Yvonne and John’s story began with a long friendship that slowly blossomed into something more. One day, while shopping in a hardware store, Yvonne asked John for help. He gladly stepped in, and not long after, he asked her out. From that moment on, their story took a romantic turn and, as they say, the rest is history.
The Proposal
John’s proposal was thoughtful and unforgettable. For Christmas, he built a beautiful bridge to go across Yvonne’s fishpond. On Christmas morning, he asked her to try it out. Concerned about marking it, Yvonne hesitated until John encouraged her to take off her shoes. When she walked across barefoot and reached the other side, John was waiting with a ring. It was the most perfect surprise and, as Yvonne recalls, “the best Christmas present ever.”
Wedding Planning
When it came to wedding planning, everything fell into place with ease, thanks to Clare Kavanagh at the Woodford Dolmen Hotel. From their very first meeting, Yvonne and John knew they were in the best hands. They had visited other venues but found them too businesslike. One October afternoon in 2024, they decided to pop into the Woodford Dolmen Hotel with little expectation. Instead, they found the warmth and enthusiasm they had been searching for. Clare not only offered bespoke ideas but also made them genuinely excited about planning their day. The hotel’s old-style country glamour was exactly what they wanted, and they left that day knowing they had found their perfect venue and the perfect coordinator to bring their vision to life.
Suppliers
The couple worked with a team of trusted suppliers:
- Invitations & Unity Candles: Aisling, Bagenalstown Secretarial Services
- Flowers: Carlow Florists, Dinn Ri Centre
- Photography: Shauntelle Tynan
- Bride’s Dress: Folkster, Patrick Street, Kilkenny
- Groom’s Suit: Camden Square, Fairgreen, Carlow
Special Moments
Their favourite moment of the day was exchanging rings on the outdoor veranda, a beautiful personal touch. Just as meaningful, was seeing their guests relaxed and well cared for, with every detail handled seamlessly by Clare and her team.
Words of Advice
Looking back, Yvonne and John describe their wedding as perfect from start to finish. Their advice for future couples is heartfelt:
“Remember that your day is about love, kindness and friendship.. not the perfect shoes! Having an experienced wedding team taking care of everything for you takes away any unnecessary worry, so you can relax and enjoy your wedding journey and the wedding day itself.”