When we first saw this wedding, we have to say, we were in love. Daniel and Helen’s day in the Dromhall Hotel, pretty much has it all: Laughter, love and the beautiful back-drop of Killarney. Sit back, relax and make yourself a cup of tea for this truly lovely story…
“Helen’s sister had her wedding in Dromhall Hotel in 2011, so we knew what great service they could provide. After meeting Bernadette Randles and discussing the options which the family run hotel could offer, we were impressed. After meeting her team and liaising with Sue Ryan, their wedding planner, we planned our big day over the coming months.”
“We slowly built up our vision of the wedding reception we wanted. The Dromhall Hotel team did not disappoint and all requests and ideas were put in place. They made it very easy. The large selection of guests’ rooms available also played a part in the organisation of the big day as well as the location. With the Dromhall Hotel situated within walkable reach of Killarney Centre, Ross Castle and Muckross Lakes, I wanted to impress my UK guests with my ‘new’ home of Kerry and the attractions it held.”
“We got engaged on 11th November 2012 in London, which was a total surprise to Helen, which by the way was not an easy event to keep a secret. But, when did we know we wanted to get married? …Well we had been together for 6 years and sharing our plans and travels together I knew way before I had the courage not only to ask her father, let alone to get on one knee and propose I wanted to marry Helen.”
Helen’s dress is just gorgeous and has a beautiful vintage look to it… “The dress was actually one of the very first I had tried on but of course I had to do what most brides do and travel around to a few shops in Munster & Dublin before I came back to the one in Aibheal in Adare. It’s a beautiful dress from the bridal brand Pronovias and it’s called ‘Laila’. It was fabulous to wear as it was so light and I really wanted something simple but classic at the same time. The lace back gave it a vintage feel and my bridesmaid Margo put her creative touch to it by designing a headpiece and vintage brooch bouquet to complement it. ”
Since Dan lives in the UK and Helen is a Kerry woman, the two were technically planning a destination wedding – which could have easily been a challenge. Fortunately, Dan mentions that Sue and her team at Dromhall made it very easy for them…
“As we live and work in the UK, the travelling back and forth to Kerry to “come home” every few weeks was a challenge, but Sue Ryan at the Dromhall Hotel was excellent and we did all the planning via email and the occasional phone call. To be honest being in the UK made little difference in planning the wedding day at the Dromhall Hotel, as Sue kept in contact regularly. She made it so easy for us.”
“I sometimes take Kerry’s beautiful scenery for granted but for the majority of my guests it was their first trip to Ireland let alone Kerry. The scenery, hospitality and Killarney as a great social place to visit really amazed them. I have had nothing but praise for the whole weekend. Our UK guests loved it. Most attended the Kerry races held that weekend, and over the weekend visited Ladies View, Ross Castle and The Gap of Dunloe. All have vowed to return over the summer!”
Dan was very active in wedding planning and even created their wedding stationery…”I was (allowed to be!) in charge of the Save the Date cards and wedding invitations. I made all 300 by hand and so took several months to prepare and plan, and obviously make. I did turn into a “Groomzilla” with my part of the project but I thoroughly enjoyed and it made it more personal for me.”
“The wide variety of menu choices available for our guests was amazing. All served on time, piping hot and absolutely delicious! The Chefs and their team were A1 in their delivering of a fantastic meal and creating an unforgettable experience for our guests. The timings all being pre-planned by the Dromhall Hotel team prior to the big day to make everything perfect. Drinks were frequently served and all of our guests were constantly ‘topped up’. But the most amazing part of our whole experience at Dromhall Hotel was the praise we received from our guests, we still get compliments on the wedding breakfast meal!”
As for favourite wedding moments? Both Dan and Helen had shared similar happy memories…
Dan: “For me very much the moment Helen walked down the aisle and my first sight of her in her dress and the amazing headpiece and hand made pearl brooch bouquet. She looked amazing and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of our wedding. I honestly can say the best day of my life. Helen looked amazing.”
Helen: “For me walking up the aisle was lovely. Neither of us were nervous which was a surprise and we were able to enjoy the ceremony. The atmosphere at the reception was electric and it was a typical Kerry wedding with the dance floor full for the night with the box of fancy dress tricks such as hats and masks going down a treat. We also had a special surprise with a Ceoilteoiri Sliabh luachra who are a local group of young dancers performing Sean Os dancing for our guests.”
Some of Dan and Helen’s favourite captured moments not only involved their professional photos, but photos that were taken by guests…
Dan: “We used Wedpics.com, so guests could upload their photos and they have been amazing. I love the selfie Helen and I took in the wedding car soon after leaving the church. Funny, honest and just us. Lovely. Although the balloon photos taken at Ross Castle in strong winds will always stay with me, the laughter! The church stained window shot is amazing too. Captured all the service beautifully.”
Helen: “And of course the bridal party also had to take their own selfie after the ceremony, which really depicts the craic that was had from start to finish! ”
Thank you to the amazing Greg from IG Photography for these gorgeous images and to The Dromhall Hotel Killarney!
Wedding Credits:
- Wedding Venue: Dromhall Hotel Killarney
- Dress: Aibheal in Adare
- Florist: Flowers by Sheila Castleisland
- Video: Velvetine Studios
- Hair: Louise McGuire
- Makeup: Anna Mahony
- Live band: The Loveable Rogues Co. Kerry
- DJ: Kevin O’Sullivan – Co. Kerry
