A teenage dream became reality when Gabriella and Andrew held their destination wedding in the sensational setting of Adare Manor, surrounded by their closest family and friends.
With guests travelling from the United States, they were treated to the traditional Irish céad míle fáilte (a hundred thousand welcomes) throughout the weekend of celebrations.
The Couple
Gabriella and Andrew first met in 2020 and didn’t waste a moment in their relationship. “Accidentally” surprising Andrew by introducing him to her parents on their second date, Gabriella planted the seed that quickly blossomed into a blooming love story.
What was once a dream started to become a reality as the couple got engaged and began to plan their dream destination wedding in Ireland.
We asked Gabriella for her highlight of their wedding celebration, but, finding it impossible to choose just one, she shared her standout moments from across the weekend:
Thursday Arrivals: When our guests started arriving at Adare, it was incredibly emotional. We had no idea how many people would travel, and to see over 200 of our closest family and friends make the trip was surreal…a true “pinch me” moment
The Church Ceremony: Our ceremony was magical. The surprise trumpet music as we exited the church was so emotional and unforgettable.
Our Private Moment: After the ceremony, Andrew and I arrived back at Adare in a vintage Bentley. From a distance, we heard the drummers, saw glimpses of the flowers coming to life, and were handed champagne as we sat in the car together. It was just the two of us, soaking it all in, with perfect sunshine and 70-degree weather. That quiet, perfect moment gave us chills.
The Destination: Adare Manor
When it came to deciding on the location for their wedding, Gabriella had a dream in mind thanks to a visit to Ireland with her family when she was a teenager.
In her own words, Gabriella explained to us:
I spent my high school years in Switzerland, and my dad and brothers were avid golfers, so we spent a lot of time in Ireland. I absolutely fell in love with the country. My mom is also 100% Irish, so she and I loved exploring all the beautiful towns and cities together. On one of those trips, while my dad and brothers were golfing, my mom and I saw a gorgeous wedding for a couple from Philadelphia, where we’re originally from. I was only 15 and had no idea you could even have a destination wedding. From that day on, before I even had a boyfriend or fiancé, I always said I wanted to get married in Ireland.
So it became written in her stars that one day she would marry the love of her life in Ireland.
When the time came, although Andrew was admittedly sceptical about the idea of a destination wedding, he soon changed his mind once they drove through the gates of Adare Manor.
“What we thought would be a quick stop turned into a full-day visit. We were in awe,we had never been to a more beautiful place. When we drove through the gates of Adare, Andrew looked at me and said, “Wow. I get it now.”
Everything fell into place after that.
After that incredible weekend, we called my parents (right after missing our flight home because we were having so much fun!) and told them, “Forget Philly…we’re getting married in Ireland.” Everyone was so happy, and it truly ended up being the best decision we could have made.”
The Décor
Classic and elegant with a nod to their surroundings through the subtle hints and hues of green, the style of this wedding truly stood out.
With custom-illustrated wedding programs, luggage tag table plans and the most stunning floral archway framing the top table, every detail was flawlessly executed.
Creating a world especially for Gabriella and Andrew to celebrate their union with their loved ones.
Advice From the Bride
Planning a destination wedding may feel like a big task from the outset, but when we asked Gabriella for her advice to anyone thinking of making their dreams a reality, she said:
Don’t overthink it…just do it! We spent way too much time stressing and worrying if our guests were going to be unhappy they had to travel and that no one would come. More guests will come than you expect, and they’ll be so excited to make the trip. Almost everyone who attended our wedding extended their trip in Ireland or traveled to other parts of Europe, and we received nothing but glowing feedback.
Kind Words
It was an absolute pleasure to work so closely with Gabriella and Andrew to bring their Dream Irish Wedding to life. A celebration we certainly won’t forget.
Thank you to the couple for trusting in us and for sharing the following kind words:
A huge thank you to the Dream Irish Wedding team and the Adare staff…everything ran so smoothly and so PERFECT. Even now, five months later, guests are still telling us how magical the weekend was. Trust me, your friends and family will embrace it even more than you can imagine! It will be the BEST decision you ever make!!
A very special thank you to the talented creative team who brought Gabriella and Andrew’s Dream Irish Wedding to life!
Wedding Planner: Dream Irish Wedding
Photographer: Under the Veil Weddings
Venue: Adare Manor
Adare Manor Wedding Manager: Sandra Flavin
Flowers: The French Touch Flowers
Videographer: BigDay.ie
Ceremony Music: Vocalist Deborah Murphy accompanied by a selection of instruments.
Entertainment: The Event Band
Makeup Artist: Oksana Lobanova Makeup
Hair Stylists: Upstyle Junkie, Cathyanne Bridal Hair & Lynsey O’Leary
Stationery: Limelight Stationery
Production/Draping/Lighting: Gorilla Design Ltd
Production/Staging/Sound: Hear IT
Cake: Cakes by Deborah
Aisle Runner: Perfect Details Ireland
Transport: Bentley Wedding Hire & McElligot Coaches
Rentals: Caterhire Limerick
Linens: Gotcha Covered
Celtic Drummers: The Hit Machine Drummers