An Enchanting Irish-American Destination Wedding In Limerick, Ireland

In the lush Irish countryside, where emerald hills converge with the vast Atlantic Ocean, Stephanie and David’s romance unfolded in a picturesque setting. Over 15 months, they meticulously planned their destination wedding with the expertise of Tara Fay from Tara Fay Events. The result was a joyful celebration infused with love, laughter, and the untamed charm of Ireland. From the proposal to the big day, every detail was carefully curated to create an unforgettable experience.

How They Met

Stephanie’s career in Boston’s finance sector spanned 13 years, a testament to her dedication and perseverance. In contrast, Dave’s journey began with a finance degree from University College Dublin, which he completed before relocating to Boston. Seven years later, he founded Synergy, now overseeing a remarkable $2.5 billion real estate portfolio in greater Boston, comprising over 5 million square feet of commercial space.

This achievement is all the more impressive considering Dave’s personal challenges, including his divorce in 2017 and raising four children from his previous marriage. Despite these obstacles, he continued to push forward, driven by a sense of purpose and resilience. It was during this time that he met Stephanie through mutual friends, and their friendship blossomed into a beautiful romance.

Both having emerged from previous relationships, they found solace in each other’s company, embodying the power of second chances and the serendipity of finding love in unexpected places.

The Proposal

As the pandemic raged on, a milestone moment unfolded for Stephanie and Dave on June 28, 2020, at Little Palm Island, Florida. Amidst the uncertainty, Dave presented Stephanie with a temporary ring, symbolizing their commitment, which would eventually become her wedding band. Nine months later, on September 22, 2020, atop Boston’s historic Old City Hall, a property under Dave’s century-long lease, he proposed again, this time with a breathtaking 14-carat yellow diamond.

Overwhelmed with joy, Stephanie gladly accepted, reiterating their love and devotion. Their happiness continued to grow as they welcomed their first daughter in January 2021. The cherry on top came when Stephanie was 16 weeks pregnant on their wedding day, marking another remarkable chapter in their extraordinary journey.

Planning the Wedding

Despite the challenges posed by the global pandemic, Stephanie and David’s love story unfolded in a remarkable way. As they navigated the constraints of lockdowns on both sides of the Atlantic – Ireland and the US east coast respectively – their dedicated wedding planners worked tirelessly to bridge the distance.

Through a series of virtual meetings, spaced every three to four weeks, and constant email communication, the couple’s planners turned obstacles into opportunities for creativity and connection. The result was a seamless planning process that allowed Stephanie and David to focus on what truly mattered – bringing their unique vision to life.

This clarity of purpose enabled their planners to shape their dreams with precision, resulting in a wedding palette inspired by the natural beauty of Ireland’s countryside. The couple’s Irish heritage played a starring role in the celebration, with bespoke invitations beautifully reflecting the groom’s roots and connecting the west coast of Ireland to the east coast of the US in a heartfelt way.

The Bride’s Wedding Gown

Stephanie’s passion for fashion knows no bounds. Her extensive wardrobe is a treasure trove of runway dresses and outfits from legendary designers and up-and-coming talent. As she planned the most significant fashion moment of her life, Stephanie turned to Ralph Lauren’s expert team to craft a wedding dress that embodied the essence of an Irish celebration at Adare Manor.

Drawing inspiration from their May wedding date and the opulence of the First Monday in May, Steph envisioned her dream dress as a modern interpretation of Priyanka Chopra’s iconic Met Gala trench coat, famously worn in 2017.

The Venue

As the couple prepared for their extraordinary event, they chose the idyllic Adare Manor as their destination wedding venue. This enchanting location held a special significance for Dave, being just 10 miles from his childhood home and close to his family, including his father who resides there with Lewy Body Dementia. The manor became a second home for them when visiting Dave’s father, providing an intimate connection to the place.

Stephanie, too, fell deeply in love with Ireland during her first visit in 2017, and Adare Manor soon followed suit. In fact, she was smitten with it so much that there was never any other destination considered for their big day. The couple’s decision was further solidified when Dave shared that his father had cleaned the carpets at Adare Manor many years prior, making a family affair out of buying out the venue for the entire weekend a source of immense pride.

The wedding party also sought a venue that would allow them to host a golf day and bring their loved ones together for three days of celebrations. Adare Manor’s timeless charm and picturesque surroundings made it the perfect choice. To set the tone for an unforgettable experience, the couple worked with talented florist Amie Bone on a year-long creative journey. The culmination was a breathtaking display of colorful blooms that brought the venue to life.

Amie and her team arrived at the manor three days prior to the festivities, dedicating themselves to ensuring every petal was in its place, transforming Adare Manor into a wonderland of vibrant hues and fragrant flowers.

The Ceremony

As Stephanie and Dave exchanged vows surrounded by the people dearest to them, the majestic Adare Manor provided an idyllic backdrop. The warm sun illuminated the lush Irish landscape, bathing the scene in an otherworldly glow that seemed almost too perfect to be real. It was a moment of pure enchantment, one that would stay with them forever.

The couple’s most treasured moments from their special day included the exquisite velvet-wrapped invitations that set the tone for the celebration, as well as the simplicity and intimacy of the ceremony, which involved all five children and beautifully symbolized the merging of their families.

The vibrant flowers and meticulously curated music choices added a touch of whimsy to the proceedings, while the heartfelt words of love and gratitude from their friends and family filled their hearts with warmth. And let’s not forget the perfect weather – a stroke of serendipity that only added to the day’s magic.

Advice to Future Brides and Grooms

As the couple reflects on their own wedding experience, they emphasize a crucial takeaway for newlyweds-to-be: amidst the grandeur and festivities, remember that the true essence of marriage lies in the intimate commitment between two people. Take the time to appreciate this special moment with your partner, as it sets the tone for a lifetime of love and connection.

Honeymoon

The newlyweds opted for a romantic getaway to the mesmerizing La Mamounia in Marrakech, Morocco, for their dreamy honeymoon. Behind the scenes, a talented team of vendors helped bring their big day to life. This impressive roster included @tarafayevents for expert planning, @corbingurkin capturing every precious moment through photography, @reelvisionfilms bringing the occasion to life with stunning video, and @gk_design_ltd responsible for the stunning design elements.

The picturesque venue was courtesy of @theadaremanor, while beautiful blooms came courtesy of @amieboneflowers. @gorilla_design_ltd brought their unique staging skills to the table, with furniture provided by @totaleventrental. Stationery needs were met by @grosvenorstationerycompany, and music filled the air thanks to @mamisastringquartet, @alrmusic, and @thelondonessentials.

Rounding out the fabulous team was the glamsquad, comprised of @cashmandjmc, @kateland7, @darrenjfeeney, and @careofcreatives. To top it all off, the bride’s fashion sense was perfectly captured by @ralphlauren.