For Jessica and Shane, they knew from the beginning that there was only one place they wanted to marry: Newpark Hotel in Co Kilkenny – here they recap their special day.

THE PROPOSAL

We got engaged on August 1, 2020, in the height of the first summer of Covid. We had planned to move to Australia the previous April, and both of us left our jobs and were ready to go when the pandemic hit. Shane planned a trip to Wicklow that weekend (and I was completely oblivious as to his plans, even though I would tend to make all the holiday plans) and got down on one knee, taking me completely by surprise. He designed, engraved and made the ring box, which is such a special part of our engagement. 

THE WEDDING ATTIRE

I bought my dress in Cleo Bridal in Nenagh, Co Tipperary. It was always my dream to wear a typical princess dress for my wedding, yet I ended up in a slim, fitted dress, which I never expected to do. Donna in The Zip Yard in Nenagh, who specialises in bridal alterations, helped with making sure my dress was perfect. She was amazing throughout the whole experience. 

We bought the boys’ suits in The Grooms Rooms at Diffneys in Dublin and dealt with Brian O Mahoney for the experience. He is so talented. His attention to detail is exceptional, and the lads loved the whole experience from start to finish. 

THE CEREMONY

We married in the Cathedral of the Assumption in Thurles, which has been a dream of mine since I was a little girl. Fr Joe Walsh was our celebrant and made the whole experience so special and enjoyable. I grew up knowing Fr Joe, so having him marry us was so special to me. 

Our Alaskan Malamute, Mia, met us outside the church after the ceremony, so we have some gorgeous family photos with her!

THE RECEPTION

From the first day we visited Newpark Hotel, we knew we would have our wedding there. St Patrick’s weekend just fit in perfectly in 2023. We got married on Thursday, March 16 and had our photos in the insanely beautiful Kilkenny Castle, followed by the perfect evening in the Newpark. Of course, we continued our day two celebrations on Paddy’s Day, where we booked the ballroom out again and had a fabulous BBQ, music and danced the night away. The staff in the hotel on our wedding day were sensational. We had Aga look after us on the day. 

What stood out most was how calm the hotel made us feel on a day that could have been stressful. Whenever something was needed, the staff handled it smoothly, allowing us to be in the moment. The atmosphere, the service, and the small, thoughtful touches all came together to turn the hotel into more than just a place to stay; it became part of the memory of our wedding day itself. Our friends and family still talk about our wedding being one of the best they’ve ever been at! 

THE ENTERTAINMENT

The Waxies Wedding Band were our music for the whole day, including our church music. What made this extra special was that they played in the college bar on the night we met at Rag Week nine years prior. 

THE DECOR

The Newpark Hotel itself is so stunning that we didn’t change any of the decor. We just added small touches to our top table glassware for a different style. 

THEIR TOP TIPS

I love to be super organised and do a lot myself, but when it came to planning a wedding, the professionals know what they are at. That was why I chose so many local suppliers that I already knew and loved. Trust the process but enjoy every second. There is not one single detail about the day I would change; I just want to do it over and over again. 

THEY WISH THEY HAD

I honestly wouldn’t change a single thing from the whole day! It probably sounds ridiculous, but it was literally perfect.