Wedding of Liz and Cathal

Paddy, Claire, Andrew and I drove out from Greystones to the countryside of Southwest Ireland, to out near Tinahely. Here, after several uncertain turns, we found the majestic Coolattin House, which was the setting for the wedding ceremony for Liz and Cathal. Set on the lush green pastures on the edge of the golf course, this old homestead was gorgeous inside. We gathered with the rest of the arriving Greystones girls, for tea to warm up.

As the room filled, we were soon ushered into the front room, and seated for the service. Some nervous moments, as Liz kept us all waiting with some difficulties with directions getting there herself. But as we could see the car arrive from the huge windows, the anticipation for this big day was electric in the room.

The civil service itself was simple and lovely, which included the awe of Steve's reading, which had evolved into an ode to love. There were moments of laughter, and such joy in the room. Such a lovely and fitting moment, to see Liz and Cathal, become husband and wife.

After some post-ceremony mingling, I went with the Greystones crew to Coolattin Lodge just down the lane, to check out our lodgings for the next 2 nights. The converted stables, the 3 houses our group were staying were so beautiful, and decorated as if we had just stepped into a Laura Ashley catalogue. Amazing.

Getting along to the next village, and to Ballybeg House, the wedding guests filled this beautiful house, decked out in colonial style furnishings, for pre-dinner drinks. Another gorgeous venue for this weekend.

As darkness fell, we crossed the driveway to the marquee, to the wedding party. Here we were seated, and marked the arrival of the newly married Liz and Cathal. Both started the evening with a speech each, and by the end of these there was not a dry eye in the room. Such special moments of thanks, meeting stories, thank yous, and Cathal's quote from the "amazing Dido". Always hilarious.

The meal was lovely, before the band kicked off, lead by Ruth on vocals. Such a talent! Just another special element to the day, and it was such a treat seeing her have the privilege of leading the first dance of Liz and Cathal, being Florence and the Machine's You've Got The Love.

A great party, a special day and night. But with an Irish wedding it doesn't stop there! The next night, back at the Ballybeg House was the second party to celebrate. Karaoke was set up in the inside veranda room, and there was even a chipper van employed to fed the revellers. The attention to detail for this special weekend, and the joy at being present for this special day for Liz and Cathal, was totally worth the flights to and from the other side of the world.

Congratulations, Liz and Cathal!