtain
you are getting married is to find out the legal side of what you have to sinead@galwaynow.com
do in order to get married. Then it is all down to personal preference editor@corknow.ie
when it comes to venues. We have compiled some of the best venues
Deputy Editor Jo Lavelle
throughout the western and southern counties to help you choose
jo@galwaynow.com
what suits you. We ask the all important questions like how much it
deputyeditor@corknow.ie
will cost and whether or not the hotel
charges corkage.
Another important area that can Accounts Manager Patricia Larkin
be difficult to organise is your accounts@goldenegg.ie
pre-marriage course if you are
getting married in a Catholic DESIGN
Church. We have a list of the dif- Art Director Helen Gunning
ferent types of courses available. art@galwaynow.com
Our bridal fashion shoot has some
Senior Designer Marcella Burns
of the most amazing wedding dresses
images@goldenegg.ie
to suit all tastes and all you have to
do is flick the page! Advertising Design Colm Brennan
If you are a bit on the adventurous design@goldenegg.ie
side and feel like getting married in
style, check out our feature on alternative SALES
weddings. I’m a firm believer in not Sales and Marketing Manager
re-inventing the wheel, so we got the low down from other Fergal O’Connor 086 8137116
newlyweds on how they organised their special day. Your bridal party plays an important role in your fergal@goldenegg.ie
wedding so make sure you choose the right people for the job (because it is not all about looking
pretty, they will have to work!) Stick to our guide to choosing a bridesmaid and groomsman and you’re Advertising Executives
sure to be in safe hands. Everything from your flowers, wine and photographer to your wedding gifts, Michelle Sweeney 086 8231663
hair and make up needs a little bit of thought. So before you start stressing out, grab a cup of coffee, a michelle@galwaynow.com
quiet room, sit down and let WEDDINGSnow guide you through the next few months. Christina Gleeson 087 9981647
christina@galwaynow.com
P.S Enjoy every moment of it!
SINÉAD NÍ NEACHTAIN EDITOR Elaine Divilly 086 8194025
elaine@corknow.ie

wedding fairs... Michelle Queally 086 8216547

michelle@corknow.ie

7 January Wedding Fair, Midleton Park
Hotel, Midleton Cork 021 4635101
13 and 14 January Dream Weddings
Exhibition, Leisureland, Galway
087 2450288
13 and 14 January Wedding Fair, Silver
Springs Moran Hotel Cork. Contact
www.silverspringshotel.ie
21 January Galway Bay Hotel Wedding
Fair www.galwaybayhotel.net
21 January Wedding Fair,
The Shamrock Lodge Country House
Hotel, Athlone
www.shamrocklodgecountryhotel.com
27 and 28 January 2007 The Wedding
and Bridal Show, The Burlington Hotel,
Ballsbridge, Dublin 4
terryburns@wed. ie. 4 February 2007
Bride of The Year Show RDS. Contact ter-
ryburns@wed.ie
19 February 2007 Tipperary Wedding
Show Premier Theatre Thurles. 086
1623644 069 61974 www.tippwedding-
show.com
19 February Wedding Show, Hilton
Hotel, Dublin 2 www.hilton.com
4 March 2007 Wedding Show, Hilton
Hotel, Charlemount Place, Dublin 2
terryburns@wed.ie.
4 March 2007 Wedding Fair Extravangza,
The Wyatt Hotel, Westport, Co. Mayo
098 25027 www.wyatthotel.com
Contributors Brian R Walsh, Antoinette
Geraghty and Patrick Henaghan
Distribution Easons, Ireland
Golden Egg Productions Ltd will not be responsible for,
nor will it return, unsolicited manuscripts. Transparen-
cies or prints submitted for publication are sent at the
owner’s risk and, while every care is taken, Golden Egg
Productions Ltd cannot accept any liability for loss or
damage. The views expressed in the magazine are
those of the authors and not necessarily those of
Golden Egg Productions Ltd. The entire contents of
the magazine are the copyright of Golden Egg Produc-
tions Ltd and may not be reproduced in any form with-
out the prior written consent of the publishers.

2 WEDDINGSnow
 68
79
cover stories
18 Gowning Glory
stylish bridal wear

31 Best Wedding Venues

inside
revealed

40 Before I Do
the legal side

51 Real Weddings
three brides share their day
Picture courtesy of ICEHOTEL

76 64 Be Brave
alternative weddings

68 What Gives...
gifts for the wedding party
49
70 Plan Ahead
weddings made easy

74 To List Or Not To List

your wedding gifts

features
73 Countdown
28 Perfect Beauty monthly advice
bridal make-up and hair
76 Happy Honeymoon
38 Budget alternative getaways
the cost
79 Music
39 Traditions our wedding favourites
the way it goes
80 Picture Perfect
43 Pre Nuptial choosing a photographer
just in case!

44 Best Man Duties

pay attention
snapped
82 Weddings
45 Choosing a Bridesmaid your wedding pictures
your questions answered

46 Caketastic
the experts advise
regulars
2 Editor’s letter
49 Toast
wine for your wedding 6 What’s new
60 Message In A Blossom 95 In The Stars

18
flowers for your wedding are you meant to be?

66 Getting Married Abroad 96 Directory

top tips

4 WEDDINGSnow
what’s new

The
Specialists-
Hartmanns
Jewellers
Hartmanns jewellers in Williamsgate Street is
Galway’s engagement and wedding ring
specialist. Hartmanns are the West of
Ireland’s only stockist for the world’s most
perfectly cut diamond by Hearts on Fire.
They have two spacious private fitting rooms
where you can comfortably choose from
Galway’s largest selection of engagement
rings. It they don’t have exactly what you are
looking for, Hartmanns will happily custom
make a ring to your specific needs. Apart
from the all important ring, Hartmanns also
have a wide array of items perfect for gifts on
the day of the wedding. For the groom, they
stock a large array of Swiss watches such as
Tag Heuer, Omega and Rolex.
They are also exclusive stockists of Mont
Blanc pens and accessories. For the brides-
maids there is a great selection of fashionable
and reasonably priced jewellery from top
international brands such as Ti Sento, Milano
and Links of London. Hartmanns of Galway
is simply a one stop shop for all your wed-
ding day gifts and jewellery.
A.Hartmann & Son Ltd, 27-29 William
St,Galway, 091 562063, www.hartmanns.ie
Pure Beauty
Just arrived at Purejoy beauty is
the amazing high technical skin
scanning machine, one of the best
tools in the beauty business to
analyse your skin. It can see sun
damage, which will help to pre-
vent ageing, dehydration, colla-
gen breakdown and congestion.
Purejoy beauty specialises in fa-
cials using two of the leading skin
brands in the world, Dermalogica
and Matis. The beauty therapists
at Purejoy beauty all have extra
high levels of training in skin care
on sensitive skin, acne, ageing,
hormonal, and menopausal skin.
With all of these, you will not get
a better treatment to prepare you
and your wedding party for your
big day.
Contact Purejoy Beauty, Main-
guard Street, Galway 091 530540

What a man
If you want to feel good, you need to look good
first. In today’s world, small differences make all
the difference and being well-groomed can make
that difference. UdeMan is a new online store
for men’s grooming and skincare. The brands are
designed specifically for men, and come from
the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia. The
brands are tested on humans, not animals.
People say that men’s skin is tougher than
women’s and ages better, but if you think of the
damage shaving and being out in the elements
can do to your skin, you know that it needs to
be protected. Udeman will also give you tips on
looking after your skin, hair and shaving needs.
You won’t have to go to an upmarket depart-
ment store to get quality men’s grooming prod-
ucts delivered to your door.
To have your husband-to-be look his best on your
wedding day just order online at www.udeman.ie
Fuzion
Hair Design
Fuzion Hair Design is based in
Newcastle, Galway and is the
ideal place for brides-to-be to
get that beautiful hair style they
long for on their wedding day!
From bridal up-styles to stun-
ning GHD curls, you’re sure to
get exactly what you want.
Fuzion recommends that you
get your colour and cutting
done two weeks before your big
day. A consultation and bridal
trial before is also a must.
To book an appointment call
091 582965.

6 WEDDINGSnow
what’s new

Diamonds by Julia
Julia McAndrew has just launched a new business
venture, Diamonds by Julia. Julia worked and
Church Flowers
Jessamyn Sommers, of Bloomsday in Carrigtwohill,
studied jewellery in London and now brings her Co Cork, offers advice on planning your church flowers
expertise and knowledge to Galway.
Her beautiful stunning collection of diamonds
set in 18ct gold can fulfil your every desire. The
diamonds are carefully selected from De Beers,
using only the highest quality and cuts.
Julia with her partner Ludek Hubrt, an expert in
diamonds, gemstones and jewellery combine to
create an excellent team to give their clients a truly
personal and professional service. Contact Julia on
087 6050050 email: info@diamondsbyjulia.com or
visit www.diamondsbyjulia.com

ITSFABULOUS.NET
WRITTEN BY LEONA MCPHILLIPS
Helga Kampff founder of itsFabulous.net is a viva-
cious and innovative business woman. She set up
her company which is based in Galway, just over a
year and a half ago. Helga’s expansive career incor-
porates international hair companies such as Wella
and Revlon. Helga’s profession has not only taken
in the salon arena, but more challengingly, the
domain of film, fashion and TV. Originally from
Dublin, Helga has settled in Galway for the last five
years. ItsFabulous.net has an exclusive criterion that
covers the brides and her wedding party’s consulta-
tion on hair cut, colour, condition and up-styles. To
top off this excellent package, Helga travels to the
bride on her wedding day, ensuring that being fab-
ulous begins that day the moment you wake up.
ItsFabulous.net emphasises its ethos as a provision
that creates peace of mind in a friendly, profession-
al, relaxed and most importantly, fun atmosphere.
Check out Helga’s website on www.itsfabulous.net or
contact her directly on 0861960061
• Ask at your church or venue when flowers at the first row of seats as
they have another wedding sched- you enter the church, they will set
uled, so that you can visualise how the scene for your guests as they
it looks dressed with flowers. If you arrive, and when they turn to
fancy filling the church with flow- watch you enter the church.
ers, ask your florist to meet you on • Use candles to warm up a dark
site to map out the best layout for church or a winter wedding.
your arrangements. Posies of scented flowers as pew
• When planning the layout of ends can sweeten a damp or
your flowers, keep the arrange- musty church. Simple, modern
ments towards the centre aisle of arrangements will suit a highly
the church. If the church is large, decorative church, while
draw your guests to the front by traditional arrangements of
grouping pew ends at the front summery flowers will pretty up a
rows. Remember to place some plain venue.
a favor
with a
statement
Many brides are now moving away from the standard favors of miniature
boxes holding chocolates and are being tempted by the wide variety of
favors to suit individual couple’s personalities and make a more personal
statement. The new range of favors from Receptions in Clonmel, Co
Tipperary caters for just this. These favors feature individual sachets of tea,
coffee, cappuccino, cocktails or pots of honey that are then personalised
with the couple’s names and wedding date. The range features over 20
choices of labels for the sachet, both humorous and romantic.
View these and the wide selection of ‘different’ favors on www.receptions.ie

8 WEDDINGSnow
what’s new

Sarah Morrisey wearing Otazu

on the catwalk at a fashionshow
organized by the I.C.A.

Something Special
A special piece of jewellery is something often
forgotten by busy brides or left until the last
minute. Azure Jewellery offers the most fabu-
lous handmade items to suit all bridal tastes
and budgets including Princesse d’un Jour, the
Wedding Jules Collection from Dublin-born
Julie Bevan, and pictured above Otazu.
Azure, Careys Lane, Cork, 021 4905941

Head-turners
While there is a current trend for flamboyant
head pieces, this look is not for everyone. Some
love to make a statement, others prefer understat-
ed chic and that is where The Galway Hat Shop
comes in. One of the best-known hat stockists in
the city, The Galway Hat Shop stocks a wide
variety of hats and headpieces for every occasion
to suit every taste and every pocket, with head
piece prices ranging from €24.95 to €1,150. The
Galway Hat Shop stocks over 12 designers from
all over Europe including designs by Phillip
Lady M
Treacy. Another Irish designer stocked by the hat
shop is Balbo Designs, which makes hat or head- Lady M is the first ever lingerie lingerie, Elle Macpherson, Ted Baker,
piece and handbag matching sets for that fin- boutique to open in Loughrea. Lepel, Discover Mademoiselle,
ished-off look. For a very chic look, Whiteley Located on Dunkellin Street, the main Charnos, Panache, Fantasie, and Freya!
design hats and head pieces for mothers of the street in Loughrea, it stocks a wide The accessories are by Wishes and
bride and guests. Nigel Raymond’s hatmosphere range of goods from lingerie to fashion Braza, fashion by Maillili Paris,
is a subtle range with feather or flower trimmings to accessories. It has everything! For tights by Aristoc, nightwear by
and pretty head pieces for those who want an bridal lingerie, proprietor Mairead Frankie and Johnny!
understated look. The Galway Hat Shop also Hanbury ensures that all of her Lady M Lingerie Boutique,
stocks jewellery, wraps and handbags to complete customers get a friendly and confiden- 51 Dunkellin Street,
any outfit. Corbett Court, Eyre Square Shopping tial consultation. The fantastic ranges Loughrea.
Centre, Galway 091 561052 in Lady M are Plie, Rosa Cha Brazilian 091 871141

10 WEDDINGSnow
 what’s new

Music to your ears!

Fantango specialises in what is surely the most passion-
ate of music genres – the Argentinian Tango.
This group features the songs of Carlos Gardel, the world’s best known and most
beloved Tango vocalist. The combination of bandoneon, violin, guitar and vocals recre-
ate the authentic sound of the golden era of Tango. Fantango’s music provide a roman-
tic atmosphere for your wedding reception. You can catch Fantango live at The Galway
Tango Club’s monthly Milongas at the Galway Rowing Club from February 2007. For more
details contact Paul Gunning on 091 638205.

Bridal Rooms
The Ivory Rose Bridal Rooms have
just opened in Passage West, Co
Cork. Choosing a gown at the
Ivory Rose is a pleasurable and
memorable experience. Owner
Marie has carefully selected pretty,
stylish, fun, contemporary and
classic gowns for her 2007 designer
collection. She also stocks
bridesmaid dresses and a range of
veils, tiaras, jewellery and shoes to
complete your dream look.
Call 021 4859750 or email
marie@theivoryrose.ie to arrange an
appointment. View the collection
on-line at www.theivoryrose.ie.

The Chocolate Tier

The chocolate tier is the leading
supplier of chocolate fountains on
the west coast and there is only one
reason - quality. The Chocolate
Tier provides the finest Belgian
chocolate with dipping foods that
include fresh strawberries, marsh-
mallows, malted fudge and prof-
iteroles with a vanilla cream.
Contact: Orla or Anthony on 086
8488107 or 086 8233825 or email
info@thechocolatetier.ie

WEDDINGSnow 11
what’s new
Perfect Match
Suzie Mahony Designs
has just introduced a new
line of handmade
beaded jewellery to
complement your
headpiece and ensemble
for that special day. Suzie
can also create handmade
bridal headdresses and
matching jewellery.
For further information
contact Suzie Mahony
Designs 086 1948315

The workshop
As your wedding day
edges closer, you won- artistic up-style creative
der if it’s just you or director and her team
does every bride sud- will work in conjunc-
denly feel this stressed tion with you, the
out? Firstly, rest assured bride, to discuss your
Elegant Undies that stress and weddings vision and together
Elegant Undies has picked lingerie labels and styles that look go hand in hand so with Angela’s beauty
amazing and feel great to wear. It prides itself on its fitting serv- what you need to do is expertise, will create a
ice and has carefully chosen their stock based on quality, look to de-stress and leave it breathtaking style exclu-
and fit. Elegant Undies is currently widening its bridal lingerie to the professionals. sive to you, making
collection to cater for every wedding dress style possible! That’s where a visit to your visit to The
Whether it is to slim you down or boost you up, at Elegant Angela Silke and The Workshop a truly spe-
Undies, you will find a range of bras, bodices and accessories that Workshop is a must. cial experience unlike
will support you under any style of dress and make you feel com- What is unique to the any other. The Workshop
fortable on your big day. From comfortable basic bras to the workshop is its impres- Hair and Beauty,
most gorgeous nightwear and camisole sets, there is something sive line up of hairdress- Abbeygate Street 091
for everyone in Elegant Undies. ing and beauty talent all 566680
Unit 3, Downstairs Corbett Court Shopping Centre, Williamsgate under the one roof. WK2 Ballymoneen Road
Street, Galway 091 567512 Deirdre, the salon’s 091 510029

Flower Power
The Flower Basket, Clonakilty, Co Cork is in business
almost 20 years. Its proprietor, Ann O’Neill travels
throughout Europe regularly to keep up to date with
modern trends in weddings and the interior industry.
With so many people deciding to get married in
West Cork, The Flower Basket is perfect to make
your wedding day even more special.
Anne caters to all budgets and tastes so contact her on 023 33535 or e-mail her at flowerbasker@eircom.net

12 WEDDINGSnow
what’s new
Branch Flowers
Bridal Consultation Flowers are an integral part of any
wedding ceremony and knowing
The dress, the cake, the long embrace - a where to source the best flower
specialists is vital to achieve a
wedding paints a picture that lingers in the romantic and atmospheric scene.
mind. The Jo Malone Bridal Consultation Branch florists specialise in
weddings, working on celebrity
offers you innovative ideas to create deliciously ceremonies, in conjunction with top
scented memories for all who attend your wedding co-ordinators and in
exclusive venues such as Ashford
special day. From selecting the perfect bridal Castle. This team guarantees to
fragrance to addressing your skin care needs for bring that extra something to your
special day, be it a small intimate
beautiful wedding day skin to choosing thank celebration or a larger congregation.
you gifts for the wedding party, no detail of Branch Flowers 18 Townpark Centre,
Tuam Road, Galway 091 770869
your wedding day will go unnoticed. Allow Jo www.branchflowers.com
Malone to add the fragrant finishing touches to
your special day. Jo Malone Express(tm), Mail order and worldwide delivery
service, +44(0) 20 7720 0202 Shop online at www.jomalone.co.uk

Total Look
Hair Salon
Get the Total Hair Look this
wedding season where all your
individual hair needs are catered for.
Bridal hair specialists are on hand
to perfect your wedding day look
and an extensive hat studio offers
sale or hire of magnificent hats,
bags and feathers. So whether you’re
the mother of the bride or the
beautiful bride herself, don’t miss
out on this special salon.Total Look
Hair Salon, Renmore, Galway
091 769772

14 WEDDINGSnow
 what’s new
Finalist
5th Avenue is one of five beauty salons
contending for the title of Beast Beauty Salon
2007’. The winner of the awards will be
announced at a Gala Banquet in Dublin in
early March. This is the most prestigious
event on the Irish Beauty Industry calendar.
We wish the 5th avenue team all the best.
14e Liosban Business Park, Galway
091 764755

Beautiful Bride
All brides strive for perfection on their big day, so
why not get a helping hand and visit Beyond
Beauty in Claregalway to get primed and
pampered before your big day? The beautiful bride
package includes a Hydraessance facial, eyelash tint
and brow shape, full body spray tan, French polish
for hands and feet, and a trial make-up and
make-up application on the day all for just €170.
Beyond Beauty, Hughes Shopping Centre,
Claregalway, Co Galway 091 799392

The Moderne on Patrick Street,

Wedding Rings Cork is worth a visit in search of your
Celebrate your wedding with a ring made especially for
you. Nothing says it better than something special indi-
dream wedding dress. With creations
vidually crafted for you. Tuula can incorporate your from Maggie Sottero to Alfred Argelo,
ideas into her design and will go through the design
process discussing the different aspects involved in put-
The Moderne also stocks veils,
ting together that perfect wedding rings. headpieces, shoes and accessories for
Designworks, Tuula Harrington goldsmith and design-
er, Floor 1, 34 Grand Parade, Cork, Ireland
the bride-to-be.
021 4279420 or 086 6031881 The Moderne, Patrick Street, Cork 021 4270266. www.themoderne.com
www.tuulaharrington.com

WEDDINGSnow 15
what’s new
Making it Count
Clifford Designs is now a
well-established specialist in
wedding stationery and wedding
coordination in Cork. Run by
Noreen and her team, it provides
a wide range of bespoke and
handmade stationery including
ceremony invitations, evening
invitations, reply cards, thank
you cards, place names, menu
stationery, and more. Whatever
your wedding stationery needs,
Clifford Designs can provide
them and will provide a personal,
friendly and reliable service with
a quick turnaround and an
unparalleled level of quality.
What sets Noreen apart from
her competition is the quality of
her stationery, as well as the level
16 WEDDINGSnow
Your
Special
Day
Bellissimo provides a full
bridal package and special day,
ideal for bridesmaids or mums
of brides. Its bridal package
covers everything from
waxing, facials, make-up and
hair design plus much more.
It also offers advanced
skincare treatments in Dream Wedding Jewellers
photo-rejuvenation and acne Castalia Jewellers offers a unique experience when
treatments, plus permanent selecting engagement and wedding rings. It offers a
hair reduction. If you prefer, private viewing room for the happy couples.
you can custom-make your Experienced and friendly staff will give you the time
own package. Check out its you deserve when selecting your engagement or
website for further details. wedding bands. You even have the opportunity to
www.bellissimo.ie design your dream engagement ring, which is
Open Monday to Friday hand-crafted for you by its very own gold-smith.
9am to 9pm Castalia offers a fine selection of wedding rings for
Saturday 9am to 6pm and him and her including traditional, diamond-set and
Sundays 10am to 5pm hand-crafted bands. For brides seeking that special
091 568555 piece of jewellery for the big day, the luxurious Italian
Diamond Jewellery Collection, Prestigio, is on-hand.
Castalia Jewellers, 63 Main Street, Midleton, Co Cork
Gemini Beauty
Before that big day, Therese Costello and her team at
Gemini beauty recommends that facial care should start
three to six months prior to the big day. Most brides,
even if not regular waxers, will opt for this method of
hair removal to ensure they are hair free for their special
of service that she provides. She day. Eye therapy is a must for all brides to be. It is the
understands how the details are ground work that is done before the all important
important in the planning of a bridal make up. As we all know, every bride wants to be
wedding and so she works positively glowing as she walks up the aisle. Having
one-on-one with each of her your make up done professionally will certainly ensure
customers to produce high this. For a consultation or appointment call Therese
quality handmade bespoke and her team on 091 770776
stationery, which is coordinated
right through from first
invitation, to ceremony and
reception. Working within your
budget, together you can design
a stationery range unique to your
own wedding.
Now offering a ten per cent
discount off main invitations
when you say you saw her advert
in WEDDINGSnow.
www.clifforddesigns.ie
021 4642986
18
WEDDINGSnow
Coffee bustier, skirt and wrap by Rembo
Styling, sandals from Rainbow Shoes

Photography: Patrick Henaghan, Assisted by: Thierry-Joseph Schumann; Fashion Stylist: Antoinette Geraghty, Assisted by: Aisling Lawless,
Model: Sara Kavanagh from Assets; Make-up Artist: Aoife Madden for Lancôme at Brown Thomas Galway; Hair Stylist: Jason Doherty at
Zenith Hairdressing, 33 Eyre Street, Galway 091 533680; Location: Glenlo Abbey Hotel, Bushy Park 091 526666, www.glenlo.com
 fashion
Bordeaux gown by Special Day,
diamonte shoes by Benjamin Adams

PHOTOGRAPHY Patrick Henaghan | STYLIST Antoinette Geraghty

WEDDINGSnow 19
 Ruffled tulle dress by Lam Hyun Hee at
Rococo, shoes by Benjamin Adams

20 WEDDINGSnow
Bias cut, with long train of tulle
fashion
over satin gown by Roswitha
Molloy, Best Wedding Couturier
2005, shoes by Gabriella Lucido
from Rainbow Shoes.
Watch stylist’s own.

WEDDINGSnow 21
 Chantilly lace over ivory satin gown with
halter neck fish tail train by Rowitha Molloy,
Best Wedding Couturier 2005

22 WEDDINGSnow
 fashion

Cream/lace bodice with satin skirt by Mathyro

WEDDINGSnow 23
fashion
Ivory lace dress with a puddle train and bow detail
by Jen Doherty, Best Wedding Couturier 2006

24 WEDDINGSnow
 fashion

White gown by Pronovais,

butterfly hair grip by
Emily-Jean Designs

WEDDINGSnow 25
fashion

FOR STOCKISTS LIST SEE PAGE 81

Silk taffeta with appliqué and

silk tulle over one shoulder flowing
into a dramatic fish tail wedding
gown by Jen Doherty, Best
Wedding Couturier 2006, Diamonté
tiara from Marians of Boyle and
Galway

26 WEDDINGSnow
 fashion

Bronze gown by Rembo Styling,

diamonte shoes by Benjamin Adams

WEDDINGSnow 27
beauty

perfectbeauty
Your wedding day is one day in your life when you want to look your best.
You want glowing skin and glossy hair. Basically, you’re aiming for the wow factor.
So apart from eating well and exercising in the
run-up to the wedding, there are certain guidelines
you should follow to ensure you look simply stunning
on the day.

Hair
Your crowning glory needs to be in tip top shape for your
big day, so treating it well, getting regular trims and treat-
ments in the months prior to the day is essential.
If you decide to change your hairstyle, aim to do it at
least six months beforehand to allow time to grow it
out if it’s too short or if you don’t like the style.
When you decide on how you’re going to wear your
hair on the day, visit your hairdresser and try it out a
couple of months ahead of time. If you are happy with
it, book the same stylist who did your hair for your
wedding day. On the day, make sure you leave yourself
plenty of time for your hair, just in case of any hiccups.
If you are considering wearing your hair down, keep
in mind that most hair that is longer than your shoul-
ders will not hold well in hot or humid weather, while
most up-styles will last until you take them down.
A sophisticated up-style may be more appropriate
for a lavish formal evening wedding, whereas a soft
chignon may be more suitable for a casual daytime
wedding on the beach. Even wearing your hair down
with fresh flowers designed through it may be the
most appropriate style of all!
If you plan on wearing fresh flowers in your hair
on the day, be sure to find out if the flowers you plan
on wearing will stay fresh for the day, there’s nothing
worse than a wilting flower on a gorgeous bride.
Chat to your florist before making any decisions.
Also, keep in mind that if a flower is too big, it will
take away from your hairstyle. If in doubt, keep it
small and simple.
It’s important to keep in mind what hairstyles have
and have not worked for you in the past. If you have
very fine, dead straight hair and are looking for really
tight curls, they will most definitely not hold for the
day. Be realistic.

Makeup
You want your make-up to enhance your beauty, not
act as a mask. At the same time, you want to hide
any blemishes. To achieve this radiant look, a good
foundation is essential. Whether you choose to do
your own make-up or enlist the help of a professional
makeup artist, ensure that you choose the perfect
foundation. Try out lots of different brands and
colours in the weeks leading up to the day.
You can use this time to also try out different looks
for your eyes and lips.
The most important thing is that you feel good
about yourself. The makeup should enhance your beau-
ty, not hide it. However, it should be slightly heavier
than normal so that you look your best in photos.
beauty
The Hair

Hair by Itsfabulous.net Hair by Itsfabulous.net

The Look
To ensure your skin is in tip-top
condition, drink lots of water and
take it easy on the alcohol. A course
of facials is always a good idea, but
make sure that you have your last
facial at least two weeks prior to the
wedding in case of breakouts.

Tan
While some women like to go au
natural on their wedding day, you
can't beat a bronze glow for a
healthy look. Fake tans today are so
well advanced that you can't even
notice that it is fake. One word of
advice though, don't attempt this
yourself. Go to a reputable
beautician and make sure you do a
trial a month or so before the big
day. Exfoliate before getting your
spray tan and get it done about two
days before your wedding to ensure
that the colour has settled.

Nails
Beautiful hands and feet are
essential for your wedding day and
are often overlooked. Get a mani-
cure and pedicure the day before
your wedding day. Ensure that you
leave adequate time to set the nail
varnish, as smudged nails will ruin
the look. Keep it natural with neu-
tral colours and short nails.

Indulge
Indulge in a full body massage, an
Indian head massage or reflexology
in the weeks leading up to the big
day to ensure that you are fully de-
stressed and relaxed.
 best venues
The Rectory
Glandore, West Cork, 028 33072
Email: rectory@ireland.com,
www.rectory.ie
The Rectory is a delightful early
19th Century listed residence Let WEDDINGSnow take the guess work out of
nestled in an eight-acre
woodland. It overlooks what is
choosing your wedding venue with our guide to the best
considered to be one of Ireland’s wedding venues around.
most beautiful sea inlets,
Glandore Harbour, an ideal
backdrop for unforgettable pho-
tos on your wedding day. The
Rectory’s large, bright dining
rooms, in glowing reds, greens
and blues, provide a perfect
setting for sophisticated wed-
dings with menus offering meat
and fish. The standard of prepa-
ration and excellence of service is
second to none.
Price per person: €51 to €64
per person (2007 prices)
What this price includes:
Starter course, middle course,
main course, dessert course,
tea and coffee
Corkage, if applicable: No,
wine prices start from €17.50 per The Rectory
bottle (2007 prices)
Table arrangements, if
provided: Free fresh house
flowers around the building (Not Hotel Meyrick
table flower centrepieces, which
can be done at extra cost.) Eyre Square, Galway, 091 564041 ornate table arrangements with candelabra
Complimentary folded napkin reshm@monogramhotels.ie www.hotelmeyrick.ie table settings; personalised menu cards and
linens and use of bulb candle At Hotel Meyrick in the heart of Galway table plans; complimentary reception room
nightlight holders. City’s Eyre Square, there is no other venue hire; luxurious suite for the bride and groom on
Reception on arrival? more idyllic for your special day. Elegant, their wedding night followed by a Champagne
Complimentary tea, coffee, refined and sophisticated, the Hotel Meyrick breakfast served to your room the following
juices and biscuits on arrival. is unique and coupled with the professional- morning; Sherry reception with tea and coffee.
Red carpet welcome. ism of our experienced team, will ensure that Corkage, if applicable: available on select-
Champagne greeting for bride your celebrations unfold with effortless perfec- ed dates.
and groom on arrival. tion. The idyllic surroundings of the Hotel Table arrangements, if provided: Ornate
Any accommodation deals Meyrick provide an exquisite backdrop for the table arrangements with candelabra table settings
for the bride and groom? photos which will preserve the memory of this Reception on arrival? Tea, coffee, Sherry,
No accommodation on site – unforgettable day and the unrivalled comfort home-made biscuits, selection of canapes.
restaurant only. of our banqueting suite will leave nothing to Any accommodation deals for the bride
The maximum numbers be desired in catering the wedding of your and groom? Discounted rates available in
catered for? 100 guests max dreams sister hotels.
for seating. Additional 60 guests Price per person: from 41€ per person The maximum numbers you cater for?
for evening. What this price includes: 350max
Any other relevant details Pre wedding consultations with our Any other relevant details Extensive menu
No venue hire fee, service charge experienced team; selections which have been designed to allow
at your own discretion, open red carpet with Champagne to welcome the flexibility in personalising your own menu.
from February to December. bride and groom on arrival; Discounted car parking facilities.
hotels
Clifden Station
House Hotel
Clifden, Connemara, Co. Galway,
095 21699
www.clifdenstationhouse.com
The Clifden Station House is a
contemporary hotel set in unique
surroundings. Our Wedding
Packages for 2007/2008 are
unrivalled and can be especially
designed to suit your needs.
Price per person: Packages
range from a minimum price of
35.00 per person to a maximum
of 85.00 per person depending
on the package chosen.
What this price includes:
This price is for the reception
and meal only. It does not
include the drinks package or
accommodation.
Corkage, if applicable: Wine
15.00 per bottle, Champagne
13.00 per bottle
Table arrangements,
if provided:
Colour coordinated floral
arrangements, white table linen,
candles and personalised menus.
All other options can be
discussed at the consultation
stage with a member of our team
in advance.
Reception on arrival Red car-
pet, Champagne for the bride
and groom. Complimentary tea
and coffee for all guests.
Any accommodation deals
for the bride and groom
Complimentary B&B for the
bride and groom. Preferential
rate on ten rooms for your wed-
ding guests subject to availability.
The maximum numbers you
cater for 150 sit down meal.
Any other relevant details
Our packages can be made to
suit your needs.
32 WEDDINGSnow
Carlton Hotel Kinsale and Spa
Carlton Hotel & Spa
Rathmore Road, Kinsale, Co Cork,
021 470 6000 info@carltonkinsalehotel.com
www.carltonkinsalehotel.com
Set on 90 acres of parkland with panoramic
views over Oysterhaven Bay, Carlton Hotel
Kinsale has magical locations to capture those
photographs that will be treasured for your
lifetime. Our winding, enchanting woodland
entrance will lead you to the lobby of the
hotel where our team will meet you and
ensure you receive the ultimate in personal
attention and service.
Price per person: From 42.00
What this price includes: 4 course meal,
Shearwater Plaza Hotel
Ballinasloe, Co Galway, 090 9630400
info@shearwaterhotel.com,
www.shearwaterhotel.com
The Shearwater Plaza Hotel is an exquisite
hotel and wellness resort finished to an
exceptional high 4 star standard. Ideally
situated beside the Marina offering you a
unique setting perfect for intimate and family
photographs. Our personal wedding
co-ordinators offer expert advice and support
ensuring that your wedding day is everything
you dreamed and more. The Plaza Suite at
the Shearwater is the ultimate venue for your
wedding banquet. The Hotel offers a superb
culinary experience to all our guests. The
exquisite selection of fine wines, match the
eloquent setting of the special occasion. Our
experienced management team provides an
excellent level of service, allowing you to relax
and savour the most special day of your life.
Price Per Person Menu prices range from
30.50 - 60.00.
What this price includes: Selection of
menus from a 4 course to an excellent buffet
menu.; A wedding reception at the Shearwater
Plaza Hotel includes strict ‘One Wedding A
Day’ policy.; V.I.P welcome.; Champagne
reception and canopies for the bridal party on
tea and coffee.
Corkage, if applicable: 8.00 per bottle.
Table arrangements, if provided:
Personalised table plan and menus. Linen nap-
kins. Floral arrangement for each table.
Silver cake knife and stand.
Reception on arrival?Red carpet.
Champagne reception for the bride and
groom. Complimentary tea, coffee and bis-
cuits for all your guests.
Any accommodation deals for the bride
and groom? Complimentary over night in
the bridal suite for the bride and groom.
The maximum numbers you cater for? 200
arrival.; Complimentary tea, coffee and bis-
cuits for your guests.; Complimentary use of
superb leisure facilities for residential guests.;
Complimentary dinner and wine for the bride
and groom on their 1st anniversary.;
Complimentary pre-wedding day facial for
the bride.
Corkage, if applicable A fine selection of
wines and Champagnes to choose from to
compliment your menu.
Table Arrangements: Beautiful white linen
and fresh flower arrangement with candle on each
table. You can enhance your wedding reception
with elegant chair covers and bow which are pro-
vided complimentary on the top table.
The maximum numbers catered for - up
to 460.
Any accommodation deals for the bride
and groom: Complimentary bridal suite
including breakfast for the bride and groom.
Special accommodation rates on a selected
number of rooms for your wedding.
Midweek Weddings Midweek discount of
10% on the food menu (Valid Sunday to
Thursday excluding Bank Holiday Mondays)
Complimentary chair covers.
Any other details: A beautiful new hotel ele-
gantly designed with your Special Day in mind.
 hotels
Glenlo Abbey Hotel
Bushypark, Galway, 091 519663
weddings@glenloabbey.ie,
www.glenlo.com
Glenlo Abbey is Galway's only 5
Star Failte rated hotel and is
specialising in weddings since
opening in 1992. With four venues
to choose from, we can cater to Glenlo Abbey Hotel

weddings in the Abbey, the River

Room, the Pullman Restaurant and
the Pavilion Suite. Situated on the
shores of Lough Corrib, Glenlo
Abbey affords the best
photographic opportunities in
Galway with the extensive golf
estate, mature gardens and trees in
addition to the backdrop of the
18th century building.
Price per person:
Wedding celebratory dinner prices
from €50.00 per person.
What this price includes:
Complimentary room hire in the
Pavilion with 50 guests or more.
Red carpet on arrival along with
Champagne for the newlyweds.
Personalised wedding
The Imperial Hotel
menus, table plans.
Reception on arrival?
Complimentary tea/coffee
reception on arrival. The Imperial Hotel and coffee reception on arrival to the hotel for
Any accommodation deals for South Mall, Cork, 021 7306618 you and your guests.
the bride and groom? www.flynnhotels.com Any accommodation deals for the bride
Complimentary bridal suite for the The Imperial Hotel is the perfect setting for and groom? Where better to spend the
bride and groom including your glamorous wedding. The Imperial and wedding night than in the luxurious pent-
champagne on ice. Special rates for Escape Salon and Spa is a magical hotel that house, which offers breathtaking views of
up to ten rooms. blends the warmth and intimacy of times past Cork City and can also provide a perfect set-
Table arrangements, if with the style and luxury of a contemporary ting for photos or an intimate reception? The
provided: Large circular place hotel. Its design merges the traditional and the hotel also offers a generous bedroom alloca-
mirrors, candleabras and candles. contemporary to create an environment with a tion for wedding guests at a special rate.
The hotel can also help you with unique warm and welcoming personality. The maximum numbers catered for? On
choosing the ideal floral experience Price per person: Set dinner menus start round tables, it can accommodate 150 while
for your big day. from €28 per person (based on a minimum of on trestles, it can accommodate 220.
Any other relevant details: 80 guests). Any other relevant details
Consultation with our experienced Corkage, if applicable: €8.50 From Ireland’s first Aveda Lifestyle Salon and
wedding team, including head chef Table arrangements, if provided: The Spa Escape, avail of Pre-wedding Escape – a
to choose the right seasonal meal Imperial Hotel provides personalised menus back, neck and shoulder massage or a focus
for you and your guests. and table settings as well as floral decorations facial for two.
150 free car park spaces. matching the brides and bridesmaids colours Pre-wedding make-up trial and hair
Pre-wedding group dinner packages of the day. consultation – for the bridal party at Escape
in the Pullman and River Room. Reception on arrival? Royal red carpet Salon and Spa.
Activities include own golf course greets the bride and groom who are welcomed First anniversary package – dinner at The
on-site, driving range, clay pigeon to the hotel by management with a glass of Pembroke Restaurant, overnight in one of the
shooting, which can all be chilled Champagne while guests are treated to luxurious executive rooms, time at the Vitality
organised for the groom and friends. a tea and coffee reception. Complimentary tea Suite and a Dry Float at Escape Salon and Spa.

WEDDINGSnow 33
hotels
Clarinbridge Court Hotel
Clarinbridge, Co Galway, 091 796988
clarenbridgecourt@gmail.com
The Clarinbridge Court Hotel, only ten minutes from Galway
City, is nestled in the midst of mature woodlands. This Aghadoe Heights
romantic picturesque location is the ideal wedding venue. The Kerry, 064 31766,
photographic opportunities are old world and with the help info@aghadoeheights.com
and support of its wedding coordinator, the team will work The 5 Red Star Aghadoe
together to make your wedding a dream come true. Heights Hotel & Spa in
Price per person: Varies with choice of main course. Killarney, Co Kerry is
What this price includes: recognised as one of Ireland's
The Claregalway Hotel most luxurious five star hotels.
The price of main course includes the price of every other course,
red carpet, complimentary tea/coffee reception, complimentary The Aghadoe Heights Hotel &
The Claregalway Hotel stay in the bridal suite, colour co-ordinated floral arrangements, Spa is a truly magical
cake stand and knife, use of public address system. residence, that blends the
Corkage, if applicable: €10 per bottle warmth of a country home
Table arrangements, if provided: Complimentary and with the style and luxury of a
designed to correspond with colour schemes. contemporary, five star inter-
Reception on arrival? Complimentary tea and coffee national hotel. Overlooking
reception for guests on arrival. Any other reception can be the Lakes of Killarney, every
arranged at your own discretion. guest room gazes out upon
Any accommodation deals for the bride and groom? Killarney's majestic landscape.
Reduced rate on ten rooms, as well as a complimentary stay in Price per person: Dinner
the bridal suite. menus from €65 per person.
The maximum numbers you cater for? 400 Wine from €30 per bottle, ten
Any other relevant details per cent off RAC
The Clarenbridge Court has a wedding coordinator at your accommodation rate. Starting
disposal to help plan and tease out any ideas or difficulties that at €225 per room including
you may have. The head chef is also available by appointment breakfast. Drinks reception
to discuss any menu requirements. The hotel’s main goal is to from €8.50 per glass. Choice
tailor the day to the couple’s requirements and provide award of canapes for drinks/evening
winning food and service. With the new head chef, you are reception from €12 per person.
sure to get a spectacular meal on your big day. Corkage, if applicable:
From €30 per bottle.
Claregalway Hotel Table arrangements, if
provided: From €35 per
Claregalway Village, Claregalway, Co Galway, there is an assortment of candle and flower arrangement
091 738300 Email: stay@claregalwayhotel.ie arrangements, t-lights and napkins (which can Reception on arrival?
The Claregalway Hotel has established itself be colour coordinated with your wedding Red carpet welcome on arrival.
as one of Galway’ s leading wedding venues theme if required) Tea and coffee on arrival for all
since the opening of its doors in July 2004. Reception on arrival? Yes, each couple has a guests. Champagne welcome
Each individual enquiry is handled with care choice of complimentary summer punch, mulled for the bride and groom.
and attention by its in-house wedding coordi- wine or sparkling wine served with tea and coffee. Any accommodation deals
nator, Julie Murphy and professional manage- It also provides a complimentary Champagne for the bride and groom?
ment team. By catering for just one wedding reception for each bridal party on arrival. Luxury suite overnight for
per day, each couple is guaranteed by the Any accommodation deals for the bride bride and groom, Special
hotel that every effort is made to ensure their and groom? Yes, these are offered by the accommodation rate for your
perfect wedding day. Claregalway Hotel pro- reservations department for each wedding. guests.
vides quality and service time and time again. The maximum numbers catered for? The maximum numbers
Price per person: From €27.95 per person 280 persons in the Waterdale Wedding Suite you cater for?
approximately, depending on choice of menu. Any other relevant details: The hotel 75 banquet style, 150 when
What this price includes: This includes caters for one wedding per day and therefore, exclusive use of hotel is taken.
five-course meal, room hire, table and room each couple have the hotels exclusive personal Any other relevant details
arrangement, staff. attention for their stay. It also provides the Personalised souvenir menus
Corkage, if applicable: Corkage €10 per complimentary release of doves on the day for for all tables.
bottle approximately pictures as a gift to all couples for booking Use of cake stand and knife.
Table arrangements, if provided: Yes, their special day at the hotel. Candelabras on all tables.

34 WEDDINGSnow
 hotels

Menlo Park Hotel

Terryland, Galway, 091 76 11 22.
www.menloparkhotel.com
The Menlo Park Hotel offers a four- The Menlo Park Hotel The Menlo Park Hotel The Menlo Park Hotel

star product at a reasonable price where

you don’ t need to compromise on
quality. Its in-house planner will work
with you to create the wedding day of
your dreams. The hotel is owned by a
Galway family and run by professional
managers with years of experience. The
whole hotel is benefiting from a major
refurbishment, which is due to
finish in early 2007. Before you decide
on a Galway hotel, check out
www.menloparkhotel.com and view its
360 (degrees) tour.
Price per person: Four-course
menus starting from €30
What this price includes:
Experienced in-house wedding planner
available throughout to oversee and
coordinate all activities. Your choice of The Galway Bay Hotel

banqueting suite and seating

The Claregalway Hotel
arrangement complete with self con-
tained foyer/conservatory
private bar and cloakroom
facilities. Personalised menus and
seating plan. Choice of cake stand and
knife. Champagne breakfast for bride
and groom. Complimentary menu
listing tasting dinner.
Corkage, if applicable: €9.00 per
bottle.
Table arrangements, if
provided: Fresh floral table
arrangements, candles and serviettes –
white linen or luxury wedding servi-
ettes to complement your scheme.
Reception on arrival? Red
carpet welcome on arrival with
Champagne reception for bride and
groom. A warm welcome and reception
on arrival for your guests with summer
punch or mulled wine and tea, coffee
and biscuits.
Any accommodation deals for the
bride and groom?
Complementary bridal suite for bride
and groom with jacuzzi. Special
overnight rates for other guests.
The maximum numbers catered
for? 280
Galway Bay Hotel
Galway Bay Hotel Conference & Leisure
Centre, The Promenade, Salthill, Galway,
091 520 520,
The 4* Galway Bay Hotel is uniquely
situated on the Promenade in Salthill
overlooking Galway Bay and the Clare
Hills, providing you with the most elegant
and breathtaking setting to host your
wedding reception. The Hotel was award-
ed the best 4* hotel in Ireland 2005 and
has a reputation for fine food providing a
versatile range of menus presented and
served by our team of experienced profes-
sionals. Our Executive Head Chef Mr
Robert Bell was awarded ‘Catering
Manager of the Year 2005’ by the Irish
Hospitality Industry. Our Annual
Wedding Fair Extravaganza takes place on
Sunday 21 January 2007. Our manage-
ment team will await you and take you
through all of our uniquely and expertly
appointed facilities and services to assist
you in creating the Wedding Day of your
dreams.
Price Per Person Menu prices range
from €30.50 - €60.00
What this price includes; Range of 5
course meals to a gala buffet menu.
Wedding special includes Sherry or
hot/cold punch on arrival. A glass of
red/white wine at the meal. A top up for
toast. An evening buffet of tea, coffee,
selection of sandwiches and cocktail
sausages from €13.75 per person.
Corkage: 10 per bottle of wine.
12.50 per bottle of Champagne
Table Arrangements: Complimentary
luxurious choice of table arrangements
expertly created by our local florist.
Reception on arrival: VIP welcome
with red carpet and champagne on ice
await the bridal party on arrival.
Complimentary tea and coffee on arrival
for the wedding party.
Any Accommodation deals for the
bride and groom: Complimentary wed-
ding night accommodation in our luxuri-
ous bridal suite for the bride and groom.
Maximum numbers catered for Up
to 420 guests
Any other details
Awarded best 4* hotel in Ireland 2005.
Our executive chef Mr. Robert Bell
was awarded Catering Manager of
the Year 2006.

WEDDINGSnow 35
hotels
Harbour Hotel
New Docks Road, Galway City
091 569 466 Email: info@harbour.ie
The Harbour Hotel is the ideal
venue for an intimate, tailored
wedding reception. Located in the
heart of Galway on the city’s water-
front area, the Harbour Hotel is
there to make your special day
memorable. From your red carpet
Champagne arrival to your luxuri-
ous breakfast in bed the following
morning, the hotel can guarantee
you a day to remember. Its in-house
wedding co-ordinator offers a
personal service and is on hand
to help you plan every aspect of
your big day.
Price per person: Menus range
from €30 to €80
What this price includes:
Tea/coffee on arrival for all guests
and full meal
Corkage, if applicable: €8 wine,
€16 Champagne
Table arrangements, if
provided: White linen, flowers to
coordinate with bridal colours
Reception on arrival: Red carpet,
Champagne for bridal party,
tea/coffee for all guests
Any accommodation deals for
the bride and groom: Special
rates available on request
The maximum numbers
catered for? 100
Any other relevant details: We
cater for those brides and grooms
who have gotten married abroad
and wish to have a wedding party
when they get home – room
available with bar and dance floor,
finger food menus provided.
36 WEDDINGSnow
Clayton Hotel Galway
Ballybrit, Galway,091 721900.
Email: info@clayton.ie, www.clayton.ie
The Clayton Hotel looks forward to
welcoming your wedding party to its
exclusive new four star hotel. Be dazzled by
its professional service and attention to
detail as your family and friends enjoy the
ambiance of the comfortable surroundings.
Designed to impress, the hotel is chic and
fashionable with a spacious ballroom
offering wonderful views. Celebrate your
wedding day in style at the Clayton, Galway
where special memories are made to last.
Price per person: Wedding menus are
personally designed to cater for all your
requirements and requests and range in price
from €32 to €49 per person.
What this price includes:
Four-course dinner with tea and coffee;
pre-wedding consultation with a dedicated
wedding coordinator and executive chef;
complimentary red carpet;
Champagne for bridal party on arrival;
master of ceremonies; complimentary fresh
floral arrangement on every table;
Radisson
Lough Atalia, Galway,
091 538 300
www.radissonhotelgalway.ie
You are guaranteed the best of all worlds
when you choose the luxurious Radisson
SAS Hotel & Spa, Galway for your special
day. With scenic Galway Bay views, luxury
hotel accommodation, excellent food, spirit
one leisure facilities and an award winning
spa, this really is the ultimate in wedding
luxury. The hotel is situated on the water-
front of Lough Atalia with an outdoor ter-
race perfect for welcome drinks. Receptions
can also be enjoyed in the light-filled
Atrium Bar and Lounge. The wedding
planner arranges weddings from family
occasions to larger receptions.
Price per person:
Menus start from €38.00 per person
What this price includes:
Four-course dinner with tea and coffee;.
pre-wedding consultation with the wedding
planner and executive chef;
welcome tea and coffee reception on arrival
for all your guests;
wedding menu tasting for the bride and
complimentary bridal suite for the
bride and groom.
Table arrangements, if provided:
The Clayton provides complimentary
table/floral arrangements.
Reception on arrival? Arrival tea and
coffee reception for all your guests.
Any accommodation deals for the
bride and groom? Complimentary bridal
suite for the bride and groom.
The maximum numbers catered for?
Comfortably at banqueting round tables
with ten people at each, 400 people.
Any other relevant details
The exquisite new four-star Clayton,
Galway, only 2 km from the city centre and
1km from Galway Airport, has 200 superbly
appointed rooms including a dedicated
executive floor with 14 luxurious executive
rooms with individual balconies and also a
private executive lounge on this floor. The
Clayton boasts a magnificent presidential
suite on the top floor of the hotel, with its
own private terrace overlooking Ballybrit
Racecourse.
Radisson SAS are also located in Cork 021 4297000 and in Limerick 061 456200
groom prior to the day;
wedding party greeted with red carpet and
glass of champagne;
complimentary presidential suite for the
bride and groom with champagne and
strawberries.
Table arrangements, if provided:
Candelabras are provided as the
table centrepiece.
Reception on arrival?
Wedding packages include a complimentary
tea and coffee reception on arrival.
Any accommodation deals for the
bride and groom? Complimentary
accommodation in a luxurious suite for the
bride and groom on the evening of their
wedding. Special accommodation rates
apply for wedding guests.
The maximum numbers catered for?
50 guests to 600 guests.
Any other relevant details?
The multi-award winning spa at the
Radisson SAS Hotel Galway, spirit one,
combines luxury and pampering with choice
and flexibility. An ideal pre or post wedding
relaxing escape that offers unique bride and
groom wedding packages.
feature

spend
spend
spend
The dream of a fairy tale
wedding does not come cheap
The average cost of a wedding in Ireland at the
moment is €30,000 to €35,000. The average
number of guests at an Irish wedding is 200. The
average hotel sit down meal is €40, so right away
you have spent €8,000. How much you spend
on your day is really down to proper planning,
creative thinking and being realistic with what
you can afford. The following is an average
budget for 200 guests, three bridesmaids, three
groomsmen, two flower girls and two page boys.

Drinks for toast €400

Wedding Dress €1500
Shoes €100
Veil €200
Headdress €200
Lingerie €150
Beauty €500
Groomsmen atire €1000
Wedding rings €1800
Photography €1500
Video €1500
Music at chuch €500
Band €1500
DJ €400
Flowers €900
Cake €1000
Stationery €500
Transport €500
3 Bridesmaids dresses €700
200 sit down meal €8000
Wine €1500
Bar extension €250
Tea and sandwiches €800
Honeymoon €4000
Pre marriage course €250
Gift for priest €200
Church servers €100
Wedding party gifts €600
Misc. expenses €1000

Total 31,550

38 WEDDINGSnow
traditions
Why does the bride wear a veil?
Tradition has it that it is bad luck for the bride to be seen by
the groom before the ceremony. The lifting of the veil at the
end of the ceremony symbolises male dominance. When the
bride decides to lift her own veil, it shows her independence.

What does the ring symbolise?

The connection between the third finger on the left hand and
the heart is the source of the engagement and wedding ring.
Wearing a ring on this finger symbolises the strong connection
of a heartfelt love and commitment to one another.

Giving the bride away

In the past, the bride was given away to the groom by her
father, usually in exchange for monetary gain. Now, it is a sign
of a family’s blessing of the union.

something old,
something new...
We’ve all heard of the old tradition of having something old,
something new, something borrowed, something blue with you on
your wedding day. However, the usual suspects, ie blue garter,
are beginning to feel a little tired to some brides, who want to
opt for alternatives. That is why we have come up with a few
different ideas to make sure you stick to tradition, while bend-
ing the rules a little.

Something old
• On the morning of your wedding, indulge in a vintage wine
from the year you were born.
• Have a vintage car take you to the church.
• Carry an old picture of yourself as a little girl.
• Wear a vintage headpiece or beaded bag.

Something new
• Sport hair extensions or a brand new haircut.
• Wear a spanking new wonder bra.
• Bring a guest book for guests to write notes at the reception.
• Invite a newly made friend.

Something borrowed
• A flower girl.
• An adorable puppy.
• Fresh flowers from your nan’s garden.
• Your parents first dance song.

Something blue
• Blue eyeshadow.
• Blue Manolo Blahniks.
• A blues band at your reception.
• Groom dressed in blue.
 Getting married, like everything else, has
rules that must be followed. In Ireland, to
contract a valid marriage both parties must:
• Be over 18 years of age or have a Court
Exemption Order if this is not the case.
• Have given the Registrar three months
notification of the marriage or have a
Court Exemption Order if this is not the
case.
• Be either single, widowed or divorced in
Ireland or have a state annulment or a
valid foreign divorce.
• Be of opposite sexes – for legal purposes, a
person’s gender is deemed to be the one
he/she had at birth, even if he/she subse-
quently had medical procedures to alter
his/her gender.
• Have the mental capacity to understand
the nature of marriage
• Not be related by blood or marriage to a
degree that prohibits you in law from mar-
rying each other. If you are related to your
proposed spouse by blood or by marriage,
you should contact a solicitor to ensure
that you do not fall within the prohibited
degree of relationship.

If either party doesn’t fulfil even one of

the above requirements, any subsequent
marriage ceremony is legally void.

Before ‘I do’
Couples can get caught up in the hype of organising
their special day and forget one of the most important,
yet unromantic aspects of the marriage – the legal side

Marriage by civil ceremony is a civil con-
tract. Marriage by certain religious cere-
monies is also recognised by civil law as being
a civil contract. If you are planning a church
wedding, you need to approach the authori-
ties of the religious denomination concerned
for advice on how to proceed, and also the
local Registrar of Marriages of the district in
which the marriage is to take place. Every
couple intending to marry in a Catholic
Church must complete a pre-marriage
course.
PRE-MARRIAGE COURSES
For all of those wanting to get married in a
Catholic Church, it is mandatory to
undertake a pre-marriage course. Deciding to
get married is probably one of the biggest
decisions a man and woman will ever make
and so, the church believes that some advice
and preparation is essential in providing a
sound foundation for every marriage. Here
are some of the courses on offer throughout
the country:
MRCS
MRCS is a long established non-denomina-
tional couple counselling service. The tailor-
made pre-marriage courses are three hours
long and involve one couple and one coun-
sellor only, with no one else involved.
Pre-marriage courses are booked through
MRCS head office with counsellors available
at locations around the country.
Generally, MRCS finds couples based in
the West and South like to make a day out of
the requirement to do a pre-marriage course
and opt for the trip to Dublin. Others avail
of the Saturday pre-marriage slots and make
a weekend out of their trip to the capital.
€220.
MRCS, 38 Upper Fitzwilliam Street,
Dublin 2, 01 6785256 or lo call 1890
380380 info@mrcs.ie
The Nazareth Family Institute
The Nazareth Family Institute offers a mod-
ern pre-marriage course for engaged couples.
It is unique because the courses are given by
couples for couples, so you benefit from
those who have experience.
Established since 1984 and based in the
Dun Laoghaire area, the Nazareth Family
Institute provides both non-residential week-
end courses, run over Friday night and all
day Saturday for groups of up to 20 couples,
in addition to seven-week courses for one to
three couples only. There is no group discus-
sion but individual couples are given time in
a relaxed atmosphere to discuss the topics,
together with some question aids and materi-
als provided to help their discussion. Pre-
Marriage Preparation for Couples – Non-res-
idential weekend course is €100 per couple.
Pre-Marriage Preparation and Training –
Seven-week course which runs once a week is
€70 or €10 per session
The Nazareth Family Institute, P.O. Box
9005, Glenageary, Co Dublin 01 2896647
01 2821899 nazarethfamilyinst@eircom.net
www.nazarethfamilyinstitute.org
NAOMI
NAOMI Pre-Marriage Courses are designed
to assist couples in making the most of their
marriage preparation time and to encourage
them to become more interactive with regard
to the material and topics presented by the
speakers. The topics covered deal with the
essential dimensions of successful marriages
and families.
The aim of the course is to be informative,
thought provoking, to generate communica-
tion, to foster mutual understanding, to pre-
pare spiritually for Christian marriage and to
create an awareness of responsibility and
decision making within marriage.
NAOMI staff offers private consultation
throughout each course and also at any
future date, if required.
The duration of each course is from
6.15pm to 9pm on Friday evenings and from
9.15am to 2pm on Saturdays. €100 per
course (group or private)
Contact: Ita McDonnell between 9.30 am to
1pm Monday to Friday. NAOMI Pre-Marriage
Course, Lower Ground Floor, 16 North
Great Georges Street, Dublin 1. 01 8786156
inforequest@naomi.ie. NAOMI courses
also available at 119 Patrick’s Street, Cork
021 4272213.
ACCORD
ACCORD is a voluntary Catholic organisa-
tion that aims to promote a deeper under-
standing of Christian marriage.
A marriage preparation course is an opportu-
nity for couples to take time out from the hectic
planning of the wedding day, to focus on how
things are between them, to affirm what is going
well and to name the areas of their relationship
that might need some attention.
All of this takes place in the company of
other couples preparing for marriage and
with the assistance of trained facilitators,
themselves experienced in marriage.
feature
ACCORD highlights the core elements of
relationships and the course concentrates on
exploring each of these.
Courses are widely available nationwide.
€100 per couple.
ACCORD Central Office, Columba Centre,
Maynooth, Co Kildare. 01 5053112,
01 6016410, www.accord.ie.
PRE-NUPTIAL ENQUIRY FORM
This church document has two main pur-
poses. Firstly, to ascertain whether both par-
ties are free to marry and secondly to ensure
the parties understand what marriage is
about. The priest goes through the form with
the couple at least two months before the
wedding, completing various questions.
A Letter of Freedom is also necessary. This
document states that you are free to marry
your intended or that you are not commit-
ting bigamy by entering into this marriage.
A letter of freedom can be obtained from the
priest of any parish you have been resident in
for six months or longer.
If you intend to marry in a registry office,
contact the Registrar of Civil Marriages for
the district in which you intend getting mar-
ried. See www.groireland.ie/registrars for a list
of registrars.
Whatever kind of ceremony you’re plan-
ning, every person marrying in the state must
give at least three months’ written notifica-
tion to the registrar for the district in which
the marriage is to take place or obtain an
exemption from this requirement under
Section 33 of the Family Law Act, 1995.
The requirement to give three months’
notification of an intended marriage is a legal
requirement for a valid marriage. A marriage
will not be valid in civil law unless three
months written notification has been given,
or unless permission to marry has been
granted by the High Court or Circuit Family
Court under Section 33, of the Family Law
Act, 1995.
The three months’ minimum notification
period does not commence until a notifica-
tion has been received from each of the par-
ties to a proposed marriage.
Only original documents, including origi-
nal signatures, may be accepted as notifica-
tions of intention to marry.
The registrar will issue each party to the
intended marriage with an acknowledgement
confirming the date of the receipt of the
notification. You must retain and produce it,
when requested, to the person solemnising
the marriage.
WEDDINGSnow 41

Prenuptial agreements
You’re madly in love and can’t wait to get married. The thought that this perfect rela-
tionship might turn sour is the farthest thing from your mind. But let’s get real here!
According to the Central Statistics Office, there
were 20,619 marriages in Ireland in 2004. The
same year, there were 3,347 divorces. There are
no statistics for the number of separated couples
in Ireland.
Prenuptial agreements are no longer just for
the rich and famous and, when you think about
it, make perfect sense. Gone are the days when
couples getting married started out with nothing
and worked together, scrimping and saving and
doing without, for every stick of furniture they
eventually owned. It is quite common now for
both parties entering a marriage to be home-
owners in their own right. Many have children
from previous relationships.
The increase in the number of marriages
between people who have accumulated substan-
tial assets – especially those entering second mar-
riages and marriages later in life – has brought
about a greater need for couples to create a
prenuptial agreement.
feature
This details in advance any and all financial
structures should the marriage come to an end,
leaving both persons (and the heirs of those per-
sons) protected and secure.
The agreement also allows each party to the
agreement to provide that their assets, or at least
a large portion of them, go to their children in
the event of their death.
Usually your prenuptial agreement provides
that assets or property owned by one of the
spouses prior to the marriage remains the prop-
erty of that spouse upon the dissolution of the
marriage and that any asset or property acquired
after the marriage shall be owned by both parties
jointly, with the right of survivorship.
Communication is the key to the success
of any relationship. Structuring a prenuptial
agreement gives you both the opportunity to
deal with potentially contentious issues in a
calm and rational way. Contact your solicitor
for more information.
GALWAYnow 43
feature

The best man duties

The best man probably has more to do than anyone else
on the day, the biggest job being the best man’s speech

Everyone looks forward to this speech, which

usually tells childhood tales and sets the scene main man for making sure everything runs
for the remainder of the speeches. Make sure smoothly. Be nice to him.
that the best man is fully briefed on what exact-
ly his responsibilities are for the day. BEST MAN DO'S AND DON'TS
Before the big day, the best man has to Do's
organise the stag night. This means coming up • Acknowledge bridesmaids during your speech
with the location, making lists of who to invite, • Remember you're there to help things run
arrange the necessary bookings and making smoothly
sure that everything goes to plan. The day • Think before you speak
before the wedding, the best man usually col- • Be polite
lects the bridal party’s suits and helps with Don'ts
accommodation for guests. On the day of the • Mention ex girlfriends during your speech
wedding, he makes sure that the groom gets to • Get drunk
the church on time, is responsible for the rings, • Tell dirty jokes
reads wedding messages, and co-ordinates the • Make the speech all about yourself
speeches. In short, the best man becomes the

44 WEDDINGSnow
choosing a
bridesmaid
Choosing your wedding party is one of the most important
decisions you will make when planning your wedding day.
Choosing your bridesmaids can also be a stressful decision.
Here are some tips and suggestions to help you solve some
of the most common bridesmaid dilemmas.

Do I have to ask my fiance’s sister to be bridesmaid?

No, it’s your day and you are absolutely free to choose the bridal
party you want. However, there are ways of getting around the
awkwardness of the situation. Ask her to do a reading.

What can I do about bitter bridesmaids? You may think

you know your bridesmaids, but weddings can bring out
some surprisingly intense emotions. If a friend is worried
that your friendship will suffer once you are married, make
plans now to meet once a week or month and spend some
time together. If someone is unhappy about being single,
give her the inside info on all the cute groomsmen and wed-
ding guests she will soon meet. The most important thing to
remember is to make sure that your bridesmaids are happy
and content, but most importantly only surround yourself
with those who are truly happy for you.

What if my bridesmaids are all different shapes and

sizes? Choosing the bridesmaid dress is difficult as usually the
bride already has her mind made up about what she wants.
Unfortunately, the dress you love may not flatter the colouring,
size or shape of all your bridemaids. One great solution is to
pick the colour, designer and fabric you want and allow your
bridesmaids to pick the style that looks best on them. You
could also do the everyone wears something black if you want to
keep it really simple. No matter what you choose, your brides-
maids know that it is your day and it’s what you want that mat-
ters most. After all, you’re the one who is going to be looking
at the wedding album for years to come, so you might as well
love the dresses.
46
feature

WEDDINGSnow
and what’s not in wedding cakes this season.
We spoke to some of the people who bring us the
best in wedding cakes, and asked them what’s hot
caketastic
TOP TIPS
• A square cake feeds more people than a round cake. A two tier 14” round feeds 80 whereas a two tier 14” square feeds 100
• For your photos get a small beautiful cake and have a cheaper and less fancy cake in the kitchen to feed your guests
 weddings
Goya’s in Galway say there has been a big return to
traditional iced cakes with fresh flowers. While the
cakes may look traditional though, the fillings are not
with a selection of chocolate biscuit cake, Madeira and
maybe one fruit to please all palates.
Goya’s suggest that just because you’re having big
numbers, doesn’t mean you have to have a big cake.
They believe that three tiers of content cake are enough
for any size wedding, even up to 250, as people simply
don’t eat it all.
Chocolate cakes are the most popular wedding cakes
at Healy’s in Cork. Their advice would be to shop
around, see what’s out there and bring a photo of your
ideal cake into the store. They also advise that if you’re Half dark chocolate, half white chocolate Sleek and stylish
on a strict budget, Maderia cakes are best value, as
opposed to fruit.
Lilies and Pearls in Galway has noticed that not
everyone is going for the traditional three-tier fruitcake
also. Instead, they are opting for chocolate fudge cake,
carrot cake and chocolate biscuit cake.
Lilies and Pearls suggest that you sit down and think
about what other people might like when choosing
your cake, as traditional fruitcakes are not to everyone’s
taste. However, if you are opting for the fruit option,
order well in advance. You should also think about a
colour scheme when considering your cake and the
type of flowers, either fresh or handmade, that you
would like to complement the cake.
Evelyn at Marina’s in Ballinrobe says that the firmer Pink and white wedding cake with a bow Decorate with flowers
the cake, the more portions you will get, so it’s best to
stay away from fresh cream cakes. She also suggests leav-
ing the cutting of the cake until the evening. When it’s
served with teas and coffees later on, guests are more
likely to eat it than when served directly after desert.
Melissa at Cakes of Distinction in Cobh advises cou-
ples not to be too extravagant when choosing a wedding
cake. To avoid waste, she advises choosing a selection of
cakes, with one tier chocolate fudge, one Madeira and
the other fruit, which gives variety of choice and the fruit
cake will keep if not eaten on the day.
MK Cakes in Cork says that two of their most popu-
lar types of cakes this season are strawberries and fresh
cream and mandarin. Cake topped with reddish orange flowers Beautifully artistic square wedding cake
top styles

OUR TOP RATED

Cakes of Distinction, Cobh, 021 4815559,
www.corkweddingcakes.com
Goya’s, 2/3 Kirwin’s Lane, Galway, 091 567010
Celebration Cakes, Healy’s Bakery, Blackpool
Bridge, Blackpool, 021 4303466 or 021 4270991
Lilies and Pearls, 52 Burren View, Ennis Road, Gort,
Co Galway, 091 630931, www.weddingcakes.ie
MK Cakes, Unit 4, Ballycurreen Industrial Estate,
Kinsale Road, Cork, 021-4311096,
Cakes by Marina, No 1 Church Lane, Ballinrobe,
Co Mayo, 094 9520664
Traditional three tier with a twist Contemporary cake garnished with flowers

WEDDINGSnow 47
 drink
THE RECEPTION
Guests are normally welcomed
to the reception with a drink.
Usually Champagne or perhaps
Sherry, but there are alternatives
– sparkling wines such as

Vouvray, Saumur or Cava.
These sparklers are very reason-
able in price, about half the price
of Champagne. Why not be dif-
ferent if you are having a sum-
mer wedding - serve Buck’s Fizz,
Pimms Cocktail or even a
Sangria. They are light and
refreshing. If you are having a
winter wedding, you could have
a punch, mulled wine or port,
all bound to start the proceed-
ings off with a flourish and it
will be a talking point. Don’t
forget tea, coffee or orange juice.
A nice extra is to get the barman
to cut little hearts from strawber-
ries (done with a pastry cutter)
and serve one in each glass of
Champagne. When people see
the little red heart floating in the
Champagne glass, they will be
reminded of romance and that’s
what the day is all about! A
modern trend is ‘Kir’ so a ‘Kir
Royale’ Crème De Cassis
(1/2 teaspoon per glass) and
Champagne or sparkling wine
would be a new idea.
THE DINNER
Choosing wine for the main meal
can be a difficult choice. If your
main meal is fish or meat, you
must have a choice of white or
red wine. For example, if your
main course is Salmon or beef,
you can choose French
Sauvignon Blanc, Chablis,
German or Alsace Riesling. For
the beef, be it grilled fillet or roast
beef, you could choose any red
Bordeaux, Australian Cabernet
Sauvignon or Shiraz. Do not
serve very full bodied, oaky, red
wines as they are not to every-
body’s taste. Likewise do not
choose any white wine that
would be too dry or acidic.
Choose a dry, fruity style. You
must remember to try and get a
wine that everybody will enjoy so
Since biblical times, wine has been
an important component of weddings.
Here are some tips to think about when
choosing wine for your wedding day.
BY BRIAN R. WALSHE
think fruity, dry wines and light,
fruity reds. A good choice would
be a New World Sauvignon
Blanc and a French Merlot/
Cabernet Sauvignon. Both of
these will be right and they are
not too expensive either.
THE TOASTS
Champagne is traditional for the
toasts but sparkling wine or Cava
are quite suitable. You could use
the same brand as you had for
your reception – why not? If you
are on a budget, you can simply
top up the glasses with the same
wine you had with your meal.
THE EVENING RECEPTION
Usually the evening reception
consists of a small buffet – sand-
wiches, cocktail sausages, mini
pizzas etc. The wines you had for
your main meal would be a fine
choice here. The hotel staff could
pour out some white and red
wine in glasses and your new
arrivals could help themselves.
toast
BUDGETING
You will get six glasses of wine
from one bottle, Champagne as
well, so allow one bottle per
three guests.
If choosing wines from a hotel
list, ask for sample bottles to take
home to taste at your leisure. You
are bringing a lot of business to
the hotel, so they shouldn’t refuse
this request.
If you decide to bring your
own wine – a practise which is
becoming quite common – check
how much corkage the hotel will
charge. It can work out quite
expensive. So thinking of driving
over on the ferry to France and
loading up on wine, might not be
as economical as you think. Talk
to the hotel manager, work out a
special budget price for wine
from the hotel’s list.
Remember to save the best
wine until last – for your honey-
moon. Treat yourself to a bottle
of the wine of romance –
Champagne. Sláinte.

a fair affair
Breandán Ó Conláin, An Spidéal took Deirdre Ní Choistín,
Kilcock, Co Kildare completely by surprise when he
proposed to her on a weekend away in Prague in March 2005
feature
They tied the knot in An Spidéal,
on 1 September 2006, a day
Deirdre says she’ll never forget.
Deirdre, a producer and director
for TG4 and Breandán, who is cur-
rently studying for a HDIP, met four
years ago and have a son, Finian,
who is two years old. While nearing
the end of her maternity leave,
Deirdre and Breandán travelled to
Prague for the weekend and it was
there, in true romantic style, that
Breandán asked Deirdre to marry
him. “I didn’t know anything about it.
Basically, I was about to go back to
work after my maternity leave. So we
went away for a weekend break and
he proposed in the old town square in
front of the astronomical clock. I wasn’t
expecting it at all, so it was lovely. I
said yes, of course, and then went back
to the hotel where he had the ring there
for me,” says Deirdre.
Due to the fact that Breandán was
studying at the time, the couple had
to come up with a suitable time to
get married. So they chose 1
September and then went about
organising the big day.
“The first thing we wanted to do
was decide where we were going to get
married. Although I’m from Kildare,
we live in Galway, so we both decided
that we would get married there. We
went around to a few venues and a lot
of the hotels have similar packages.
Someone had recommended Renvyle
House Hotel in Connemara so we
went out there and as soon as we
walked through the door, we loved it.
The atmosphere was great. Then once
we saw the menu, we kind of knew
that it was going to be the place.”
»
WEDDINGSnow 51
DEIRDRE AND
BREANDAN’S WEDDDING
STATIONERY
With the venue booked, next on
the agenda was to find the perfect
wedding dress. But with very little
idea of the type of dress she was look-
ing for, the quest for a dress took a lit-
tle longer than expected.
“I didn’t want to go looking straight
away as I still had a bit of weight on
from the baby, so I said I’d leave it a
while but everyone was saying, ‘you need
a year at least’ and it takes six months to
order your dress and all that. I didn’t
have a clue what kind of a dress I was
looking for. I never had a dream dress in
mind, so I was open to anything.”
Following an unsuccessful trawl
around some wedding shops, and just
as Deirdre was starting to panic a lit-
tle, she spotted a few dresses in a wed-
52 WEDDINGSnow
ding magazine that seemed to fit the
kind of look she was hoping to go for.
“I had been looking through some
wedding journals and there were dresses
from Scarlett Bridal in Ennis that kept
jumping off the page as they were quite
quirky and different. So I made an
appointment and went down with my
mother and sister last December. The
third dress I tried on was the one I chose
and as soon as I put it on, my mum
said, “That’s the one.”
While Deirdre says the whole
wedding day went by like a dream,
one of the highlights for her was
the actual ceremony.
“I loved the mass because we didn’t
hire any musicians, we had all family
and friends. We had Ronan Browne,
 feature

Breandán’s brother-in-law playing the

Uileann pipes, Loretta Gavin played
the flute. Máire, Breandán’s sister
sang as did my friend Dáithí Ó Sé,
who had just appeared on ‘Celebrity
You’re A Star’.
“It was just really personal, I was
really, really happy and the music was
lovely. I had been really stressed out in
the morning for some reason and I was
a bit panicky, but there was no need as
everything went really well.
“So after the mass, we were conscious
of the fact that the drive from An
Spidéal to Renvyle was an hour and
ten minutes away and we didn’t want
everyone to arrive starving, so
Breandán’s good friend Nollaig, who
runs An Caladh Mór in An Spidéal
put on a fabulous spread for the guests.
We were shocked when we walked into
the pub, they really outdid themselves.
They had florists in and bunting in the
hall and there was so much food.
Loads of people were coming in off the
street to see what was going on. So
Flowers: Branch Florists
everyone was on a high when heading
Make-up: Lorraine Walsh
off to the hotel.”
Hair: Anna from Yourell’s
Everyone sat down for the meal at
Dress: Ian Stuart from Scarlett Bridal, Ennis
7pm, and were then entertained until
Photographer: Philip Smyth, Moycullen
the wee hours of the morning by the
Music: Discovery
band Discovery and Colin Coyle, a DJ
Hotel: Renvyle House Hotel
recommended by the hotel.
Looking back, Deirdre says she
found that there was a lot more
preparation involved than she
would have imagined. “It’s a lot of
work and it involves a lot of prepara-
tion. You need at least a year, I don’t
know how people do it in less time
than that. For me, getting guest lists
together and sorting out accommoda-
tion was the hardest part of it.”
The happy couple honeymooned
in Venice and Lake Garda, and four
months on, Deirdre is still on a high.
“We’re still getting the thank you
cards ready and we still have to edit the
video, so there’s still bits and bobs to do.
We’re literally just after opening the pres-
ents, which is always a pleasure!”

WEDDINGSnow 53
 weddings

Definitely
worth it!
Self employed organisational
coach and PR Expert, Emily
Hurley-Wilkinson and IT Analyst,
Spencer Wilkinson tied the knot
in November
Emily is originally from Toghar in Co Cork and Spencer is
from New Zealand. They met in London in the late nineties
and got engaged shortly afterwards. They moved back to
Ireland in 2000 when she fell pregnant with her first child,
Joshua (5) and they also have a two year old boy, Ben.
“What’s odd is that when I was travelling, I lived in
Australia for a year and at the time, had contemplated
moving to New Zealand, so I nearly met him over there,”
laughs Emily. »

WEDDINGSnow 55
wedding
The plans for Emily and
Spencer’s wedding were by no
means without any hitches, with
Emily being one of the unlucky
women to have chosen a dress from
the now notorious shop, The
Wedding Dress, which went into liq-
uidation last March, leaving almost
200 brides without dresses.
“Christmas last year, I was sitting
in work and my sister told me what
had happened. I had seen this dress
and had hired the suit a couple of
months before the shop closed down.
It’s like anyone, you think you have
your dress sorted. It was being
designed by Miriam from Bronte
56 WEDDINGSnow
designs and I had paid my deposit. So
when we heard the news, Spencer
tracked down Miriam. She had heard
about what had happened and said
she, in addition to Ria from ‘Say I
do’, were prepared to pick up the
pieces so to speak and carry on with
the dress. They also said they would
charge me only what I was being
charged originally. I was hugely lucky
because these guys continued making
my dress as if nothing happened so that
was fantastic.
“I was absolutely shocked when I
first heard. When it hit me, I went
to pieces, I was very upset. I started
thinking that I’d just have to go
abroad to get married. Within an
hour, you start to put things into
perspective. I was angry at the fact
we had been in just a few weeks
before and had found some things
amiss, but I started to think, at the
end of the day, you have to put all
of the materialistic things aside. I
thought, ‘I’m still going to get mar-
ried, I’m still going to make this
pact.”
In addition, due to the fact that
Spencer isn’t Catholic, the couple
had been through almost two years
of to-ing and fro-ing with the
Church in New Zealand to make
the arrangements that would allow
 weddings

them to marry in a Catholic

Church. “So marrying him hasn’t
been easy,” she laughs.
“It took the bones of a couple of
years for us, not to mention the money.
It took time; an awful lot of effort and
a lot of calls to New Zealand and
tracking down of birth certificates in a
place that Spencer had left when he
was five. That was a lot of to-ing and
fro-oing on that front.”
So all of this, in addition to rais-
ing two little boys, meant that get-
ting married wasn’t the smoothest
of operations for the couple.
“But I put things into perspective.
At the end of the day, I was still get-
ting married.”
All the other plans, thankfully,
went smoothly. “Even down to the
cake lady and the florist, I tried not
to interfere. I told them a little bit
about what I was hoping to achieve Flowers: Stems and Stalks
and then listened to their side of the Make-up: Emily’s own work
story and allowed their expertise to Hair: Vivienne in Goodfellows
come together. That’s why I found it Dress: Bronte Designs
really easy because I left it to them; Photographer: Mike English
they were the ones who came up with Music: Midnight Hour
the ideas and that’s why a lot of the Hotel: Springfort Hall
planning and the décor was so great.”
Emily and Spencer finally tied the
knot on 18 November 2006 in St
Mary’s Church in Mallow, with the
reception in the Old Country
Manor, Springfort Hall in
Doneraile, with a modest 100
guests.
“It went extremely well. There were
a few overseas people that unfortu-
nately couldn’t make it so there were
a couple of cancellations but the
whole wedding itself was fantastic.”
Emily says that the special
moment of the day for her was
when she arrived at the altar.
“When I was walking down with
dad and when I got to the alter and
then when we were both saying our
vows and looked at each other, as if
to say, ‘We’ve got here finally’, there
was just that lovely magical moment
between us. That would have been
our favourite part. There is absolutely
nothing I’d change about the day.”

WEDDINGSnow 57
 wedding
picture
perfect
While some would imagine that
getting married abroad involves a lot
of time, money and hassle, Cathy
Gately, who married Brian Walsh in
Ravello, Italy on 22 September, says
that things couldn’t have been
easier, and both the preparations
and the day went by like a dream.
58 WEDDINGSnow
Cathy and Brian got engaged while
on holiday in Ravello in September
2005 and decided to return there to
get married.
“We saw lots of weddings there
between Amalfi, Positano and Ravello
and we just thought it would be a
beautiful place to get married.”
So Cathy and Brian went about
emailing a few hotels and flew over
in January to view some of the ven-
ues. They decided on Villa Eva in
Ravello, a house and gardens that
are rented out for weddings. “It was
perfect and there were absolutely
stunning views. When we went to
see it, we realised it was everything
we were looking for - we could have
our reception outdoors, there was a
great view and good food.
“We sent out an email to all of our
guests, gave them some information
and said if they were planning a holi-
day that year that they might consider
travelling to Italy for the wedding, no
pressure. We just said that whoever
would like to come, would be more
than welcome, here are the dates, here’s
the venue. We suggested that the guests
stayed in Amalfi. So we put together a
document about the area, with rele-
vant websites, accommodation, how to
get there, what airlines flew and how
to get there from Naples.”
As with most weddings in Italy,
the venue provided a wedding plan-
ner who coordinated the whole wed-
ding for them, including the organi-
sation of accommodation for many
of the 80 guests.“So from that point
 weddings
of view, we didn’t get involved in
organising our guests’ trips. Everyone
did their own thing and that kept
things simple for us.”
When Cathy and Brian arrived a
few days before the wedding, they
undertook a civil declaration, to
ensure that all paper work was in
order and that they were legally
entitled to get married. So, apart
from that and meeting with the
florist and the photographer, there
was little for the couple to do but
relax and enjoy the run-up to the
wedding.
“Maybe it wouldn’t be so easy for
someone who wants to get into the
detail but we didn’t get too involved. I
think it’s easier than getting married
in Ireland. I could imagine that if
you’re nearer your venue, you’d be pop-
ping in all the time and getting down
to the smaller details. But when your
venue is that far away, you just have to Flowers: Local florist, Ravello
judge it all from photos and emails. Make-up: Cathy’s sister, Niamh, Belleza
We placed a lot of trust in the wedding Hair: Local hairdresser, Amalfi
planner, though. He was superb and Dress: Scarlett Brides, Ennis
he came up trumps. We also went by a Photographer: Local, Ravello
lot of recommendations from people Music: Local Jazz band
online. Everything was better than I Hotel: Villa Eva, Ravello
ever imagined it would be.”
“The day went great. Once we had
our final bits sorted, I found that I
could relax straight away. I think that
if you were at home, you might still be
doing bits and pieces until the morn-
ing of the wedding, but there was so
much to get ready before you leave
Ireland, you can relax once you get
there because you’ve it all done before
that. Also, we didn’t get married until
5pm, so we had all day to get ready.”
On the day, the picturesque and
intimate church was adorned with
candles, petals were strewn up the
aisle and there was classical music
playing throughout the ceremony.
Afterwards, the couple and the wed-
ding party walked down to the near-
by square where there was a cham-
pagne reception.
The meal was held outside the
villa, after which the party started
and continued until 4am.
So all in all, Cathy says that her
wedding day couldn’t have been
more perfect. “I’d definitely recom-
mend it,” she says.

WEDDINGSnow 59
feature

in a
age
ess
som
m s lo us e da
t
s.

b Flo
e
w ad
rs
n
h r
been ation et
ave gener bouqu e
l
l
we gs fo brida k to t all
c
ddi itiona ots ba ruled
ro tition ts.
h

e tr its s n
Th trace super r eve
o
can when ’s maj
s fe
day of li

To ward off evil spirits, protect
themselves from danger and ensure
a long, happy and fruitful marriage,
brides would adorn themselves
with a variety of herbs and flowers.
Over time this practice evolved into
much more manageable floral
accessories but brides are still
choosing wedding flowers with a
specific message in mind. A good
florist or a trawl through the World
Wide Web will provide a list of
what each type of bloom stands for.
But what if red tulips say ‘I love
you’ and you don’t like tulips? Just
choose a flower and a colour that
appeals to you and reflects your
personality. The choice is huge and
you’re bound to find at least one
that suits. Any florist worth his or
her salt will ensure that all the
flowers used on your wedding day
complement each other, carry your
theme and colour scheme through
every aspect and add their
contribution to your perfect day.
Almond Blossom – Hope
Apple Blossom – Good Fortune
Asphodel – My regrets follow you to
the grave
Barberry – Bad Temper
Burdock – Touch me not
Camellia – Gratitude
Carnation – Fascination
Chrysanthemum Red – I love you
Chrysanthemum White – Truth
Cyclamen – Modesty
Daffodil – Regard
Daisy – Innocence
Fern – Fascination
Forget-me-not – Remembrance
Gardenia – Joy
Heather – Good Luck
Hellebore – Scandal
Heliotrope – Devotion
Honeysuckle – Generosity
Hyacinth – Loveliness
Hydrangea – Boastfulness
Ivy – Fidelity
Iris – Flame/Burning love
Japonica – Loveliness
Jasmine – Amiability
King’s Cup – I wish I were rich
Larkspur – Fickleness
Lemon Blossom – Fidelity in love
Lilac – Youthful Innocence
Lily – Majesty
Lily-of-the-valley – Return of happi-
ness
Magnolia – Perseverance
Maidenhair – Discretion
Marigold – Grief
Meadow Saffron – My best days are
past
Mimosa – Sensitivity
Myrtle – Love
Narcissus – Egotism
Orange Blossom – Purity
Orchid – Beauty
Peach Blossom – Captive
Pink – Boldness
Rose – Love, Happiness
Snowdrop – Hope
Sweet pea – Pleasure
Tulip Red – I love you
Tulip White – I am worthy of you
Veronica – Fidelity
Violet – Faithfulness

60 WEDDINGSnow

Claregalway Hotel for ...
perfect
weddings
Claregalway Hotel has captured the hearts of
many couples since opening its doors in July 2004
Ideally located on the edge of
WWW.CLAREGALWAYHOTEL.IE TEL: 091 738300
Galway City, Claregalway Hotel
has established itself as a leading
wedding venue in Galway.
Every couple wants their wed-
EMAIL C+B@CLAREGALWAYHOTEL.IE
ding day to be special and the
Claregalway Hotel believes in tai-
loring your wedding reception to
your needs, thus ensuring your
every desire is met.
Each couple receives the person-
nal and professional attention of
the Claregalway Hotel’s in-house
wedding coordinator Julie
Murphy. Julie meets with each
couple and devotes great care and
attention to each individual wed-
ding enquiry.
The Claregalway Hotel delivers a
personal touch on every occasion.
By catering for just one wedding
per day, the Claregalway Hotel
ensures that special requirements
are professionally dealt with by our
experienced management and ban-
queting team.
Each room is carefully set, with
attention paid to the smallest detail
from the layout, napkins and centre
pieces. Even the colour scheme of
your wedding is considered.
The Waterdale Suite has been
purposely designed with your
wedding in mind. The wedding
suite exudes elegance and style,
creating a warm and intimate
feature
atmosphere for you and your
guests. The hotel continuously
wishes to develop its service and
with this in mind, has added ele-
gant touches over recent weeks to
enhance the Waterdale Suite.
If you and your loved one have
recently gotten engaged, the
Claregalway Hotel would be delight-
ed to welcome you to view the hotel
facilities. Call 091 738300 to make
an appointment with Julie Murphy,
in-house wedding coordinator. Julie
will be delighted to discuss your
wedding plans.
Log onto www.claregalwayhotel.ie
or email c+b@claregalwayhotel.ie.
WEDDINGSnow 63
feature

Be brave
alternative weddings
Go on, dare to be different!

Underwater wedding
in Maui, Hawaii
Are you and your partner true
lovers of the ocean? Or maybe you
share a common love for scuba div-
ing? If you are both certified divers
and you would like to get married
underwater, this is a truly original
(and brave) way to tie the knot. A
wedding reception and rehearsal
dinners can also take
place underwater.
www.justmauied.com

Chateaux weddings
While celebs are flocking to Ireland
to get married in our stunning
castles, why not be a little different
and head for one of Europe’s
beautiful châteaux’s and castles?
Prague is just one country to offer
the ultimate in romantic castle
weddings, at a very competitive rate.
www.mycastlewedding.com

Las Vegas
For a truly fun and different
wedding, there’s nothing like
getting hitched in Vegas for those
with a quirky sense a humour, little
time on their hands and a desire to
sway from the norm.
Choose from an Elvis-themed
wedding, an exotic Egyptian theme
wedding, a Camelot theme wed-
ding or a pirate-themed Las Vegas
wedding. The choice is endless, the
tone is delightfully irreverent and
takes place in party central. There’s
also an option for the wedding to
be broadcast over the internet so
your friends and family can watch
you tie the knot!
www.vivalasvegasweddings.com
www.vegas.com/weddings
Sky dive weddings
Head to the States and tie the knot
while falling thousands of feet from
the sky. The ultimate in dare devil
antics, if you and your partner like
to live on the edge, there’s no edgier
way to get hitched.
www.ascskydiving.com
www.vegasextremeskydiving.com Get hitched in a hot
air balloon in Oz
An organic wedding A specially chosen local location
For those of you socially responsible provides ideal climate and weather
couples who want to make a state- conditions to view the Atherton
ment, you can always get married Tablelands/Cairns Highlands
organically. Yes, believe it. You can from high above. A sunrise flight
have an organic wedding, from while declaring your love for one
your wedding dress, down to your another will be an experience you’ll
organic spuds at the meal. never forget.
www.organicweddings.com www.fantaseaweddings.com

64 WEDDINGSnow

welcome to
something new
We look forward to welcoming your wedding party to the Clayton Hotel
Galway, our exclusive new four star hotel.
CONTACT INFO: WWW.CLAYTON.IE EMAIL:INFO@CLAYTON.IE TEL: 091 721900
Be dazzled by our professional
service and attention to detail as
your family and friends enjoy the
ambiance of our comfortable sur-
roundings. Designed to impress,
our hotel is chic and fashionable
with a spacious ballroom offering
wonderful views.
Celebrate your wedding day in
style at the Clayton Galway where
special memories are made to last.
We will ensure that your day is
an amazing experience for you and
your guests with exquisite and
flawless coordination of all details
of your wedding day.
ARRIVE IN STYLE
Let our hotel be the backdrop to a
perfect day.
OUR BALLROOM
Our fabulous ballroom can accom-
modate up to 400 people banquet
style with an option to partition the
room for smaller weddings. An
extended glass façade offers wonder-
ful views with the internal furnish-
ings of only the highest standard.
CULINARY DELIGHTS
Sample the remarkable creations of
our experienced and award winning
chefs.Whether you are a top table
guest or simply dining in our stylish
restaurant, we want you to have a sub-
lime taste experience at the Clayton.
• Special menus can be prepared for
your wedding day, ranging from
buffet to banqueting styles.
• Our wedding menus are
personally designed to cater
for all your requirements and
requests and range in price
from €32 to €49 per person.
• We invite you to sit with
our dedicated wedding
coordinator and chef
to discuss your menus and
your requirements in detail.
ACCOMMODATION
Clayton has 200 superbly appoint-
ed rooms including a dedicated
executive floor with 14 luxurious
executive rooms with individual
balconies and a private executive
lounge on this floor also. The
Clayton boasts a magnificent presi-
feature
dential suite on the top floor of the
hotel with its own private terrace
overlooking Ballybrit Racecourse.
We offer a special wedding
accommodation rate for your
family and friends.
EXCLUSIVE WEDDING
PACKAGE INCLUDES
• Wedding Banquet in private
function room.
• Complimentary red carpet.
• Complimentary Champagne for
bride and groom on arrival.
• Complimentary fresh floral
arrangement on every table.
• Bridal suite for the
honeymoon couple.
• Choice of cake stand
and accessories.
• Use of the grounds
for photographs.
• Special accommodation rates
for wedding party.
• Our professional team will help
you with all of your queries even
down to the smallest details such
as place settings, menus and cake
stands, etc.
WEDDINGSnow 65
feature
getting
married
abroad
There are several reasons
why more and more people
are heading for the hills
when getting married
Firstly,
t h e r e ’s
the whole
family issue
where a couple’s
reluctance to invite every
first, second and third cousin,
their children, and their cousins, not
to mention all the in-laws and their
aunts and cousins, causes copious
amounts of friction within families.
Then there’s the whole cost issue
where weddings can set a couple
back tens of thousands of euro.
The whole stress issue is another
factor that couples try to avoid by
getting married abroad. While plan-
66 WEDDINGSnow
ning for
a wedding
needn’t be stressful,
there will inevitably be moments
during the preparation stages when
you wonder why you bothered.
One of the main reasons, howev-
er, is that people just want to get
away, tie the knot somewhere
romantic and hot, something a lit-
tle different.
The main thing, following cost
and availability issues, that
should be considered is
that there are several
regulations to be
adhered to when
getting married
abroad, which take
time and patience and
should be taken into
consideration when opt-
ing for a foreign wedding.
For example, a church marriage
abroad is usually a purely religious
ceremony with no legal effect.
Because it is not recognised in law in
the country in which it takes place,
it cannot be regarded as a legal mar-
riage in Ireland.
It is very important that you make
sure to meet all the legal require-
ments of the country you are marry-
ing in. You should contact the rele-
vant embassy or the religious
author-
ities in that country to
find out what is required. For
more information on legal require-
ments, log onto www.oasis.gov.ie/rela-
tionships/marriage.
There’s always the Vegas route,
but there are so many other beauti-
ful destinations to choose from
around the world that wont break
the bank and are a little more tradi-
tionally romantic.
Italy is now one of
the top destinations
for Irish couples
opting to get mar-
ried abroad. One of
the most romantic
destinations in the
world, Italy is stun-
ning, steeped in history,
with fantastic food and wine,
not to mention its gloriously pas-
sionate people.
In Italy, you can have a valid civil
wedding, a religious wedding, a
symbolic ceremony or a simple
blessing or elopement. For legally
recognised weddings, you must pres-
ent documents to the local authori-
ties. Visit www.irishcollege.org for
information on requirements for
Catholic Church weddings in Italy or
www.weddingsinitaly.it.
 Requirements
for getting married in Spain
are quite similar to that of Italy and like Italy there is an
abundance of stunning and romantic locations to choose
from with almost guaranteed good weather, depending on
the season. As Spain is somewhat cheaper than many places
in Italy, many people opt to get married there. In addition,
flights are cheaper and so, the option of travelling to Spain is
sometimes a more preferable option for guests than Italy.
www.spanishweddings.ie
Getting married in France is not as popular in Ireland as
other destinations, mainly due to the fact that there are
several legal loops. However, Paris still remains one of the
most romantic cities in Europe to tie the knot. It is always
a good idea to make contact with the embassy of the coun-
try of your choice to become ofay with any requirements.
In general, getting married within most European coun-
tries requires: passports, birth certificates, and evidence of
termination of any previous marriages, certificates of marital
status. Some countries require medical certificates, marriage
certificate of parents, certificates of registration from local
registration office and an avadavat of law.

For more information on getting married abroad,

visit www.wedding-ireland.com
feature

Hearts on Fire available at

Hartmanns of Galway

Cobwebs Jewellery

Designworks, Cork

Compleat from
Diamonds by Julia

Ti Sento available at Castalia

Jewellers, Cork

Cobwebs Jewellery

68 WEDDINGSnow
 feature

Designworks, Cork

Cielo Gioielli from

Helga’s Antiques, Cork

Ti Sento available at Castalia Jewellers,

Cork and Hartmanns of Galway

what gives...
The Orchid set from
Michel Jewellers, Cork

presents for the wedding party

Show your wedding party your appreciation with a gift.
Choose from our selection of top wedding gifts

Hearts on Fire available at

Hartmanns of Galway

WEDDINGSnow 69
feature
Stress has
become part and
parcel of
everyday life.
Plan ahead
More and more couples are opting for some
Managing it can experienced help when it comes to organising
their big day. If you, like so many brides-to-be,
be difficult, wish there were more hours in the day, then per-
especially when haps a quick consultation with an expert is just
what you need. Who wouldn’t pay for someone
you’re planning a to take away the stress of planning a wedding,
wedding leaving you with just the fun bits, and commit to
delivering the wedding of your dreams within
your budget? Most people think that hiring a
wedding planner is something the rich and
famous avail of. But wedding planners are cheap-
er than you think.
The standard fee for a wedding coordinator is
ten per cent of your wedding budget, which
means depending on the size of your wedding,
you could pay more for your photographer than
remove your wedding coordinator.
Top of a wedding planner’s ‘to do’ list is to
ensure that you do not get stressed. They will
do all the running around, researching venues
for the ceremony and reception, florists, pho-
tographers, wedding cars, and all of the other
products and services required for a wedding.
The planner will guide you through step-by-
step all that needs to be done for your big day.
They will reassure you that everything will run
smoothly and will be on hand on the day of the
wedding to make sure that everything is in
place. They can advise you on all aspects of
wedding budgets, table plans, themed wed-
dings and tips on saving money. Hiring a wed-
ding planner could mean the difference between a
great day and the best day of your life.
countdown
So you have
made the
decision
to marry the
man/woman of
your dreams.
Now the
fun begins.
If you are
intending on
getting married
right away, there
are a few ground
rules to cover
beforehand
ONE YEAR/SIX MONTHS TO GO time for her as well). Decide what colours you
Budget – how much are you willing to spend? want for the wedding party.
Check out page 38, where we have compiled a Talk to your hairdresser about what style would
typical wedding budget. best suit and take his/her advice. Inform the rele-
Pick a date, book the church and the hotel. Some vant registrar of your intention to marry. Three
hotels are booked up a year in advance so have a few months is now the minimum notice required.
dates in mind to avoid disappointment.
Get working. Pick up wedding magazines, sneak THREE MONTHS TO GO
into other weddings for a peek. Start noticing Organise your wedding gift list, post wedding
bridesmaids dresses, colours, veils, tiaras, flowers etc. invitations, finalise bedrooms with hotel, finalise
Pick your bridesmaids. Check out page 45 for menu, arrange hen/stag night and check passports.
advice on picking bridesmaids.
Compile a guest list. Yes, you will have rows ONE MONTH TO GO
over it but it needs to be done. Decide on how Finalise table plan, make a list of wedding accept-
many friends your parents can bring and stick to ances and refusals, check out the progress of the
it. Children or no children, it will make a differ- dresses, write thank you cards as presents arrive,
ence to your budget. draw up seating plan, book hair, fake tan etc.
Start booking your photographer, musicians,
wedding stationery, florist, cars, hair and make up, ONE WEEK TO GO
wedding cake, honeymoon etc. Pack for your honeymoon, wear in your wedding
Begin the search for the dress. Only bring one shoes, arrange for somebody reliable to pick up
person along with you. Too many opinions can the formal wear, cake, flowers etc. Contact the
lead to stress. Mothers are usually the best and it hotel to make sure everything is in order, have a
is a great way to bond (This is a very emotional facial and massage.
feature

To list or not to list

Choosing to list or not to list your wedding gifts is a decision
both you and your future husband should seriously consider.

74 WEDDINGSnow
Some couples, who may already have a home and all
the appliances in the world, prefer monetary gifts. If
wedding lists are not your thing, then you could ask
guests to donate money to a charity of your choice or
ask family and friends to contribute to the honeymoon.
Up until recently, the wedding gift list sat uncomfort-
ably with the Irish psyche but, as with everything that
comes to us from our westerly neighbours, most of us
have got used to it now. Getting a list with your wedding
invitation seemed a bit on the cheeky side. It seemed to
say ‘We’re providing you with a free dinner and we want
one of the following in return’. But in reality, all it was
doing was stating the obvious, pointing us in the right
direction present-wise and preventing the newly married
couple from suffering a glut of cutlery and steam irons.
A well thought out wedding gift list caters for a wide
range of budgets, which can be something of a double-
edged sword. On the positive side, it allows guests to
choose how much they want to spend on a wedding gift
that you are guaranteed to appreciate (because you asked
for it). The down side is that everyone knows how much
everyone else spent – which if you’re lucky, could lead to
competition!
Getting a wedding gift list is one thing but making
one is quite another! It is very important to create your
list about three months beforehand to allow for order
and delivery times.
Down to the nitty gritty! Set aside an evening or two
or however long it takes and write down everything
you’d like to get. The sky’s the limit here. You can get
realistic later.
Do you need items for a new home? If your nest is
already well feathered what about paintings, garden
accessories, sports equipment or even holiday vouchers?
You need to decide together how to categorise the gifts
price-wise. You can be quite specific (and organised) and
group several gifts of the same value together, for exam-
ple, ‘Under 50’, ‘Under 100’ etc. Or you could be
really vague and say ‘Anything in Waterford Crystal’. Put
more than you want on the list, which gives your guests
a choice. Always include gift vouchers; they are handy
for completing partially bought gift sets.
Once you’ve come up with a workable list, start think-
ing about where the items can be purchased. It’s unlikely
that everything will be available from one store and it is
perfectly acceptable to have two or more on the list.
Before you finalise your list, you need to contact the
stores to find out how they handle wedding lists.
Questions to ask include what is their policy for
exchanging gifts; do they deliver and have they an online
service? It’s important to remember to include the store’s
contact details and any reference numbered needed on
your list.
Once you’ve sorted all that out and registered with the
store, you can put the finishing touches to your list and
then sit back and wait for the goodies to start arriving!
feature
happy
honeymoon
Everyone knows that a honeymoon is the most enjoyable aspect of getting married.
You’ve stressed, you’ve fretted, the big day’s over, and now it’s time to chill and
enjoy the time alone with your newly acquired life partner
While there are one hundred and one ideal hon-
eymoon destinations around the world, you may
want to sway from the norm and do something
a little different. So we have put together a few
ideas for an alternative honeymoon.
ICEHOTEL, JUKKASJARVI
Set among the wilderness in the stunning
Swedish Lapland, the Icehotel is the ultimate
alternative destination for your honeymoon.
Each year, a team of snow builders, archi-
tects, designers and artists from all corners of
the world create the Icehotel. The ice used to
build the structure is one of the main features
76 WEDDINGSnow
of the hotel as it is crystal clear, with a few
bubbles trapped within it.
Staying at Icehotel is an experience utterly
unlike other hotel stays. After a day of adven-
ture, nightfall approaches quickly. The outdoor
temperature drops and when you step inside
Icehotel, you feel a rush of warm air. Inside,
the temperature is never colder than -5°C to
8°C, regardless of how cold it may be outside.
When it is time to go to bed, wrapped in
thermal night wear and a woolly hat, you
sleep on a bed of ice, covered with reindeer
skin, and in a cozy sleeping bag. Bliss! See
www.icehotel.com.
HOLISTIC RETREATS
There are numerous holistic retreat destinations to
choose from, be they in Ireland, the UK or in more
exotic locations such as Spain, Turkey and Thailand.
If you want your honeymoon to be the ultimate
in de-stressing, relaxing and finding your inner-self
retreats, this could be the ideal choice for you.
Many holistic retreats offer a whole range of activities
and therapies to ensure you arrive back from your
honeymoon refreshed and rejuvenated, such as yoga
retreats, detox holidays, massage, writing and outdoor
adventures. Check out www.sustainable.ie for ideas
for Irish holistic getaways, or log onto www.hoho.co.uk
for a taste of something further afield.

BACKPACKING
Traditionally considered to be the holiday of the
early 20 something going on one last extended
debauched holiday before embarking on real life,
backpacking is becoming more and more popular
with young newlyweds.
If travelling around Australia or inter-railing around
Europe was something that you always wanted to do,
but never got the chance, then no better time to do it
than at the beginning of your married life.
Apart from the fact that this type of holiday won’t
break the bank, you are also more likely to discover
parts of the country that you would never have seen
were you a regular traveller.
Not for the fainthearted though, backpacking can
be trying at the best of times, so make sure that you
and your new husband/wife know what you’re
letting yourselves in for. Choose from destinations like
Amsterdam, Buenos Aires, the Grand Canyon, Angkor,
Mombasa or Sardinia; this holiday will definitely be
one to remember. Log onto www.backpacker.com or
www.thebackpacker.net for ideas and tips.

RAISING FUNDS FOR CHARITY

Many charities are now using treks as a way of raising
funds. So, why not incorporate your honeymoon,
with the fantastic experience of climbing Mount
Kilimanjaro, while also raising some much-needed
funds for charities?
Treks usually last from ten days to three weeks, and
are a great way to have an unforgettable experience
with your new spouse, meet like-minded people and
give something back. A trek can be anything from a
snow trek through the Swiss Alps to walking the Great
Wall of China. So for the socially conscious of you out
there, find more details on www.goal.ie, www.accross-
the divide.com/Ireland,www.croi.ie or www.selfhelp.ie.

Music
Choosing music for your wedding deserves as
much time and effort as choosing your wine,
flowers or photographer.
If you are having a church wedding,
decide what type of music you want.
Do you want musical instruments ie
harp, bagpipes, or hymns, one piece
band, gospel choir, a tenor – the choice
is endless. Make contact with the musi-
cian of your choice and together you
can go through the relevant music,
choosing the hymns you want. Most
church musicians know exactly what is
suitable as you also must consider that
some churches may not allow certain
types of music. Discuss this initally
with your priest or whomever is
presiding over the marriage.
According to harpist and singer
Annette Griffin the most popular
church songs are Ave Maria, The Prayer
by Andrea Bocelli and Celine Dion and
The Voyage.
YOUR RECEPTION
Getting the right band, and/or DJ could
take months of research. Everyone will
recommend the right one, but it is up to
you and your husband-to-be to take the
time to go and listen to the band/DJ do
their thing. Good music can mean the
difference between a good wedding and
an unforgettable wedding. If you find the
band that you like, book them as soon as
you can. Arrange to meet again and let
them know whether you want them to
play a few of your own special songs.
Don’t bombard the band/dj with a list of
songs, it will break up the flow of their
performance. Most venues supply couples
with a local list of bands and DJS.
FIRST DANCE FAVOURITES
Most couples will supply the band with
their all important first dance. If you
don’t have a song for your first dance yet,
then borrow from some of our favourites.
From this moment – Shania Twain
Amazed – Lonestar
I don’t want to miss a thing – Aerosmith
Always – Atlantic Star
Because you loved me – Celine Dion
Endless Love – Diane Ross and Lionel Richie
Have I told you lately – Rod Stewart
WEDDINGSnow 79
feature
Dillon Photography Tom Coppinger Photography

Clare O’Rourke Photography

Steve Foster Photography

Martina Regan Photography

picture perfect
Planning a wedding is multi-tasking at the highest level. It takes skill,
Steve Foster Photography

determination, versatility, patience and sheer hard work to pull all the elements
together into one big, coherent and coordinated event
Now cast your mind forward to 20 years
after your wedding day. What will you still
have? The dress, the flowers and the cake will
all be long gone. Some of your guests will
have passed away. The children will be all
grown up and some will even have children
of their own. All you really have left are your
memories and that’s why it’s so important to
choose your photographer carefully. A good
wedding photographer can capture the day
to perfection so that every time you look at
the pictures they evoke all the feelings, sights,
sounds and smells you experienced the day
you got married.
It might make economic sense at the
time to get your friend with the good
camera and a knack for taking snaps to do
the job but, if you can manage to employ
a professional photographer, your wedding
album will always be a source of joy, nos-
talgia and amusement!
So, how do you choose a photographer?
Firstly, do your homework. Like artists,
every photographer has his or her own dis-
tinctive style. Take an interest in the wed-
ding pages of magazines and get a feel for
what kind of images you like. Ask around
for recommendations. When you have a
list of four or five names, make appoint-
ments to meet each photographer.
No matter how brilliant a photographer
is or how many people have recommend-
ed him or her, you need to be able to
communicate clearly with each other and
this is where personality comes in. If the
right ‘chemistry’ isn’t there between you, if
you are not 100 per cent confident that
you are being heard and that he or she
fully understands and appreciates how you
feel and what you’re looking for, you need
a different photographer.
Your wedding day is an intimate and
special time for you, your family and
friends and it’s vital that you feel comfort-
able with the photographer who is captur-
ing those special moments.
Once you have found a suitable photog-
rapher, talk through all the nitty gritty
details – what time and where he will start
taking photographs; the style of photo-
graphs and any special effects you want;
contingency plans if the weather is bad;
how long he anticipates the formal shots
to take; how many photographs you will
have in your album etc. Agree on a price
so that there are no shocks when the bill
arrives and find out exactly what you will
be getting for your money.
Some photographers offer a free engage-
ment portrait as part of the wedding pack-
age, which is very useful for giving you an
opportunity to work with your photographer
in a relaxed setting and get to know each
other better.
As with just about everything else involved
in organising any major event, the key to
success lies in careful planning and working
with the right people.
Your photographer will prove to be an
integral part of your wedding experience, so
it is worth investing some time and money
getting it perfect.

80 WEDDINGSnow
Featured designers
Roswitha Molloy
Born with a passion for design, cou-
pled with a keen sense of style,
Roswitha is a natural born bridal
designer. She is inspired by the clean
lines of the twenties, thirties, forties
and fifties. Her collection of ‘contem-
porary-classic’ dresses are timeless in
their elegance, combining sumptuous
fabrics and a romantic grace with up
to the minute styling. Check out
Roswitha’s collections in our wedding
shoot on pages 21 and 22.
www.romolloy.com

Bridal Designer
of the Year 2006
WEDDINGSnow Magazine is
delighted to feature Bridal
Designer of the Year 2006 Jen
Doherty in our fashion shoot.
Not only did Jen scoop the
overall prize, she was also
named Romantic Category
winner. Check her out on
pages 24 and 26.
www.jendoherty.com

Fashion shoot stockists

Benjamin Adams Shoes, McElhineys, Main Street, Ballybofey, 074 9131217, Co Donegal
and McElhiney’s Fashions, Main Street, Athboy Co Meath 046 9432112;
Flanagans, 111 Lower Level Eyre Square Centre, 091 565308 (many thanks to Flanagans for
supplying the shoes); Perfect Pairs, 10 Church Street, Listowell, Co Kerry 068 23773.
Aisle of Brides, Main Street, Carrick-on-Shannon, 071 9650784.Aislinn Bridal & Evening
Wear, Main Street, Abbeyfeale, Co Limerick, 087 8384482; Bliss, Unit 9, Racefield Centre,
Friar Russell Road, Limerick 061 307040; Lauda Bridal Unit, 6 Kennedy House, Kennedy
Road, Navan 0469 022701; Simones, Hyde Bridge, Lower O’Connell Street, Sligo; The
Bridal Academy, 22 Main Street, Carrick-on-Suir, Co Tipperary 051 642463. My Dress,
Chapel Street, Carrick on Suir, 051 645533; The White Room, 39 Austin Friars Street,
Mullingar, Co Westmeath, 044 47661; Eden, 14 Esmonde Street, Gorey, Co Wexford 0558
1932. Jen Doherty, Award winning bridal couture 2006, Studio 1, Buncrana Co Donegal
074 93 63459 and Studio 2, Dublin Docklands, Dublin 4, 01 614 4894; Mathyro gowns,
Marions, Francis Strett, Galway, 091 564966 and Boyle, Co Roscommon, 071 966203
(Many thanks to Marions for supplying the gowns); Melody Brides, Newry. 0044 2830
821724. Pronovais gowns; Aibheil, Main Street 061 396026, Adare, Co Limerick;
Lorren Bridal, Ballinlough, Co Roscommon, 0949 640793; McElhiney’s Stores
Ballybofey,Donegal 0749 131217; Marions, Francis Street, Galway 091 564966 and Boyle,
Co Roscommon, 071 966203 (Many thanks to Marions for supplying the gowns);
Rice n Roses, Douglas, Cork, 0489 8889; Rainbow Shoes (Gabriella Lucido); Kiss the
Bride, 12 Time Square, Ballincollig, Co Cork 0214 289966; Nozomi, O’Connell Street,
Ennis, Co Clare. 065 6228655. Flanagans, 111 Lower Level, Eyre Square Centre, Galway.
091 565308. (Many thanks to Flanagans for supplying the shoes); Aibheil, Main Street,
Adare, Limerick 061 396026; The Weddding shop, First floor, 10 Thomas Street, Limerick.
061 411553; Rembo Styling gowns; The Moderne, 89-90 Patrick Street, Cork;
McElhineys, Main Street, Ballybofey, Co Donegal, 074 9131217; & McElhiney’s Fashions,
Main Street, Athboy, Co Meath. 046 9432112; Marions, Francis Street, Galway, 091
564966 and Boyle, Co Roscommon, 071 966203 (Many thanks to Marions for supplying
the gowns); Patricia’s Bridal, Newcastlewest, Co Limerick, The Elegant Touch, Market
Square, Ballina, Co Mayo; Lauda, Kennedy Road, Navan; Simones, Hyde Bridge, Lower
O’Connell Street, Sligo. Hera, 75 South Main Street, Wexford; Rococo; Cross Street,
Galway 091 565856 and The Westbury Mall, 01 6704007; Roswitha Molloy, Ireland, Best
Weddings Couturier 2005 by The Irish Weddings Awards 01 8385947 www.romolloy.com,
Special Day Gowns; Aisle of Brides, Carrick on Shannon, 071 9650784; Marians, Francis
Street, Galway, 091 564966 and Boyle, Co Roscommon, 071 966203 (Many thanks to
Marians for supplying the gowns), McElhinney, Ballybofey, Co Donegal;
Midland Bridalwear, Birr, 0509 22014; My Dress, Carrick on Suir, 051 645-533; Perfect
Day Bridal, Limerick, 061 314291; Pronuptia of Cork, 021 4273530, Rice N Roses,
Cork, 021 4898899; The Bridal Gallery, Castle Island, 064 20017; The Modern Cork, 021
4270266; Treacy Bridal, 091 564601; Ultimate Brides, Co Roscommon 090 6628912;
Wedding Belle, Mallow, Co Cork, 022 21468; Virgina Bridal, 7/8 Roches Street, Limerick
061 41518 & 085 7184454 www.virginjasbridal.com (Many thanks to Virginija for
supplying the gowns) Headpiece by Emily-Jean Designs, Irish Handmade butterfly
headpiece, emilyjeandesigns@eircom.net
weddings
1 1 1 Rosemarie Hosty and
Declan O’Brien
celebrated their
wedding at Bushypark
Church with the
reception afterwards at
the Ardilaun House
Hotel.
Photos
The Lane Studios,
Church lane, Galway

091 567938

1 1 2 Elaine White tand

Kieran Harten, both
from Navan were
married in Furbo
Church followed by a
reception in the
Connemara Coast
Hotel.
Photos Martina Regan
Photography

www.martinaregan.com
087 202 1992

2 2

82 WEDDINGSnow

1
 weddings
The wedding of
Geraldine Kerins and
Desmond Grennan
at Glandore, Cork
Photos by GMC
Photography,
087 8537228

www.germac.ie

WEDDINGSnow 83
weddings
1 Donna
Cunningham and
Noel McNena
were married re-
cently in The
Church of Mary
Immaculate
Queen, Bearna,
Galway

84 WEDDINGSnow
 featuremotoring

18 Townpark Centre, Tuam Road, Galway. T: 091 770869 F: 091 786048 E: flowers@iol.ie www.branchflowers.com

1 Karen Bolton and 1 1 1

Anthony Ferguson
were married in
Tuam Catherdral
with the reception
in The Westwood
Hotel.
Photos
The Lane Studios,
Church lane, Galway

091 567938

2 Noírin Ni Chong-
haile and Barry
O’Coistealbha cele- 1
brated their wed-
ding day at
Carraroe Church
and afterwards in
The Galway Bay
Hotel
Photos
The Lane Studios,

Church lane, Galway

091 567938

2 2

WEDDINGSnow 85
featuremotoring

weddings
out&about

1 1 2 Sinead Dunleavy
and Gerard
McDonagh were
married in St
James Church
Bushypark with the
reception in The
Great Southern
Hotel
Photos by
Melissa Mannion
melissamannion.com

086 8038034

2 Andrea Ryan and

Paul Gray were
married in August
in St Marys
Cathedral in
Killarney.
Reception in the
Brehon Hotel.
Photo Claire O'Rorke
2 2 Photography Dip Com

Photo L.I.P.P.A
16 North Mall

Cork
021 439 8181
info@corphotogra-
phy.com

www.corphotogra-
phy.com

86 WEDDINGSnow
 weddings
1 Julie Nolan and Rob 1 1
Eyers were married
in St Peters Church
Kilkee
Photos by Peter Harkin
Photography, 1 Nile Lodge,
Salthill, Galway

091 529700

2 Karryanne Saunders
and Gary Matthews
were married in The
Holy Family Church
and the reception was
in St Clerans
Photos by Peter Harkin
2 2
Photography, 1 Nile Lodge,
Salthill, Galway

091 529700

3 Lorraine Scarry
married Frank Kelly at
Ballymacward Church
and the reception was
held in The Lady
Gregory Hotel
Photos by Dillon
Photography

086 8206171
www.dillonphotography.ie

3 3
1 1 1 Wedding of Eva
Reynolds, Carrick on
Shannon to Mark
Eggleton, London in
the Church of the
Immaculate Concep-
tion, Ballinakill followed
by reception in
Rosleague Manor
Hotel, Letterfrack.
Photo Martina Regan
Photography
www.martinaregan.com

087 202 1992

2 Aoife Foley and Martin

Ryan were married in
1 August in the
Honan chapel in UCC
followed by reception
for their 150 guests in
the Trident Hotel
Kinsale.
Photo Claire O'Rorke Pho-
tography Dip Com Photo

L.I.P.P.A

16 North Mall
Cork
021 439 8181
info@corphotography.com
www.corphotography.com
2 2

88 WEDDINGSnow
 weddings
1 Edwina Forde and
1 1
Francis Whiriskey
were married re-
cently in the Church
of the Assumption
Claregalway with the
reception held in the
Claregalway Hotel
Photos by
Melissa Mannion
melissamannion.com

086 8038034

2 Elaine Whyte and

Enda Fanning were
married in Kiltulagh
Church and the re-
ception was held in
St Clerans
Photo by Peter Harkin
Photography, 1 Nile
1 1
Lodge, Salthill, Galway
091 529700

2 2

WEDDINGSnow 89
weddings
1 1 1 Marianne Lee from
Kinsale and Ger
O'Reilly from Schull
after their wedding at
Gouganne Barra
Photos
Donagh Glavin
021 4872217

086 1722223
www.donaghglavin.com

2 Wedding of Suzanne
Divilly and Patrick
Oliver at the Claddagh
Church. The reception
1
was at Cloonacauneen
Castle
Photo Lisa Daly
lisa@lisadalyphotography.com

2 2
 weddings
1 Linda Walsh and Mike 1 1
Flaherty who were
married recently in
Claregalway Church
and the recption was
held in the Ardilaun
Hotel.
Photos by Philip Smyth.
091 555814
087 6381227

E-mail:philip@smythpho-
tography.com

2 Aine Keary and

Christopher Dolan
were married recently
2 3
in Kinnitty Castle
Photos by Coppinger and
Curran
www.tcoppinger.com

090 9679429

086 2602770

3 Michelle Warde and

Michael Corless were
married recently in
Dunmore
Photos by Coppinger and
2
Curran

www.tcoppinger.com
090 9679429
086 2602770

4 Mary Brett and Gerry

Feeney were married
recently in Kiltullagh.
Photos by Coppinger and
Curran
www.tcoppinger.com
4
090 9679429

086 2602770
weddings
1 1 1 Wedding of Louise
Murphy and
Michael
O'Donovan who
were married
recently in North
Cathedral, Cork
Photos
Life Studio
www.lifestudio.ie

2 Michelle Kilkenny
and Brian
Cunningham were
married in
1 1 Ballindine re-
cently
Photos by Coppinger
and Curran
www.tcoppinger.com

090 9679429

086 2602770

2
 weddings
1 Barbara Hennessy and 1 1
Frank Roche were
married in Honan
Chapel UCC with the
reception after in
Inchydoney
Photos by Healy
Rimmington Photography,
Norwood Gate,

Rochestown, Cork
021 4366051
www.healyrimmington.com

2 Gillian Davy and Adrian

Searles were married
at Honan Chapel UCC
2 2
with the reception in
the Garryvoe Hotel
Photos by Healy
Rimmington Photography,

Norwood Gate,
Rochestown, Cork

021 4366051
www.healyrimmington.com
2

3 Sinead Powell and

Gareth Hanley were
married in Ballinrostig
Church, Midleton with
the reception held in
Inchydoney
Photos by Healy
2
Rimmington Photography,

Norwood Gate,
Rochestown, Cork
021 4366051
www.healyrimmington.com

3 3
weddings
1 Emma Croke and
1 1
David Kinnevey who
were married recently
in Moycullen Church
and the reception was
held in the Westwood
Hotel.
Photos by Philip Smyth.
091 555814
087 6381227

E-mail:philip@smythpho-
tography.com

2 Natasha Labos and

Clancy Barret at their
recent wedding in
2 2
Ashford Castle
Photos by Melissa Mannion
Photography
www.melissiamannion.com

086 8038034

3 Christina Oliver and

Martin Fahy were
married recently in St
Mary's the Claddagh
Church with reception
afterwards in the
Claregalway Hotel.

3 3

in the stars
The twelve signs of the zodiac
are arranged into four groups,
which correspond to the
four elements of ancient and
medieval philosophy: Fire, Earth,
Air and Water. Each group
contains three sun signs, which
are influenced by their
element in particular ways
Fire Signs
The Fire signs – Aries, Leo and
Sagittarius – are assertive, enthusias-
tic, energetic and creative. Fire sign
individuals are full of warmth and
life and have a direct and immediate
influence on their surroundings.
Aries people need partners that
help them keep their inner fire
under control. Their unpredictabili-
ty is sometimes enough to make you
want to pull your hair out! But there
is one thing about them that you
can depend on: life with an Aries
person is never, ever dull or boring.
What Leo needs is a person who
can tolerate the shows of ego and see
through them for what they are: a
very desirable partner! Leo can be
showy and self-centred, but can also
be extremely warm and generous.
Leos have so much energy that it
can’t help but emanate outwardly to
the people they want to share their
lives with.
The best match for Sagittarius is
a person whose intellect is active,
who is interested in a wide variety
of topics and talking points and
who can keep themselves amused
while their Sagittarian partner is
off on a mad adventure.
Earth Signs
The Earth signs – Taurus, Virgo
and Capricorn – are practical and
ambitious. Innately cautious, careful
and restrained, Earth signs work
hard to improve and consolidate
their situation in life.
Taurus needs a partner who will
reinforce feelings of comfort and
familiarity as well as nudge the
Taurean into occasional encounters
with emotion and spirituality. In
general, Taurus’ stability makes for a
person who is easily domesticated
and an ideal marriage partner, so
long as the Taurus person can be
drawn away from a self-centred exis-
tence that consists mainly of keeping
things just the way they are.
Virgo places a very high priority
on relationship and takes it extreme-
ly seriously but it’s important to
realise that they don’t respond well
to purely emotional appeals. Virgo
needs to know that a relationship
will produce practical returns, and
that means they need a partner who
will be willing to be subjected to
Virgo’s improvement programme!
Capricorn seeks someone who
will provide a warm and secure
home base. This person must also
be extremely dependable, and have
the desire to follow family tradi-
tions. Capricorn works hard to
build a solid foundation that can
always be counted on, so any
prospective partner must be willing
to follow through on this ambi-
tious plan.
Air Signs
The Air signs – Gemini, Libra and
Aquarius – tend to value mental
compatibility in romance more than
passion or looks. They love dis-
cussing their thoughts. Shaping new
ideas is far more exciting to them
than carrying them through.
Gemini needs variety, so original-
ity and versatility in a partner are the
most important attractions. If you
need constant attention and devo-
tion, a Gemini is not the person for
you! To keep Gemini’s interest,
make the effort to follow the con-
stantly changing sea of ideas that
emanates from this fascinating per-
son’s mind.
Libra needs a strong personality
in a partner; someone who keeps
weddings
enforcing boundaries and showing
Libra that there’s a lot to be gained
by using one’s initiative. Mental
stimulation is very important to
Libra too. A relationship partner
must be able to relate to Libra’s
refined mind, and also be prepared
to help Libra make decisions. In
return, Libra’s partner will receive
the kind of love most of us only
dream about, as well as a best
friend for life.
Aquarius is an independent soul
who needs an equal partner. This
partner should ideally be alert, intel-
lectually stimulating and very
secure, but able to make occasional
sacrifices for the sake of Aquarius’
special causes. It’s hard for an
Aquarian to tolerate a person who is
so irrational and insecure that they
would think their feelings matter
morethan the good of society.
Water Signs
The water signs – Cancer, Scorpio
and Pisces – are governed by power-
ful emotions, making them intense
and sensitive.
Cancer people are looking for
someone to nest with – for a very
long time. These emotional souls
need almost constant reassurance,
and they don’t let go easily. Cancer is
a self-starter, and will take action to
prevent anything bad from happen-
ing to a loved one.
Scorpio wants to be loved so des-
perately that their relationship part-
ners often find themselves being
controlled and manipulated into
doing things they would never do if
they were asked outright. To handle
a Scorpio, the romantic partner
must be clever and strong enough to
make Scorpio own up to the little
manipulation games that go on.
Pisces is the most gentle sign in
the zodiac. They are always taking
care of other people, and often
don’t have the desire to come
down to earth and work on the
practical areas of life. Their ideal
partner is somebody who will take
care of them, while they take care
of everyone else!
WEDDINGSnow 95
wedding directory
Hotels
Aghadoe Heights, Killarney, Co Kerry.
064 31766.
Carlton Hotel Kinsale & Spa, Rathmore
Road, Kinsale, Co Cork 021 470 6000,
www.carltonkinsalehotel.com
Claregalway Hotel, Claregalway Village,
Galway, 091 738300,
www.claregalwayhotel.ie
Clarinbridge Court Hotel, Clarinbridge,
Galway. 091 796988
www.clarinbridgecourthotel.com.
Clayton Hotel, Ballybrit, Galway, 091
721900
www.clayton.ie
Clifden Station House Hotel, Connemara,
Co. Galway 095 21699,
www.clifdenstationhouse.com
Galway Bay Hotel, Promenade, Salthill,
Galway, 091 520520
www.galwaybayhotel.net
Harbour Hotel, New Docks Road, Galway
City. 091 569466
www.galwayharbourhotel.com
Hotel Meyrick, Eyre Square, Galway
091 564041 www.hotelmeyrick.ie
Menlo Park Hotel, Terryland, Headford
Road, Galway. 091-761122
www.menloparkhotel.ie.
The Imperial Hotel, South Mall, Cork.
021 7306618. www.flynnhotels.com
Radisson SAS Hotel and Spa, Lough Atalia,
Galway, 091 538300
www.radissonhotelgalway.ie
The Rectory, Glandore, West Cork.
028 33072. www.rectory.ie
Shearwater Plaza Hotel, Ballinasloe,
090 9630400 www.shearwaterhotel.com
Cakes
Goyas, Kirwans Lane, Galway 091 567010
www.goyas.ie
Photography
Claire O’Rorke, 16 North Main St,
Cork City. www.corphotography.com
021 4398181
Coppinger and Curran
Moylough, Galway, 0909679429,
086 2602770, www.tcoppinger.com
Dillon Photography, 34 The Maltings,
Loughrea, Galway. 091 871413
www.dillionphotography.com.
Fuji Barna, Seapoint, Barna, Galway
091 867875, www.fujibarna.ie
Martina Regan Photographer, 087 2021992
www.martinaregan.com
Steve Foster Photography, 091 632891
www.sfimages.net
96 WEDDINGSnow
Jewellers
Diamonds and Gold, 12 Cross Street,
Galway, 091 539693
www.diamondsandgoldireland.com
Diamonds By Julia, 178 Bluebell Woods,
Maree Road, Oranmore, Co.Galway,
087 6050050 www.diamonsbyjulia.com
Hartmanns of Galway, 27-29 William
Street, Galway’091 562063,
www.hartmanns.ie
Helgas Antiques, 7 Cross St, Cork
021 4270034
Michel Jewellers, 116 Patrick St, Cork,
021 4271217
Hair & Beauty
Constantly Cupid Hair Salon, 35 Temple
Jarlath Court, Tuam, Co Galway
093 27027
5th Avenue Make Up and Beauty Salon,
14E Liosban Bus. Park,
Tuam Road, Galway, 091 764755
Fuzion, 34 Newcastle Road, Galway
091 582965
Gemini Beauty, Gleann Na Ri (Behind
Bodkins) Renmore, Galway. 091 770776
Itsfabulous.net 091 443944, 086 1960061
The Workshop, 10 Lower Abbeygate Street,
Galway & Sli Gheal, Ballymoneen Road,
Knocknacarra, 091 566680
Purejoy Beauty, Mainguard Street, Galway
091 530540
Fashion
All Dressed Up, 4 Barr ns Straide,
Ballincollig, Cork 021-4289966
Elegant Undies, Unit 3 Downstairs, Eyre
Square Shopping Centre, Williamsgate
Street, Galway. 091 567512
Emily Jean Designs, 34 Tudor Lawn,
Newcastle, Galway. 086 4094190
Hat Shop Galway, U9 Basement, Corbett’s
Court, Galway 091 561052
Lady M Lingerie, 51 Dunkellin Street,
Loughrea, Galway. 091 871141
Marians, St Francis Street, Galway 091
564966; Boyle, Co.Roscommon,
071 9662031 www.marians.ie
Monili, Sallybrook, Glanmire, Co Cork
085 7085031
The Moderne, 89/90 Patrick St, Cork City
www.themoderne.com 021 4270266
Nozomi Shoe Boutiques, 71 O’Connell
Street, Ennis, Co.Clare, 065 6828655; 60
Catherine Street, Limerick, 061 467408
www.nozomiireland.com
Nestors, 18 Eglington Street, Galway,
091 562552
Rococo Cross Street Galway 091 565856;
Westbury Mall,Dublin 2 01 6704007; 20
Glasthule Road; Co.Dublin, 01 2300686
Susie Mahony Designs, Tynagh Road,
Loughrea, 086 1948315
091 847326 www.susiemahonydesigns.ie
Mens
UdeMan, Unit 6, Mount Oval Village,
Cork www.udeman.ie
Music
Willie Carty Entertainment Agency,
Wedding bands available. Conquerors –
Keith McDonald. www.dancingdiary.com,
www.keithmcdonald.ie 090 9741017
Email: conquerors@eircom.net.
Willie Carty’s Entertainment Agency has
been operating in Ireland for the last fifteen
years. In that time he has gained a reputa-
tion as a provider of quality entertainment.
Chris Deakin Professional Wedding DJ, specialise
in unique celebrations. We help plan the perfect
music for your wedding celebrations
087-6959372, www.galwayweddingdj.com
Annette Griffin International Singer &
Harpist 094 9546918,086 2525108
Flowers
Bloomsday Flowers, Main St, Carrigtwohill,
Co. Cork 021 4287404 www.bloomsday.ie
Branch Flowers, 18 Townpark Centre,Tuam Rd,
Galway 091 770869 www.branchflowers.com
The Flower Basket, Clonakilty, Co. Cork
023 33535
Stationary and Accessories
Amanda Designs, Knocknahaw, Moyard,
Co. Galway. 09541140, 0876531871
www.amanda-designs.net
Specialist in Wedding Stationary, Cake Box
Building, Handmade Cards.
Receptions, Unit 4, Hughes Mill, Clonmel,
Co Tipperary 052-87111
Coyne Design, Sliabh Garbh, Cullane
Carraroe, Co.Galway, 091 869985
Noreen Clifford Designs 021 4642986
www.clifforddesigns.ie
Food and Wine
Lohans Bar and Restaurant, 232-234 Upper
Salthill, Galway,091 522696
Travel
Fahy Travel Worldchoice, 3 Bridge Street
Galway, 091 594747 www.fahytravel.ie
Pre- Marriage Course
NAOMI, 119 Patrick St, Cork City
021 4272213