Photographs courtesy of Camera Jesus (USA)
There’s just something about the Emerald Isle that has been stealing the hearts of couples from all over the globe for years; be it the alluring landscape, traditional tastes, or the sense of humor of the locals. However, for many couples, including world renowned American skateboarder Tony Hawk and his love Catherine Goodman, it was family roots that had them choose the vibrant village of Adare, Co. Limerick. “I have ancestors there, that go back to the Dunraven’s and Adare Manor,” shared Catherine.
The world’s most famous skateboarder and his wife-to-be chose Adare Manor to celebrate their nuptials. The Manor was home to the Dunraven family in the nineteenth century making it a perfect choice for this American couple.
After falling head over heels in love with each other, Tony and Catherine felt such a draw to Adare Manor upon visiting it for the first time. “Tony and I visited Adare for the first time three years before the wedding and I was entranced,” Catherine said of one of Ireland’s prettiest towns.
Adare Manor, one of Ireland’s most sought after five-star wedding castles, has recently undergone a major refurbished enhancing its beauty and history. Built in the seventeenth century, the Manor maintains its status as one of the most luxurious and desirable wedding venues in Ireland.
It’s not difficult to understand how Tony and Catherine was so taken with the Manor, a vast estate with a stunning banquet hall and fairytale- like gardens. It was the perfect setting for Hawk’s ceremony. The intimate outdoor service was held on the lavish gardens facing the beautiful architecture of the Manor, as 130 guests witnessed Catherine and Tony exchanging vows. Tony’s daughter Kady was angelic in a ruffle cream dress holding a wicker basket as she made her entrance to the service as flower girl.
The legendary sports star was blown away by his stunning bride who chose to wear a Dolce and Gabanna dress in the bridal color that has been walking down every runway the past few seasons; black. Catherine believes your wedding is the perfect time to embrace your individual style.
“I went to a lot of different designers and wedding dress boutiques but I had tried on this black Dolce and Gabbana dress and that was it, that was my dress. I know some people might think wearing black is ‘nontraditional’ but for me if there is ever a day you should feel completely yourself, it would be your wedding day. It was perfect,” the stylish bride said. Dinner was served in the glamorous Minstrel Hall, candelabras with cascading red and white floral arrangements by Lawless Flowers, Limerick, added the extra romance to the classically styled room.
For the newlyweds, their Irish wedding was a dream that became a reality with the help of Michelle McDermott and her team at Dream Irish Wedding. Planning a wedding from abroad can be a daunting prospect, however Michelle’s years of experience in the wedding planning industry allows her to create a bespoke wedding personal to couples from around the globe for an unimaginable wedding day on this beautiful island. By working with some of Ireland’s finest wedding vendors and stunning venues, Michelle and her team use the enchanting Irish landscape to bring fairytale weddings to life.
Making the most of all Adare Manor has to offer, the Hawk wedding party enjoyed falconry in the Walled Gardens, where guests had the opportunity to learn how to fly a flacon and enjoy a Hawk Walk on it’s beautiful grounds.
We live in North County San Diego, lots of sun and skate parks, however I would take a gloomy Irish morning over sunshine any day
CATHERINE GODMAN
