“We really tried to take it all in and be in the moment and I am so glad I could truly enjoy the experience.”
The couple: Emma-Jane Reilly & Eamon Naughton
Length of engagement: 6 months | Wedding date: 20th May 2016
Wedding location: Bridge House Hotel, Tullamore, Co. Offaly
Photographer: Clare Frances Photography
We met… Eamon and I met on a night out, many years ago. Our eyes met across a crowded room and the rest is history!
Our proposal… Eamon proposed in Prague on a holiday last September.
Our ceremony… Our Ceremony was in Drumraney Church, Westmeath. My late mother is buried there, so we wanted to visit the grave after the ceremony and include her as much as possible.
Our wedding theme/colours… We chose a simple palette – peaches and cream for the bridesmaids and flowers.
What our bridal party wore… I purchased my bridesmaid dresses online which was a gamble, but I feel paid off! I had tried various shops, but nothing ticked the boxes for me. I chose not to go with traditional bridesmaid dresses, as I wanted a whimsical theme, and something a little different. My flower girl dresses were from Monsoon.
His suit… Eamon’s suit was from Guy Clothing, Tullamore. Anthony took such good care of us – we were really happy. The guys opted for check suits for something a little different. Eamon chose a burgundy tie and handkerchief, while we chose a shade of pink for the groomsmen to coordinate with the bridesmaid dresses.
My look… My wedding dress was Mori Lee, from My Fair Lady, Tullamore. I was thrilled with my choice and the ladies there are very helpful. I would definitely recommend a visit. My hair was by Elaine Wynne from Halo in Tullamore. Elaine has been my hairdresser for years and there is nobody else I would have gone to. My make-up was by Denise McGivern MUA, Ballinasloe – both ladies did an amazing job. I was thrilled and would highly recommend them.
We chose our photographer because… We chose Clare Frances Cassells because we were confident she would do an amazing job – we are thrilled with the results and feel we definitely made the right choice. Clare Frances was an absolute pleasure to deal with and was so calm and professional on the day. She was easy going and helpful, and made everything so easy for us.
We chose our venue because… I am a manager at the Bridge House Hotel and I knew it was the only choice for me. I was confident the team would give me the most amazing day possible and they really delivered. From start to finish our wedding day was flawless – definitely the best day of my life and I have memories to cherish forever. All of my guests were blown away on the day and agreed the venue, service and quality was exceptional. Various guests have said it was the best wedding they ever attended – and you can’t ask for more than that! I would definitely recommend the Bridge House Hotel – every aspect of our wedding was perfect.
We chose our wedding coordinator because… The Bridge House Hotel wedding coordinator is Antonia, who is a friend and colleague of mine. Antonia was extremely helpful and is always a pleasure to deal with. All of my requests were met and nothing was too much to ask. Right up to the end Antonia was on the other end of the phone to make small tweaks and changes for me and did so much to help put me at ease on the run up to the big day! We knew we were in safe hands with Antonia and everything would be organised to perfection.
Stella, our banqueting manager, was on hand on the day to make sure everything went off without a hitch. Stella is so helpful and friendly and makes sure the service and day itself runs seamlessly. She is a calming force amidst all the madness!
Finally, Noel McCann, our guest relations manager was on hand to help throughout the day. Noel drove our bridal car that day and really put us at ease. Noel was also MC at our reception and made everyone feel so calm and relaxed, especially those having to make a speech! The hotel has an exceptional wedding team, who are a credit – I cannot praise them enough!
Our honeymoon… We chose Dubai and Mauritius and booked with Sinead Lonergan from Travel Councillors. Sinead was a pleasure to deal with and so helpful – I would highly recommend her. She has a vast knowledge, and plenty of ideas and options to suit any budget.
My favourite part of the wedding day… There were just so many to choose from. I guess my favourite part was early that morning with my closest friends and immediate family. My father walking me up the aisle was a very special moment and arriving at the hotel to a guard of honour including all my wedding guests and hotel staff, cheering us on. I also really enjoyed the speeches – and even gave one myself, just to say thank you. My best friend Stephen was a huge support and was dubbed ‘wedding planner extraordinaire’ – he was such a help to me. My wedding band cancelled the night before my wedding, which was devastating, but Stephen was on hand immediately! He managed to make contact with Simon Casey who did such an amazing job on the day – it was meant to be! When I look back now I have to say my very favourite part was having all my friends and family together, enjoying the day. We really tried to take it all in and be in the moment and I am so glad I could truly enjoy the experience.
Our menu… We had an amazing 5 course menu including a vintage arrival reception, Steak and Seabass for main and an impressive buffet dessert. Guests still recall the arrival reception and buffet dessert – it really gave the wow factor! The love really is in the detail and the Bridge House team are experts in ensuring the little things, along with the big things, are perfect.
My piece of advice for other brides… The best piece of advice I can give other brides is to relax and trust it will all come together. Try not to get stressed! There were various hurdles along the way but you have to stay calm and enjoy the experience. I believe a happy bride will lead to a happy wedding experience for all! Also, on a practical note, please have a second pair of shoes for later in the evening – it seems obvious, but what I would have given for a pair of wedges!
