A Love That's Traveled The World: Orla + Joe's Winter Wedding At Radisson Blu Limerick

Imagine meeting the love of your life in a whole different hemisphere…

That’s exactly what happened to Orla and Joe, both from Ireland, when they first met in Australia! This couple is the definition of FUN! Since their first meeting, these lovebirds have traveled the world together, living and adventuring in destinations across the globe. From meeting in Australia, living in New Zealand, an NYC proposal, to finally tieing the knot back in Ireland, it’s no questioning these two have a love that is steadfast.

Wedding in an intimate winter ceremony at Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa Limerick, the pair celebrated in style with family and friends from across the world making for an unforgettable celebration…. a TWO DAY celebration that is!

Don’t miss the bridal party’s chic fur wrap’s that were perfect for a chilly winter wedding, and the cheese cake….yes, a cake made of CHEESE!!! Yum!

The Beginning

“We met in Australia! I went all the way to Oz to fall in love with an Irish fella! We worked in a pub together, Joe was my supervisor and in typical Irish pub fashion, we got together at a work Xmas party! We are both 28, Orla from Galway and Joe from Tipperary, and we both have a passion for travel and adventure. Our travels have taken us to Australia, New Zealand, The States, Asia to name a few.”

Poor Joe had to work hard and ask Orla out 3 times before she agreed to give him a chance! Persistence is key!

The Proposal

“We had lived one year in New Zealand and were headed home for Christmas and we had taken a holiday on the way. We spent a few days in NYC and Orla been super organised had the trip planned out to the tee however she had just written down ‘Central Park’ with no exact plans, so Joe took his opportunity and arranged a horse and carriage as a surprise! Not only a horse and carriage put a photographer to capture that special moment!”

“He got down on one knee and said “be mine forever” with a gorge gold band, 3 stone Michael Hill ring.”

Wedding Attire

“I wore a white full-length lace gown, button detailing on the back, very fitted. I had a veil for my ceremony and then changed into a flower crown. Then I had a gorge fur from Coast London to keep me warm for the winter! My little wifey bag is from Aldo. Being a handbag lover I think this is one of my fave things!”

“My 3 bridesmaids wore black full-length dresses, with rose gold shoes and accessories including a Michael Korrs Bracelet that was their gift. Red lips and red nails finished the look with a baby’s breath bouquet.”

“The boys had suits from Corless menswear in Galway. The groomsmen had plain grey and green ties and their buttonhole was baby’s breath to match the three ladies. Joe went for a tweedy waistcoat and a gold tie to make him stand out. They all had pocket watches, which was their gift.”

The Venue

“We were hunting for a little while as we were unsure as to where we wanted to get married! We decided Limerick was a happy medium as it was in the middle for our families and we haven’t lived at home in years so had no tie to anywhere in particular. We wanted something modern and cosy since it was near Christmas, a good room rate for our guests, and a venue that could provide us with everything under the one roof!”

“Orla has a little obsession with Chiavari chairs also. No chair covers was a must, so that was actually a huge pulling point for her! The fact the hotel has relations with Grace events was huge for Orla too as she has worked in wedding styling and events!”

“We also wanted somewhere with a cosy bar area so we could keep the party rolling on day 2. Day 2 we had a 2 man band, more prosecco and cheese and some nibbles in Quench bar.”

“The food was delish! Not too many weddings you get steak! The staff were wonderful so accommodating couldn’t do enough. The guests loved the modern rooms and the pool and spa facilities to cure the hangover the next day too!”

The Photographer

“Paul was an absolute superstar! He really cares about all his clients and has that personal feel! I felt so relaxed and he wasn’t in our faces made us feel really comfortable and we are delighted with his work!”

Wedding Theme and Trends

“We had a cake made of cheese! We are real foodies so it was brie, camembert, Mexican, cranberry, cheddar and blue! We supplied relish and crackers and chutneys for our evening feast it went down very well!”

“We went for a fresh greenery theme! All invites, menus etc carried through our theme. We had a flower wall and the bride wore a flower crown for the afters. We went right down with the attention to detail to even adding rosemary to the napkins”

“We had a cocktail and canape reception with a pianist in the lobby. The cocktails were his and hers – whisky sours and Bellini’s followed by our 5-course meal accompanied with white and red wine and we had prosecco for the toast.”

Special Moments

“I think the most special moment is to look around and see your worlds colliding! For us there was people there who we had met all over the world (literally!) as well as old friends and family. I did a speech and it went down really well. My mum passed away in Aug 2015 so it was very sad she couldn’t be with us so I had to give her a mention. We also did a donation to Galway Hospice as our favour in her honour as well as carrying her on my bouquet.”

“We also joke it was the wedding that turned part rave! Our DJ Shane Reynolds, who has had his 1st single signed to Full Tilt Recordings released which hit number 7 in The Irish Dance Charts on iTunes really belted out the choons!”

Supplier Information

• Venue:

  Raddison Blu Limerick

• Photographer:

  Paul Duane

• Band:

  Hot Fuss

• Florist:

  Abbey Florist Claregalway

• Hair Stylist:

  Thelma from Divas Hair Design

• Makeup Artist:

  Elaine Conboy MUA

• Décor:

  Grace Events

• DJ :

  Shane Reynolds

• Day 2 band :

  Jamie Shine and Ray Murphy

• Ceremony singing:

  Amy Gleeson