***All photos taken by Philip Daly***
HI Girls,
Well our day has came and went- it was the best day of our lives.
As many of you know we live in NY and planned the wedding from here my now husband is from Tipperary and my mother's family is from Quilty, Co. Clare so we decided to make it a destination wedding for pretty much everyone with 40 + people flying over from NY.
DH left NY on the 8th to have his stag is Amsterdam- had a great time and being I was 6 hours ahead of him made the worrying a lot easier! Sadly enough my mother in law was admitted into the hospital on the Friday before the wedding with internal bleeding- at first it was nothing but she progressively got worse and eventually was put in ICU.
Needless to say I landed on Valentine's day with most of my Bridal Party and my mom- for the first 2 days we were there it was very touch and go and we were both devastated over his mom as at that point she was not going to make the wedding. Thankfully after everyone's prayers she stabilized and it was a go ahead for the wedding.
The Thursday before most of the guests had arrived, we all headed into Miltown for a couple- all the New Yorkers could not get over how beautiful Ireland was and loved every bit of it. The local back in Quilty even had set dancing and everyone got to learn how to do the peeler and the goat. We had a great time.
Friday before I had to tie up all the loose ends, went for my nails and a make up trial, I had gotten San Trope tan on the Thursday and it was a great choice- really evened out all my nervous spots that I never had before!!! DH took a couple of the boys for some golf, and then we all met at the church for the rehearsal. Afterwards we all headed back to the local for some drinks and pub grub. After a while DH took all the boys and headed back to the Armada where they had music arranged bc of all our guests. I was too nervous to stay out so me and the girls headed back to my cousins for some wine and wedding talk!
Fell asleep no problem but then woke up at 4 am! I could not believe it was our wedding day! Laid there till about 6 then got up put the kettle on and danced around the house waking up the girls. The weather report was it was going to be a 'glorious' day- and it was! Very mild, no rain, and sunny skies!
Headed over to my other cousins at around 8 am- hairdresser came to us and she was fantastic-- we had done a trial before and she did EXACTLY what i wanted- the girls brought pictures and she replicated them to a T. She also had a great personality and really made it fun! Sinead from Sinead's Hair Design was her name and I recommend her Highly! Her sister Erica also does make up and she really knows her stuff-- how to make every ounce of you glow- for your day and for your photos. I would recommend them both highly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
At around 12 I was getting antsy so we decided to put on the dress, what an amazing feeling- I was getting married! Photographer and Videographer showed up shortly after, and again fit perfectly into the day, not bossy at all, really worked very nicely and professionally.
I was itching to leave on time but my cousin made me wait haha- finally got into the car at about 5 after 1. Good thing we waited bc when we got there people were still outside! Another great move by the photographer but getting everyone organized and into the church.
As we pulled up everything from then on was like a dream. Out of the car, into the church, my father had passed away 5 years ago so I had my cousin give me a way, as we walked in we both started to tear up. Then the soloist went into 'Ave Maria' and it was perfect.
I walked down the aisle the happiest woman alive, I could not stop smiling. Finally made it down to H2b and he looked amazing. The Priest did such a meaningful, beautiful ceremony, I am so happy that he married us. It all went by so quickly and next thing I knew I was married!
We did the recieving line after the ceremony and took pictures with the bridal party right by the water, the church, the scenery- was perfect.
Then me and Hubby headed off into the car down to the beach to take some pics, our Photographer said it was one of the most beautiful sights he has ever seen. We were blessed with the weather and the waves were crashing behind us.
After the beach we went back to the Armada and were greeted with champagne, red carpet- the works! I cannot fault them at all they were so accomodating, anything we needed we got- they went above and beyond.
I'm glad we had some time before the dinner because people had a chance to relax outside and take in the view, we also had time to take pics and still mingle.
We sat for the dinner at 530, just as the su was about to set- simply gorgeous. The meal was fab and the wine was flowing. Speeches came after and then the band set up.
We had Touch Wood and they were AMAZING---- the dance floor was packed all night--- and we enjoyed every minute of it. The really catered to the crowd-- from the sets to the medley's-- everyone had a great time. They also DJ'ed after- great songs and again we danced the night away.
Music ended about 2:30 and the hotel moved everybody to the residents bar, they also put out some hot food. We stayed till about 4:30 and then made our exit as husband and wife.
The next day we had another party at the Quilty Tavern and hired 'The Simple Tones' we had heard them before in Tom Maloney's pub. This band was also great and everyone loved them. Afterwards we all headed back to the Armada for another session!
Went to see MIL on the Monday and she was doing 100 times better, thank god. Left for Italy that night and had the best honeymoon. Venice, Florence, and Rome. Perfect! Changed the last night to come back to Ireland, glad we did, got to spend some more time with the mother in law before heading back to NY. Thankfully she is out of ICU and hopefully on the road to recovery!
I hope I covered everything here are a few recommendations:
American Vendors:
LiWeddings--- A++++++++++ this website allowed me to meet a lot of great friends and planning so much fun!!!
Vistaprint (STD's)- C+ The proof they give was not the quality we received. Everyone thought they were beautiful but I was a little disappointed.
Invitations-Stephita.com A++++++++++++++++ Rita was amazing to work with, answered all my questions, and everyone could not get over how gorgeous they were! Pics are in my album. Recommend them highly!!!!
Bride's Dress/BM Dresses - Lillette's- A+++++ I worked with Gerry and she was amazing, she really knows her stuff and will completely work with you. I did not have to have my dress altered at all and my bustle held up. My girls also loved their dresses but I have to say that the pick ups came out for a lot of them over the night.
Wedding Shoes- Rhea Nicole RVC B+++: very nice went I went there but when I went back with my mom we waited 1/2 hour for someone to help us. Then the man who helped us brought out every shoe that my mom said she did not want.
MOB Dress- PM Occasions (Oceanside)- My mom wanted to go there one day just to look, she ended up buying her dress that day. They were very helpful and my mom loved her dress.
FG Dress- David's Bridal- affordable, easy, the dresses came in ahead of time, perfect size, and they looked adorable!!!
Irish Vendors:
Hotel: Burke's Armada - A++++++++++++++++
Hair/Make UP - Sinead Sexton & Erica Burke A+++++++++++++++
Photographer- Philip Daly - really professional, great personality, and really makes you feel comfortable!! I LOVE OUR PICTURES, feel free to look at all them here:
Videographer- Thady Kavanagh - completely unobtrusive, pleasure to work with, and even sent MIL an unedited copy of what he shot when he found out she couldnt make the wedding!
If anyone has any other ?'s I would be happy to answer!
Some more pics:
Mini-moon & Honeymoon Review....... Sorry it has taken me so long to write this part of my review! Being that I am a NYC teacher we couldn't take a week long honeymoon bc we were married in Ireland. So we decided in Feb to take a 'mini-moon' to Italy and then in April went to St. Lucia.
MIni-Moon Italy- Venice, Florence, Rome VENICE Since we were in Ireland, we flew Ryanair (it is like the Jet Blue of Europe) to Venice- I think our tickets were like $160 for the both of us! Very affordable. However when you get to Venice you are not really in Venice, you have to take about an hour 1/2 bus ride to the canal, then take a water bus to Venice. Yes its long, but you are in ITALY- so enjoy it!
We got off at the wrong stop and landed in Venice at 11:30 pm, suitcases, a bad map, and even worse Italian. LOL. We found a nice asian man who directed us to our hotel (then charged us 10 euro
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) We stayed at the Hotel American Dinessen (B+) The place was nice- however very overpriced, and the staff was not as polite as they should have been.
We were in Venice during the 'Carnevale' (It's like the Italian Mardi Gras) - so cool. Everyone said not to go in February bc of the floods- I'm glad we didn't listen! There was no floods, it wasn't too hot- and it was so nice to experience Carnevale. I also highly recommend taking a gondala ride- it's expensive- but who cares!!!!!
Tips for Venice- bring walking shoes!!! (no heels- you'll be walking everywhere!!!) Don't go to the Trattorias that the waiters are outside for.
We only stayed 1 1/2 days- but I think it was enough for the visit.
Next stop...
FLORENCE So once you are in Europe you can pretty much take Ryanair to major cities for very cheap. But we decided to take the train down to Florence. It takes about 3 hours but i was really worth it. Don't think of the LIRR- think of a really comfy train that takes you down the tuscan countryside, there's espresso, sandwiches, it's just really nice to sit an enjoy the view after you've been walking around!
When we got there we checked into the Hotel Caravaggio- really nice, very polite, there was a small bottle of Champagne waiting for us in the room. The room was nice with a nice view. This room was the most affordable of our trip.
Florence is known for its Art so be sure to check out the museum, also there is a really cool market that you can walk down. Be sure to bargain as they will try and charge you more! Stop for snacks in the baccarias and be sure to try the wine!
Last stop ....
ROME I have to say I loved Italy the second we landed in Venice. When we got to Rome- I was completely enamored. We will definately return there as 3 days was not enough. We stayed at the Hotel Gladiotori (A++++++++) and although its very pricey, they went above and beyond for us. Rather than me babbling about all the things to go and see- I'll just post pics!!!
I will say that despite your religous beliefs you should definately see the Vatican, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's. I really can't put into words these places.
and to ensure a trip back to Rome..
Geez, I didn't realize this was going to be so long... onto the Honeymoon review!!!
April 1-8
Sandals Grande St. Lucia A++++++
So after we walked about 35 miles in Italy, we decided we were going to have a relaxing all inclusive. We chose St. Lucia bc we had heard so many great things about it. We did a lot of research before we chose the Grande. We are really happy we chose it!!
From the second you arrive to the second you leave you are taken care of. We took the helicopter there (scary & expensive- but worth it!!) We were upgraded to the Honeymoon Deluxe Oceanfront and it was perfect.
We did the Soufreitte Adventure (bring the Dramamine), and the Horseback Riding Excusrions. The rest of the time we relaxed, did the water sports, and participated in the activities. The playmakers (esp Junior and Golden Boy) are really fun to hang out with.
The food was good, but I didn't think Tuscanni's was worth it. We didnt go to any other Sandals.
If you go, be sure to hike Pigeon Head (it's right outside the resort), after stop for a drink in the Pirate's Pub, also do the water sports, they are a lot of fun! We also did Karaoke, had a great time! Oh and definately do the snorkeling, it was the one of the highlights of our trip.
Here are some pics:
View of Sandals from Pigeion Head
Feel free to FM me with any ?'s- I hope you enjoyed my review!!!!
