“Our son Jack walked me down the aisle as both of my parents have passed away. There wasn’t a dry eye in the place seeing us walking towards Bernard.”
Your Names: Samantha and Bernard McGrath
Length of engagement: 14months
Wedding Date: 2019-10-12
Wedding location: Celbridge Manor Hotel
Photographer: David McNeil
How did you meet and get engaged?
We met 11 years ago at McGowan’s pub in Dublin. It was my best friend’s last night out in Dublin as she was getting married in a couple of weeks time. We were together for 10 years and have an 8-year-old son together. Bernard just asked me would I marry him on the way into Dublin on the bus for a day out together. I said yes and we went in and got my ring a couple of hours later.
Describe your wedding:
We had a small intimate wedding of 65 guests at Celbridge Manor Hotel. Our son Jack walked me down the aisle as both of my parents have passed away. There wasn’t a dry eye in the place seeing us walking towards Bernard. We went for very simple decorations which I did a lot myself. Dusty pinks and lots of beautiful flowers with my mum’s favourite flowers incorporated. Lots of beautiful twilight candles around also. The wedding coordinator Caroline was amazing on the day putting it all together.
Tell us about your bridal look:
I wanted something very simple and chose an off white elegant style dress. My make up was light and natural looking. My make up artist was Nicola Plummer who was just so lovely. My hairdresser was a family friend Alana Bennett and she did an amazing job.
What did your bridesmaids wear?
I only had my sister as my Maid of Honour and she wore a lovely sage green one shoulder dress. She looked beautiful!
What was your ceremony like?
Our celebrant was Mary Losty from Spiritual Ceremonies. Such a lovely lady. We wanted a very simple wedding, no religion just about love and families. She really involved our son in the ceremony too. We also had a beautiful memorial table for our loved ones who have passed away and my friend read a beautiful reading to include them on our day. As we were signing our register a butterfly hovered over our heads, a sign from my parents from heaven or so we like to believe.
Tell us about your wedding venue:
We fell in love with Celbridge Manor Hotel from day one. Our coordinator Caroline was amazing, nothing was too much trouble. The room looked beautiful and the food was amazing. I would highly recommend them.
Tell us about your photographer:
Our photographer David was such a gentleman to work with. Such a lovely, professional man. We are so happy with our beautiful photographs and album. We actually left it up to David to choose the album and we were not disappointed. We would definitely recommend him.
What is your favourite memory from your wedding day?
I couldn’t pick one favourite moment from the day. We were just so lucky with the weather for October, the sun shined all day. It was just such a relaxed, lovely day, great fun with all our family and friends. Would do it all again tomorrow.
Have you got any advice for other couples?
Just enjoy every minute of the day. Don’t stress! We were really relaxed and it just made such a difference. Take 5 minutes with each other to just take it all in.
Suppliers
Wedding venue: Celbridge Manor Hotel | Photographer: David McNeil | Planner/coordinator: Caroline Walsh | Ceremony singer: Una Pedreschi | Band and DJ: Jaker | Hair: Alana Bennett | Makeup: Nicola Plummer | Dress: Wed 2 be | Suits: Debenhams | Bridesmaids dress: Asos | Cake: Janeys Cakery | Celebrant: Mary Losty | Stationery: Designs by Eefaa | Jewellery: Etsy and Newbridge | Flowers: Sweetpea and Willow