Ciara, a secondary school teacher, and Jason love to spend a weekend every now and then at the Armada Hotel in Co. Clare. It was during a night away in the Banner County that Jason proposed to Ciara while they were walking along Lahinch Beach. Jason had already chosen the ring from Connolly Jewellers in Tralee. 

Wedding Details

Because they were still getting married during a pandemic, they wanted to keep their numbers small and the day intimate so in front of 80 close friends and family (four bridesmaids and four groomsmen) wedding celebrant, Fiona Griffin of Ceremonies by Fiona, guided them through their ceremony and vows and within minutes Ciara and Jason became man and wife. Fiona was Ciara’s pre-school teacher many years ago. 

“Fiona is a very genuine, kind and sincere person. She listened to exactly what we wanted our ceremony to be. She was very easy to talk to and understood the atmosphere we wanted to create. She made both families feel at ease,” raves Jason.   

The day went off without a hitch. They recall sitting back before the meal, looking around the room and seeing all their friends and family happy to be reunited again making their day extra special and a memory they will cherish forever. 

Ciara walked up the aisle to “Grace” by the Wolfe Tones and instead of the traditional first dance, Kerry band Truly Diverse had the floor hopping and had all the guests up dancing to celebrate the nuptials. The day was made even more special when Ciara’s little one-year old niece Ellie, surprised them all by walking up the aisle with her mom Clodagh.  

The Little Details

Ciara and Jason had individually crafted gift boxes filled with treats for the Candy Cart and Cupcakes for the little kids “as a token of our appreciation for celebrating our special day with us.” Their favourite picture was at the Christmas tree on the grounds of the hotel.

Advice

“The day goes by so quickly make sure you take some time out just for the two of you” 

Suppliers

Engagement & wedding rings: Connolly Jewellers – Kerry 

Dress: The White Ivy Bridal Boutique- Kerry. Ciara’s dress was a three piece; a corset, skirt and lace top. 

“Kathrin and Rouven were fantastic to deal with, they listened and knew exactly what styles to pick for me to try on. Once I tried the dress on, I knew it was the one. It was so comfortable and the complete opposite to what I thought I would go for.”  

Suits: Suits Select- Kerry 

“There was only going to be one place. It was a rustic theme with the groomsmen in Marc Darcy waistcoats and chinos and the pageboys in a Marc Darcy bow tie and chinos.” 

Cake: Ciara’s Aunt Breeda Burrows 

Wedding Celebrant: Ceremonies by Fiona – Kerry 

Ceremony music: Caroline O’Brien and musicians 

Photographer: Ciara O’Donnell Photography- Kerry 

Band: Truly Diverse-Kerry 

Other entertainment: Ivan Ryan played American folk and classic Irish ballads 

Florist & Décor: All Seasons Florist- Kerry 

Hair: Patrick’s the Hair Company- Ciara McCarthy & Michelle Galvin   

Make-Up: Makeup by Maeve- Maeve Carey

 

Minimoon- A few days in Galway – Honeymoon to follow 

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