Aisle Do!

MONEY BACK!

2011-02-17T15:11:00.003Z

Hi All

I wrote a while ago about poor Leeanne whose pj's red dye came off onto her skin the morning of her wedding and then onto the dress and shrug. She ended up writing a little letter not giving out too much as she is too nice for that! The shop ended up refunding her the price of her dress so she was well pleased.

We had just thought on the day that she had got one of those nervous rashes the day of her wedding but all ended well, so as I say be careful and dont wear anything new the day of your wedding, try it out first even if only for an hour!

RDS Bride of the Year Show 2011

2011-01-28T16:29:00.002Z

For Couple Photography - our new year starts with our RDS Bride of the Year Show on 29th & 30th January 2011.
Its our chance to meet all you wedding wannabes and show you our wonderful albums that we have on offer for 2011. There are so many choices, I dont know how you choose.

So I hope to see you all at our stand

Scarlet!

2011-01-12T12:33:00.002Z

You can never guess what can go wrong on your wedding day! Leeanne bought some very festive red silk pyjamas for me to photograph her getting ready on the morning of her Christmas themed wedding.

As she got into the dress, we all thought she was a bit stressed, as you would be! She had a red neck and we all told her it would go down as soon as she relaxed. We later found out, it was the red from her new pyjamas that had rubbed off on her skin.

So word of warning, its nice to wear new things but maybe just put them on for a little while another day before the wedding just to check you arent left with the evidence!!!!

I want a Big TROPHY

2010-11-26T12:36:00.003Z

Hi All

Every year WeddingsOnline.ie host a competition for the top 100 wedding suppliers. I love to enter - havent won it outright yet but never say never....god loves a trier!

Can I ask any of my past couples out there to cast their vote - its a bit like xfactor or strictly come dancing - I NEED YOUR VOTE - but at the end of it dont ask me to sing or dance, think I am still better at taking pictures......

The link to vote - it costs nothing and only takes a second is

www.weddingsonlineawards.com

Thanks you are all great to me!

Perfume Alert!

2010-10-04T15:04:00.003+01:00

Just a little tip for the day - dont spray your perfume direct from the bottle just in case the nozzle isnt working too well. This poor bridesmaid had the hairdryer out trying to dry the stain.....It may not have looked too good but it did smell nice!!!

High Key Photos

2010-08-05T16:17:00.002+01:00

In the studio we love to photograph family shots in lighting called high key. Where the tonal range is very white and every now and then we like to try it at a wedding and sometimes it can really work......

Never Play with Guns!

2010-07-28T16:36:00.001+01:00

Maybe he should have just told the happy couple to say, "Cheese?"

A wedding photographer in Sicily was accidentally killed when he asked the prospective bride and groom to pose for a picture using hunting rifles as props - and one of them went off.

The blast hit 45-year-old Calogero Scimea in the head, and he died while the wedding party looked on in horror.

High school sweethearts Valentina Anitra, 22, and Ignazio Licodia, 25, immediately put their wedding on hold while police investigated.

In another sad twist, Scimea was filling in for another wedding photographer.

"He was only there as a favor for the wedding photographer who had originally been booked but had to pull out as he was ill," Col. Teo Luzi, a spokesman for the Palermo Police, said in published reports Tuesday.

Rifles are legal on the scenic Italian island that's known for - among other things - spawning the Mafia. It's also a tradition for guns to be fired off at family events and not unheard of for partygoers to get hurt.

But investigators are having a hard time getting the whole story out of Licodia's parents. They face possible criminal charges because the shooting happened at their house in Altofonte, just before the kids were to set off for a local church.

"What we are trying to establish is if the gun went off as it was being handled by the photographer, or if it went off as it was handed to him," said Luzi. "But no one is being very talkative."

Follow the Leader!

2010-07-11T10:10:00.003+01:00

Who says the bride isnt the most important person on the day.............

Neatly near the N2... and Navan

2010-07-01T10:06:00.003+01:00

Emma and Micheal had a lovely day in Ballymagarvey House at the weekend. This is a fairly new venue - only a year old and the team have 55 weddings under its belt. There is a real feel of a "proper" house - it even has a kitchen!

All the rooms in the house are well decorated in a modern but sympathetic way to retain the old charm (there is even a croquet set at the main door!). Around the restored main house the country setting is beautiful and is complemented by a wonderful large enclosed landscaped courtyard - across from which is the banqueting suite. Worth planning a look if you're in the area and planning a wedding north of Dublin.

Sealing it with a Kiss!

2010-06-06T20:37:00.002+01:00

Donna and Lars retired to the room where the constitution was signed in the Shelbourne Hotel for a quiet moment during their reception.

Half the guests travelled from abroad so there were five BMW's 7 series and one Bentley for the couple. It made a wonderful sight as they all pulled up together in a row on Stephens Green that Saturday afternoon!

Shady Bridal Party!!!

2010-05-28T20:19:00.003+01:00

Una and John and the gang having a laugh inside the hotel! Such a chilled out group - we just had a super day photographing around Trim Castle and Knightsbook Trim. The pair of them are going to have a super album.

I love it when a couple are in the photography zone!!!!

Take your breath away!

2010-05-14T12:13:00.002+01:00

Even though we shoot weddings every week we still get blown away by a beautiful room. I walked into Emer and John's banquet room at Darver Castle and just went "wow". The top table looked so lovely, wish I got picked as the bridesmaid!!!

SNAPPY BIRTHDAY FOR COUPLE PHOTOGRAPHY

2010-04-28T11:12:00.002+01:00

Catherine & Declan, a fabulous couple who are getting married in Cavan in June suprised me with a lovely gift and wished me a Snappy Birthday. I was so chuffed - their only wish is that I dont decide to copy my new pressie and wear my baseball hat backwards when photographing their wedding!!!

The perfect Invite!

2010-04-21T07:54:00.002+01:00

Being in the wedding photography business, my friends love to send me funny things they see on the net.

I had to laugh at this one!

Wedding Bells or Red Pepper Bells!

2010-04-15T11:14:00.002+01:00

I arrived to Eleanor's house morning of the wedding and boy can you find the strangest of things the day of a wedding. These peppers and mozarella greeted me in their sitting room.

Never got to ask what the story was.......but someone likes to eat peppers in that house!

The three Musketeers

2010-04-06T09:50:00.002+01:00

We are delighted that Anna has agreed again this year over the summer months to work with Couple Photography! Being a no 1 student at college like her boss - I might add! She is just brillant at designing albums and gets so many compliments from our wedding couples. So roll on June and Anna will be here again drinking her incredibly strong tea which she leaves steeping before she drinks it.

You can see her in the photo, it took me a good while to get her to give me a photo of herself that she thought looked ok!! So I have it here on the blog for ever!!!

Round the bend...

2010-04-04T08:30:00.002+01:00

This is one of those "self drive" options as Fiona and John heading off towards Slane from their Church in Drogheda. The sun co-operated all that day too!

Getting down with guests...

2010-04-02T08:34:00.003+01:00

The monumental staircase in Middleton House makes a spectacular backdrop to Danielle and Simon's arrival to their reception after the Ceremony. While everyone else is allowed to use the front door - the couple made their dramatic entrance from Upstairs!

We were there in time to capture it!

Kids never hang about!

2010-03-31T17:39:00.002+01:00

I am designing up Ingrid and Stephen's wedding album at the moment and just had to laugh at the photo of the two page boys at the wedding. The only way Stephen could detain them for a photo was using the "hang them upside down" trick. Glad they hadnt eaten yet!

The Two Musketeers!

2010-03-12T13:01:00.002Z

Jenny and Paul decided they wanted to have some fun on their day with some of the photography. They asked me to bring some props in keeping with their Castle venue for their wedding at Slane.

On the grounds that I did'nt want either of them to hurt each other on the day, I brought along foam swords. Just as well, as they really did get into the spirit of attempting to wound each other!!!!

Garda Patrol!

2010-03-08T12:04:00.002Z

I am in the process of updating the website and just saw this pic I shot. The lads are walking up to the church for the wedding from Mount Wolsely and just as I have composed the pic the Garda cycles past on the bike.

You just couldnt plan it could you?

Winter Blues!

2010-02-28T18:38:00.003Z

Marie and Mark had to be cajoled out of the wedding car into the cold for this photo. It must have been worth it though, as they sent the photo into the Irish Times who printed it this week.

As they say no pain.....no gain!

The Magic Carpet

2010-02-19T19:21:00.003Z

Personalisation seems to be the key these days!

Eimear & Russell decided to have their own carpet for the church on their Big Day!

I guess, it will make a great runner in their hall in the future house!

Mini Me's...............

2010-02-06T18:56:00.002Z

Hugh and Amanda's stunt doubles did an action scene at the wedding. They stood on top of the cake!

Marking the Red Carpet!

2010-02-05T09:44:00.004Z

Edel brought Holly along to the church the night before her wedding to Roland.

While Edel was putting some final touches to decorating the church - Holly her puppy joined in. Having been dropped from the invitation list for the wedding the next day, her gorgeous dalmation puppy showed how much she felt left out...

She made a wee decision on Edel's red carpet and left her own mark on the next days celebration!

We hope the carpet suppliers didn't notice!!!!!

The Big Show at the RDS

2010-01-25T18:46:00.004Z

Its been a busy month for us at Couple Photography, designing new order sheets for all my couples, choosing new albums to stock and generally trying to get ready for a busy year of shooting weddings. I thought you might like to have a sneak preview at some of my new covers for the wedding story books, these will all be on show at the RDS this weekend.

Hope to see you there!

RDS BRIDE OF THE YEAR SHOW 2010

2010-01-16T20:50:00.003Z

What better way to cheer up the January blues, then visit the RDS Bridal Show on 30-31 January 2010. Couple.ie will be there to show you all our great offers.

We have a few complimentary tickets for Saturday 30 Jan, so drop me an email through our website www.couple.ie and I will post them out to you.

Organistation is the Key, I am told!

2010-01-10T15:34:00.005Z

These days planning weddings seems to be so complicated. So I am showing you a chart that proves it!!!! And should help you on planning the Big Day!

NEW YEAR RESOLUTION

2010-01-02T10:33:00.004Z

As pretty as this snowy weather is, it has us stuck indoors and thinking about New Year Resolutions! The usual one of eating less crunchies and drinking less wine to achieve the perfect figure has been made but more importantly for all my brides and grooms, the promise to keep our blog up to date again.

We realise we havent kept you entertained as much as we should have in the last 2 years and 2010 is a good time to get back to it again.

We at Couple photography have had a busy two years of weddings and are still booking alot more for 2010 and 2011. We must be doing something right.

We are still trying to create stunning unique images for each couple. Here's a picture from our last wedding which kept the couple fit climbing up the narrow sprial staircase while we were below annoying the waiter who kept passing from the kitchen to the guests with the finger food. But I explained to him, it was art!!! and had to be done.

Wedding Plates...

2008-01-16T22:17:00.000Z

I've just seen that www.Reg-plates-ireland.com offer special wedding plates with your names, the date and the hotel - they come complete with the IRL symbol. These plates are ideal for putting the finishing touches for your photos with the car.

Looks a bit familiar....

2008-01-14T21:09:00.000Z

This is Chidi Ogbuta of Allen, Texas. She always wanted a doll made of herself. So she had her wedding cake created in her image.

According to the I-Report one pastry chef made the body while someone from another city created the head. More photos here...

Fairy Godmother turns up.....

2008-01-11T13:46:00.000Z

It's bound to be a great day when your Fairy Godmother turns up to prepare your way for your Red Carpet Moment!

Linda and Ivan had a great day - even though it was the middle of winter, they had sunshine (unlike several weddings in July, 2007) on a windless day - almost as nice as a New Zealand Summers day.... according to kiwi Ivan but he may have been talking about the day, his bride Linda or the wine - at the time I was quite busy trying to follow the accent to work out which...

Starting in Booterstown Church, they went down to the Marriot in the Druids Glen in Co. Wicklow for the reception; which was spectacular.

Merry Christmas

2007-12-12T22:31:00.001Z

From us!

It's never too late!

2007-11-10T08:25:00.000Z

Nice to see that it's never too late for love!

102-year-old Lithuanian man Stanislovas Grigas has become the Baltic country's oldest recorded bridegroom after tying the knot with his 76-year-old fiancée Brone Mikutiene. They were married on Saturday in a ceremony in Kaunas, Lithuania's second city.

I'm sure there wasn't anyone at the ceremony asking if the 26 years difference was too much of an age gap!

Our Wedding was at home after dinner....

2007-10-28T14:31:00.000Z

This week sees new rules for celebration of civil marriages in Ireland, allowing you to get married in your place and your own way! Soon there'll be no need to traipse off anywhere, you can do it all at home.... maybe even after dinner.

Other venues, than registry offices or Churches and Temples will very shortly be allowed to be used for marriage ceremonies provided they have the prior approval of the Health Service Executive. The details of the requirements have not, as yet been finalised.

According to reports private home-owners who organise a wedding in their house or grounds will be forced to admit members of the public, whether they are on the guest list or not. As a spokesman for the HSE stated approved wedding venues have to be open to the public. Therefore home owners and hotels will not be allowed to turn away members of the public, even if they were not invited to the wedding. The 2004 Civil Registration Act is due to come into force next month but the necessary regulation details have not yet been approved by the minister.

The other principal changes include:

Residency requirements for civil marriages will be abolished. The three months’ notification of intention to marry will have to be given to a registrar in person, rather than by post.

All couples giving notification must sign a ‘‘declaration of no impediment’’ and obtain a marriage registration form.This is issued by the registrar after they have completed the notification procedures and satisfied the registrar that they are free to marry.

More details here.

Blooming Awfull!

2007-10-21T13:13:00.000+01:00

I've never seen anything like this story in Ireland. I think nearly every single Irish Bride is delighted with the flowers at their wedding. It is rare to hear complaints. Any wedding I've ever attended have always had the best of blooms - I've also never heard of anyone spending nearly €20,000 on flowers either.

I think Irish brides can expect, and do get really nice arrangements both as bouquets and arrangements in the Church. Certainly the florists I see at weddings are always proud of their work and their efforts are a testament to their artistic flair.

As to table centrepieces - while some hotels off this as part of the package - some couples opt to get arrangements placed by their own florists in other places.

The top 10 avoidable first dance tunes....

2007-10-02T18:36:00.000+01:00

According to Askmen the following songs are to be avoided as your first dance and, to be honest I'd agree with the choice they may be romantic classics but there are plenty more to choose from.... unless of course one of them is "your Song" and if it is - definitely use it! After all its your wedding!

Here is the suggested songs to avoid:

1. My Heart Will Go On - Celine Dion
2. I Will Always Love You - Whitney Houston
3. (Everything I Do) I Do It For You - Bryan Adams
4. You Are So Beautiful - - Joe Cocker
5. Back At One - - Brian McKnight
6. Wicked Game - Chris Isaac
7. This I Promise You - - ‘N Sync
8. Without You - Mariah Carey
9. Against All Odds - Phil Collins
10. Every Breath You Take - The Police

The RDS Wedding Show

2007-09-28T12:07:00.000+01:00

This time, we'll be there on the corner stand near the main entrance and exit - Stand F2 . Admittedly it is the same stand we've been at for the last few years, but it is the first under the new logo and brand www.couple.ie.

If you're planning to go, it is one of the biggest of its kind in Dublin with over 100 exhibitors ranging from Candle and Cake suppliers to Florists and Cars. It is an ideal spot to get all your wedding organised in one go and it is on this weekend - if you're there, be sure to call over and say hello!

What do you think of this cake?

2007-09-27T21:47:00.000+01:00

Ok, it is not so big on the chocolate - most of the Wedding cakes featured here I recently noticed tend to covered in chocolate - not sure why! Well this is a bit more traditional. Well traditional in a different way....

This was a Christmas cake bought in the local Lidl shop on the way to the wedding and it became the centrepiece to Miriam's wedding last weekend. She had vowed not to have a wedding cake; but her guests ignored her, as they felt there would be a a gap in the wedding photos and so they brought this along so she could get her photos!

The M&Ms were added for colour because it was Miriam and Marks big day - so the M&M theme seemed appropriate; a big thanks goes to Sitha and Tom for getting it organised in secret.

All new website!

2007-09-19T23:43:00.001+01:00

I've been working on a new website for about a year, and it is finally out of testing and ready for everyone to see!

couple.ie is the new name to accompany the website. There are LOADS of pictures on the new website... well worth a visit!

The old www.roslynstudio.com site will not disappear it is just showing it's age a bit and, to be honest, I've a lot more photos that I'd like to share!

Rather than overhaul the site I decided since we work in a team format - it would be best to acknowledge it so we went with a new name and fresh new logo.

Feeling Geeky?

2007-09-04T09:56:00.000+01:00

I've been very busy for the last few weeks, since it was "wedding season" and so I've been going to weddings... and I'll be sharing some insights again now it has slowed down again!

The geeky bit is that I've also been doing up my new website and to be honest it was a much bigger task than I'd envisaged. However I can now confirm - officially - yes, I take a lot of pictures at weddings!

So I thought why not start again by showing you a chocolate wedding cake - not just one but three, dark, milk and white. Then I thought maybe someone wants to make their own geeky ones and were looking for inspiration - so here is the appliance of science.

And for the chocolate loving Dr Who fan in your life you could conjure up this one....

Finally, this summer I've also built a whole portrait studio in my garden which I like to call "The White House". It is completely state of the art (maybe a bit future proofed too) as it has a full ceiling mounted lighting rig, with 7 floating rails, a motor winding background unit and - oh yes! It has it's own vacuum cleaning robot.... watch the video it is nearly as good as seeing him in action!

Pre-Marriage Course

2007-06-11T17:57:00.001+01:00

At a recent pre-Marriage course in Dublin recently at the part dealing with communication in the marriage a couple - who I'll call "Tom" and his fiancée who we'll call "Mary" listened. We'll call them that to save John and Sarah's embarrassment.

Anyway to the instructor, "It is essential that husbands and wives know the things that are important to each other."

So he asked "Tom" (yes, John it really was you), "Can you tell us your fiancée's favourite flower?"

"Tom" leaned over, touched his wife-to-be's arm gently and whispered, "It's self-raising, isn't it?"

The rest of the story gets rather ugly, so I'll stop it right here......

You want it THAT big?????

2007-05-31T09:06:00.000+01:00

I'm thinking photo prints here; you can get very large prints from my photos - I've a 80 by 50 cm at the moment waiting for some one to pick up it's been here for a while now....

People often ask can someone print from the CDs or DVDs I supply of pictures and the answer is - yes - they've been sized for a very high quality print at A4 in size. The reason I do it at that size is to keep them to a reasonable size on the disks.

I also do prints up to A0 (roughly 3 feet by 4 feet in old money, and will easily fit the wall in your hall.... ) on canvas or metallic finish paper and even framed.

Inevitably to people who are not involved a photo that size could be viewed as being a bit "Beckhamesque" if it is just you getting ready for your big day - but not unreasonable if it is that picture of you both coming down the aisle!

Rant on new book....

2007-04-30T15:20:00.000+01:00

I was flicking through Sarah Traynors "How to Have a Champagne Wedding on a Buck's Fizz Budget" (and yes, I'm refusing to link to it!). I was not impressed with her "money saving tips" - I just didn't see them as being practical...

For example; if you've just spent €600 on a wonderfully iced cake which is after all, the centre piece of your reception - why not spend the extra €50 on getting it delivered? If you are delivering the cake to the hotel and that €600 cake falls in the car, or you trip or drop it because you are in a rush - it's your problem. If they drop it they need to fix it and anyway they are used to carrying cakes you're not! For the sake of a small saving the risk seems excessive. She also mentions about using a student photographer; I would really advise you to think carefully about this... they're just learning and you won't see the results until it is definitely too late!

Don't get me started on the idea of using silver wedding bands, that is plain daft! A proper gold ring can cost as little as €50 - if you are so stuck for cash to seriously consider this "tip" maybe you should reconsider getting married and spend the license fee on a nice meal for the two of you.

All in all; the book seemed less Bucks Fizz and more Sqeez breakfast orange juice.... try and follow it and it'll end in tears!

Billion Dollar Brides!

2007-04-17T16:54:00.000+01:00

Since Billion Dollar Brides are coming to Dublin - it probably worth a sneaky peak in to their website. The event is in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, so it is easy to get to. To get your VIP tickets to attend, simply log onto the link below, stating you heard about the event through SimplyWeddings.com!

http://www.bdbinvite.com/

What was she thinking???????

2007-04-15T12:03:00.000+01:00

It's one thing to have a gown to show off your figure.... but this isn't it - certainly not in a good way.

Not much to be added really - but she wasn't a bride at any wedding I've been to... and you should be able to tell by the photo!

Really, some people should listen to advice!

That dress is rubbish...

2007-04-13T19:05:00.000+01:00

This is a dress that is certain to be part of the tidy up after the event! It is a disposable Wedding Gown - now, I appreciate this is practical to the point of "why bother?" - but we need to push the envelope.

Your big day is a red letter day, you've had reams of planning, ruled in some guests, put stuff in the margin and been in stitches, nearly folded under the pressure but through it all you've never creased.... so it is a paper dress, and a nice simple elegant one at that.

The Disposable Wedding Gown was designed by Tuija Järvenpää (tuija.asta@muu.fi) and therefore is not likely to be featured in double page ads in Confetti.... unless you remember they're both made from the same stuff!

She's just scarlet....

2007-04-13T19:01:00.000+01:00

I saw this online and I think that it's not just a bridesmaids dress but it really could be a guests dress too. And, yes, it depends on the shape of the bridesmaids!

I'm told that Green is the new black (well, for bridesmaids dresses) not that I've noticed so far this season. I think a stunning red is fantastic in every weather as it will add a certain va-va-voom to every photo!

This is from a Bridal Fest in San Diego which is happening in a fortnight - so you've plenty of time to get there!

That old Whiskey Bottle tradition...

2007-04-03T08:28:00.000+01:00

As you know I love these whacky US new "Irish Traditions" invented in the US, probably in this case by the Jameson Marketing department; It's lucky to hang a bottle of whiskey from a nearby tree branch.

Unfortunately my information doesn't stretch to where this whiskey bottle is hung, or if it is full or empty or whether it should be near the house, church or reception venue.

So if full; I suppose you could carry it around with you.... or if you give them a glass it could be a popular chore for the more nervous in the wedding party. It might be best if they're not due to give a speech because it might be a bit too memorable and may not be very lucky!!!

In a Lotto Favour

2007-04-01T11:36:00.000+01:00

Thinking about what to put on the tables as your wedding favours? I've seen two ideas this week that are totally different - but each was a similar idea while differently executed to reflect the personalities of the happy couple.

The idea was to add a random element for guests to the day;

Lotto scratch cards - one per person in a small envelope with the guests name as a place holder.
Using the money that bags of sugared almond would cost for 100 guests; the bride and groom bought a mens and womens Armani watch and held a raffle using the name place holders!

Perhaps not to everyone's taste (like the loveheart sweets....) but a great addition to the big day and reflection of the attention to detail people will go to for their big day!

Big Day - Big statement!

2007-03-21T18:55:00.000Z

In Belgium weddings are now getting political.... so 700 couples are getting "married against Racism" not quite "Rock against Racism" but I suppose everything else had been tried!

The people are symbolically getting married because three couples previously refused to be married by an official, who is Belgian but just happens to be black....

Anyway since there's 700 of them holding the reception- it shouldn't cost that much per couple though the cake will probably be quite big!

Just for the record - I really enjoy multicultural events, especially weddings - there's ALWAYS great photo opportunities!

First Dance gets serious....

2007-03-20T09:40:00.000Z

You don't have to get the whole Riverdance crew in to entertain - why not do it yourselves? I've been looking at a few videos of first dances that are worth seeing - we've all seen the whole wedding party approach and we've seen the quaint couple approach which didn't quite pull it off while others probably should have worked on the routine for a little longer.

If both of you don't quite feel up to the job - why not go it alone? The bride can step out with her bridesmaids or even the groom can just strut his stuff to audience approval....

Of course if you're the more traditional types - and all of this terrifies you as a prospect you can always just do some lessons - call Michelle Alonzi (086 - 3038593) the dance instructor I met at the RDS - she will sort out your Quickstep from your Slow Waltz - making it a Foxtrot Oscar moment in your Wedding day!!!

Quaiche and easy gifts....

2007-03-14T15:54:00.000Z

I got a gift from a client recently and on the label saw this website address and was hugely impressed with it's range of gifts - who wouldn't be up and jumping around after one of those A Get Well Soon Gift Packs????

Under "Weddings" they sell a Sterling Silver Large Quaiche Bowl with Celtic Handles for €520.00 (€429.75 ex. VAT), while its supposed to be a Scottish drinking bowl - I have my doubts with that "Quaiche" bit - it looks suspect..... I doubt too many homes are so incomplete that they need one either.

I figure if you're thinking flowers for someone who really doesn't "do" flowers - say just the Dad - a Coffee Brewer's Basket for €42 is probably certain to hit the right spot!

Restaurant Food

2007-03-09T14:47:00.000Z

There is a very special place in West Wicklow just outside Dublin, on past Poulaphuca. This is a special retreat for many couples at weekends and isn't well known for its weddings because they're only available mid week - making it ideal for Monday weddings and those long weekend weddings!

The beautiful House is filled with old world charm and it is a proper Country house; complete with stables, golf course and wonderfully warm homely welcome - Rathsallagh House Hotel just outside the lovely village of Dunlavin off the M7 at Kilcullen or beyond Blessington if you're coming from Dublin.

What is particularly different is that they offer proper Restaurant meals, not "function" food, the meal is cooked and served when the guests and you are ready, not when it suits the kitchen. The menu for your reception is exactly the same as the menu for restaurant and not a special selection.

If you do drop in, don't forget to ask Catherine to show you my sample album there!

Picking your pics....

2007-02-26T18:34:00.000Z

For the smaller Bridesmaid...

2007-02-19T13:45:00.000Z

You may be surprised but not every bridesmaid is a jaded socialite, living a life of endless Redbull and vodkas in Night Clubs. Some face a day in school in the morning and still have to do homework in the evening.... wearing the gúna álainn may be a whole new experience!

So why not encourage her to record her own big day?

Without Bigging Up "Something Original" too much, (tel 01-2887236) in the Stillorgan Shopping Centre - they are selling "This is my Day as a Bridesmaid Playbook" which is fabulous - it is a pack with a small photo album, a reusable camera with flash (ok, I accept it IS creating competition for me but I think I can handle it....) and the album allows the owner to document their own day.

The best part is the warning sticker on the outside "Please note, that these packs are not intended for unsupervised use." A message that has me completely baffled.... What can this mean????

Rings'n things... (II)

2007-02-19T13:23:00.000Z

This is a constructive addition to Aisle-do....

Genevieve and Chris recently decided to cement things properly, put in a corner stone and on a solid foundation for their marriage....

I could now go on about the beaming smiles, stairways to happiness, keystones of success and perhaps make a reference to their guest being floored by the rings...

I'll leave out any mention of snag lists or bright spark comments and level now: Chris's ring has a concrete centre. It was made for him in Paris.

Reluctantly, I think I'll finish this now with one last comment: Oh yeah! It Rocks!!!!

Bubblycious....

2007-02-08T03:28:00.001Z

Veuve Clicquot, Yellow Label NV| €42.00

Style: Dry White

Origin: France - Champagnes & Sparkling

Drink with: Smoked Salmon, Aperitif, special occasions

I really think this is nicest Champagne I've had; it has, according to the experts, "Intense, fruity nose, fine mousse, flowery, fresh and lively with great balance and length. Superb aperitif."

I've got to agree with the motto of Madame Clicquot - "One quality - the finest!" and you can actually taste it. The idea remains at the very heart of everything in the company today - like mine! I really recommend "On the Grapevine" in Booterstown, it's very handy to me and tell Bill - Roslyn sent you!

Bridesmaids Fashions (III)

2007-02-08T03:21:00.000Z

Champagne flutes...

2007-02-07T13:28:00.000Z

As I was looking at various crystal Champagne glasses the other day in BTs, it struck me that the Waterford Crystal isn't all that expensive and it looks a lot more funky now:

Swarovski
Toasting Flutes €323

I also read some American "Traditional Irish Wedding" rubbish: "The top tier of the wedding cake should be an Irish whiskey cake which is saved for the christening of your first baby. A slice of the cake is saved to be eaten on your first anniversary." Most Cakes I see have a Chocolate Biscuit layer on top!

More American "Traditional Irish Wedding" rubbish: "Many Irish brides favour wildflower wreaths over elaborate veils...and also carry wildflower bouquets. Lavender is a favourite." In all my many weddings - I've NEVER seen that!

Eclipse by Waterford
Toasting Flutes €95

My final contribution of American "Traditional Irish Wedding" rubbish: "It's good luck if it rains on your wedding. That's true! (Of course, in Ireland, it would be a rare day when a little rain didn't fall...)" It makes me cringe with all these old Piseogs and charming Irish superstitions - many of them several months old and invented on East 21st Avenue, off 7 th Street, Polk County, Idaho or somewhere equally traditional and obscure.

Eclipse by Tyrone
Toasting Flutes €75

As to rain - the internet has the last word on this!

De-stress your day!

2007-02-07T09:42:00.000Z

Simple modifications in posture, habits, thought, and behaviour often go a long way toward reducing feelings of stress and tension. Here are 8 quick and simple things you can do immediately to help keep your stress level under control.
1. Don't get annoyed:
Just let it go - you only have one day! Watch for the next instance in which you find yourself becoming annoyed or angry at something trivial or unimportant, then practice letting go - make a conscious choice not to become angry or upset. Do not allow yourself to waste thought and energy where it isn't deserved.
2. Breathe:
Breathe slowly and deeply. Before reacting to the next stressful occurrence, take three deep breaths and release them slowly. Take a few minutes, try out breathing exercises such as meditation or guided imagery.
3. Slow Down:
When you feel overwhelmed by stress, practice speaking more slowly than usual. You'll find that you think more clearly and react more reasonably to stressful situations. Stressed people tend to speak fast and breathlessly; by slowing down your speech you'll also appear less anxious and more in control of any situation.
4. Complete One Simple To Do:
Jump start an effective time management strategy. Choose one simple thing you have been putting off like looking at the table guest arrangements and do it immediately. Just taking care of one nagging responsibility can be energising.
5. Get Some Fresh Air:
Get outdoors for a brief break. Your grandparents were right about the healing power of fresh air. Don't be deterred by foul weather, even five minutes on a balcony or in the garden can be rejuvenating.
6. Avoid Hunger and Dehydration:
Drink plenty of water and eat small, nutritious snacks. Hunger and dehydration, even before you're aware of them, can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and stress.
7. Do a Quick Posture Check:
Hold your head and shoulders upright and avoid stooping or slumping. Bad posture can lead to muscle tension, pain, and increased stress.
8. Have a laugh!
Yes, it is possible to enjoy yourself when you're stressed - you will find the fun is heightened and the pleasure of a good laugh on your wedding day can't be over "stressed" - if you know what I mean....

Want to save money? It's licked..

2007-01-31T17:45:00.000Z

Did you know you can save on your Stamps for the invites? If you buy them now you'll still be able to use them later - The Wedding stamp is so new no one has seen them yet - it only came out this week and they are available in a self-adhesive booklet of ten stamps.

This Wedding stamp is denominated at the National Rate or N Rate and is currently at 48c. The N Rate means that if the National Rate changes, these stamps will then automatically be re-valued at the new National Rate, whatever that may be.

So stock up now in case An Post gets it's price increase between now and your big day!

You nose it'll be great...

2007-01-25T15:38:00.000Z

According to the Guardian in the UK, 50%of brides would consider plastic surgery before their wedding... They are not alone a lot of people apparently are looking for a surgeon to perform a nip, a tuck or more before taking that walk down the aisle. Cosmetic surgeons and others report seeing many more wedding party members seeking procedures before the nuptials.

This bride, "R.L",. shopped around among surgeons for some pre-wedding surgery by reading doctors' websites for information about their training and background,. She then ventured to face-to-face interviews of three. Like picking her photographer or florist; one in particular impressed her with price, training, patient testimonials and a warm beside manner. "My nose was an absolute atrocity," says R.L., who works in marketing in New York City and just married a graphic artist.

"I knew I had to get it right this time," R.L. says. "When I went in for surgery, my nose was twisted, and the left side was collapsed so badly, I could not breathe through it. In the past, when a picture was taken, I made sure the photographer was far off or that only my good side was pictured. Once my nose was finally straightened, I couldn't believe I had been walking around so long, looking that badly." I suppose relying on a good photographer sometimes isn't enough for some people! [details]

The Surname Round...

2007-01-22T10:50:00.000Z

Did you see about the New Zealand bride and groom who played 18 holes of crazy golf to decide on which surname to use?

Greg Marshall and Adrienne Foley wore their wedding outfits for the high stakes game.They agreed on the contest after Adrienne complained: "Why do they always take the guy's name?"

She got a hole-in-one on the 9th ; but after nearly a lifetime of practice - he got ahead at 17th and and won. [details]

He's THE best man...

2007-01-15T13:42:00.000Z

As we all know, some people should be labelled and now there is a way but subtly with an unobtrusive use of Cuff links!

Indeed I spotted these "Best Man" cuff links for €29.95 in "Something Original" (tel 01-2887236) in the Stillorgan Shopping Centre this weekend - beside the Post Office and very near the bookshop.

It is a nice shop for home and "Gifting" - I never knew it was a verb - "a gift" always seemed so much of a noun... For those planning a wedding they also do place name holders, and other little knick knacks. I don't want to build it up - if you're in the area it's nice to drop in to, it's probably not worth driving 5 hours from Clonakilty to visit it!

Rings'n things... (1)

2006-12-07T22:28:00.000Z

A little boy was at a relatives wedding. As he was coming down the aisle he would take two steps, stop and turn to the crowd (alternating between bride's side and groom's side). While facing the crowd, he would put his hands up like claws and roar.

So it went, step, step, "ROAR," step, step, "ROAR," all the way down the aisle. As you can imagine, the crowd was near tears from laughing so hard by the time he reached the pulpit.

The little boy, however, was getting more and more distressed from all the laughing, and was also near tears by the time he reached the pulpit.

When asked what he was doing, the child sniffed and said, "I was being the Ring Bear."

Top 10 tips for the Church!

2006-12-01T13:40:00.000Z

Check if there is enough room for you to sit on the Altar. If not; decide where to sit during communion – warn the groomsmen they'll need to move the furniture!
Leave the front pew or bench seat available for the Bridesmaids and Groomsmen
Ensure there is a man available to escort the mother of the bride up the church
Time the length of the Aisle for your music
Keep the area in front of the church free so the photographer, videographer and the bridal party cars can park
If you are using a red carpet ensure it is securely fastened and there are weights on it if it is wet and windy – sticky tape will pull away.
Ensure the church balcony is open for easy access for the photographer and videographer.
Make sure the heat is put on early if it is a winter wedding.
Volunteer or designate people to move the flowers to the reception venue and remember to leave a flower arrangement in the church.
As confetti is rarely allowed at churches plan to use bubbles if it isn't too windy!

Worse things happen at sea...

2006-11-29T12:03:00.000Z

I see that the romantic idea of being married by a captain at sea can now be a reality on P&O cruise liners. You can have a whole ship as a backdrop for your wedding!

It is a long-held misconception that a couple can run away to sea and be married by a ship's captain. In reality it's far more complicated. You operate under the regulations of the country where the ship is registered and under Britain's Marriage Act of 1949, weddings can only be held in a "permanent and identifiable place''. Apparently, a ship ploughing through the Atlantic does not meet the lawful requirements.

So to facilitate providing a quiet service or a lavish affair with dozens of guests, flowers, bottles of bubbly and everyone joining the honeymoon cruise - P&O Cruises has announced Oriana is giving up British registry and switching to Bermuda.

All of this just proves it is much easier to marry at home and then go away - rather than get married abroad…. and crucially you'll also have all your photos to look forward to when you get home from your honeymoon!

How to Pick your Wedding Venue…

2006-11-25T08:52:00.000Z

This is a guide to what to think about as you look for your reception venue. We all have dreams of Fairy Tale Castles, white horses and wonderful gardens in which to walk with our friends... Indeed, I had a carriage for my own wedding and some time I'll share the story of my horse bolting across the rush hour traffic; but enough already!

So Ros, I hear you say, what according to you are the key points to consider?

• Firstly; as we all know size matters! I think the venue size is the first and foremost consideration - there is no point in thinking you'll have an intimate dinner with friends in a place which sits 250 guests, nor indeed can you force 250 in to a place which sits 120. You need to start with your guest list and work from there; looking at the options that will cater to your planned size and select a place that’ll sit everyone in the same room.

• Putting up with your Guests - you need to consider your guests arrangements - will they be staying over in the venue or going home? Are many coming from the UK and is there accommodation on site or is there a need for people to book B&Bs nearby.

• Cost; what will the meal cost per head - are there other hidden costs; for flowers, table decorations, and importantly do you need to commit to booking a minimum number of bedrooms.

• Transport for your guests; if it is near the church, is there ample car parking - if there is plenty of parking - will their cars be 300 yards from the door of the venue (there are some places where maps and sherpas should be provided) or will you opt for a Wedding bus? Remember a long canter in strappy stilettos’ will create blisters, tired feet and discourage many dancers... even among the bridesmaids!

• Availability for your date, it helps if you can be flexible. Some venues give a discount for Monday, or mid-week weddings – a wedding on a Monday or a Thursday lengthens the weekend for everyone.

• As you look around the venue think about what to do if it rains- is there somewhere to take photos. Most venues do have a place for family photos that is out doors and under cover often specially built as a result of the smoking ban! If you’re unsure, ask the staff – some places only have a room or a stair well, if you can avoid these your photos will be much better!

• The menu options - do they offer a vegetarian option alongside meat courses and does it need to be booked in advance. Do they offer hors d'œuvre before the meal and snacks later like sandwiches or cocktail sausages?

• How flexible is the venue about your running order. Are the staff pleasant, and will they cater to your requirement if you wish to have your speeches before the meal, or bring out a birthday cake for a guest?

• Does the venue offer a drinks package, perhaps with a drink on arrival and wine at the meal, or a selection of drinks and if you're thinking bring your own bottles of bubbles - do they have corkage options?

• How late will they let non residents stay, what time will the band be expected to play until, and will they allow the disco to stay longer than the bar is open?

• The decor is probably the last issue to consider as the banqueting suites in most modern reception venues are spectacular with chandeliers and mirrors soaring yards up to the ceiling.

As a photographer I can state; ultimately the venue is the scenery. It is the canvas on which you lay out your plan and the backdrop for your Big Day and in every case you'll get what you pay for, and sadly, ‘practicality’ isn’t always a bride’s best friend!

Not a bleak venue; Belleek Castle....

2006-11-23T14:12:00.000Z

Situated amongst in acres of woodland & forestry, Belleek Castle is close by the banks of the River Moy just outside Ballina, Co Mayo. Off the main road you enter through an ancient gateway and woodland drive – formerly the Knox-Gore Family home and the ancestral home of the Earl of Arran. So it is imposing!

Belleek Castle Hotel been extensively refurbished but it oozes a well lit quirky medieval character with suits of armour, heavy tables and chandeliers adorning the corridors and ceilings.

Belleek Castle combines old world elegance with bright and spacious bedrooms not the gloomy and dungeony feel you often find in smaller castles. The rooms have four-poster beds and full en-suite facilities, extravagantly plumbed with both types of water – hot and cold! The views out over the grounds are spectacular and there are many nearby waterside and woodland walks.

Worth seeing is the "Armada Bar" with a recreation of a Captains Ward Room from a galleon in the Spanish Armada. It is partly constructed from oak balks salvaged from the galleons of the ill fated "Castile Squadron" wrecked on the Atlantic Coast of Co. Mayo four centuries ago.

What is the food like? It is lovely. Indeed I can exclusively reveal that it is so good the Chef held his own wedding there... and it really is family style as he married the sous-chef!

The banqueting room is worth seeing! In full medieval castle style it has its' own bar area, and even a blacksmiths forge doorway making it perfect for the discerning engaged couple seeking a real castle for their wedding… and for the big day they light ALL the candles!

Bridesmaids Duties

2006-11-23T13:11:00.000Z

This is not the usual list! It is one I've assembled by observation rather than "studied" or found in a book on wedding etiquette. One thing I am certain of: the friend you picked has seen an almighty change in your personality!

She has watched as her fun loving vodka and Red Bull slugging best mate has left forever. You've become a "Bride" - how close to Bridezilla you've become is her secret opinion; so don't ask!

Here are my tips to the Chief Bridesmaid:

• If asked an opinion be as diplomatic as possible; the truth hurts but looking an eejit on the Altar lasts a life time; so when delivering a verdict, be very careful!

• Calm her down. Talk her out of kicking her mother in the shins; advise her that cursing the Reception Venue staff won't do anybody any good.

• You will probably be asked to go with the bride to the various wedding shows and dress shopping for her wedding dress as well as the Bridesmaid Dresses. You will often be the substitute for the bored groom or when he is looking for an escape from the long hours of planning - get used to it – this stuff takes time!

• Try and attend some dress fittings to give your friend some feedback in how the dress looks and fits.

• Plan and arrange the Hen Night: some basics to help you make sure there is lots of alcohol, lots of food and some grubby fun!

• Help with the seating arrangements for the big day. This can be a very difficult process. My tip is to draw the tables on a piece of paper and pencil - then move the names around until you have everyone sitting with the best people. Bring this drawing to the wedding in case there are any mix-ups.

• Keep the Bride fed on her wedding day, as she will forget to eat but remember to drink Champagne and a tipsy nervous bride is not someone you want to see! So make sure she has some breakfast before the day starts, and make sure she gets some dinner at the reception.

• This is vital - assist the bride in getting into her dress and makeup – it makes for better photos!

• Make sure the bride arrives to the ceremony relatively on time – late is fine! Ensure she has everything - gloves, bag, rings, silver coin, the necessary items of blue, borrowed and new.

• Act as a messenger for when the bride wants to communicate with family or the groom (important when leaving to go to the Church so everyone is clued in!).

• Help her out of the car. Straighten everything up before the bride before she takes that Walk. Adjust her hair, straighten her veil, and rearrange her train if needed, and do it again after she arrives at the altar and she is about to sit down.

• Keep the brides bouquet during the ceremony - make sure you have a free hand to adjust the dress.

• Be the witness and sign the marriage certificate.

• Dance with the best man during the first official dance, and dance with the other groomsmen during the following songs too.

And that’s it! Enjoy the day out, knock back the champagne and it’s a great chance to dress up and put on loads of makeup, get the nails and hair done….

RTE's Brides by Franc

2006-11-19T15:20:00.000Z

A few people have asked my opinion of the RTE TV programme: I think it is great... for a couple of reasons. It shows that you really can have the wedding of your dreams! It also shows in a practical way how to be creative, how a professional wedding planner develops and then compromises on an idea. Of course: critically - the importance of a budget!

There are two practical points he demonstrates - you need to have to be able to explain and describe your ideas thoroughly and in advance in order to get others to help you achieve your dream. This can be delegating or hiring others to carry out specific tasks for you on the day. Lastly, nothing is impossible in achieving an effect with some planning and ingenuity.

I was photographing at a wedding recently where the Father of the Bride did the Flowers (to professional flower arranging standards!) and the video. The planning bit let him down; it meant that the photos were a step too far for him! He used a remote control for the video camera and a tripod with a electronic pan system. I never got to see the finished video but from the set up and positioning I would imagine it could be good if he edited well. And yes, after hitting start button on the video camera; he walked the bride up the Aisle - and made a speech too! He hardly had a moment to to relax!

At most weddings delegation is limited to blowing out the candles and moving the flowers from the church to the reception venue. As flowers are very bulky and need to be kept flat - this can involve quite a few people and big car boots!

Nuptual Celebrant....

2006-11-17T11:23:00.000Z

Not every one can find a celebrant for their marriage in Ireland. Recently I mentioned to a friend of mine, a Pastor about the difficulty of people who want a Christian wedding but are not part of a particular Church or group.

He was surprised until I explained it is particularly difficult for divorced people in Ireland who are from Roman Catholic or Church of Ireland backgrounds as some Parishes won't even bless their unions. My friend immediately said he'd happily do a Christian ceremony and arrange the wedding registration if any one was stuck in this situation and wanted it.

Of course, there are other alternatives: I've done a couple of humanist weddings, which are nice and also I regularly attend weddings in the Unitarian Church in St Stephens Green. The Unitarians appear to do a lot of Weddings every month - far more than a congregation of under a 1,000 would be expected to do! I'm told the popularity of this option makes booking quite difficult to find an available day. They also ask for a minimum donation - which is very modest given the location and the lovely surroundings - but steep for a person on a average salary.

As my friend is ordained, married and still in his thirties with a theological degree from from Trinity College in Dublin - he is ideal for the task! So if you've found yourself, or know of others in this position and are interested, email me I'll pass on your details and you can get in touch. His only big stipulation is that he meets you both... which shouldn't be difficult since you're getting married!!!!

Wedding Project Planning

2006-11-05T12:56:00.000Z

As if planning to get married wasn’t difficult enough – here is a free planner using Microsoft Project to "enhance" your planning for the perfect big day; minute by minute….. you can download the free template here

And don’t forget – there are significant differences between Irish and US Weddings (and even in the US between different Ethnic and Regional styles too). For example in the US; Bridesmaids are often expected to pay for their own dresses…. While Rehearsal Dinners are considered very important in the US – they remain almost unknown here. In the US, it is often the first opportunity many close friends and family even meet the bride or groom before the big day.

Indeed few rehearsals here are as comprehensive as in the US, but then, it is rarely needed here. This is largely because it is easier to surround yourself with a wide selection of practised professionals; in hair and make-up, your celebrant, your driver, photographer (me!) and reception venue staff, who, through years of experience will all effortlessly combine as a team to make sure your day goes without a flaw.

Weather to get married.....

2006-10-30T11:09:00.000Z

When to get married? Big question; it involves many issues - some of them well outside the scope of an ordinary photographer however I CAN do a few things… Let’s recap: You’ve fallen in love, managed to stick together for a while now, found a nice venue, found a celebrant, cleared all the family stuff and set the day…

But, but, but what happens if it rains? It may. The secret is the Camera doesn’t see the rain – only the umbrellas.

When you picked the day, did you look into the likely weather? For example, August is the second wettest month in Ireland…. And February is as dry as July (the driest month) so forget the white Pronuptia anorak; but you’ll need to throw a white Fleece in the open top Carriage ‘cos you’ll freeze your toes off as it is the second coldest month.

Your Granny would probably tell you July is the best month and indeed this photo is from Aughrim taken on 12^th July 2006 and according to the weather records it didn’t rain; I agree it didn’t rain; it just tipped a TANK load!

July is the driest and warmest month on average – and thanks to the wonders of the “internet” (it’ll never catch on!) you can check the weather for your day and location using historical averages – check the weather on a particular day, each year over the last 10 years here!

Finally, while you have checked the history and it is wonderfully dry without a single drop on your planned day in recorded history for your Irish venue… Still bring a brolly because as they say in all the best adverts; Terms and conditions apply. If it is one certainty as a bride; you should remain on the best possible terms and have the optimum natural conditions!

Long and lovely Tresses....

2006-10-25T23:20:00.000+01:00

So you want to get Hair Extensions but you've heard the horror stories but you're petrified that you'll end up bald and ugly and a lot poorer when it's all over? I'm a bit of an expert on this and a few years ago I went through a long haired phase.

Well, if you don't do your homework then the horror stories will happen to you, so read on carefully! There is a way to have beautiful hair using Hair Extensions without damaging your own hair, and in fact allowing your natural hair to grow longer and healthier in the process. The secret is where you get your extentions from.

By the way, don't just think Bride here: how about the Brides mother and, don't gasp - the Grooms mother too? Why not all have a shared Goldilocks moment together on your big day?

Where Do I Start?

There are many different types of Hair Extensions on the market, but we will focus on two main types of application methods: Individual Strands and Wefts

Individual Strand Extensions

The Individual method involves taking small amounts (maybe 20-50 strands) of extension hair and applying to small sections of your own hair by either weaving in, heat fusing, gluing, clamping with metal rods or using waxes and polymers. All of these methods (except for the clamping which is self explanatory) involves coating your own hair with a chemical or foreign substance.

These extensions usually only last a few months, I had this done and the hair has to be taken out and completely re-done. The main problem is taking the Extensions out without damaging your own hair. Some Salons will swear that there is no damage to your own hair, but one hair extension expert told me that "in 17 years of doing hair extensions we have yet to see a client who has previously had the individual method applied without damage to their own hair. Without spelling it out I will leave it to your imagination what might happen to your own hair if you melt some plastic onto it or glue or clamp something to it". It took me a bout 3 years to get my hair back in shape – and it was much shorter than when I started out!

So, enough about the Individual method, what I'm writing to tell you about is the way to have gorgeous hair instantly without damage.

Good Hair, Bad Hair - What's The Difference?

Hair comes in many qualities and apart from the method of application, the quality of your hair extension hair will determine whether or not they will look real, and how long they will last.

The following comments on hair quality are meant as a guide only and are relevant to matching the hair strands of Native Irish people with all those pale and freckly stuff not the tall, dark and swarthy foreigners.

Bad Hair - Anything Synthetic

Unless you want to look like you've got a shredded plastic bag stuck to your head avoid it at all times. Synthetic Hair is basically plastic and will NEVER look like you grew it (unless you are 12 inches tall and your name is Barbie). Synthetic hair is however, great for dreadlocks - but that's another story – ready for the Rasta Bride look – no? I don’t think many of us are….

Not so Good Hair - Asian Hair

This hair is a course hair strand and grows naturally very dark (black) and very, very straight. Use it if you are Asian and you do not colour your hair and you want the sleek, dark look. I used them and it was ok but it never really was “mine”.

Good Hair - European Hair

This hair mostly comes from southern Italy and Spain and usually is grown very dark. Some of it is naturally straight, some naturally wavy. European Hair is what most people use for Extensions. It is durable and looks good and it will last up to a year if cared for properly.

All of the Human Hair above starts off very dark then has its colour stripped back to nothing and then it is re-tinted (usually using fabric dyes not hair colour) to all the shades available. This means that if you want platinum blonde hair it has gone through a massive chemical process to get to that colour. One of the main disadvantages of all these types of hair is the inability to change your colour. Because of the chemical processes the hair has already gone through before you even see it, putting hair colour on top of it will cause the hair to break down and fall apart. So, if you use any of these qualities of hair make sure you are certain you have chosen the right colour or colour blend.

If you have highlighted (streaked) hair make sure you have your weft maker recreate your highlights(using different colours) in the wefts so that they match your own hair.

The Best Hair - Raw/Virgin Hair

This hair is like gold (and sometimes more expensive).It is grown in places near the Arctic Circle such as Russia and Poland. Genetic factors ensure that this hair is of the utmost quality. It has been grown for generations by the same families specifically to be cut and sold. It has never been chemically treated in any way (blonde hair is grown on a blonde head) and as such is much better suited to colouring and perming if necessary.

It is at its best when left in the virgin state (i.e. choose colours and blend them to match your colour exactly) but can last very well if coloured correctly and gently too.

This hair can last many years but most extensions artist don't use (or even know about) raw/virgin hair because it is very rare and very expensive. But if you can get it, and you can afford it - buy it!

Wefts - Hand Made or Machine Made?

What is a weft? A weft looks like a little curtain of hair attached together at the top and free flowing at the bottom. Wefts can be made by machine, but the best wefts are handmade. Your Extensions artist should be able to make them for you. The benefit of having them handmade is that you can match your own hair colour perfectly as the colour can be blended in the making process. Machine made wefts come in continuous widths and are then cut to size. Handmade wefts are custom made to suit your head perfectly. Also, handmade wefts tend to last much longer and are generally thicker than machine made ones. Machine made wefts are usually made from the lesser qualities of hair and very rarely can you find European Hair machine made wefts. You cannot buy virgin hair machine made wefts.

The basic choices come down to quality and price. If you want your hair to look real go for at least European hand made wefts, and if you can afford it (and find it - it is very rare) definitely go for the raw/virgin hair.

How Is It Applied?

You've got your hair - what now? Wefts are attached to your head by sewing them to a tiny track made out of your own hair. The track runs horizontally around the back of your head. The tracks are done in the middle of your scalp underneath your hairline so you can't see them.

The crown area of your own hair covers the top track making the extensions seem invisible. The number and size of tracks matches the number and size of wefts. The wefts and tracks ideally should be made in different sizes in order to match exactly the way your hair would look if you had grown it that way yourself.

Depending upon how much hair you need depends on how many tracks you have. For example: If I had hair to my chin and I wanted hair to my bra line (about 18" long) I might need 5 or 6 tracks/wefts depending upon my current haircut. If I had hair to my shoulders that was thin and stringy and I wanted it thicker and more luscious but the same length I might need 2 or 3 (or more) tracks/wefts.

Once the tracks are done, the wefts are sewn to them and then your own crown area hair is blended with and combed over the extensions. From now on you have to think of the extensions as YOUR HAIR.

How Do I Look After Them?

You look after Hair Extensions the same as you would long hair you grew yourself. If you have never been able to grow your hair long before; it is probably because you are killing it just as quickly as it grows. Here are a few tips:

Wash, condition and MOISTURIZE (very important) your hair every 2 - 3 days. The extensions do not receive your natural scalp oils and so need to have moisture added every wash. If you don't moisturize your hair extensions they will become brittle and break easily leading to split and ratty ends. We recommend a good moisturizer for Hair Extensions.
Treat them with respect. They will not grow back if you yank at them with a brush, burn them with the blow dryer, kill them with chemicals. Be nice to them - they cost a lot of money so make sure you get your money's worth.
Always brush out all knots before you wash your hair, swim, or sleep. Start at the bottom and work your way up slowly using a paddle brush.
Make sure you wash in between the braids to keep your scalp clean and free of bacteria.

Every 6-8 weeks your own hair will have grown about 1 to 1 1/2 inches. The tracks will still be intact and the wefts will still be attached to the braids. At this time you will need to return to your Extensions Artist and have the wefts removed from the braids and checked for any product build up, damage etc.

The braids are then undone and redone back against your scalp and the same wefts sewn back on to the new braids. Voila! You look long haired and beautiful again.

If he's the BEST MAN? What are the rest like?

2006-10-24T20:13:00.000+01:00

The Lonliest man in the room is the man about to make a speech in public.... and at a wedding the one who speaks most in public is the bestman. As a service to people preparing their wedding plans - heres my view on it.

Usually the designated guy is the groom’s best friend or maybe his brother. The groom has thought long and hard about which of his friends he’ll offload this horrendous obligation to. But in the end it all boils down to THE SPEECH.

That’s the tricky bit. The Groom usually gets to speak before the bestman – so it may be a case of the groom getting his retaliation in first.

So what does the bestman have to do to be a good bestman?

Plans the Stag night
Rents and pay for the specified tux from the specified supplier in the correct design, and goes for fittings.
Attends the rehearsal, if there is one.
Helps bring any boxes or flowers to ceremony and reception location.
Helps the groom dress and make sure he gets to the church on time.
Stands at the grooms side until the bride comes up the Aisle. Then he steps away.
Keeps the wedding rings until the ring exchange. He may be asked to hold both rings or none at all if the ring bearer has them.
Signs the marriage certificate.
Hands over the envelope with the officiant’s or church’s fee in it. You will give this the priest/officiant before the ceremony.
Tips the Limousine Driver
Pays the Photographer.
Finds and rounds up all the families for photographs
Sits to the groom’s left at the reception.
Makes the first toast to the bride and groom
Replies on behalf of the Bridesmaids.
Reads out the cards and messages.
Dances with the chief bridesmaid.
Arranges transportation or personally drives the bride and groom to the hotel or the airport.
Collects and returns all formalwear rentals on time.
Helps the chief bridesmaid bring gifts to the bride and groom’s house.

Finally, there is no definitive "right way" or indeed a definitive "wrong way" either - there is your own way which is, for you, definitely the right way to do it. Some hotels will allow you to have your speeches before the meal - others will not allow it - so check with your hotel if you're planning speeches early.

A Flowerful Statement

2006-10-23T19:03:00.000+01:00

Shane Fitzgerald's Carraig flowers has a stand at the RDS Bride of the Year show opposite mine. The stand changes a little every time but the phenomenally high standard of the bouquets and displays never changes. They are superb!

Based in Leixlip - it is no exaggeration to say Shane is a control freak - he is a perfectionist of the highest order – and it shows in his handiwork. In fact it really rose up this time!

An hour before the show opened recently, a bridal bouquet fell about 6 feet, hit the floor slightly damaging some of the inner blooms which were white. The bouquet was up high at the back of the stand and not very prominent but Shane was furious!

He immediately called his shop to make sure there were some fresh stock to repair the bouquet, but was quite happy to consider driving to Newbridge in County Kildare for fresh flowers if necessary. That evening he went home and replaced all the central blooms for the next day - even though no one attending the show would ever see the slightly brown edges on some of the inner blooms because they were at the back of the stand!

As he says himself - it’s alright for other people; but he puts his name to every bouquet he sells. I know how he feels; I put my name to everything too. Also like me, he operates two fixed price packages (like mine!) - which is quite unusual in floral displays.

Frankly Fantastic!

2006-10-10T20:04:00.000+01:00

Hello Dolly! Call me irresponsible I've seen Sean Hession "do" Frank Sinatra for about 7 or 8 years - in that time I've seen and most importantly heard him, In the still of the night at corporate functions, weddings and in concerts from the National Concert Hall to a "Late Nite" spot at Reynards night club when it was just a smoky den of Jazz fiends....

With the end of the Summer Wind, Autumn leaves; it's a good time to catch him in concert as he is THE MAN when it comes to entertaining all age groups and at all occasions including Love and Marriage - accessible, enjoyable and he always sounds great singing from his huge range of Sinatra classics. Indeed, I've worked with him in a few advertising campaigns (he was the voice of Finches Orange "You've got me under your skin" to being the front man in a series of Lotto Adverts singing in Croke Park...).

So get out to see him and meet some Strangers in the night - because It had to be you! ..... And it's all here, so go My way!

Wedding invites..

2006-10-10T09:22:00.000+01:00

Save the date cards... I like the idea; I see weddings being planned in detail many years in advance; so it makes sense (I recently got an enquiry for 2009.... and while I am still available - this could change soon!) and I like this one.

I'm sure when they printed it they laughed: 2010? I'm certain there's a few people around with a 2010 date in mind!

Bridesmaid fashion - Black is the new black...

2006-10-08T07:06:00.000+01:00

This is the third wedding I've been to this year where the bridesmaids wore black! This time it was was only some! And, it had a twist; two of the six (Bairbres sisters in this case) wore a pastel green shade to differentiate from the bridesmaids who are friends!

Also the bouquets were kept very different to match the brides maid dress style - the friends in black got a simple almost button hole style arrangement, while the brides sisters were entrusted with full traditional style bouquets.

Cross Dressing? He was furious!

2006-10-03T15:36:00.000+01:00

Or not, as the case may be. Real men can wear a kilt some even have Scottish roots - but check out the safe shorts on this one... So another puzzle answered here: we now know what a Scot wears under the sporran - and it ain't pretty!

Coo Coo Cool....

2006-10-02T09:15:00.000+01:00

They're Doves Ma! Uncle Franks pigeons aren't white.... When I was at the RDS Wedding Fair, I met Steve from Lovey Dovey Ireland at his stand... not to ruffle his feathers, I should say he cooed softly from his lofty perch. But no; he gave me a card and let me sneak a beak inside the white, heart shaped Dove basket (yes, it fitted the bill and no need for an extra wing) while he told me about his service.

The firm has a flock of special homing white Doves, trained and ready to fly. Depending on the package chosen, these white Doves are released in various numbers to return to their Dovecote. I have only two practical comments; they only fly away once - so make sure to tell your photographer where and when they will be released, so the camera will be ready.

The RDS Fair

2006-09-30T21:29:00.001+01:00

I've just been exhibiting at the Wedding and Honeymoon Show; my little stand was busy most of the time and I met a lot of really nice people - many of the couples I hope will let me join them on their Big Days over the coming months!

Thanks to everyone who called by and don't forget to give me a buzz, I promise a cup of coffee in my home - when it will be a lot less frantic and frenetic!

Mmmmm M&Ms….

2006-09-18T11:05:00.000+01:00

A little fussy about the colour of your M&Ms? Ever thought of putting them on the tables as wedding favours, only to hang back feeling that it’s a little too basic?

How about picking not just the colour but customising writing too? Maybe your names and date? It can be done!

Admittedly not in Dublin, Ireland; you need to be from Dublin, Georgia or Dublin, Texas – as they only ship to the US, but if you’ve got cousins coming over from the States, you can load them up with some!

They’re not cheap at $11.25 for an 8 oz (220gm) bag, with another $1.50 or so for shipping to the US – but if you’re in the “I’d rather fall in chocolate than in Love” gang – it’s probably worth it… mymms.com is where to go and they’ll tell you what you need to do.

Stitched up properly.... a dieting issue

2006-09-14T12:55:00.000+01:00

The big day is hours away, you need to go in for one last fitting and the perfect dress DOESN’T FIT! There's only Hours to go!

All your friends are deciding between a choice of perfectly fitting dresses, your Mother is trying on her outfit and – its perfect – the Bridesmaids dresses fit flawlessly; all except yours! Disaster? Relax, the suppliers’ ready for it….

Over coffee recently I was chatting with the Manager of Hickeys in Henry Street, Philip Byrne, about what are the biggest problems with Bridal Dresses. Hickeys have probably the biggest Bridal Dress Department in the Ireland. He said “Dieting.”

“No, its dieting brides,” he said definitively, based on their experience and they have had thousands of clients over thirty years. I had expected it to be something to do with holding and finding new designs, keeping stock or even just displaying dresses.

“A Bride-to-be comes in 18 months before her big day, picks her dress, tries it on and we measure her up. Often 16 months later she comes back, puts on the dress exactly as it was originally measured; it doesn’t fit. The dress hasn’t changed shape; she has. She’ll lose a few pounds here and there and it gets worse as it gets closer to the day, the weight often just falls off and sometimes in the “wrong places” if the design shows cleavage….

“All good bridal dress designers and shops know this, in Hickeys we have people on standby to do last-minute alterations,” he added. “Not many brides realise that weight change and especially losing weight may change how a dress fits. Of course not everyone loses weight; some add it, and then it is usually around the waist because their family circumstances are about to change due to a new arrival!”

New Arrivals? Babies? That’s a whole different area! If you thought getting married was expensive; try raising a child!

Sad, because he's losing a daughter????

2006-09-12T01:41:00.000+01:00

Ciara's Dad, the agile Mr O'Sullivan, jumped a 6 foot wide flowerbed - much to the surprise of the watching Gardeners - who were too stunned to complain!

Not sure how unhappy he was to see his eldest daughter getting hitched ... some could say he was jumping for joy....

There should be a special award - if not a whole Nobel Prize category - for Fathers of the Bride and what they'll do for their daughters on her special day for a great photo.... This is surely an award winner!

My work is on TV3!

2006-09-12T01:15:00.000+01:00

The Irish TV company, behind the new reality programme "The Box" commissioned me to do some shots recently for the opening sequence... this is the biggest production TV3 has ever done... I liked this photo with the reflections of the Liffey in this photo of Georges Quay with Pricewaterhousecoopers Dublin's office and Ulster Bank Dublin Head Office.

Life's a beach!

2006-09-11T18:56:00.000+01:00

We are SO lucky to live in Dublin!

Even luckier to live on the Southside (yes, perhaps a little controversial for a Malahide person; but as I like to point out - the view is better from the South - its the best place to see all of Howth!).

This day was even better - Anne is from Sandycove and we went down to the waters edge and got to take some lovely shots on Dun Laoghaire Pier too....

It was great as the strollers interupted our shoot with shouts of good wishes and congratulations! It was a fantastic start to a lovely day. I recommend, if you have the time going somewhere between the house and Church for some shots - it really pays off - in lovely shots!

You glow girl…

2006-09-06T16:05:00.000+01:00

Ready to bin the antiperspirant? Its the BIG DAY! You’re a bit anxious, it’s a hot day, you’re nervous... worried about soggy armpits?

No need to worry! Dermatologists have developed a non-surgical treatment using Botox to stop the sweat. A little perspiration is normal and healthy too, and you can easily deal with normal sweating with all the different potions to stop it.

Do I need to add this is not medical advice? I am an academically qualified photographer, not a doctor, so please don’t print this off and demand treatment for hyperhidrosis. You need to get proper health advice before any surgical intervention or treatment, however as this is a real problem for real Irish brides and Irish grooms, so I will continue with that cleared up....

In 2004, Botox was approved for the treatment of underarm hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating. A doctor makes a series of small injections of Botox, which paralyze the nerves that stimulate the sweat glands. For most people, sweating is decreased in 24 to 72 hours, with an even greater reduction of sweating 4 weeks after the first treatment. Studies show that Botox injections are most effective in treating excessive sweating in the underarms, but less effective as a treatment on the face, feet and hands.

Botox is a substance derived from the toxin botulinum. I’m reading from the Wikipedia website here; “was first applied tiny doses of the toxin in a medicinal sense to treat crossed eyes and uncontrollable blinking.” Then patients began reporting that these same injections around the eyes and forehead prevented them from creating frown lines and a new use was born!

Will it hurt? Oooh yes, it hurts! A couple of years ago, I got my lips done; if you have ever had an injection in a sensitive area you'll know - its like the stings of a 1,000 sadistic bees in the same tiny vicinity of skin! Remember that we’re looking at a load of shots so, it is sore, but only for a few minutes and the pain doesn’t last.

Most people, who have underarm Botox injections immediately recover, but the hands, face and feet are more sensitive and may require some people to be put under general anaesthesia. Bruising at the site of the procedure is possible with any type of injection, including Botox, but more common side effects are infection, temporary paralysis, headache, fever, neck or back aches and itching, pain and/or bleeding at the injection site.

Since your doctor pays about €500 for a small vial of Botox, your procedure should be about €250-€500 for each area injected. During each session, multiple injections are given in an attempt to cover the entire affected area. The effects last from four to six months.

So if you want to bin the deoderant for life and never use Sure, or suffer the Lynx effect again: you face the same cost two or three times a year for treatment…

Bridal boots....

2006-09-04T10:09:00.000+01:00

These boots were made for walking.... and yes, there is a choice! You don't have to toe the traditional line any more, and choose from ballet pumps, strappy sandals or stillettoes for your feet.... Why not follow your sole and put a sock in all that old fashioned stuff? Pull on your white boots and dance up the aisle in style!

Breda recently made a personal statement when she eased her well heeled feet into a pair of knee high boots. As you can see they really are laced in to her sassy modern sense of style too!

Get an eyeful... brides hair styling

2006-08-29T21:47:00.000+01:00

Do it Hollywood Style when you're wearing your hair up!

I don't agree with the "hair stylists" who insist to "soften" the face they leave a few strands or locks of hair to hang down a brides face. This is a pile of you know what..... if the hair is up; the hair should all be pinned up. If your hair isn't long enough - you can use extensions.

Sometimes, you'll see this kind of "styling" in the glossy fashion or bridal mags. It works for them because out of sight there are two stylists and a photographer shouting at them to the fix the hair every time it moves. I've done those shoots.

I think the problem is that the main styling is done in a chair in front of a mirror. The tragic moment only happens when the bride steps outside and on to the red carpet - if there are two locks or strands left hanging - they WILL move in the wind. And, when they move, they will naturally fall forward and in front of the brides eyes every time!

You've got to ask your stylist; if this approach is so effective in making a great look; why doesn't Hollywood use this?

The girls who really trade on their looks (in a good way!) like Catherine Zeta Jones, Charlize Theron or Paris Hilton - you never see them with two strands hanging over their faces... Because they know exactly what will happen - they don't want to spend the day or evening flicking or pulling the hair out of their eyes....

So, don't let your stylist do it to you either!!!!!

Sounds great....

2006-08-29T14:32:00.000+01:00

Yo! Who's in da House? It isn't "DJ Dave and his Magic Sound Machine" playing non stop Cliff Richard; nor "Mobile MC Mickey Joe", getting down with the grooves with Ebony and Ivory, or even "DJ Shif D" rapping along live with Eminem.

Nor are they the recommended Hotel DJs who stop the night 10 minutes early in case they annoy the hotel manager... These guys are professionals, and on your side. John and Michael of Flashbackdiscos have been around for a few years and they specialise in the music people like: the classic sounds of the 60's, 70's 80's and 90's... making these guys ideal for any wedding with a cross section of generations as guests.

You can check them out at flashbackdiscos. To help you out: John is definitely the one with the hair...

They don't farm out bookings - so, like me and my team, if they say they'll turn up; they do.

It's worth contacting them about suggested tracks for your first dance together; they have a top ten list which they'll send you free at flashbackdiscos. Anyway don't forget to mention you heard about them from Roslyn! Word y'all! Respect!

Hearty Table stuff....

2006-08-26T00:19:00.000+01:00

I thought these were great sweets to use on the tables - some hotels offer bowls of sweets, other people go for the boxes of chocolates - but I think these were great. They elegantly told the story of the whole day for Rachel and John in a way that everyone could understand, from the Ring Bearer and Flower Girl; all the way to Grand parents.

Affordable, fizzy and delish too!

Oh, and yes, the picture is SUPPOSED to be blurry, as its a detail from a much bigger picture..... as it's part of a very arty shot.... Hearty stuff indeed!

Inviting trouble....

2006-08-24T13:53:00.000+01:00

I just got a phone call from a mother of a bride (MoB) , it appears the family was about to break up over invitations to a wedding.

The woman was wondering how many invites were needed and when to send them.

This is a simple problem. Briefly, do as your mother suggests; you'll need a few more invites than you think, and you should get them in the post before everyone books their holidays. After that it is all just complications.

The practicalities are that you need to decide on your design and layout for your invites as soon as your date, time and venues are booked and then order your invitations. This can be anything from a year, to three to six months before the ceremony. The more time you give yourself, the less rushed it will be.

If you're going for a professionally printed invitation; get a printers proof. There is usually a charge for each proof you order and it takes around a week to produce. If you don’t like what you see, you’ll need to make changes and order another proof.

To calculate the number of invitations you need, count one invitation for each couple (married/partnered or living together), and one each for families with younger children. Also you need an invitation for each single guest, (these singles may also be the grown up children of families already invited - the ones aged 18 years old or older and still living at home). For example, in a household with a set of parents and two children (one child 16 and and a 20 year old), two invitations would be sent. One sent to the parents with the name of the 16 year old on the line below the parents’ names, and one to the 20 year old.

Add approximately 25 invitations to your order: 10-12 reserves for misspellings etc, plus a dozen extras for last-minute guests (and, there WILL BE last-minute guests.) Don't forget to add at least 25 to 50 additional envelopes in case of mistakes in addresses (if you have too many,and since they're good quality, you can always use them for your Thank You notes later).

The key question leading to the family break up was: when to send the invitations.... I suggest you aim to post your invitations six weeks before the wedding.

If you wish - send them sooner I've got one here beside me that I got in February for a wedding at the end of December this year (yes, I even go to weddings as a civilian - not just as the photographer or bridesmaid!)....

Is WWW for World Wide Wedding????

2006-08-15T13:04:00.000+01:00

Lights! Camera! Action! Rolling.....

Webcast your wedding! This is ideal for the Aunt you would like to snub, the friends who can't stand each other, the brother or sister who couldn't get themselves a flight home for your big day....

It could be more serious like your Nan is in Hospital or just that your work mates can't leave their desks and shut the company for the day....

Whatever your reasons, for only $395 you can use the power of the internet to bring your wedding to PCs around the world through webcastmywedding.net

All you need to supply is:

A video camera (digital with fire wire is best)
A computer (a laptop with fire wire is best)
A high speed Internet connection
Also any necessary cables to connect all of your equipment

Certainly it could work in the Dublin area, especially with Clearwire offering a portable internet connection modem thingy. I suppose you could set up the lap top and internet connection in the Church grounds and wire up the camera to the PC and your big day really can be out there!!!!

Thinking too much...

2006-08-14T17:04:00.000+01:00

I saw a great "Groom Gift" the other day... we all know about the tie pins, pens, watches and other expensive "personal gifts".

I was at a wedding where the bride sent him a pair of socks for the ceremony, with a little note "Please wear these today, they're guaranteed to stop cold feet".

HOW Much? Is it worth it?

2006-08-14T15:21:00.000+01:00

As you plan your big day, you'll be hearing "HOW Much?" from one person or another. OK, it'll usually be from the same one person.

He'll probably have more than a passing involvement in the day, but still it is important to put things in context for him. He may not fully understand how important it is for you. How you've held back from some extravagances.

This means that if you want to put on underwear worth €1,500, or splash €600 on a carriage and a pair of horses - you'll now easily be able to put the costs in an international context.

To help you out here are some pointers:

Miss Carly O'Brien, from Gloucester in the UK, who recently went up the aisle in a modest little number, with 3,000 Swarovski crystals sown into a 30 layer dress.... (She was 16, and pretty strong by the sounds of things as the dress weighed a reported 160 kilos) and it only cost €37,500. She needed to remove some of the dress to get through the church door....

Of course she was a modest young girl with just big dreams because she really didn't try half as hard as the now Mrs Delaney, of Tolworth in the UK.

Miss Josephine Doherty went up the red carpet in a 180 kg dress, which only took her 2 hours to put on. She then had a 30 minute wait while everyone fitted the dress in to the Cinderella style carriage for the trip to the church. On arrival she needed a team of 8 best men and 5 bridesmaids to carry the 60 foot long train....

But then it was all definitely worth it, because she got to use the carriage again with her beloved for the FOUR hour journey to her reception, of course had she gone any quicker they may not have been ready with their modest little 40 teir wedding cake, which was waiting for the loving couples arrival....

On reflection it does appear odd that these are all recent UK weddings involving people with Irish surnames... or maybe not.

The Groom forgets...

2006-08-08T13:06:00.000+01:00

The Grooms men get a kick out of a slip in the order of words - it's not often that the groomsmen feel relaxed enough to laugh during the Church ceremony - there are speeches still to be made later in Cabra Castle....

An Orthodox wedding...

2006-08-02T19:59:00.000+01:00

Despite the crowns on their heads - they are indeed at a very Orthodox wedding. Recently, the team attended a Russian Orthodox wedding in the Orthodox Church in Harold's Cross. The ceremony was very unusual for Dublin, if only because it was held on a Sunday!

Tim and Ciara had a huge and enthusiastic turn out from the Irish Georgian community in Dublin. The Wedding began with a wonderful service lead by the celebrant Father Gregoriou, who sang throughout the ceremony accompanied by a trio of singers.

There were several stages to the ceremony; the lighting of the candles by the couple, the placing of crowns on their heads, then the priest leads them around the Gospel Books three times, before the couple hold Icons and then they receive Holy Communion. It was a very prayerful service.

After the ceremony finished, all the guests queued up inside the church to greet the bride and groom, who stood and received all their guests at the Altar. This is very unlike an Irish wedding, where everyone meets outside and around the door of the Church.

The Ceremony was followed by a great celebration, with everyone who attended invited along to a party in the community hall at the rear of the Church - complete with refreshments, traditional Georgian food, a wedding cake and traditional Georgian Dancing.... it was a wonderful ceremony, and for us, a culturally interesting afternoon too!