An Enchanting Irish-American Destination Wedding in Limerick, Ireland

In the quaint, picturesque countryside of Ireland, where rolling hills meet the endless expanse of the Atlantic Ocean, Stephanie and David’s love story found its perfect setting. Their destination wedding, meticulously planned over 15 months with the help of Tara Fay from Tara Fay Events, turned out to be a beautiful celebration filled with love, laughter, and a touch of wild Irish charm.

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How They Met

Stephanie, hailing from Pittsburgh, USA, carved a successful 13-year career in Boston’s finance sector. Meanwhile, Dave, born in the scenic city of Limerick, Ireland, pursued a finance degree from University College Dublin before relocating to Boston. Seven years later, he founded Synergy, now overseeing a remarkable $2.5 billion real estate portfolio in greater Boston and managing 5 million square feet of commercial real estate.

Dave’s journey, marked by a divorce in 2017 and raising four children from his previous marriage, took an unexpected turn when he met Stephanie through mutual friends. Despite their past challenges, their friendship deepened, evolving into a beautiful romance having both emerged from previous relationships. Their story embodies resilience, second chances, and the serendipity of finding love amidst life’s twists and turns.

The Proposal

Amidst the pandemic on June 28, 2020, in the enchanting setting of Little Palm Island, Florida, Stephanie and Dave shared a pivotal moment. Despite the challenging circumstances, Dave presented Stephanie with a temporary ring, a symbol of their commitment, which would become her wedding band. Later, on September 22, 2020, atop Boston’s Old City Hall, a property under Dave’s century-long lease, he proposed again, this time with a stunning 14-carat yellow diamond. Overjoyed, Stephanie gladly accepted, affirming their love once more. Their joy multiplied in January 2021 when they welcomed their first daughter together. Miraculously, more good news followed: Stephanie was 16 weeks pregnant on their wedding day, marking another beautiful chapter in their remarkable journey.

Planning the Wedding

The journey began amidst the challenges of a global pandemic, with lockdowns in Ireland and the couple residing on the east coast of the US. Yet, distance was no barrier for this determined couple and their dedicated wedding planners. Thanks to virtual meetings, the planning process flowed seamlessly. Stephanie and David’s dynamic wedding planning team ensured they stayed connected, meeting virtually every 3-4 weeks and maintaining constant email communication, turning obstacles into opportunities for creativity and connection.

One of the unique aspects of this wedding was the couple’s clear vision. They knew precisely what they didn’t want, allowing their planners to shape their dreams effectively. Collaborating with designer Garth Kelly, the team crafted a wedding palette mirroring the Irish landscape, with hues inspired by the natural countryside. The groom’s roots, deeply embedded in the Irish soil, were beautifully woven into the wedding theme, connecting the west coast of Ireland to the east coast of the US on their bespoke invitations. This personal touch made their wedding invitations a heartfelt representation of their journey and a prelude to the magical celebration that awaited.

The Bride’s Wedding Gown

Stephanie absolutely loves fashion and couture, accumulating an extensive wardrobe filled with runway dresses and outfits from fashion legends and emerging designers. When contemplating the biggest fashion moment of her life, Steph sought out the team at Ralph Lauren to create a wedding dress perfectly appropriate to an Irish wedding at Adare Manor in line with the Ralph Lauren lifestyle. Taking inspiration from their wedding date in May and the glamor of the First Monday in May, Stephanie envisioned her dress being a take on Priyanka Chopra’s famed trench dress worn to The Met Gala in 2017.

The Venue

The stage for this extraordinary event was set at the enchanting Adare Manor, a destination wedding for the couple and most of their guests. Adare Manor is located 10 miles from where Dave grew up and is close to his family who reside there, including his father who suffers from Lewy Body Dementia. Adare Manor became their home away from home when they would visit Dave’s father.

Stephanie fell in love with Ireland immediately during her first visit in 2017 and subsequently with Adare Manor. In her mind, there was never any other destination for their wedding. This became more poignant when Dave shared that his father many years before had cleaned the carpets in Adare Manor and to come back from America and buy the place out for the entire weekend would be a source of pride for his family.

The couple also sought a venue where they could host a golf day and bring all their loved ones together for three days of festivities. Adare Manor, with its timeless charm and scenic surroundings, proved to be the ideal choice.

Creating an atmosphere of sheer enchantment, the wedding came to life with vibrant blossoms and intricate designs. The couple collaborated with the talented Amie Bone, embarking on a year-long creative journey that culminated in a breathtaking display of colorful blooms. Amie and her team worked tirelessly, arriving at the venue three days before the festivities commenced. Their dedication and attention to detail ensured that every petal was in its place, turning the venue into a wonderland of vibrant hues and fragrant flowers.

The Ceremony

In a ceremony encircled by the most cherished people in their lives, Stephanie and Dave stood in awe of the breathtaking backdrop of Adare Manor. With the radiant sun casting its warm glow upon the stunning Irish landscape, it felt like a moment of pure magic, a scene so perfectly fitting and undeniably genuine.

The Couples’ Favourite Elements

The couple’s most cherished elements from the wedding included the luxurious velvet encased invitations that beautifully set the tone for the celebration. They held dear the simplicity of the ceremony, which involved all five children and symbolized the merging of their families. The vibrant blooms and carefully curated music choices added an enchanting touch. What truly warmed their hearts, however, was the overwhelming outpouring of love and gratitude from their friends and family. And of course, they couldn’t help but celebrate the perfect weather, adding a touch of serendipity to their already magical day!

Advice to Future Brides and Grooms

The couple offers this heartfelt advice to future brides and grooms: No matter how elaborate the celebration, don’t lose sight of the simplicity and importance of pledging yourselves to one another. Enjoy your celebration – you set the tone.