Edited by Karen Birney
WOL: How long have you been in the wedding industry for?
Susan: I have been working in hotels since the age of 18 and…well… I don’t want to give my age away… but it has been a long time!
W: What made you decide to become a wedding coordinator?
S: I’m a romantic at heart, always have been… what more can I say?!
W: You were shortlisted for the Wedding Venue Coordinator of the Year at the WeddingsOnline Awards in February this year, is this the first award that you’ve been shortlisted for?
S: Yes, it’s the first award I’ve been shortlisted for so I was over the moon when I heard. To be shortlisted for my work at Fota Island Resort was fabulous, it’s great recognition and I am so thankful to everyone who voted for me.
W: What is your favourite part of your job?
S: Meeting new couples and hearing the stories of their engagements is always lovely, they’re so enthusiastic about everything. As we get closer and closer to the big day it’s great to be one of the first people to find out all the final details and plans and to be involved in what will be one of the most memorable events of their lives. There is always great excitement and it’s lovely to be a part of that.
W: …And your least favourite?
S: Leaving the newly married couple at the end of the night! You build a relationship with every couple and you are part of such an important day, so leaving them is quite hard…
W: Is there one particular wedding you’ve coordinated that stands out in your mind? Which one and why?
S: We had a wedding last summer which had a carnival theme, we had popcorn machines, bright coloured bunting, a caricature artist and lively music. It was something different and fun for the guests, and it was great fun for the staff too!
W: How many couples have you helped to tie the knot?
S: I have helped with hundreds of weddings over the years. It’s a great feeling, but it’s also quite frightening to think I have been involved in so many!
W: What’s your top tip to couples currently planning their wedding?
S: It will be perfect, so take it in your stride and, most importantly, enjoy it as the time will go so fast.
Fota Island Resort is Ireland’s newest luxury destination. Nestled at the heart of a peaceful island, surrounded by gorgeous scenery in County Cork and lying in a 780 acre estate, Fota Island Resort is a marriage of style, fine design and workmanship set in an idyllic coastal landscape. This is a special place – relaxed, indulgent and beautiful – somewhere you will never want to leave.
Find out more about Fota Island’s Wedding Packages and arrange a viewing by mailining Susan at [email protected]
