Real Wedding – Sara and Niall

Introducing Sara & Niall’s Real Wedding at Loughrea Hotel….

The Engagement

Having met at age 12, it wasn’t until their first year of college that Sara and Niall became a couple.

On a trip to Amsterdam, they hired bikes and took a spin around the city, it was there that Niall got down on one knee and Sara said yes….

The Wedding

They started with finding a venue first. Sara knew that the Loughrea Hotel was the only hotel in the locality that she really wanted. Next was a visit to Sara’s local priest to confirm the date. Once the date was set in stone, they booked their photographer (Elaine Barker), videographer, make up and hair stylist. Sara searched for her dress in a few bridal boutiques but finally found “the one” in Smart Brides in Portlaoise. They had one big splurge and that was a cake table which everyone enjoyed delving into after the meal. One of the sweetest touches was the hand designed invitations by her very talented 17 year old cousin Greg.

The Wedding Day

In true Sara form, she arrived at the church on time. The ceremony was beautiful and I was very fortunate to be a guest. The Kennedy sisters are notorious criers and Sara did so well to hold it together to the half way point up the aisle. It was when Niall turned around that the tears came. The music was spectacular. The quartet was moving and as a very personal touch, Sara’s family sang at communion.

Loughrea Hotel pulled out all the stops and the food was divine. Some guests enjoyed some pre-dinner drinks up on the roof garden. It was a beautiful day. Everyone enjoyed the drinks reception, there were summer cocktails and Prosecco. There was a private pre-reception area with piano, candy cart and bar. The ballroom looked so elegant and the hotel provided some beautiful decor and special touches. The centrepieces on the tables included some vintage jars and flowers. The cake table was a real feature. One of the highlights of the reception was the the best mans speech…..what can I say only that it was hilarious. I haven’t seen one that good in a long time. The dancing went in to the wee hours and the party continued in to the residents bar…..Oh and there were sandwiches kept aside for the residents bar…..a very welcomed treat!

“I was so impressed with the little touches by the hotel including the fabulous table plan!”

Honeymoon

The days after the wedding, Sara and Niall went on a mini-moon to the luxurious Europe Hotel in Killarney. In the lead up to the wedding they were so busy moving in to their self build home as well as planning a wedding. It was a badly needed break. 2 weeks after their mini-moon, they went on a cruise around the Mediterranean and then spent 5 nights in Sorrento and the Amalfi coast.

“I would love to do the day all over again but I wouldn’t change a thing!! I actually would have loved to have a photo of my husband and me with our dog Poppy!”

Parting Advice

“Don’t stress on the little things as they don’t make a wedding… The atmosphere is enough to make or break the day so ensure you enjoy every minute, be happy & stress-free, and your guests will do! Put your faith in your suppliers. Employ people that are recommended by friends or family…and Do your research! They know what they are doing and can make everything easier.”

Let’s check out the pictures!