Glenlo Abbey Wedding

Ireland

VENDORS

Wedding Planner: Mandy Connor, Hummingbird Events & Design
Entertainment: Hazel Alexander, The Men in Black, Vegas Trad and Celtic Dance Fusion
Cake: Simply Divine Cakes by Niall
Flowers: Yes Flowers
Hair: Natalie O’Brien Hair
Make-up: Caroline Coyne Make-up
Videography: Love it Visuals
Officiant:Áine O’Connor
Custom Invitations: The Jess Press
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Birdy Grey
Man of Honour’s Tux: The Black Tux
Groom’s Tux: Indochino
Wedding Dress: Allure Bridal Couture

Blending Irish Roots with American Romance

A CEREMONY ROOTED IN HERITAGE AND LOVE

Our ceremony was personal, emotional, and deeply reflective of who we are as a couple. Our incredible officiant, Áine O’Connor, wove our love story so beautifully that there wasn’t a dry eye in the garden. We each wrote our own vows, blending American and Irish traditions as we exchanged promises surrounded by family and close friends. The talented Hazel Alexander played violin throughout, with carefully chosen songs from our favorite movies—Dan and the groomsmen walked to the theme from Jurassic Park, my father and I chose Somewhere Over the Rainbow, and we recessed to Raider’s March from Indiana Jones, followed by Love Story by Taylor Swift (I’m a Swiftie!).
A CELEBRATION OF CULTURE THROUGH MUSIC AND DANCE

To truly honor the location, we infused our reception with Irish wedding traditions. We hired the phenomenal Sandy and The Men in Black, who not only played an unforgettable set that kept the dance floor packed all night but also helped coordinate every musical detail. During our cocktail hour, Vegas Trad serenaded guests, and everyone raved about their performance. A surprise performance from Celtic Dance Fusion brought authentic Irish step dancing to the floor, adding energy, joy, and a perfect cultural flourish to the evening. story.

Planning a destination wedding in Ireland? At Hummingbird Events and Design, we specialize in creating personalized, meaningfull, and luxurious weddings across the globe. Let us help you design your dream wedding—wherever your heart takes you.

AN ELEGANT GLENLO ABBEY RECEPTION WITH EMERALD TOUCHES

Following the ceremony, we moved to the Corrib Room inside Glenlo Abbey for our wedding reception. With its grand balcony overlooking the vintage train carriage and manicured grounds, the space felt straight out of a storybook. Our design incorporated emerald green wedding details—a nod to both Ireland and my May birthstone. Each table was set with gold charger plates and green napkins, and the floral designs by Yes Flowers featured soft pink and white roses with lush greenery that perfectly complemented the setting without overwhelming it.

We added personal touches throughout the evening—from custom cocktail napkins featuring our two cats to drink toppers with our names and wedding date. It was important to us that our guests felt welcomed and that every detail told part of our story.

From the bride

A CAKE THAT SPANNED CONTINENTS

One of the most meaningful details was our wedding cake, which symbolized the long journey from the U.S. to Ireland. Decorated with a world map and travel line connecting the two countries, it served as a beautiful tribute to our transatlantic love story—and to all the guests who traveled far to be with us.

After five years together, Dan proposed on a perfect fall day in Boston—a city filled with memories of our relationship. We retraced our steps through some of our favorite places, including Joe’s Waterfront, where we had our first date. After a ferry ride across the harbor to a sparkling new hotel and casino just north of the city, Dan asked me to marry him under twinkling lights on a quiet walkway. It was a moment that felt timeless.

When it came time to plan our wedding, we knew we wanted something deeply meaningful and full of heart. Ireland, the land of our ancestors, felt like the perfect place to say “I do.” We chose the stunning Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate in Galway as our wedding venue—an elegant location rich with history and charm. And thanks to what we believe was a little help from our grandparents above, we were blessed with flawless weather for our outdoor ceremony in the abbey’s romantic walled garden.