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25th Dec 2014

Can You Feel The Love – 10 Amazing Irish Weddings from 2014

Irish brides and grooms who really took the cake this year!

Rebecca McKnight

2014 will surely go down in history as the year of the epic Irish wedding. We’re a good nation for festivities at the best of times, but in the past 12 months we seem to have truly stepped up our game when it comes to putting a ring on it. Here, we take a look back at some of the Irish weddings that made us laugh and cry this year.

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Red or Black

At the end of the day, it’s all about finding someone who can make you laugh.

Meet Shelly McDonagh and Jonny Rowland, who tied the knot in May at Broadhaven Bay Hotel, Belmullet, Co. Mayo.

Taking inspiration from Ant and Dec’s Red or Black gameshow, the couple spent one hilarious evening in the lead-up to the wedding filming a series of challenges.

On the big day, the resulting video was shown to guests, after they were asked to predict round by round who would win… Red or Black? Tables were eliminated round by round based on their guesses, with the last table standing winning a very generous round to keep the party going.

Because I’m Happy…

Ed and Caroline Corless tied the knot in the first half of this year and made sure the occasion was a very happy one indeed, roping friends and family in for this fantastic video, filmed by Ronan McDonogh of Rmedia, who happens to be the groom’s brother in law.

Caroline told us that she met her future husband in Penneys of all places (thank you Penneys), thirteen years ago. Both were managers in the retail chain at the time. They became friends, but didn’t stay in touch when they moved on from the store.

In 2010, however, they would find their way back into each other’s lives. Caroline writes: “I joined a tag rugby team in 2010. I did not know anyone, and when I arrived at the first tag training session the first person on the pitch was Ed. We hadn’t seen each other in eight years and hit it off!”

After a 2012 proposal, the pair made it official this year with a very Happy ceremony and celebration.

Ridin’ Dirty

It’s not every day you see the bride and groom cycle, swim and travel on a golf buggy, all before they get to the actual reception.

Fair play to Charlene and Nathan though, because that’s exactly what they did at their wedding reception in Cabra Castle back in November.

The soundtrack features The Baywatch theme, Chamillionaire’s Ridin’ Dirty and the Mission Impossible theme.

The Missing Speech and the Trip Down Under

Edel Rooney and Conor Dunne returned to Ireland from Australia to tie the knot in front of their family and friends back in May.

However, things quickly fell apart at the wedding reception when the groom got up to speak and realised he had left his speech behind.

Rather than winging it (which we have to admit we probably would have done), he decides to go get it. That takes quite a bit of effort, as it happens…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9cgZSLpjrw

One Day More

David Lillis wed love of his life Hailey Kierse last August in county Clare. Following the “I dos”, the groom surprised his guests and new in-laws with an amazing rendition of a musical classic. There to lend a hand, and voice, were David’s two sisters, his father, his best man and three talented friends.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=Abn03G97aoM&app=desktop

On The Ball

Men of Ireland will surely be in agreement that bride Julie-Ann is one in a million. With the help of  videographer Garry McGovern, arranged for Bill O’Herlihy and co to give their opinions on the day of her wedding to other half Dave.

She then gave a little speech and played the recording, which was taken six months previous, on the night of the Ireland versus Germany match, at the reception in front of their friends and family.

This Girl Is On Fire

This amazing image shows Jade Beeton, who married her partner Jamie O’Grady in Bansha church, Tipperary on July 24th. The Limerick couple and their guests then made their way to the picturesque Aherlow House Hotel for the reception.

In an unusual turn, the entertainment included an after-dinner fire-breathing show. Already a talking point, but we can only imagine how jaws dropped when the bride herself stepped up! It turns out Jade had spent weeks learning how to breathe fire, and her new husband was none the wiser.

After they finished the the entertainment, photographer David Olsthoorn took them to a beautiful spot close to the hotel and overlooking the Glenn of Aherlow to create this spectacular image.

Screen Shot 2014-07-29 at 12.21.50

Country Strong

It’s a common concern on the day of any Irish wedding involving a farming family… WHO’S GOING TO MILK THE COWS?!

Bride Ciara was clearly up for the craic on her big day, and keen to prep for life with farmer hubby Victor, so she called in the experts and studied hard. Good woman Ciara, you’re clearly a keeper.

That’s a Rap!

Sarah Gannon from Kildare married her love Tom in June and decided to mark the special day by performing her own interpretation of theme tune to The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air.

Taking note of the fierce GAA rivalry between Kildare and her new husband’s home county of Offaly, Sarah (with a little help from her friend Dave O’Gara)  gets a few sly digs in while paying homage to his farming background, charting their journey together and revealing one hilariously questionable photo.

Feet of Flames

Mariam and Owen tied the knot in Augustand used their reception at the Knightsbrook hotel in Trim, Co. Meath to showcase some serious skill. Talk about a well-matched pair! Gary tells us that both the new bride and groom have toured the world with large dance productions.

Naturally, the newlyweds called in some friends for support too.