In January 2020, Ger swooped Amy away for her birthday to Seafield House in Wexford. After asking her dad and grandad’s permission for her hand in marriage, Ger got down on one knee in their hotel room before dinner. “When I realised what was happening, I was shocked. I couldn’t speak and when he said the words ‘Will you marry me,’ I said, ‘ah stop, your messing, get up I’m starving!’ He said it again and this time I balled my eyes out and said the easiest yes of my life.” 

Wedding Details

On September 11, 2021, Amy and Ger said their I dos at Tipperary’s Aherlow House Hotel. Amy spent many camping holidays with her family in the Glen of Aherlow and when she first brought Ger down to the area he too fell in love with the tranquillity it had to offer. The couple, who now live in Amy’s hometown of Donaghmede (three minutes from her mum), had three bridesmaids, three groomsmen and two junior bridesmaids.

Although the plan was to have their wedding reception outside under the Galtee Mountains, unpredictable Irish weather had other plans. It poured rain 30 minutes before the ceremony so it was moved inside to the Diarmuid and Grainne Suite at the hotel. “It was so beautiful inside and there was a butterfly that was around for the entire ceremony. We really felt Ger’s nana and mam were definitely with us.” 

Their wedding meal was a choice between the Braised Beef and Slaney Valley Lamb Shank. “Both were out of this world. All the food was incredible and impeccably presented,” shared Amy.  “We had a lot of our photos taken on site. Aherlow House is so picturesque, our photos are beautiful. But it gave us the opportunity to spend the reception time with our guests too. We got so many photos taken with different guests and groups. It was lovely to watch everyone mingling and enjoying themselves.” 



Although there were many memories to cherish from their big day including their last dance with everyone gathered around them and Amy’s besties shedding a tear, the bride’s favourite memory is when her dad and granddad saw her for the first time in her dress.  “They both walked me up the aisle to my husband to be. I was holding my mam and dad’s wedding coin from their wedding day and I remember they both squeezed my arm when Ger turned around to look at me for the first time. There is a picture of the moment and I will cherish it forever.” 

Ger’s favourite memory was standing at the aisle with his groomsmen and his bestman told him to turn around and he see Amy for the first time. “She was all smiles walking towards me and it was the best feeling in the world.” 

The Little Things

Amy made Harry Potter golden snitches using Ferrero Roches and paper wings. They also made a donation to charity and provided mini shot glasses to the adults and sweet jars for those who don’t drink and their little guests.  They created bathroom baskets for their guests which included perfume and aftershave samples, moisturisers and face masks, safety pins, sewing kits, deodorants, personalised mints, and flip flops. Although they have copious amounts of favourite pictures, a very special one for both of them is of Ger and Amy on the veranda of the hotel with the mountains in the background. 

Advice

Amy’s words of wisdom: “I would definitely say no matter how much you plan a run of the day and timeframes – it goes out the window! But just flow with it. It will be the best and most memorable day and don’t stress about times – it all works out.” 



And for the brides; “if you have a long train, like I did, please make sure the loop at the back of your dress is reinforced or have a spare. Mine broke during the evening from all the dancing! Thank god one of my aunties was a dab hand at sewing so she was able to fix it using one of the sewing kits from the bathroom baskets.” 

Suppliers

Engagement ring Fields The Jeweller -Dublin 

Wedding rings: Created by a family friend. Ger’s mam and nana’s rings were melted and used as part of their wedding bands. 

Dress: The Bridal Outlet- Dublin 

A fully fitted dress with a train, lace panels on the side, lace illusion on the back with button details. This was paired with a cathedral veil.  

Wedding Shoes: Christian Louboutin 

Suits: Dublin Formal Wear 

Bridesmaids dresses: Folkster Dublin 

Cake: Marie Gilligan Tipperary 

Wedding Celebrant: Willie Collins 

Ceremony music: Jenny O Donovan Weddings 

Photographer & Videographer: McMahon Studios Tipperary 

Band & DJ: Who’s Eddie 

Florist & Décor: Fairy Godmother Weddings 

Photobooth: Acorn Party Hire 

Hair & Make Up: FMN Studio – Limerick 

Honeymoon: Tour America – Orlando and a Caribbean Cruise in May this year. 

How was your experience at Aherlow House Hotel? 

“When we got engaged, we always knew we would have our day in Aherlow House. Such an amazing unique venue with the most incredible team. From the moment we met Eve, the wedding coordinator, it was a dream. She is one in a million and honestly is an expert in the wedding planning field. She guided us from the beginning and got us through all the uncertainty during the pandemic. Absolutely nothing was too much of an ask and our wedding day was more than we ever could have hoped for. The operations team of Adam, Phillip and Sinead are world class and the day and weekend was a dream come true. The bar staff were so attentive and incredible. Our guests have continued to comment on the outstanding service and nature of the team over our wedding day and weekend.” 

www.aherlowhouse.ie