Nestled in the lush country landscape in Ireland, Adare Manor stands in neo-Gothic splendor. Surrounded by manicured gardens and the gentle flow of the River Maigue, the stunning estate provided a perfect backdrop for Jane and Mark’s wedding.
Planned under the capable guidance of Tara Faye Events, the celebration was all at once intimate, romantic, and grand. A venue steeped in history, a couple’s timeless style, and a festival-like celebration came together to create a wedding for the ages.
Day 1: An Intimate Ceremony
The first day of the two-day affair was a private ceremony with family and friends. Jane and Mark exchanged vows and rings in an intimate light-filled room. The stately stone walls softened against sprays of cascading greenery, harp music, and candlelight. Throughout the ceremony, the bride and groom dazzled, radiating genuine joy and love.
“It was always going to be an intimate ceremony,” Jane and Mark shared. “The marriage part was important to us.”
Side by side in a black tuxedo and classic bridal gown by Elbeth Gillis, Mark and Jane made for a quintessential and timeless wedding couple.
Following the ceremony, family and friends enjoyed an outdoor cocktail hour on the Adare’s pristine grounds, followed by a candlelit dinner in the wine cellar. Looking back on their two-day wedding celebration, Jane and Mark treasure the slow, meaningful moments with those they love most–whiskey and champagne shared with friends, long conversations, and unhurried walks through the grounds.
“I feel like it almost slowed down time a bit,” Jane shared. “It was so special.”
“It made it more romantic–more meaningful,” Mark added.
“We wanted Friday to be for us,” the couple shared. “Saturday was for our guests.” As the evening came to a close, Jane and Mark prepared for the following day’s reception that was sure to be brimming with guests, entertainment, and fun.
Day 2: The Revelry
The following day unfolded into a lively reception that far exceeded the expectations of the couple and the guests. Jane and Mark dubbed it “wedding for wedding goers,” and aimed to delight guests with music, entertainment, and a feast for the senses.
For Jane and Mark, the biggest (and most fortuitous) surprise of the day was the weather. Ireland’s rains gave way for soft blue skies and sunlight that warmed the manicured lawns.
“If you had told me we wouldn’t need umbrellas at the wedding, I’d have bet the house on it,” the couple joked.
As the reception proceeded, a diverse line-up of music entertained guests. A gospel choir, the New Brass Kings, and a cuban band delighted guests as they explored an international array of exquisite food stations–lambshanks and grilled meat, sushi, smoked seafood, pasta, artisanal cheeses, produce, and more. In the ballroom, guests danced to a wedding band. In the after hours, a pianist played in the bar next door.
“It wasn’t your traditional wedding,” the couple reflected. “We wanted to give our guests a good time so they felt like they were at a festival.”
While weddings are meant to honor the couple, Jane and Mark recall most fondly that they gave their guests an opportunity to celebrate and be joyful. Countless guests shared that the wedding celebration was a bright spot after a difficult time, or a beautiful new memory they’d cherish. “That was a happy surprise,” Mark shared.
Of course, it wasn’t only the guests who would cherish the romance, joy, and revelry of the weekend.
“I would do it again next week,” said Jane. “I had, honestly, the best weekend of my entire life.”
