Photos courtesy of Synergy Photo 

The Engagement

Three years and lots of memories later, Brian asked Claire to be his forever while on a beach walk. “We went away for the weekend to Connemara, staying in the Connemara Coast Hotel, Brian proposed as we walked on Na Forbacha beach; it was a total surprise,” reveals Claire. 

The Wedding Plans

As soon as plans were in full swing Claire asked her beautiful daughter Kayleigh to be her bridesmaid and Brian asked his brother Fergal to stand with him. They shopped for Claire’s wedding dress in Vows, Blarney, Co. Cork and Brian sorted his suit in Tony Connolly’s in Clonmel. The day finally arrived, and Claire walked up the aisle to “One day like this” by Elbow and their first dance was “Stuck with you” by Huey Lewis and the News, played by Southbound wedding band. 

The Main Event

The newlyweds worked closely with the team at Aherlow to choose their wedding meal and it was decided that one couldn’t go wrong with a choice of beef, chicken or a vegetarian quiche.  In lieu of wedding favours Claire and Brian donated to Cystic fibrosis Ireland and St Vincent’s Transplant Unit in Dublin. 

Memories

Claire’s favourite memory of her wedding day was “standing on the altar after the ceremony, looking at our families and friends. After two previous postponements we were so happy to finally have our day.” The rain came down in buckets on October 23 but their photographer Deirdre managed to get some wonderful shots indoors and Claire’s favourite of them all is the picture of them on the alter just as they became man and wife. 

How was your experience at the Aherlow House Hotel? 

“As soon as we got engaged, I knew Aherlow House Hotel was the place I wanted to host our wedding reception. Meeting Eve, our wedding coordinator, made me even more positive that we had made the right decision. She has the best interests of the bride and groom in the core of her. She guided us through the whole process, even when we chose to postpone on two occasions due to covid she kept in touch throughout even a simple email asking how we were keeping in the midst of lockdown. She ensured every single idea I had came to light. We would have been lost without her. The scenery and backdrop of the hotel is breathtakingly beautiful overlooking the woods and Galtee mountains, the staff were so accommodating, friendly and professional throughout.” 

Suppliers

Engagement rings: Fields Jewellers 

Wedding rings: Tic Toc Jewellers, Cashel 

Dress: Vows, Co. Cork 

Suits: Tony Connolly’s, Clonmel 

Bridesmaid dress; Occasions, Carlow 

Cake: One tier made by Claire’s mother. The other two tiers and decoration by “It’s me Kiki” Cakes 

Wedding Celebrant: Fr. Jack O’ Neill 

Ceremony music: Kevin Sheehy 

Photographer: Deirdre Bowes-Roche of Synergy Photos, Claire’s best friend. 

Videographer: Pat Corbett Video Productions 

Band: Southbound band 

Florist/Décor My Fairy Godmother 

Hair: Megan at SaraLynn’s. Tipperary Town 

Make- Up: Tara MUA. Tipperary Town 

Invitations: Fitzpatrick Printers, Tipperary Town 

Wedding Booklets: Tipperary Print and Design, Tipperary Town 

Wedding car: Vintage Mercedes