Breaking News for the Irish Wedding Industry – The winners of the highly coveted weddingsonline awards 2023 were announced this week at a gala dinner celebration at the incredible Mullingar Park Hotel.
A special thank you to our team of judges: Yvonne Dillon Murray from The Wedding Concierge Agency and one of Ireland’s leading wedding industry professionals; Amy Alice Horgan, a hospitality professional with over 10 years industry experience in Sales & Marketing; and Joan Harvey, Customer service Manager with Moposa, the wedding management software used in leading wedding venues throughout Ireland and beyond.
Pictured above receiving their award for Overall Venue of the Year was Mary, Aisling and Rose of Cabra Castle, also pictured was Jonathan Bryans of (weddingsonline), Joan Harvey (Moposa) and Yvonne Murray (YDM.ie) taken at Mullingar Park Hotel, Co. Westmeath, Monday 27th March 2023
Check out #WOLawards2023 on social media to see some behind the scenes photos!
Awards Winners List 2023
Cake Designer of the Year
Led by Kilkenny-native, Sarah Mc Gree, The Wild Grazer promotes a zero waste philosophy. Events are traditionally big offenders when it comes to food waste, combatting this, The Wild Grazer’s cheese cakes give couples the option to serve any remaining cheese as part of a grazing table or individual grazing cups for day two of the wedding, saving catering costs and significantly reducing wastage.
Bridesmaid Supplier of the Year
Presley Blue Boutique specialises in Bridesmaid Dresses for the modern woman.. With our Private Showroom available for appointments you will not be disappointed.. We are an online ladies fashion boutique with the personal touch. We specialise in Bridesmaid Dresses, Prom, Debs, Day2 dresses, Wedding Guest to name but a few! Our particular area of expertise is in Our Multiway Dress Range which is perfect for Every Body.
Wedding Musician(s) of the Year
D-Strings extensive repertoire of over 900 pieces covers everything from Pachabel’s Canon in D, The Wedding March and hymns to Metallica, Coldplay and Sweet Child of Mine and of course all the latest Bridgerton covers. Don’t see what you like? D-Strings are happy to take requests.
DJ of the Year
I am in the business of creating moments & making memories to last a lifetime. I specialise in creating unique boutique wedding entertainment for the most important day of your life.
I have been doing this for the past 17 years and so privileged to have been a finalist & Winner over 16 times for many prestigious national wedding awards. Testament to the wonderful couples that I get to collaborate with and make their day so special, year on year.
Judge’s Commendation: DJ of the Year
DJ and Sax was set up in 2016 to address the growing demand for DJ and Sax duo’s across Ireland from Dublin to Donegal to Kerry and everywhere in between. We take great pride in what we do and really enjoy entertaining wedding guests.
Best Wedding Related Service
Not only does Daniel capture amazing wedding photographs, he is also a very talented album designer & decided to offer this to all wedding couples! No matter who your selected wedding photographer was/is, you can now order your bespoke wedding album off him & his team!
Wedding Celebrant of the Year
I am a Legal Wedding Solemniser, a Family Celebrant and an Interfaith Minister. I am Registered as a Solemniser with the HSE which means that I have the authority to legally marry you on your wedding day in your venue. I am based in County Laois and work nationwide.
Wedding Singer of the Year
Olivia is a professional musician who has travelled around the world playing music for over 10+ years. Her ethereal voice and delicate piano will help you create the perfect soundscape for your Wedding Day.
Hen & Stag Supplier of the Year
You can plan the perfect hen do with the best range of accommodations, activities, food and nightlife for an amazing weekend away with the girls. You can build your own, choose a package or book a single item in any of our 50+ destinations. Explore the options, get a quote and book with no upfront deposit.
Florist of the Year
At Bloomsday we specialise in natural, country garden style bouquets and wedding flowers. We make the most of your budget by carefully buying the best in seasonal flowers direct from Holland, using our twenty years experience and a real interest and love of flowers.
Jeweller of the Year
Bespoke Diamonds Jewellers Dublin have access to over 500,000 certified diamonds. Our diamond dealer has relationships with GIA, IGI and HRD certificate bodies and has a large network of contacts in the US, UK and Antwerp. We specialise in finding the best quality diamonds for our customers. We have over 500 engagement rings and wedding rings in stock in our Dublin City Centre office.
Bridal Accessories Supplier of the Year
Wedding Belles Bridal Accessories & Gifts is a haven for any Bride-To-Be with everything from bridal hair accessories to bridal belts, bags, garters, unique jewellery, wedding gloves, veils, fascinators, head pieces and wedding decor.
Gifts and Favours Supplier of the Year
Instanza is the combination of two words – Instant and Stanza. My speeches are different than others that you might have heard, as mine are all in rhyme. I meticulously gather all the relevant information before I start the process. Speeches can be short and sweet, taking a minute or so to deliver on the day, or they can be lengthier one, ensuring that no stone is unturned…. these are great for the guests who have a little wager going at the table!
Children’s Entertainment Supplier of the Year
We are an award winning nanny service based in Ireland and we provide childcare for the bridal party or guests attending weddings. We provide packages from half days, full days and full days and overnight, either in the venue or your own home. All of our nannies are trained in childcare and have a true passion for working with children. We cater for children from newborn babies right into their teenage years!
Wedding Entertainment Supplier of the Year
Regularly performing at weddings year round, across the country, Jamie’s act is a sure fire way to enthral your guests, create an electrifying atmosphere and make YOUR wedding the talking point for years to come! His unique charm & easy going personality, mixed with his amazing psychological illusions & expert sleight of hand make him an all round natural entertainer, winning over even the most skeptical audience with his award-winning act.
Mobile Bar/Food Truck Supplier of the Year
Collins Coffee Camp is a mobile Espresso bar set in a 1961 beautifully restored Volkswagen Splitscreen panel van lovingly known as ‘Rosie’.
From a chilled winters wedding to a summer celebration, Rosie could be could be just what you are looking for, she is always out to impress and can add that special touch to your day.
Transport Supplier of the Year
Classic and Executive Wedding Cars is an award winning, family run business located in County Louth. We specialise in genuine Rolls Royce and Vintage Daimler Classic cars. We also have modern Mercedes E Class cars. Our priority is creating a unique, memorable experience for all of our wedding couples.
Restaurant Venue of the Year
Nestled among mature trees and landscaped gardens, The Red Door Country House stands proudly on the banks of Lough Swilly in the historic village of Fahan, just a few miles south of Buncrana in Inishowen, Co.Donegal. The exclusive setting, unrivalled scenery and fantastic variation in colour in every season provide a stunning backdrop for wedding celebrations of 80 – 140 guests.
Venue Co-Ordinator of the Year Connaught
Cora Duggan – The Lodge at Ashford Castle
Breathtaking views, manicured gardens, the run of a stylish private house and a team to take care of every last detail: The Lodge offers a truly unique and special wedding venue. Add to that the delicious cuisine and heartfelt service we are famous for, and the result is an unforgettable experience for you and your guests. We cater for small to exclusive use weddings, and you can feel reassured with our dedicated personal wedding planner.
Venue Co-Ordinator of the Year Leinster
Emma Ferris – Clanard Court Hotel
We are an award-winning and proudly family-run 4 star wedding hotel in Kildare (consistently ranking no.1 Hotel in Kildare on TripAdvisor and a Travellers’ Choice Award winner). We specialize in tailor-made weddings and providing only the very best for your dream day….all this and so much more only one hour from Dublin, 45 minutes from Kilkenny and 30 minutes from Naas, Newbridge, Carlow & Portlaoise!
Venue Co-Ordinator of the Year Munster
Ann Cullinane – Fernhill House
We have a wide range of rooms available for your special ceremony and a huge amount of experience of civil ceremonies and blessings making Fernhill House Hotel & Gardens the ideal location. Our unique feature has to be our gardens where you can have your ceremony in our fabulous marquee or outdoor blessing area with the West Cork countryside as a backdrop for that memorable ceremony.
Judge’s Commendation: Venue Coordinator of the Year – Munster
The Castle Oaks House Hotel and Estate is a Stunning Georgian House built in the late eighteenth century. Our Georgian House is set in 26 acres of beautiful mature gardens & woodlands that lead down to the banks of the River Shannon. An idyllic backdrop for stunning wedding photographs for both summer and winter weddings. The Castle Oaks is on the outskirts of the picturesque village of Castleconnell.
Venue Co-Ordinator of the Year Ulster
Dean Coyne – Hillgrove Hotel Leisure & Spa
A lifetime filled with joy, laughter, happiness and love, In between lies a perfect unforgettable day at the Hillgrove Hotel.
Welcome to The Hillgrove Hotel Monaghan. Renowned for its exceptional professionalism, delectable cuisine, friendly customer care and a can “do” attitude our Wedding welcome is like no others.
Venue Décor and Event Stylist of the Year
Transport your wedding guests into a world of enchantment. Allow us to tastefully envelope your wedding day with meticulous detail and creative flair. Unrivalled nationwide, each design is customised to give you a lasting lifetime of incredible memories.
Irish Wedding Planner of the Year
I am a wedding planner, designer, consultant and a decorator. I will help you to create and decorate the wedding of your dreams. Any design, any crazy idea you must have- I will do my best to bring it to reality!
We have a forever growing wedding prop family that is available for rent for your wedding or any other event.
Castle Venue of the Year
Prepare to feel like royalty when you enter the grounds of one of the oldest inhabited Castles in Ireland. With history dating back to 1180, Kilkea Castle captures the mystical charm of a 12th Century majestic Castle with the overwhelming allure of timeless sophistication and style. After a major renovation that redefines luxury, Kilkea Castle is delighted to welcome you.
Newcomer of the Year
With takenNplace you can create a private gallery of all of your guests photographs in seconds and feature them throughout your special day and after events using our unique live slideshow feature – all for one fixed price!
Photo Booth/Selfie Mirror Supplier of the Year
Carolyn’s Sweets has been well established as a reliable company in the wedding and event industry. We have done this by ensuring the Brides & Grooms that book us have a trusting company to deal with to be there when ever we are needed.
Over the years we have grown the company into different sectors and now have become the leaders in the Photo Booth rental industry in Ireland.
Stationery Designer of the Year
The Paper Lane are specialists in the print and design of bespoke made to order Wedding Invitations, RSVP Cards, Seating Plans, Table Names, Save the Date cards, Guestbooks, Order of Service Booklets, Menus, Thank You Cards, and much more. We have a beautiful range of Invitation designs that can be tailored to your own theme. We also design and print bespoke wedding stationery to meet the individual needs of brides and grooms everywhere.
Hair Stylist of the Year
Emma King had a vision at just 21 years old to open her own hair salon in Carrickmacross, County Monaghan. Emma wanted to create a trendy salon with a welcoming and friendly environment for all ages to enjoy. Planning ensued and before long Unique Hair Design was born.
Hotel Venue of the Year Connaught
Located just 5 minutes from Sligo Town and nestled between the beautiful vistas of Sligo Bay and Benbulben Mountain, the 4* Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Sligo is a firm favourite for weddings.This luxurious hotel has recently invested €4.5 million in a significant renovation and ensures the hotel will remain at the top of the venue wish list for engaged couples.
Hotel Venue of the Year Leinster
The Award Winning Station House Hotel is one of Ireland’s truly unique wedding venues. Formerly a busy railway junction, The Station House Hotel is Located just 20 miles from Dublin in the heart of the Boyne Valley and Ireland’s Ancient East, in the quaint village of Kilmessan in County Meath.
Hotel Venue of the Year Munster
At Muckross Park Hotel & Spa our passion is in delivering the wedding day you always imagined, exceeding our couples and their guests expectations. Renowned for our ability to capture the true essence of your day, we assist you from the initial enquiry stages to menu advise, wine tasting, floral arrangements pre-wedding celebrations, right through to the end of night entertainment and after wedding party.
Hotel Venue of the Year Ulster
On the edge of the magnificent Dún a Rí Forest Park stands the majestic Cabra Castle, one of Ireland’s most luxurious castle hotels. Centrally located in the heart of County Cavan, an hour’s drive from Dublin and just 90 minutes from Belfast, Cabra Castle is the perfect place to bring people together.
Destination Wedding Supplier of the Year
The Gloves is an eight-piece party band located in Frosinone, Italy that offers live entertainment for your international or destination wedding. With over 15 years of experience entertaining at hundreds of weddings throughout Europe, The Gloves delivers an upbeat and lively musical experience for you and your wedding guests.
Destination Wedding Venue of the Year
Castello di Montignano is a fairy-tale location for elegant and modern weddings: a unique experience blending history, design and the magic of a Castle.
The Castle has different areas dedicated to events and weddings suitable for up to 250 people: the park with swimming-pool has a new elegant external structure with cloister dominated by a century-old olive tree and surrounded by a park with swimming-pool and by the façade of the castle.
Destination Wedding Planner of the Year
Getting married in the beautiful Algarve and need help with planning your special day? Look no further, our team at Forever Events Portugal offer you professionalism, transparency and honesty from the very moment you contact us. After all you deserve to relax and experience a wedding that will live on in your memory FOREVER as one the most unforgettable and heart warming moments of your life.
Country House Venue of the Year
Exuding elegance and luxury, Tankardstown House in Slane, Co Meath, comprises 80 acres of magnificent parkland, courtyards, and walled gardens which beautifully enhance the focal point of the estate; an imposing 18th Century Manor House & Orangery. Relaxed grandeur, amazing food, impeccable service and warm hospitality served amid beautiful surroundings will make your dream day extra special.
Sweet Treat Supplier of the Year
Carolyn’s Sweets has been well established as a reliable company in the wedding and event industry. We have done this by ensuring the Brides & Grooms that book us have a trusting company to deal with, to be there when ever we are needed. Over the years we have grown the company into different sectors and now have become the leaders in the Photobooth rental industry in Ireland.
Make Up Artist of the Year
Audrey is a multi-award winning Makeup artist with over 10 years experience in the bridal industry. Audrey is known for her professionalism, while maintaining a friendly and relaxed nature making her the perfect addition to any brides wedding preparations.
Judge’s Commendation: Make Up Artist of the Year
I am a professional, freelance, bridal, occasion and editorial make up artist with 9 years experience in the industry. My work has been featured in with Life Mag, VIP, Confetti and Stellar magazine. I have worked backstage for designers such as Ellie Saab, Ralph & Russo, Koche, Balmain and more at Paris & London fashion weeks.
Groomswear Supplier of the Year
At Louis Copeland & Sons there’s something for everyone, from our Ready-to-Wear suits and Casualwear to our Made-to-Measure Collection. We pride ourselves on offering the best quality garments, advice, and service along with complimentary alterations.
Waterside Venue of the Year
At The Landmark Hotel we are all about YOU the couple getting married, we are here to make your dreams a reality….
We pride ourselves on doing things differently. Our focus is on delivering innovation, creativity, excellence, value for money and nothing less than total satisfaction for our couples and their guests. It is your special day after all and you deserve the best.
Photographer of the Year
Seán Sharpe is a wedding photographer based in Cork who has a true love for photography and a real passion for providing the best photographs possible from your big day. Whatever type of photography you want for your wedding, a relaxed, artistic, enthusiastic and fun approach to your wedding photography can be guaranteed.
Judge’s Commendation: Photographer of the Year
Irish Wedding Photographers for your Big Day. Couple Photography are wedding photographers in Dublin.
Congratulations – you’ve chosen the other half! Now, it’s the difficult task of choosing your wedding photographers for the Big Day. Make your life easier and come and meet us, we would love to meet you.
Videographer of the Year
I’m Michal – husband, father, professional film maker and photographer who is going to transform these magical moments into your personal Love Story merging a documentary style with cinematic finesse. My goal is to create entirely unique and unforgettable memories that are specific to each couple. My advise is – be sure to pick a videographer / photographer you’re personally comfortable with and feel like you can be yourself around.
Bridalwear Supplier of the Year
Lamelia Bridal Studio is Connacht’s premier bridal studio conveniently situated outside Sligo town and easily accessible from all neighbouring counties. We are located on the main Sligo to Ballina road (N59). Our exclusive studio is overlooking a private tranquil lake: so close to Knocknarea Mountain that you can almost see Queen Maeve’s reflection resting upon the surface of the waters.
Band of the Year
Wedding band Ireland LONG TIME COMING WEDDING BAND are Ireland’s most sought after wedding and function band. A five piece band that just love to entertain people, Long Time Coming feature Ireland’s top musicians and a frontman rivalled by few. We play to suit all ages and tastes, no limits. We love our jobs.
Exclusive Venue of the Year
At Bellingham Castle, the welcome is warm, the facilities luxurious and the memories, eternal. Our weddings are all individual, and due to the exclusivity, the seclusion allows you to have the day of your dreams.
Overall Supplier of the Year
Seán Sharpe is a wedding photographer based in Cork who has a true love for photography and a real passion for providing the best photographs possible from your big day. Whatever type of photography you want for your wedding, a relaxed, artistic, enthusiastic and fun approach to your wedding photography can be guaranteed.
Overall Venue of the Year
On the edge of the magnificent Dún a Rí Forest Park stands the majestic Cabra Castle, one of Ireland’s most luxurious castle hotels. Centrally located in the heart of County Cavan, an hour’s drive from Dublin and just 90 minutes from Belfast, Cabra Castle is the perfect place to bring people together.