Wedding Journey - Mary & Ben
Ben & Mary’s Magical Wedding Day at The Bridge House Hotel
Some weddings stay with you forever — and Ben and Mary’s beautiful celebration on 18th October 2025 is one I will always treasure. From the moment I met them, their warmth, humour and kindness lit up every meeting, and watching their vision come to life was a joy from start to finish.
Their Story: From Bumble to “I Do” 💍
Ben and Mary’s love story began with a swipe right, blossoming over six years and leading to a proposal filled with romance and thoughtfulness.
Ben brought Mary back to the cliffs of Kilkee — the very spot where he had asked her to be his girlfriend. With a photographer quietly capturing the moment and friends waiting at the Falls Hotel with champagne and confetti, it was a proposal straight from the heart.
Choosing The Bridge House Hotel 🏨
What began as a quick chat with Noel, during an engagment spa break, turned into a three-hour conversation that left us all smiling. We later shared that we cancelled all other venue viewings the next day, certain that we had found the perfect place for our celebration. It meant the world to us.
Working With Ben and Mary
Planning their wedding was such a pleasure. They were organised, positive and trusted us completely, even with 170 guests on their list. Our team worked closely together to ensure the day flowed seamlessly, and seeing their peace of mind throughout was incredibly rewarding.
From Alana and her front-of-house team to Tony in the kitchen, everyone played their part — and yes, the baked Alaska was a huge hit!
I was also delighted they chose photographer PJ McCormack from our recommended list; his calm presence and professionalism made all the difference.
Personal Touches That Made the Day Uniquely Theirs ✨
Ben and Mary put so much love and personality into their wedding, and it truly showed:
- A hurley tunnel entrance — a perfect nod to Ben’s Kilkenny roots
- A custom-made hurley guestbook
- Stunning music from Hazel and Lynn Alexander
- Two beautiful performances from Ben’s close friend Brian
- A memory table honouring much-loved family members
- Table captains with colourful armbands to keep the energy high
- Ben’s first-date shorts hidden under a guest’s chair
- A surprise gift of Kilkenny shorts for Mary
- A joyful Siege of Ennis arranged by Ben
- Two clocks gifted by different family members — both set to the exact moment they said “I do”
It was a day filled with laughter, sentiment and heartfelt surprises.
A Breathtaking Ceremony
The Millennium Suite looked absolutely stunning thanks to Robert from Aisle Love You, who created a floral design that captured the atmosphere perfectly.
I’ll never forget Mary’s Walk down the aisle. She began a little nervous, but the moment she saw Ben her whole expression changed — a moment filled with love, warmth and pure happiness.
A Confetti Moment to Remember 🎉
One of the most joyful scenes from the day was Ben and Mary stepping out of the ceremony to cheers, music and a cloud of handmade heart-shaped confetti. The photograph captured at that moment is one they will treasure forever.
Exceptional Food and Drinks
Food is always a highlight at The Bridge House Hotel, and this wedding was no exception:
- Hot chicken and thickly carved ham sandwiches
- Mojito sorbet
- Vol-au-vents
- A decadent dessert buffet
- Thoughtfully prepared vegetarian dishes
- The showstopping baked Alaska
- Tullamore Dew and cloudy apple cocktails
- And, importantly… perfectly poured creamy pints of Guinness 🍺
Many guests later told us they booked Christmas stays after experiencing the hotel that day — the highest compliment we could receive.
Music, Entertainment and Heartfelt Moments 🎶
Hazel and Lynn’s strings added elegance to the ceremony and drinks reception — including a special performance of the Pokémon theme for Ben, which everyone loved.
TBM/The Brass Monkeys kept the dancefloor full all night and into the early hours with their DJ set.
A particularly touching moment was Ben’s family performing The Golden Jubilee in honour of his grandad, whose birthday fell on the same date. It was a beautiful and emotional tribute.
Style, Hair, Makeup and Fashion
Mary looked breathtaking in her gown from Dinagh Modes — elegant, comfortable and perfect for her. Later in the night, she changed into a sparkling Folkster dress she found on Vinted, ideal for the dancefloor.
Her gorgeous glam waves were styled by Orla Kidney, who did incredible work with the entire bridal party.
Makeup by Aushra Lauren brought out everyone’s natural beauty and kept the morning relaxed and full of laughter.
Ben and his groomsmen looked exceptionally sharp in tuxedos from David Hughes Formal Wear, with Ben’s dark green velvet jacket adding a stylish touch of personality.
Their Advice to Future Couples ❤️
Their message to anyone considering The Bridge House Hotel:
“It will be the best decision you make. You won’t regret a thing.”
They wouldn’t change a single moment — and that, for our team, is the greatest reward of all.
Suppliers & Credits 📸
A wonderful team of suppliers helped bring Ben and Mary’s vision to life:
Photography
PJ McCormack – McCormack Imaging Studio
Instagram: @mccormackimagingstudio
Videography
Moments For a Lifetime (Alex)
Instagram: @moments_for_a_lifetime_ie
Florist
A Room in Bloom – Lorna Trainor
Instagram: @aroominbloom
Cake
Quigley’s Bakery, Kilkenny City
Bridal Dress
Dinagh Modes, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon
Instagram: @dinaghmodes
Groom and Groomsmen Suits
David Hughes Formal Wear, Kilkenny
Instagram: @davidhughesformalwear
Hair
Orla Kidney – Brushed Hair Salon, Tullamore
Instagram: @orla_brushed, @brushedhairsalon_blowdrybar
Makeup
Aushra Lauren
Instagram: @aushra_lauren_
Band / DJ
TBM / The Brass Monkeys
Instagram: @thebrassmonkeysweddingband
Ceremony & Drinks Reception Music
Hazel Alexander – Violin
Instagram: @hazelalexanderviolinist
Lynn Alexander – Cello
Instagram: @lynnralexander
Brian Kelly – Vocals & Guitar
Décor & Ceremony Styling
Aisle Love You
Instagram: @aisle_love_you.ie
