A Decade-Long Love Story Culminates in a Winter Wonderland Wedding
Siobhan Riordan and Alan McCarthy, a couple from Glanmire, celebrated their love story with a breathtaking wedding at the weather had other plans. Rather, under the shelter of a grand old tree at Fota Gardens, and surrounded by their two sons, Conor and Aaron, Alan popped the question.
The wedding ceremony took place at the Orangery at Maryborough House Hotel, a venue that perfectly complemented the couple’s vision. “It was like a winter wonderland, it was really beautiful,” Siobhan recalled. The bride walked down the aisle to the sound of a violinist from Sparkle, a moment she described as unforgettable.
Siobhan looked stunning in an elegant long-sleeved gown from media/moduleimg/8908/44542211articleinlineWEDDING20OF20THE20WEEK20Siobhan20Riordan20Ray20Terry20Photography2071.jpg”>Say I Do in midleton, while Alan donned a sharp suit from Simply Suits. The couple’s children, Conor, 7, and Aaron, 5, served as pageboys, adding a personal touch to the ceremony.
The reception was a joyous celebration, with music by Germany to share the special day. “We really appreciated Alan’s side of the family coming from America, and my side coming from Australia,” Siobhan said.
The couple’s attention to detail was evident in every aspect of the wedding. The flowers, arranged by Elizabeth Cott from Wonderous Weddings, added a touch of elegance, while the cake, crafted by Therese O’Donovan, was a sweet finale to the festivities.
Originally, the couple had planned to wed on a different date but changed it to accommodate wedding proposal ideas and unique engagement tips.
From Proposal to Winter Wonderland: A Decade-Long Love Story Culminates in a Magical Wedding
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siobhan Riordan and Alan McCarthy, a couple from Glanmire, Ireland, recently celebrated their love with a stunning winter wedding at the picturesque Maryborough House Hotel. Their journey, which began nearly a decade ago, reached its peak on December 29, 2024, in a ceremony that felt like a “winter wonderland.” In this exclusive interview, Senior Editor of World Today News, Sarah Thompson, sits down with wedding planner and relationship expert, emma O’Sullivan, to discuss the couple’s inspiring love story, their wedding planning process, and the importance of creating unforgettable moments.
The Proposal: A Story of Resilience and Romance
Sarah Thompson: Emma, thank you for joining us today.Let’s start with the proposal.Siobhan and Alan’s engagement story is so touching, especially with the weather playing a role in the final location. What dose this say about the importance of adaptability in planning such a notable moment?
Emma O’Sullivan: Thank you, Sarah. It’s a pleasure to be hear. The proposal story really highlights how life often throws unexpected challenges our way,but it’s how we respond that matters. Alan had planned to propose at Youghal,a place that held special meaning for them,but the weather forced a change of plans. Instead, he chose Fota Gardens, a serene and stunning location. This adaptability not only made the moment unique but also showed how much thought and care went into the proposal. It’s a reminder that the most meaningful moments frequently enough come from embracing the unexpected.
The Venue: A Winter Wonderland
Sarah: The Maryborough House Hotel is such a stunning venue. What makes it stand out for a winter wedding, and how did it contribute to the couple’s vision?
Emma: Maryborough House Hotel is truly magical, especially during the winter months. The Orangery, where the ceremony took place, is surrounded by glass walls that let in natural light and offer views of the gardens. For Siobhan and Alan, this created a “winter wonderland” atmosphere, with the frosty landscape adding a touch of enchantment. The venue’s elegance and warmth perfectly complemented their vision of a cozy yet grand festivity. It’s a testament to how the right venue can elevate the entire experience.
The Dress and Suit: Timeless Elegance
Sarah: Siobhan’s dress from Say I Do in Midleton and Alan’s suit from Simply Suits were both so elegant. How do thes choices reflect their personalities and the overall theme of the wedding?
Emma: Siobhan’s long-sleeved gown was the epitome of timeless elegance, which perfectly matched her vision of a classic winter wedding. The dress had intricate details that added a touch of sophistication without being overly flashy. Alan’s suit,on the other hand,was sharp and modern,reflecting his understated yet confident personality. Together, their outfits symbolized a balance of tradition and modernity, which was a recurring theme throughout their wedding. It’s a great example of how attire can tell a story and enhance the overall aesthetic.
The Music: Setting the Tone
Sarah: Music played a significant role in their wedding, from the ceremony to the reception and evening celebrations. How does music contribute to the emotional impact of a wedding?
Emma: music is the heartbeat of any wedding.It sets the tone and evokes emotions that words alone cannot. For Siobhan and Alan, having a violinist from Sparkle during the ceremony created a romantic and intimate atmosphere.The Loungman brought energy and joy to the reception, while The Buachaills kept the party alive into the evening. Their first dance song, The One by Kodaline, was a beautiful choice that encapsulated their journey together. Music has the power to transport guests into the couple’s world, making the celebration even more memorable.
Photography: Capturing the magic
Sarah: Ray Terry Photography captured the day beautifully. How important is it to have a skilled photographer to document such a significant event?
Emma: A skilled photographer is absolutely essential. They don’t just take pictures; they tell a story.Ray Terry has a knack for capturing those fleeting, emotional moments that might otherwise go unnoticed. From the tears during the ceremony to the laughter on the dance floor,these images become cherished memories for the couple and their families. Photography is an investment in preserving the magic of the day, and Siobhan and Alan’s photos are a testament to that.
Advice for Couples planning Their Wedding
Sarah: Emma, what advice would you give to couples who are planning their wedding, especially those looking to create a unique and personal celebration like siobhan and Alan’s?
Emma: My biggest piece of advice is to stay true to yourselves. Your wedding shoudl reflect your personalities, your journey, and your love story. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and incorporate elements that are meaningful to you, whether it’s a special location, a favorite song, or a unique theme. And remember, it’s okay if things don’t go exactly as planned—sometimes, those unexpected moments become the most cherished memories. Most importantly,enjoy the process and focus on what truly matters: celebrating your love with the people who mean the most to you.
Sarah: Thank you, Emma, for sharing your insights and expertise. Siobhan and alan’s wedding is truly an inspiration, and your advice will undoubtedly help many couples as they plan their own special day.
Emma: Thank you, Sarah. it’s been a pleasure discussing this beautiful love story and the magic of weddings.