Southern Star Weddings 2015 by Sean Mahon

Weddings 2015

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Beauty tips & lots, lots more

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Weddings at the CeltiC Ross hotel

Superbly located overlooking Rosscarbery Bay and with the historic Cathedral Town of Rosscarbery on its doorstep, the Celtic Ross Hotel is the most romantic destination in West Cork for your Wedding Day. The Celtic Ross Hotel Wedding Team; General Manager Neil Grant, Executive Head Chef Graeme Campbell, led by Wedding Coordinator Teresa Murphy, have amassed years of experience in planning, organising and delivering an exceptional Wedding experience. This means that you can feel fully supported and confident throughout the decisionmaking process, and be safe in the knowledge that your

Wedding Day will be the most perfect and enjoyable day of your life. And, to ensure your day is truly special and unique, the Celtic Ross Hotel will cater for only one Wedding per day, which means the bride and groom, and family and friends, will get the full attention of the Celtic Ross Team.

When you book your Wedding with the Celtic Ross, not only do you avail of the professionalism, experience and West Cork hospitality of the Wedding Team and staff, your Wedding will be set in the beautiful Wild Atlantic Way; with its rugged coastline, sandy beaches and amazing Food Culture. Please contact Teresa on weddings@celticross.com or (023) 8848722 to request a Wedding Brochure. You are welcome to make an appointment with Teresa to view the venue options at the Celtic Ross Hotel and the Bridal Suite. The Ardagh Suite and Bridal Suite are currently being given a gorgeous makeover so why not make an appointment soon. Nominated for the BASH Place Venue Awards 2015. Finalist in the Southern Brides “Best Waterside Venue 2014” and Weddingsonline.ie Finalist for 2013. Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence for 2014. Recommended by McKennas’ Guides Where to Eat and Stay in the Wild Atlantic Way 2014.

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Welcome to Weddings 2015 courtesy of The Southern Star Getting married is, undoubtedly, one of the biggest and most exciting events in anybody’s life. Whether your big day is imminent or you’re only beginning to make plans, you’ll find some great reading in the following pages, with lots of tips on style and beauty, hints on how to make your day extra special, saving money and we even get some words of advice from some of West Cork’s newest newly-weds. We take a look at civil partnerships and civil marriages, Humanist options and there’s even a look at the trials and tribulations of organising a West Cork wedding from thousands of miles away.

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Say " I do" in Kinsale

You’ll also find lots of great local businesses advertising their products and services so we’d ask you to please support where possible. Read on, enjoy, and we wish you a wonderful wedding experience in 2015. The Southern Star team.

Planning a wedding? Have it with us! the trident can make your wedding everything you have always dreamed of and more! Check out our site for some inspiration

www.tridenthotel.com or for more details, contact our Wedding Co-ordinator t: 021 477 9300 e: cb@tridenthotel.com

Brides of Éire | 023 8835566

style

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vintage

Words by Carrie McKeown

In recent years, the words ‘wedding’ and ‘vintage’ have quite frequently gone hand-in-hand, with a significant increase in the amount of brides hoping to add a touch of retro class to the big event. From lavish art deco-inspired themes to those that fully embrace the feminine glamour of the 1950s, a vintage wedding celebration can take on many forms. One of the most appropriate ways to convey a theme is through fashion and beauty choices, so do your research, settle on a look that best suits your vision and get planning!

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the dRess If you’re toying with the idea of

going vintage for your big day but don’t want to opt for a pre-worn gown or go over the top with the theme, why not purchase a new dress in your desired style/silhouette and recruit a reputable tailor to make the game-changing tweaks and alterations? From the addition of embellishment, sleeves and underskirts for volume to the reworking of a neckline, a qualified seamstress can help you achieve your very own customised vintage-inspired dress. Exploit the resource that is the internet to find ideas from designers who specialise in creating bespoke, retro style dresses – such as Halfpenny London (www. halfpennylondon.com). If you do decide to browse the vintage store racks to find a one-of-a-kind gown, start shopping early in the planning process and choose wisely. Make sure to examine every inch

of the dress for possible irreparable damage, like rips, holes and broken zips; hold the dress in natural light to ensure the colour is exactly to your liking and that there are no visible stains; check with a reliable tailor before purchasing to confirm that any alterations needed can be carried out easily. Finally, and most importantly, ensure you feel like a million dollars in the dress. If a bride has a certain idea in mind or she falls in love with a completely unique vintage dress with an unbeatable price tag, she may succumb to the temptation to settle for the gown that’s not necessarily ‘the one’ and doesn’t fit or suit her shape in the right way. Shop around and try every style available so that you can make an informed decision before buying the dress of your dreams.

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From assisting with the detailed planning to careful co-ordination on the day, Patricia and the team at The West cork Hotel will ensure that everything is perfect for your Wedding! The West Cork Hotel, romantically situated on the River Ilen in Skibbereen, not only offers the warmest and friendliest of welcomes, it also looks stylish and modern whilst retaining that old world charm! The tradition of personal attention and the family feel that the West Cork Hotel offers is over 100 years in the making. It has been described as the perfect venue for any size wedding, offering a great reception room, lovely bridal suite, fantastic five course meal, and a customer service experience second to none in West Cork. Why not come and chat with Patricia and see for yourself!

weddings@westcorkhotel.com Phone 028 21277 www.westcorkhotel.com

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the gRoom Once a bride-to-be has found her gown and has

established a definite style and colour scheme, it’s usually safe for her other half to follow suit (pardon the pun). However, certain fashionforward grooms may have a very clear idea of how they want to look on their wedding day, especially if the occasion is going down the vintage route. If that is the case, it’s just as important for the groom to plan ahead as it is for the bride. Study images from the time period you’re hoping to reference for style ideas. Maybe it’s a tweed or checked suit, a sophisticated cravat and waistcoat combo or a pair of saddle shoes. Whatever you opt for, there’s nothing like a bit of visual time travel to give you plenty of inspiration. Never underestimate the power of accessorising. If you’re afraid to veer too far from the traditional tops and tails for your wedding day, choose an ensemble that you feel good in and leave it to the added extras to represent the vintage theme. Accessories like braces, a dickie bow, a polka dot pocket scarf or even a hat can transform an ensemble in a flash. While it’s great to have fun with fashion, your wedding day may not be the ideal time to have a major style moment. If you have a set look in mind, try your best to realise your vision while staying within the boundaries of the overall theme and tone of the day. This will eliminate any cringe moments when looking back at the wedding album in years to come!

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make-up Aside from pin curls and the Hepburn-esque beehive, many brides who wish to embrace a

vintage beauty look opt for timeless, movie star glamour that can be achieved with two key elements: bold red lips and winged eyeliner. While a statement ruby lip can be easily achieved with the right shade and brand for your colouring and preferences, the covetable cat’s eye look can be more difficult to perfect. The experts at NYX Cosmetics have shared their top tips on creating a precise and evenwinged liner look. Read on to find out how you can channel your inner vintage vixen for your big day. • Run the tip of your eyeliner or eye brush along your hand before applying. Use your hand as a palette rather than applying straight from the tube to avoid excess liquid and increase control during the application process. • NYX recommends starting the application of any liner from the middle of your eye. Begin drawing short strokes along your lash line instead of creating one long black line. This will enable you more control during the application process. • Use your fingers to lift your lids when applying liner as a liquid or pencil, because when your skin is tightly stretched you will be able to draw a precise line as close to your lashes as possible. • When applying liner from the centre of the eye to the tear duct, use the tip of a brush, then look up and outwards in the mirror whilst applying soft and gentle strokes. • For the cat eye look, it’s so simple to achieve the most elegant flick. Just angle the brush towards the temples rather than pointing it towards your brows, remembering to use your hand as a palette and then building up the winged look for dramatic effect! • Always open your eyes to make sure all lines and flicks are even and if not, amend accordingly. Don’t be afraid to clean up by using Q-tips, your hands and reapplying where needs be!

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Civil partnership v civil marriage:

the

differences By Sarah Canty

For the past two years County Cork has had the highest number of civil partnerships registered outside Dublin. Civil partnership refers to the legal union of a same-sex couple performed by a civil registrar. In 2012 and 2013, 48 out of 767 registered civil partnerships occurred in the Rebel County. In the same two-year period there were roughly 29,000 religious marriage ceremonies performed and 12,000 civil marriages (non-religious) performed.

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As far as the ceremony goes, there is very little difference between a civil marriage and a civil partnership. In both cases the process begins by giving the registrar three months’ notice of intention. This happens in a meeting when the registrar will confirm that there are no impediments to the union (i.e. participants are over 18 and not already married/civilly partnered). At this stage the only difference between a civil marriage and a civil partnership is the form. The registrar gives a MRF (Marriage Registration Form) to opposite-sex couples and a CPRF (Civil Partnership Registration Form) to same sex couples. Both forms must be signed by two witnesses and a registered solemniser after vows are exchanged. Both types of registration cost €200 with additional charges applying if the couple choose to have the ceremony outside the registrar’s office. Couples entering a civil partnership or civil marriage who wish to have their ceremony in a venue other than the registry office may contact the office to arrange to have their preferred venue approved. Venues such as marquees, private dwellings or the open air

are not acceptable. Last year 23% of all civil partnerships were held in venues other than the registry office. Until 2013 only registrars (civil servants) could legally officiate at non-religious ceremonies in Ireland. Since then it has become legal for a secular ceremony to be organised by a member of the Humanist Association. Currently, there are three active solemnisers employed by the HSE to cover the Cork area. There are also two recognised Humanist celebrants, both of whom are located in West Cork. While the ceremony is much the same, there had been important legal differences between married couples and couples in a civil partnership. Of particular concern was legal guardianship of children because non-biological parents were unable to be recognised as a legal guardian through adoption or otherwise. However, on Tuesday February 17th last, the Government approved the Children and Family Relationships Bill. This bill extends guardianship, custody and adoption rights to different family situations. Leeanne O’Donnell who lives in West Cork with her partner and their two children was directly

affected by this dilemma. Technically O’Donnell had no legal right over her partner’s biological child; and her partner had no legal right over her biological child. O’Donnell, who was understandably concerned about what would happen should she or her partner have an accident or split up said: ‘When I thought about it, it upset me, so I tried not to.’ While any legislation to protect children and families is welcome, some say the Bill still falls short of equality. Marriage equality advocates a wish to get full recognition as married couples. In May Irish people will be asked to vote on a referendum that could provide for this. We will be asked to decide if the following wording

should be added to the Irish constitution: ‘Marriage may be contracted in accordance with law by two persons without distinction as to their sex.’ Obviously the new Bill has come as a relief to O’Donnell because it promises to allow her and her partner to become legal guardians over both of their children. Nonetheless she supports the referendum. ‘I would be really upset (if the referendum doesn’t pass),’ says O’Donnell. ‘To live in a country that accepts and supports you is important. We pay our taxes. ‘We live here – we could live somewhere else. I’m very proud to be Irish and I want recognition and support from my country.’

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Child-friendly

Weddings

Here are ten tips to ensure your wedding is as child-friendly as possible. it can help avoid tantrums and will also help mums and dads relax and enjoy the big day. When you make the decision to take the plunge and include children at your wedding reception, let those who are invited know how special they really are. Send them their own child friendly invitation.

Ask ushers at the ceremony to seat families towards the back of the ceremony room or church so if any awkward moments arise, parents can slip out with their little ones unnoticed.

3 5

We all know how agitated children can get when they are hungry and thirsty, so ask a family member or guest to provide small bags of freshly chopped fruit or boxes of raisins to keep hungry moments at bay.

A puzzle book or small story book placed in each child’s place, perhaps with a bead set for girls and a small box of Lego for boys, will keep them entertained throughout the speeches. Alternatively, seat the kids together at a special ‘kids’ table. Cover the table with paper and put crayons or felt tips in the middle. Give each child an activity pack which includes puzzles and colouring books.

Serve a special menu for the younger guests. While adults may enjoy salmon, the little ones will be much happier with fish fingers or chicken nuggets.

Give children jobs at the reception, such as asking guests to sign the Guest Book or passing round favours. If they are teenagers who you can really trust and would like to have involved, then provide them with disposable cameras and let them circulate, taking candid pictures of the festivities.

Ask the children to draw a picture of the wedding on a piece of paper, with each child writing their name on it. This will provide wonderful and often hilarious mementoes which can be made into a scrapbook when you get back from your honeymoon.

If you have the budget and a small room is available, hiring a children’s entertainer may be the answer to keep little ones happy for the period between ceremony and the meal. A magician, puppeteer or clown will keep them amused while the adults can enjoy a drink or two. Another great idea is hiring a giant board game such as ‘Twister’ or ‘Snakes and Ladders’. The adults will get as much fun out of it too!

After the meal and when the music starts, encourage the DJ or band to play songs that children will recognise and enjoy. Ask The Master of Ceremonies to anounce a ‘kids only’ dance. Have a dance off contest or an opportunity to dance with just the bride and groom. These are great moments for the photographer to capture.

Older children and young teens will need entertaining too. Ask at your reception if a room can be set aside where they can go and ‘chill out’ while the adults enjoy a dance or two. Perhaps they can watch a DVD or play games on their tablets or iPads.

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Pampering

is preparation…

Words by Carrie McKeown

to forget y s a e e b n te f ing, it can o d d e w a f o g prepping ; in e n b n la p to e h m t o to ro bride or a g ffort goes in a e e d ’r n u a reat amid o t e y g if im t in r r h e te c t p a m m a p ’t So mu elf! It doesn ot only be a s n r l il u o w y g g in in d r d a ay arrives. e p d w e e h t h t n e to h p about pre w u t g s onths leadin feel your be d m n e a h t k o in lo in u k o s y your nsure that e o ls a l il w t u b all the stress

Say “I DO’ to Beautiful Bridal hair and make-up Let the experienced Wedding Specialists at ‘Hair Heaven Bridal Couture’ create a Red Carpet look for your special day. We focus on the overall look, paying particular attention to:

Be it vintage, classic, contemporary, grecian or something different, let us give you all the Inspiration you need for your Big Day. Be confident in knowing that with our hair extensions, your dream look is possible on even the shortest of hair.

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Kira Walton, co-founder of VOYA, luxury organic beauty from the sea specialists, has these top skincare tips for brides and grooms to help them look their best come the big day. In the months leading up to your wedding, it’s essential to get into the habit of carrying out a regular daily skincare routine of cleansing, toning and moisturising. It is also a good idea to introduce a hydrating facemask and exfoliating treatment, 1-2 times a week. VOYA’s moisturising Maskerade facial mask (€38 for 50ml) contains seaweed, pro-collagen extract and other antioxidant-rich organic extracts to intensely moisturise. The hydrating seaweed-based ingredients and soothing chamomile extracts will leave the skin feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. To gently exfoliate, Love A Scrub by VOYA, (€28 for 125ml) uses natural bamboo for nonaggressive exfoliation to gently remove dead skin cells, plus a super-light blend of organic botanical herbs and seaweed extracts to soothe and nourish the skin. It’s important to prep your body too. One of the best pre-wedding boosters is to kickstart your regime with a detox. Use VOYA’s Lazy Days Seaweed Bath (€38 for 50ml) to give your body an all-over inner cleanse and to help get rid of unwanted toxins and accumulated waste, which can make the skin appear dull and lifeless. Follow this up with weekly exfoliation to stimulate circulation and eliminate any buildup of cellulite. VOYA’s Time To Shine Body Buff (€29 for 200ml) is a cream-based, dual action body exfoliator which is the ideal product to help prep for your big day and for your honeymoon, so you can tan quicker and deeper. Ideal to use in the shower, apply in circular motions to the lower legs first, working up towards the heart covering the full body. Rinse and apply Voya’s Angelicus Serratus Body Oil (€37 for 100ml) and Softly Does It Body Moisturiser (€32 for 200ml) to complete your body boost. All VOYA products available from spas, select stores and online via www.voya.ie

Last Two Christmas Dates Remaining for 2015 • Complimentary Afternoon Tea on arrival to include Tea/Coffee/Mulled Wine & Prosecco with Finger Sandwiches + Mini Jam & Cream Scones • 4 Course Menu with a choice in each course • 2 glasses of wine per person with dinner • Glass of Sparkling Wine for the Toast • Evening Buffet & Bar Extension • Room Décor Package to include Fairylight Backdrop, Chair Covers & Candelabras • Complimentary use of our Kingfisher or Alders Suite for your Civil Ceremony if required • 2 Nights in our Bridal Suite with Full Irish Breakfast

€50 Per Person

• Complimentary overnight accommodation for the Parents of the Bride & Groom • Day Before or After Family Gathering with Complimentary Fingerfood • 3 months Leisure Centre Membership for Bride & Groom

For further information please contact our Wedding Coordinator Sinead Gillen Tel: 021-4852100 Email: sineadgillen@carrigcourt.com Web: Web:www.carigcourt.com www.carrigcourt.ie

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Planning a

Wedding from abroad

Laura McInerney and Kevin O’Brien from Skibbereen were married on New Year’s Eve last in their home town. The thing that made this particular wedding a little different from the norm was that the happy couple had to organise it all from thousands of miles away – having emigrated to Sydney, Australia in 2012. Laura told Niall O’Driscoll about getting everything ready for the big day.

Since 1935 Fields of Skibbereen Bakers & Confectioners have been making a high quality cakes to suit all types of weddings. We offer traditional, contemporary and novelty wedding cakes tailor made to order to suit your wedding day. We cater for all shapes, sizes & themes according to your budget. Our wide variety of cake flavours and fillings includes Madeira, Real Belgian Chocolate, Chocolate Biscuit, Carrot, Coffee, Toffee, Red Velvet Lemon, Traditional Fruit and many more. Special Dietary requirements such as Gluten Free & Spelt can also be catered for. Traditional royal icing, roll-on & almond pasting a speciality. We can also provide dummy display cakes in line with your chosen wedding cake. Also available: An assortment of cake stands & full range of cake accessories. Call Kevin at (02823040 to discuss your ideal wedding cake or email us at fieldskibbereen@supervalu.ie

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friends who were more than willing to look after this on our behalf and we relied on their discriminating palates! These were big decisions to make so it was very important we had people we could trust to do this for us.’

‘We did consider the possibility of getting married in Sydney, what with the perfect harbour backdrop and it was a pretty safe bet for sunshine, but wanting the majority of our family and friends with us to share our day was the biggest consideration, and that simply would not have been possible in Australia,’ said Laura. ‘Making decisions about the day without being in Ireland was, obviously enough, quite stressful. We were relying on emails, photos and internet reviews in order to book things like the band, photographer and videographer. Choosing a wedding band without hearing them live was a bit of a gamble, but with reviews and listening to clips on Youtube, luckily we made a great decision in the end.’

‘Our wedding would not have happened the way we wanted if it were not for the internet,’ Laura explained. ‘I spent countless hours using Facebook, Skype, sending and checking emails, reading wedding blogs and forums, browsing wedding sites and shops on a regular basis. These were all invaluable for organising the wedding and for giving us ideas on how we wanted things to be. Waiting for replies to emails was stressful, she recalled. ‘Because of the time difference, we often wouldn’t get a response to an enquiry for a few days. It was difficult having to wait to get replies rather than being able to just call to the shop or business and ask questions. ‘We also missed out on things like being able to do food tastings before the wedding. However, we had family and

Delegating duties was hugely important, under the circumstances. ‘Both our families were an amazing support with the organisation and they all became experts on using Skype. Our bridesmaids and groomsmen were also fantastic. They were constantly checking in with us on things, sending photos, emails and text messages and were always willing to help. ‘Almost everything for our wedding was sourced and booked locally in West Cork, from the church and venue, to the florist, the photographer, the cake, and hair and make-up. Even the all-important wedding dress came from no further away than Cork city. We had the best people involved in our wedding. This was an important factor for us as it meant we knew who everyone was, and when we came home they were all close by so there were no long trips to try and finalise things. You really want to be able to enjoy

the time at home as well as the lead up to the wedding, and by having everything local, it certainly helped in this regard.’ Despite her own background as a solicitor, Laura admitted that making the legal preparations for the wedding from abroad was tricky. ‘We found this procedure quite complicated as there was a large amount of paperwork involved. We had to organise birth certificates and baptismal certificates, we had to do the pre-marriage course in Sydney and attend with our local priest in Sydney to fill in the pre-marriage enquiry form. I would advise couples in a similar situation to do this early on and find out exactly what’s required. Until all of this has been completed, your wedding date is not guaranteed so it’s important that this gets done sooner rather than later. ‘We had the best day, though, and while there were times when it had been difficult trying to organise it from so far away, in the end everything really did fall into place. It was so worth it to have all our family and friends with us and we really are very grateful to everyone who made our day so special.’

Your Wedding.. . your way.. . at Actons of Kinsale

Overlooking Kinsale's stunning harbour, Actons Hotel offers you the ultimate in relaxed elegance. Our newly refurbished Ballroom is beautifully decorated, giving you a tasteful and luxurious backdrop for your wedding.

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Our accredited wedding planner, Mary, has helped over 600 couples to plan their wedding day... each day tailored to suit the couples own unique taste & style. To book a consultation and to start the planning of your perfect wedding day, call Mary on 021 477 9900 or email her on mkodonovan@actonshotelkinsale.com.

Your Perfect Love Story Actons Hotel, Pier Road, Kinsale, Co.Cork, Ireland | Tel: +353 (0)21 4779900 Web: www.actonshotelkinsale.com | Email: mkodonovan@actonshotelkinsale.com | Find us on Facebook

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humanism umanism – a very individual kind of ceremony

Siobhan Cronin examines the alternative to religious weddings, that gained full legal status last year

Humanist celebrant Bill Chase at work on his ‘day job’ at Deelish Garden Centre

OVER 900 Humanist weddings took place in Ireland last year, as more and more couples opted for non-religious ceremonies. This number was almost double the Church of Ireland number, and second only to Catholic weddings. This year is likely to see many more than 1,000 Humanist weddings take place in Ireland. There were about 8,000 Catholic church weddings last year, so in the space of less than a year – since gaining legal status in June – the Humanists have made huge strides. Because Humanist weddings now have full legal standing in Ireland, couples no longer have to ‘double up’ and have a civil signing too. Achieving this status was a major victory for the Humanist Association of Ireland, which had been campaigning for equality for the nonreligious for many years. So what is a Humanist? In short, humanists are people who choose to live an ethical life without religion. If you describe yourself as atheist, agnostic, a ‘freethinker’, a rationalist, secularist or sceptic – in short, you do not believe in a god, are ‘nonreligious’ and/or have no belief in the supernatural, then Humanism might be perfect for you. For weddings, (or other special

celebrations), couples have the chance to design a ceremony that is totally unique to them, making many of them feel it is the most intimate and personal way of showing their love and sharing their big day. Bill Chase, a Humanist celebrant based in West Cork, fell into the role almost by accident. He was sitting at a friend’s funeral, five or six years ago, when he began thinking the oration was totally inappropriate and his friend would have hated it. ‘It’s upsetting to see someone so mis-represented,’ says Bill. ‘And then I realised – that’ll be my funeral some day!’ Some time later, a bereaved family in Skibbereen approached him to see if he knew of anyone who could perform an alternative to a religious funeral. He remembered hearing something about the Humanists in Dublin and he rang them. Unfortunately they had no-one available to come to West Cork for the funeral, and Bill was eventually persuaded into performing it himself, after a lot of correspondence and coaxing from the Humanists. Some time later, he almost reluctantly agreed to perform a wedding ceremony, and eventually the small seed of interest grew into a very busy sideline to his ‘day job’ at Deelish

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louise and Ger: ‘We could not recommend it enough’ Louise Kehoe and Gerard Lynch, left, describe their Humanist wedding

Garden Centre. ‘Last year I turned down about 400 ceremonies,’ says Bill, who has been running the garden centre outside Skibbereen for many years, ‘and I performed about 68.’ An American Catholic by birth, Bill says it wasn’t until one of the other celebrants ‘took him aside’ that he realised the signficance of what was happening in Ireland. ‘He said to me that many of these people were making such a huge statement, having been brought up in this country, probably Catholic, and were saying to their communities “I am rejecting everything you have taught me” and then I saw the huge, brave, statement they were making – especially at funerals,’ he says. After Bill decided that he was going to become a regular minister, he was interviewed by a panel in Dublin – ‘They want to see that you have interpersonal skills and that you are not, well, a nutter,’ he smiles. After that, he went on what he describes as an ‘old fashioned apprenticeship’. This involved ‘shadowing’ other celebrants for several months, watching how they worked and observing the whole process.

That process today starts with the couple making phone or email contact, and Bill checking his availability for the given date. After that he sends brief information on the Humanists, along with some sample ceremonies, to them. ‘I explain that these are just other ceremonies I have done, but I don’t expect them to want the same,’ he says. The whole idea of the Humanist wedding is that the couple has total input into what is said, and how it is presented to their guests. If the couple live in the south, Bill will usually meet them personally, but many people wanting to get married in West Cork are often living abroad or up the country. Skype has been a huge help to him, he says, as it’s a good way to build up a rapport with the couple. Fully booked up for 2015 already, Bill is happy to see other people being trained as celebrants. There are currently 17 people (men and women) in Ireland trained to perform Humanist celebrations – including naming ceremonies (the non-religious equivalent of a Christening) – but with Bill alone getting up to five enquiries a day, this figure is obviousy on the increase.

For more information, and a list of celebrants, see Humanism.ie

‘As we are not practising Catholics, we felt it would be hypocritical of us to have a church wedding. On a practical level, we also did not want to be tied to a week day ceremony as is the case with a civil ceremony. We wanted to be able to choose the day, the location and the type of ceremony we had, and a Humanist ceremony allowed us to do that. We had both our ceremony and reception in the West Cork Hotel in Skibbereen. When we met with Elaine, the hotel’s wedding co-ordinator, she told us about Bill Chase, a Humanist celebrant living in Skibbereen. The first thing we did was Google what exactly a Humanist was and we felt that it was for us. When we met with Bill we knew immediately that we wanted him to be our celebrant – he was very laid back and had a great sense of fun and we knew he would be a perfect fit for our wedding. We were delighted with how it turned out. We were able to design the structure and duration of the ceremony, choose the music and texts, making it very personal to us. The ceremony itself lasted approximately 40 minutes – almost as long as a church wedding and not nearly as short as a civil ceremony. What we liked best about the ceremony was that it was unique to us – and we included as many family members as possible. Ger’s daughters Jenna and Abbie were our flower girls, and his 13 nephews and nieces were also involved, from ring bearers to handing out button holes and ceremony leaflets, to providing the brilliant music throughout the ceremony. It was as spiritual as any religious ceremony and we combined traditional elements of a church wedding such as readings, lighting candles, marriage vows and the exchanging of rings, with more unconventional elements. For example, Ger and I each wrote about how we met each other and why we wanted to get married prior to the ceremony. Bill then read these to us as part of the ceremony. It was a huge celebration in every sense. I could not recommend a Humanist ceremony highly enough to anyone thinking about getting married.’

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Oh such a perfect day... Memories and advice from newly-weds noreen lynch & Jason Byrne Noreen Lynch and Jason Byrne were married in Ballydehob on June 13th, 2014 and held their reception at the Celtic Ross Hotel in Rosscarbery. What made your wedding day so memorable?

It’s very humbling to have the people you care most about in the world make the effort to be there for you on your big day. It was a day filled with happiness and that’s thanks to friends and family for sharing it with us.

What advice would you give to a couple about to get married? Dermot O’Sullivan

Your wedding is a celebration so try to relax and enjoy it, don’t get stressed over small details that aren’t important. The day itself goes by in a blink of an eye so treasure every moment!

aine Harnedy & Colm O’Sullivan Aine Harnedy and Colm O’Sullivan were married on December 31st, 2014 and they celebrated their wedding in the Maritime Hotel, Bantry. What made your wedding day so memorable?

There are so many memorable moments that we could share from the church through to the hotel. We had the most amazing day together, from meeting at the top of the aisle to making our entrance into the dining room in The Maritime Hotel. But undoubtedly, having our friends and family there to celebrate with us was what made it so special.

Ted O’Brien

What advice would you give to a couple about to get married?

The venue is a very important decision so choose wisely. The Maritime Hotel was the best choice for us. Helen the wedding coordinator was incredibly helpful. Every question was answered without fail in the quickest of time. Finbarr the manager made us feel at ease on the day and arranged all the details so that everything ran smoothly. One of the most important things we could recommend is to make sure you have some quality time to yourselves on the day. You have put so much time and effort into your day so taking some time to appreciate all the hard work is really important. It’s such a special day and we cannot tell you how fast the time goes. Don’t worry about the little things. Just enjoy it all. I know we did.

We s tWe C os tr kC oWe r kd d We i ndg ds i |n gFs e|b rM u a r cy h2 18 , 2 0 1 45

Michelle Hardie & Colm Murphy Michelle Hardie and Colm Murphy were married in Barryroe Church on July 31st, 2014 and had their reception at Fernhill House Hotel, Clonakilty. What made your wedding day so memorable?

What advice would you give to a couple about to get married?

Enjoy the process. It is such a special time but it goes by in a flash! Plan well in advance so that there is no panic towards the end. Don’t be afraid to ask for help with bits and bobs along the way. The three things your guests will remember from the day are the venue, the food and the band so make sure you spend the time to get these right. Everyone was raving about the service at Fernhill House Hotel and the energy of our band Red Effect. When the day has been and gone, the photographs are the one thing you’ll have to look back on. Make sure you get a fantastic photographer like Dermot Sullivan to capture those special moments for you.

Dermot O’Sullivan

Getting married is what it’s all about. Having our family and friends celebrate with us was so special and something we will never forget. Knowing that they were all there just for us meant the world to us. Everyone was in high spirits and made a day that we will cherish forever.

Julie Kennedy & gearóid Crowley

Julie Kennedy and Gearóid Crowley were married at Gougane Barra and held their reception at the Westlodge Hotel, Bantry on May 3rd, 2014. What made your wedding day so memorable?

Organisation is key. It will make each task much more manageable. The planning can be very enjoyable but do not let it take over your lives. It’s important to take a time out from it every now and then to just spend time together and enjoy yourselves without always talking wedding plans. And make sure the decisions you make are what you both want on the day. It’s your day, so spend it however you both wish.

Dermot O ’S

What advice would you give to a couple about to get married?

ullivan

We enjoyed every minute of our day and we were very lucky that so many family and friends travelled from near and very far to be with us. We honestly wouldn’t change a second of it. For us, we were looking forward to the ‘being married’ part and starting our lives together, so the wedding day was an added bonus. We got married in Gougane Barra, which is the most beautiful magical location to get married. It has left us with the happiest memories, which we will always treasure.

gráinne Hodnett & Padraig Cunnane

Gráinne Hodnett and Padraig Cunnane were married on July 5th, 2014 and had their reception at Dunmore House Hotel. What made your wedding day so memorable?

Our wedding day was filled with so many special memories. We exchanged vows in the picturesque Darrara Church. Afterwards we travelled the short distance to Ring for pictures and a well deserved celebratory drink in Kitty Macs. We arrived to the magnificent Dunmore House Hotel to a very warm and friendly welcome. The highlight was having our first dance outside on the decking overlooking the ocean. It was truly magical.

First piece of advice would be source the best wedding suppliers and let them take the heat off you. Our photographer Dermot Sullivan was not only a photographer, he was timekeeper, joker, bridal party organiser and a great source of comfort when emotions ran high, to name but a few! Finally, and most importantly I would advise couples to just relax and let the day unfold. Everyone is there to celebrate your love for each other so enjoy it. Your wedding day is the first day of a new chapter in your life, entitled ‘The Newlyweds’, so make plenty of memories.

ullivan Dermot O’S

What advice would you give to a couple about getting married?

tasteful 20

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Table favOurS You want to leave something special for your guests, but it won’t be an Oscars-sized goodie bag or a sports car for ‘everyone in the audience’. Why not think outside the box and go for something a little bit different? sWeet tReats

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If you’re any good at baking – or someone in your family volunteers as a wedding ‘gift’ – chocolate or shortbread table biscuits are always a big hit. It’s probably best to go for the shortcake variety, so they won’t melt if it’s a particularly hot day. Get them made in a love heart shape, with your initials decorated in icing – and present them in tiny muslin bags, tied with skinny ribbon. You can make the bags yourself if you plan well in advance.

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seeds of love

Seeds are an eco-friendly and great value gift – what starts out as a small speck, might one day grow into a giant tree or shrub! Put them into a little seed envelope with the date and venue stamped on it. They are cheap to buy but go a long way. Ask your local garden centre for advice if you’re unsure what to include. etsy.com

smells like fun

Most farmers’ markets or shopping centres will have a stall or store selling homemade soap. It’s an inexpensive but lovely gift for anyone. A ribboned muslin bag or fancy tissue paper with a love heart sticker will add an individual touch.

and What about … ChaRity donations?

If there’s a charity that’s close to your heart – or maybe someone is missing from your big day by way of a serious illness and you want to mark that – many couples nowadays offer a discreet way for guests to contribute. Put tasteful envelopes on the table with the charity’s name on the front, and a little message about your loved one.

musiC foR loveRs

Most DJs will have planned the music well in advance of the big day and, coupled with the ceremony music, you can create a playlist of your Top 20 best songs of the day and put them on a CD for the guests. This is really only applicable to modest-sized weddings, or you will be ‘burning for Ireland’ as they say. Design your own CD covers by investing in some coloured art paper – each one can be totally different, and therefore, unique to the guest.

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Skimpon the budget,

style

not on the

Siobhan Cronin believes she managed to have a smashing wedding without breaking the bank

BRIDES-to-be who spend weeks browsing through wedding magazines and attending fairs may be forgiven for thinking they need to have won the Lotto to get the wedding of their dreams. But there are ways of having a stylish, smart and even sophisticated wedding, without selling the house silver, or the house itself, for that matter. This time last year I was in the grip

West Cork Credit Unions

of planning my own special day, and having palpitations every time I looked at the ‘to do’ list on wedding features. But, after a few conversations with wise friends, and some judicious internet browsing, I found ways of cutting corners without cutting back on quality. Don’t be swayed by the long list of ‘essential’ items in the glossies – if you are prepared to be a little different, and a little bit brave, there are ways

and means of keeping costs down. People love to get involved in the planning of a wedding so before you start, make a list of friends and family and their talents and skills, and see who you can enlist to help out. After all, getting married is all about extending your family, so what better time to get everyone together with a common purpose?

the dRess

Do the ground work first: start early and spend a few weeks making an ‘ideas board’ – cut out photos of the dresses you like best, stick them on an A3 page, and after a few weeks, you will have a good idea of which ones are dominating. Then, get Googling: if you are nervous about buying from abroad, look closer to home, but either way, have a good, reliable dressmaker to hand. Get recommendations from women who’ve already been there, done that, whether it be for stores, dressmakers, or online shops. Many high street stores are now offering knockdown versions of designer gowns, but you’d be surprised what bargains you can find even in your local wedding boutique. Tell them your budget over the phone, and suss out what they can do for you. I was thrilled to find my perfect dress was on special offer in a store I had earlier ruled out as being beyond my budget.

the aCCessoRies

I’m fortunate to have four sisters, all creative and thrilled to be given chores for the Big Day. My eldest sister offered to make me a stole from material I had stowed away many years earlier, and she surprised me with a matching clutch! The jewellery came from an Irish range with Celtic details, in the same silver as our wedding and engagement rings. The rings were sourced in a West Cork silversmith’s, which meant we were able to design them ourselves too. The shoes came from a high street store that sourced the right size in the UK for me.

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Variety is all the rage these days, and if you want a happy bridesmaid, let them pick the dress. Decide on your budget, get them a voucher, and let them do the footwork. You can agree on three colours that will work, and get that organised first, so the other accessories can fall into line with the final decision. Here’s a

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radical thought: do you need bridesmaids? We opted for two witnesses, instead – one male, one female – and let them wear whatever made them happy. Result!

the musiC

the haiR

Neither of us had many good memories of wedding bands, so we got a close friend with an amazing 80s and 90s CD collection to create a playlist that suited us both. We went over it in advance, offering suggestions and deletions, and many commented that it was the best wedding music ever. A little later my niece and nephew – both accomplished musicians – set up at the piano in one of the lounges, and had a ‘jamming’ session, playing everything from Doris Day to David Bowie. It meant there was something for everyone, and guests enjoyed mixing between the rooms.

the make-up

the venue

It’s probably not wise to skimp on your hair, but rather than hire a hairdresser to come to me, I made an appointment in my local salon and had a trial a few months before.

My sister’s gift to me was to do my make-up on the day and she invested in professional equipment and a few pre-wedding courses. We had fun trying out different styles and colours in the weeks before, and it was lovely having her there on the morning of the wedding, too.

the floWeRs

Last-minute Minnie – that’s me. Two days before the wedding, I rang a West Cork florist and asked for something ‘different’. As it was an autumn wedding, the bouquet was a stunning arrangement of browns, rusts, and oranges with some olive greens and yellows. I adored it and it didn’t cost the earth.

the photogRapheR

I had plenty of friends who were accomplished amateur photographers – as most people today do – but we asked my brother-in-law to do the honours, as we knew he’d love the challenge. Being part of the family he was determined to do a great job and he did. It also made the ‘before’ pictures in the bridal suite and in the garden that much more fun and relaxed. We also asked all our friends to send on any good photos they had and we ended up with a huge, wonderfully quirky, selection.

the tRanspoRt

Having the ceremony and reception in the one place meant we didn’t really need transport but I got my other brother-in-law to drive me to the hotel that morning in his beloved Lexus. We posed later with it – just for fun!

the Cake

There are a lot of chefs in my husband’s extended family, so we enlisted his sister-in-law to come up with something different for our cake. We suggested mini-cakes and she didn’t disappoint us – with a selection of mini banoffies, cupcakes and baby pavlovas, piled high on vintage cake stands. They were scoffed by the guests at supper and again with coffee the next morning. Nothing wasted!

the CeRemony

We decided against a church wedding so went for a very personal Humanist ceremony instead – they have full official standing since last summer and we loved the way we could have the ceremony and reception in the same venue. The hotel provided flowers for the table and talented relations sang and play music.

table favouRs

I wanted something fun and inexpensive so I bought a box of smart bottles, with coloured tops. I gave each a label ‘wedding tips’ and supplied colour post-its and pencils. The guests had a ball writing down their ‘tips for a happy marriage’ on the post-its – and we had such fun reading them a few days later and guessing who wrote what.

The location of your ceremony is probably the single most important decision to make, so it’s hard to cut corners here. Since the Celtic Tiger madness of a few years ago, the market is much more keen these days. We were able to negotiate a mid-day price for a weekend wedding, and we had lights and some extra wine thrown in as well. We didn’t bother with the offer of extra-fussy chairs, or fancy bows, at an extra price, of course.

the honeymoon

We put off the main honeymoon for a few weeks – to recover both physically and financially, but in the meantime we had a mini-break to a friend’s apartment in Paris. It was both romantic and practical – and his gift on arrival of a neighbour delivering champagne made it more special than any hotel break.

Cork brides

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cut the guests before they cut the dress A newly released survey of over 600 Irish brides and grooms at WeddingDates.ie has found the traditional Irish wedding is changing to keep up with contemporary couples and present-day financial reality.

20% of today’s couples now opt for a civil ceremony

LOS WEI E GHT NOW

While church weddings still lead the way down the aisle, 20% of today’s couples now opt for a civil ceremony and 7% of couples choose to make their vows before a Humanist celebrant. In a significant change from grandma’s day, none of the survey respondents planned to celebrate with a reception at home or in a church hall; instead, a whopping 69% of couples are booking hotels from three to five stars for their big day. The finances of weddings are changing, too. In post-recession Ireland, 12% of couples will spend more than €30,000 on their wedding and honeymoon, but the bulk (22%) will spend between €25,000 and €30,000. These days, only 10% of couples can depend on parents to fund their wedding; 59% will pay for their wedding from their own savings, and 30% will fund their nuptials at least in part with loan debt. More than half (57%) of couples reported cutting on spending to stick to the budget, but while the modern bride is happy to trim favours (57%) or cut the guest list (10%) to save on costs, only 6% are willing to sacrifice when it comes to the all-important dress. WeddingDates CEO Ciara Crossan commented on other significant changes revealed by the survey. ‘Almost half of all brides now do their wedding planning online, using wedding websites and social media like Pinterest and Instagram,’ she noted. ‘And while June has long been believed to be “the” month for weddings, our survey found that July and August are much more popular with today’s couples.’ Despite the changes in modern wedding mores, romance is far from dead, however: when deciding on a venue, a location with sentimental meaning for the couple was the biggest consideration at 34%. Couples pinpointed inflexibility, pushiness and hidden costs as the main issues encountered when searching for their perfect wedding venue. • WeddingDates (www.WeddingDates.ie) is a free online service that helps couples across Ireland and the UK to find their dream wedding venue. The company was established in 2008 and now serves 200,000 unique visitors each year. For more information or for media inquiries, contact Ciara Crossan at ciara@ weddingdates.ie.

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12% of couples will spend more than €30,000 on their wedding

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financing your wedding

…some tips from the Credit Union

Your wedding day is probably one of the most important days in your life but you don’t want to be paying for it years after the event. Here are a few tips that can ensure that you are spending money in the right way and not compromising on the lovely things you want for your special day.

Firstly – it’s really important to plan your budget +

Make a list about what wedding costs need to be considered and control your budget by proposing what percentage you need to allocate to things like venue hire, clothing, food etc. Outside of this – it’s always good to put aside at least 15% of your budget as contingency.

Decide how much of your and your partner’s savings you want to allocate to your wedding.

Decide how much money you could save between now and your desired wedding date. This helps reduce the overall cost but also builds up a habit of saving which can be used to show a lender that you have extra capacity to pay a loan.

Take into account who else will help fund your wedding. (eg will your parents contribute?)

Be wary of credit cards

With so many brides and grooms-to-be paying upfront or placing deposits for wedding goods and services, there is a danger of over-use of credit cards. Most credit cards charge a very high interest rate and if you do not pay back what’s owed at the end of the month then cost can rise sharply leaving you with a very expensive wedding bill. Arranging a Credit Union loan early eliminates these extra costs.

Do you need to take out a loan to cover the balance?

Make your local credit union your first stop. Credit unions provide a number of short-term loan options with flexible repayment terms. Credit unions do not charge fees and do not charge penalties for early loan repayment. This can be particularly relevant for many couples as they receive cash presents and are then in a position to repay their loan much quicker or perhaps even in full. Many bank loans contain an early payment penalty clause which makes early repayment prohibitive.

A good tip is to put somebody trustworthy in charge of collecting all money gifts and use this to pay for the hotel with the balance being put against the loan the following day. Many couples have great intentions but the extra money often gets spent on the honeymoon or on some other purpose leaving you with a much larger loan than you intended.

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Why stop at the wedding?

As a bride-to-be, you can spend months, or even years, planning the perfect wedding day look for you and your bridal party – but why stop with the big day? A dream honeymoon gives every style-obsessed bride the opportunity to continue the fashion parade well past the wedding and on to the sandy shores of a sun-drenched paradise island or the cobblestoned streets of a European city. There’s nothing like taking a break from the stress of planning with a spot of honeymoon-related retail therapy, so here’s a guide to some of spring/summer 2015’s hottest buys that will ensure all eyes are still firmly on you – even when the wedding day is over!

You are cordially invited to hold your wedding on the day of your choice.

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keep youR feet on the gRound

After making a welcome appearance at Paris Fashion Week, it’s safe to say that the gladiator sandal is on trend for yet another summer. While a honeymoon provides a great excuse to catch up on some much needed r ‘n’ r, it is also a time to explore new terrain, enjoy romantic walks and take in the sights, so this chic shoe, which combines style with sensibility, should be on top of your packing checklist.

Deasy DENIS

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We s t C o r k We d d i n g s | F e b r u a r y 2 8 , 2 0 1 5

shady lady

Keep the sun out of your eyes and embrace summer brights all in one go with a pair of sunglasses in one of the ‘it’ colours of the season – blue. Pick up a funky pair, like these pastel blue shades from New Look, at a pocket-friendly price and embrace the trend for your romantic getaway.

melloW yelloW As with any other holiday, versatility is key when it comes to what you pack into your honeymoon suitcase. Choose standout items that will make a statement no matter what the location; that can be easily paired with a variety of accessories and that will give any ensemble the ‘wow factor’.

a bit of all-White

As a newlywed, you may want to embrace the white theme for as long as possible! White is one of the hottest colours for spring/summer 2015, as many A-listers on the recent Golden Globes red carpet reaffirmed, so why not take inspiration from the stars by investing in a pristine outfit that can be accessorised with any colour that takes your fancy? This fabulous skirt and top combo from Karen Millen is a real honeymoon showstopper that would look just as gorgeous worn on the beach with gladiator sandals as it would paired with an oversized bag and sunglasses on a romantic city stroll.

g lin R a d imasonal trend within debn ine a se vesting

y in Com staple b s for your r e m m ort a su enim sh gain, all in the d f o ir a ap ce a ble oon. On adapta honeym ersatility, this ith w fv name o e toned down raw b st n item ca triped tee and ed up s n ess a Breto ch or dr dals and a e b e h t n hat for zer, wedge sa ic la for a ch b s a ie h r it o s w s e c c ent a statem e. at dinner d

We cater for everything from engagement to Wedding cards,wedding planners, Pre-pack invitations to Thank you Cards. Church Candles-Table Decorations Gifts for Birde & Groom Full me-to -you range in stock Balloon Bouquets or Balloon Decorations for table centre-plus cake toppers

Proprietor: Rose O’ Regan

Take some style tips from the leading lady from a certain hit 1960’s tune by wowing poolside in an itsy bitsy yellow bikini (albeit minus the polka dots!), like this one from Littlewoods Ireland. All hues of the dazzling colour are in vogue for spring/summer ’15, but because it is not a colour for the faint-hearted, adapting it in to your honeymoon wardrobe with something like a bikini is an ideal way to incorporate it in a fun, subtle way.

We s t C o r k We d d i n g s | F e b r u a r y 2 8 , 2 0 1 5

What a good idea! Glentree launches new wedding list and gift service...

Glentree Furniture in Dunmanway already has a great reputation for providing a wide range of quality furniture for every room in the home, but did you know that they’ve just launched a new service enabling couples to create a wedding gift list with them? ‘There are two ways to use the service,’ explains Evelyn Keane from Glentree. ‘A couple may have spotted a suite of furniture they’d like, for example a dining table and chairs or sofa for the living room, so we’ll set that up as their wedding list item. We’ll provide pictures and details for them to tell their guests who in turn contact us to make a contribution or buy a part of the set, whether it is a chair in the dining range or a locker in the bedroom range and so on. Alternatively, the couple might select a few items to make up a list, for example pictures, lamps or side tables and again we’ll produce a list for them to circulate to guests and then we’ll do the rest. At the end of the day it makes life easier for those buying and also ensures the couple receive something that they have chosen for their home,’ says Evelyn. Glentree Furniture also provides traditional gift vouchers as another option for wedding guests looking for gift ideas. For more information visit www.glentreefurniture.ie or call 023-8856666 and ask for Paul or Evelyn.

Place your wedding list at the home of quality furniture You may already know about our wide range of quality furniture for every room in the home but did you know we’ve just launched a new Wedding list service?

3 simple steps... 1. Select a complete suite of furniture or choose a range of different items to make up your list. 2. We produce a personalised list with item descriptions and pictures so you can circulate to guests with full details of how to contact us 3. Leave the rest to us! When your guests call us we’ll take care of their instructions and provide you with full details of who purchased what

Make giving easier for your guests! For more details call 023 885 6666 and ask for Evelyn or Paul or visit www.glentreefurniture.ie We also provide traditional gift vouchers as another option for wedding guests to take advantage of.

We s t C o r k We d d i n g s | F e b r u a r y 2 8 , 2 0 1 5

linda’s

Of kinsale

Mother and daughter team Linda and Laura Jane Walsh have been in the jewellery business for 41 years.

Linda’s of Kinsale is a unique jewellery shop specialising in rare vintage jewellery, certified diamond engagement rings and signed designer pieces. Beloved of jewellery collectors and stylists, it boasts quirky collections of antique jewellery, ensuring you’ll never want to shop on the high street again. Among the collections are diamond, platinum, rose gold and yellow gold ring designs. Staff are GRAFF and BOODLES-trained setters. What’s more, their diamonds are conflict-free and come with recognised gemmological certificates. Wedding bands can be a headache to match with engagement rings, but at Linda’s, there’s a large collection of specially-designed diamond bands to match vintage or unusual engagement rings, along with an extensive range of gents wedding bands in platinum, palladium, rose and yellow gold. Lindas Of Kinsale are open 7 days a week, 10.30 am to 5.30 pm. For privacy best to make an appointment.

Fleur Angelique Florists West Cork’s Leading Florists

Your First Choice For Wedding Flowers Prices To Suit All Budgets FREE Ceremony Decor With Every Booking Unusual Wedding Decor Available For Hire

Contact Maura For Your Free Consultation on 028 23504

27 Bridge Street, Skibbereen, Co.Cork

Email: fleurangelique@gmail.com Web: www.skibbereenflorist.ie

Linda’s

O F K I N S A L E

Jewellers & Diamond Merchants

Diamonds & Rare Gemstones Supplied & Set Vintage and contemporary styles for the girl who wants to be different

Open 7 days: Mon - Sat 10.30am - 5.30pm, Sun 2pm - 5.30pm Main Street, Kinsale, Co Cork • T 021 4774754 • M 086 2665765/087 2502467

www.lindasofkinsale.ie

We s t C o r k We d d i n g s | F e b r u a r y 2 8 , 2 0 1 5

glamorous be a

guest

We can make up any wedding ring to suit any shape engagement ring FREE ENGRAVED WEDDING COIN

with every pair of Wedding Rings purchased New Range of

DIAMOND SET WEDDING RINGS ALSO STOCKING A WIDE RANGE OF WEDDING GIFTS

You’ve already made the wedding guest list, but you could also nab a place on the ‘best-dressed’ list with an eye-catching look. When shopping for that upcoming wedding, remember that the dress, jumpsuit, skirt or whatever your choice may be is not the be-all and end-all. Statement accessories can turn heads just as much as the main event – just try not to detract attention from the bride! Here’s some advice on how to think outside the box when selecting the accessories that will become the icing on the cake.

We s t C o r k We d d i n g s | F e b r u a r y 2 8 , 2 0 1 5

ound R a p o h s Any excuse to shop is usually just fine by us gals, so take advantage of a big event like a wedding by shopping ‘til you drop. Don’t play it safe by hitting the usual high street stores or by going online either; visit smaller, independent boutiques around West Cork for something really unique. That way, you’re more likely to pick up a stunning item that nobody else will have.

go RetRo

sales e h t t i h

An antique or vintage accessory is a great choice for a wedding day as it sets you apart from the crowd and can become a great conversation starter. For inspiration, check out images of Carey Mulligan in ‘The Great Gatsby’ remake wearing fabulous head pieces and ornate jewellery or even take a peek at hit series ‘Mr Selfridge’ on a Sunday night!

If you know you’ll be attending a wedding in six months or even two years down the line, make a visit to the sales to see what treasures come to hand. While you run the risk of buying clothing that will be out of season when the wedding day arrives, you might just find some amazing accessories that will look the part no matter what time of year.

beCome a style stalkeR If you’re having a bit of ‘stylist’s block’ when it comes to dressing yourself for the big event, pore over magazines or check out images from the most recent red carpets online to fuel your imagination. We can always count on those fashionforward celebrities to give us a few style ideas!

Colin Johnson Jewellery Perfect, Bespoke Handmade Jewellery

Make your day sparkle with exquisite jewellery, handcrafted by a master jeweller in West Cork. A portfolio of ideas and designs can be viewed at www.colinjohnsonjewellery.ie Tel: 028 20747

Want straight white teeth for your

wedding?

FREE TEETH WHITENING

with all Cosmetic Braces

Friendly professional service throughout West Cork Call Sandra for details and bookings 087 9389867 horsepowerinireland.com

for WEDDINGS, SCENIC TOURS, and SPECIAL OCCASIONS of all sorts!

Free Consultations Botox from €199 Super Saver Wedding Packages available Phone: 027 - 55011

etic Costm from Braces 0

€180

www.bantrydental.ie

We s t C o r k We d d i n g s | F e b r u a r y 2 8 , 2 0 1 5

Dunmanway histoRiCal assoCiation...

...will be launching its Pictorial Past Volume VII in September and the group is hoping to have a section of the book especially dedicated to wedding photographs (ideally prior to 1975).

Mr Tommy O’Driscoll and Ms Anne Dennis on the occasion of their wedding in 1988. Bespoke & Contemporary

Wedding Stationery If you are interested in helping out by sourcing and supplying historical wedding photos (maybe your own or from a previous generation of your family), please drop them into the Dunmanway Historical Association Centre, post them to Dunmanway Historical Association, Church Street, Dunmanway, or email them to info@ dunmanwayhistoricalassociation.com Original photos will be copied and returned. For any further information please contact Deirdre on 0238856508.

TS GE R D U O LB DF AL ERE T CA

Wedding Special Photography

from €450

Denis Boyle

One of West Cork’s leading wedding photographers (over 20 years experience)

Tel: 083-4008209 023-8842198 Email: boylephotography@eircom.net

Mr James O’Dwyer and Ms Margaret Hourihan who were married on September 21st 1974.

We s t C o r k We d d i n g s | F e b r u a r y 2 8 , 2 0 1 5

Outside is in

at inchydoney island lodge and Spa

Have you always wanted to say ‘I do’ with the sun shining down on you, or recite your vows and share your first kiss as a married couple listening to the waves crashing in the background? Outdoor weddings have finally got the green light in Ireland and the Inchydoney headland is the perfect backdrop for the big day. The idyllic location overlooks the stunning Inchydoney Bay and offers unparalleled dramatic views of the Atlantic Ocean that make it the perfect spot for the perfect wedding. The recently renovated headland at the foot of the hotel overlooks not only the Atlantic Ocean but two beautiful Blue Flag beaches and an unrivalled coastline. The €300,000 redevelopment focused on natural harmony and the seamless integration of the elements into the natural habitat and is now a picture perfect location for you to walk up the aisle. Not only does the headland now feature a natural amphitheatre but also a picnic terrace, specially designed walks routes and a stunning viewing point overlooking the ocean. After a breathtaking ceremony on the headland the wedding party can move inside to the Inchydoney Suite to continue the celebrations and enjoy one of the outstanding wedding menus, created by Executive Head Chef Adam Medcalf. Couples who choose Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa as their wedding venue will enjoy some fabulous extras, courtesy of the hotel, including a complimentary invitation to enjoy a two-night weekend break with dinner on one evening to celebrate their first anniversary. Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa is located near Clonakilty and has been named Ireland’s Leading Spa Resort three times at the World Travel Awards, is in the Top 10 Hotels in Ireland as voted in the 2014 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards. For more information please visit www.inchydoneyisland.com, www.facebook.com/InchydoneyIsland or www.twitter.com/inchydoneylodge.

Elmarie Cottrell& Eoin Doyle

Elmarie Cottrell and Eoin Doyle were married in Innishannon Church on September 12th, 2014 and held their reception at Inchydoney Lodge and Spa. What made your wedding day so memorable?

Sharing our special day with all our family and friends, who had travelled from near and far, with the backdrop of Inchydoney beach in the beautiful West Cork.

What advice would you give to a couple about to get married?

Our advice to any couple getting married would be to plan the big things early and everything else will fall into place. Accept all help that is offered, believe us you’ll need it. But most of all enjoy the big day, take a moment to yourselves to take it all in and don’t forget to dance the night away.

We s t C o r k We d d i n g s | F e b r u a r y 2 8 , 2 0 1 5

Nuptials News

going gaga foR tayloR

Lady Gaga is on Cloud Nine since getting engaged on Valentine’s Day. The 28-year-old who perfomed at the Oscars this week, lives a very modest life with her fiancé actor Taylor Kinney. Taylor, a former model and now a star of hit US show Chicago Fire, thrilled the singer with a diamond ring, which had ‘S&T’ in white diamonds on the band. It puzzled fans of the singer, until they realised it referred to Gaga’s real name – Stefani. She says Taylor has always called her by her birth name, ever since they met. The couple live in an un-popstar like three-bed home in Pennsylvania.

i’m sp spReading the neWs …

Reality is betteR than fiCtion

New research commissioned by Durex has revealed that when it comes to sexual habits, the majority of Cork people (65%) prefer reality to the lure of fiction. As for trying new things in the bedroom, almost half of Cork adults have revealed that they are lacking inspiration in this department, and need help. Durex has just launched its very clever marketing video, based on a certain new movie. Google #50GamesToPlay and see the company’s own take on the trailer for that movie and how they give the theme a new twist. ‘It is sure to aid almost a third of Cork adults (31%) who have fantasised about trying new things in the bedroom but never actually carried them out,’ says the marketing blurb. Ouch!

If you’re getting married this year, maybe you should keep the news to friends and family. Benedict Cumberbatch married his theatre director wife Sophie Hunter on Valentine’s Day but hadn’t banked on the barrage of hate tweets that greeted the news. One fan said she was ‘slowly dying inside’ while another said their choice of date was a ‘bit tacky’. Another Dr Who fan said Benny only married that day so he wouldn’t forget his wedding anniversary, and ‘he thinks he’s too good for ME’ screamed yet another, em, ‘fan’! But this ‘ex-fan’, (we suspect), took it a little too seriously on her social media profile, declaring: ‘Guess what I did this morning? Very first thing upon getting out of bed, after reading the news that you had tied the knot with the succubus, I threw away all of your movies. And tomorrow I’m selling my magazine that has your pathetic face on the front of it. Then I’m selling all of the picture pendants I made with your face on them when I was head over heels in love with you last summer and this past fall. Am I in love with you anymore? No. Do I love you at all now? NOPE! I hate your guts.’ Charming!

the 5 things they don’t WaRn you about So you’re getting married and it’s all organised. But have you forgotten anything? Try these nuggets of advice for size …

1. You might be too excited to eat during the reception so always stash some goodies in the bedroom for the 4am munchies

2. Your hair looks fantastic, bride, but what’s that holding it up? Eh, 65 hairclips? Who’s gonna help you take them out when you want to look ravishing in bed later? 3. That’s a great little hotel and a wonderful room – but hang on, who’s directly downstairs? His parents? Eh, better check the headboard for rock-ability. 4. You arrived in the dress or smart suit and then slept like a princess – or prince – til the next day. But hang on, where did you leave that ‘going away’ outfit? What do you mean, you’re not going away? What are you going to wear to breakfast?! 5. The dress looked magnificent in the shop, and it was great that all the girls were there to help you put it on. But now it’s bed-time. Forty minutes of trying to explain to him how to unclip 100 hook-and-eyes, it doesn’t seem like such a good idea anymore. Passion-killer, here you come.

We s t C o r k We d d i n g s | F e b r u a r y 2 8 , 2 0 1 5

Competition time

Couples! Are you recently married and looking for a romantic night out? Or maybe you’d like to thank someone close to you for their help in the run up to your big day? Perhaps you’re still in the middle of organising your wedding and the pressure is getting to you? Well, one way or another, The Southern Star and The Blue Haven in Kinsale have come up with the perfect solution to all or any of the above… we’re giving away €200 worth of Blue Haven Collection vouchers to spend as you wish. Innishannon Co. Cork

Simply answer the question below, fill in your details and send your entry back to us by Tuesday, March 10th to be in with a chance of winning. Traditionally, a bride is required to have something old, something new, something borrowed and something ???? on her wedding day.

Answer: .................................................................. Name:...................................................................... Address: ................................................................. Contact Number: .................................................. Email address: ...................................................... Terms and conditions apply. Vouchers valid until April 30th, 2015. Please tick here if you do not want us to contact you by electronic means (e-mail or SMS) with information about Southern Star offers, competitions and promotions and services which we feel may be of interest to you

Mortgage Stamp Duty offer extended

Donna O’Neill Hair Artist

For Hair That Compliments You As Much As Your Guests Do!

Personalised Bridal Packages Available T: 021-4701833 E: donna@pinuphair.ie W:www.pinuphair.ie

Offer exten

ded to

December

2015

We pay your Stamp Duty to the value of 1% of your Mortgage.

Why not call to

EMILYS Four Seasons Florist wedding specialist for unique, personal service on your special day

Driangh Co-op, Market St., Skibbereen, Ireland • (028) 21496 E: emilysfourseasons@hotmail.com

First time buyers and movers, talk to Tricia In Skibbereen 07662 41501 bankofireland.com/mortgages

Offer available to first-time buyers and movers who drawdown a mortgage between 3rd June 2014 and 31st December 2015. Not applicable with any other offer. Lending criteria and terms and conditions apply, and security and insurance are required. The Bank reserves the right to seek refund of the payment from the customer if the mortgage is paid back within 5 years. Bank of Ireland Mortgage Bank trading as Bank of Ireland Mortgages is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

L&S Wedding Ad Southern Star 2-15_Layout 1 19/02/2015 15:59 Page 1

The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever Cousteau

WEDDING SHOWCASE Sunday 8th March, 2pm to 5pm

Clonakilty, West Cork.