“Sometimes the cheaper option isn’t always the wisest! Wedding suppliers who are in the business a long time are experts in their area, make the most of that experience.”
– Bride Majella’s advice to brides-to-be planning their big day
Length of engagement: 8 months | Wedding date: 8th September 2012
Wedding ceremony: St. Mary’s Church, The Claddagh, Galway | Wedding reception: The Ardilaun Hotel, Galway
Photographer: Maya Noonan Photography
We met… I bought my house next door to friends of Declan and we were introduced a few months later on a night out.
Majella’s first impressions of Declan… Tall, dark and handsome, what more could a girl ask for?!
Declan’s first impressions of Majella… Cute, petite blonde.
Our proposal… We got engaged on New Year’s Eve on a beach in Clifden, Co Galway.
Our wedding theme/colours… We went for a black and white theme, the bridesmaids held bright pink gerberas for a pop of colour.
My dress… I wore a v-neck lace fitted Justin Alexander gown from Helena Quinlan Bridal in Craughwell, Co. Galway. Helena was fab and did all the alterations herself.
Our ceremony… We had a church ceremony which was traditional and personal.
We chose our photographer because… We chose Maya Noonan Photography because she listened to what we wanted and had such a warm and friendly personality, all our guests loved her.
My favourite part of the wedding day… It was the wonderful ceremony officiated by Fr. Rob McNamara who led a very interactive ceremony and the photoshoot on the Claddagh afterwards
We choseour venue because… Ann Marie, Maureen and staff in The Ardilaun Hotel never fail to deliver high standards in a lovely family run hotel in Galway city.
Our honeymoon… We went to both the Maldives and Dubai. It was truly a holiday of a lifetime and we were treated to 5 star service for the duration!
My piece of advice for other brides… Think what’s really important to you and your future hubby on the day and what you will value most afterwards. Sometimes the cheaper option isn’t always the wisest. Wedding suppliers who are in the business a long time are experts in their area, make the most of that experience.
By Karen Birney
