An Absolute Dream: Sinead + Stephen at the Heritage Hotel & Spa

Stop everything! This proposal story will leave you smitten…

After 8 and a half years together Stephen popped the question in Sri Lanka in the most romantic way (keep reading…we won’t spoil it for you!). This sweet couple later said their I do’s on a sunny day in June. With the gorgeous weather and a spectacular setting, it’s safe to say that this couple had a dream wedding.

Sinead and Stephen chose to celebrate their day surrounded by friends and family at the Heritage Hotel & Spa in Killenard, not only for its’ stunning setting but also as it unrivalled service and unbeatable ambience. Take a look for yourself and learn more about Sinead and Stephen’s love story…

The Beginning

“We met through a mutual friend Aimee and we sealed the deal on a night out in Portlaoise in February 2008 :)”

The Proposal

“We were on the east coast of Sri Lanka relaxing after doing a bit of travelling. When we are anywhere we usually get up to see the sunrise but on this occasion I didn’t really want to. Stephen persuaded me to get up! On the way down to the adjoining beach, the hotel had set up the beach walkway with big hearts in fairy lights and love hearts in shells on the beach. They were also setting up for a champagne breakfast in the water…. I didn’t think anything of it and just said to Steve “oh look someone must be having breakfast on the beach…” On the walk down the beach, the sun was rising and Stephen got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. I was really shocked and in tears. Afterwards, we ate breakfast floating in the Indian ocean. It was very romantic!”

The Dress

“I got my dress in the Bridal Hall in Ballybrittas. Breda was fantastic. My dress was exactly what I thought I always wanted. It was an ivory French lace design and the design was really simple with a plunging neckline and back.”

The Big Day

“An absolute dream! We had a ball from start to finish! The sun was shining thankfully! We both enjoyed the getting ready and thought seeing each other at the top of the aisle and the church was the nicest part.  Our church singer Alison Sweeney really made the ceremony so intimate.

After the church we had the Vintage Parlour set up outside for all our guests to enjoy refreshments which everyone loved! The meal and entertainment in the hotel was fab and afterwards we danced the night away with all our family and friends. We had the best day & night!”

The Venue

“We chose the Heritage in Killenard because it’s absolutely stunning. We live in the area and I grew up here so the church across the road is where the ceremony was held. We had looked around at other hotels but nothing compared to the wow factor and the service in the Heritage. Our wedding planner Trish also went above and beyond so at every meeting or any point of contact we always knew we were going to be looked after.”

The Help

“No professional help but with six bridesmaids and my Mam I had more than enough.”

Special Moments

“Meeting at the top of the aisle :).”

Planning Hiccups

“Our original band cancelled 10 weeks out so that was a disaster but thankfully the Marvels came to the rescue, were so entertaining and it all worked out brilliantly!”

Bridal Advice

“Enjoy every moment, everyone says it but the day just flies! I would highly recommend getting a videographer. To look back on the day, and to have all the moments and emotions captured is priceless!”

 

Supplier Information

  • Venue:

    The Heritage Hotel & Spa
  • Photographer:

    Shane Redmond- Robert Redmond Studios
  • Band:

    The Marvels
  • Bridal Shop/Designer:

    The Bridal Hall, Ballybrittas, Co. Laois
  • Florist:

    Coopers Florist, Portarlington, Co. Laois
  • Hair Stylist:

    Jessica Ryan & Edward Mackey from ScissorHands
  • Makeup Artist:

    Patrice Rice & Amie Moran from Patrice Makeup
  • Videographer:

    Brendan Brophy- Brophy Videographer
  • Suits :

    Eamonn Bracken Menswear, Portarlington, Co. Laois
  • Church Music:

    Alison Sweeney Music
  • Entertainment:

    Manilla Strings
  • Wedding Cake :

    House of Cakes (Bernie Gorman)
  • Refreshments outside the Church-:

    The Vintage Parlour
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