Real Weddings: Maria and Ado say ‘I do’ in Galway Bay Hotel
Galway natives Maria and Ado tied the knot at a lovely Salthill hotel, with seaside views, groovy tunes and a romantic floral lace dress.
THE COUPLE
Ado, social media manager, and Maria, pharmacist.
THEY LIVE
in Salthill, Co Galway.
THE VENUE
Galway Bay Hotel.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Anthony Kane Photography.
THEY MET
On the dancefloor at Electric, a former nightclub in Galway.
THE PROPOSAL
Ado proposed to me on the first Christmas in our new home. In the quietness of lockdown, it seemed fitting to have such an important moment in our kitchen – our favourite place.
THE DRESS AND THE SUIT
We got the dress and veil from the wonderful Michelle at Vintage Pearl Bridal in Galway’s Westend. The dress was ‘Elsie’ by Made With Love.
We found the perfect suits in Galway’s Q23 Menswear. Dessie, Niamh and all the team there helped us find a beautiful collection of Benetti Menswear three-piece suits, with ties, belts and shoes for the groom and groomsmen.
THE CEREMONY
We had a humanist ceremony in Galway Bay Hotel, around the corner from where we live. PJ Conneely was our celebrant, a relaxed pillar of guidance who brought laughs and tears to our ceremony. I walked up the aisle to a song by Majestic Bears, which was written by Ado when we first met and performed by his bandmates and best friends.
THE RECEPTION
After we had the time of our lives at the ceremony, we went straight upstairs to the sunny, seaside veranda at Galway Bay Hotel for a few drinks, followed by a delicious dinner in the Lettermore suite with fantastic service from the crew.
THE ENTERTAINMENT
BeatClub (i.e. Beatles, not dance tunes) was our band for the night and we are still receiving compliments almost a year later. We are really into music so we deliberated a lot over the band and we were delighted when we found BeatClub. The Mother of the Bride reminded us for weeks to ensure the band would do the Siege of Ennis to get everyone on the dancefloor; we are all laughing about this now because the dancefloor was full all night… even without any need for the Siege of Ennis!
THE DECOR
Keane’s Florist with Niamh provided us with stunning bouquets, candelabra flowers, chair flowers and more. ‘I Do’ Candle Lighting (provided directly by Galway Bay Hotel) had the ceremony and reception rooms kitted out beautifully.
THEIR TOP TIPS
Think about your guests; you have your whole life to spend with each other, listen to your type of music or eat your favourite food. You are asking your favourite people to join you to celebrate your love and you want them all to enjoy it. Believe us, if you cater to everybody’s needs then you will be able to relax more on the day… don’t have Granny drinking craft beer as she queues for the portaloo.
THEY WISH THEY HAD
We wish we had taken a larger variety of photos with friends and family, rather than spending lots of time on photos of the two of us.
THEIR BEST MOMENTS
Were the ceremony and the first dance – two times when we could take a breath and be with each other.
THE FIRST DANCE SONG
Just The Two Of Us by Bill Withers. We were lucky enough to have a close friend choreograph our first dance; Carol Gallego of Salsa Medics. We put a lot of time and effort into practising but we’re so glad we did because, even though we made a few mistakes, we had so much fun on the night.
THE CREW
Bride’s Dress: Made With Love from Vintage Pearl Bridal. Groom and Groomsmen’s Suits: Benetti Menswear from Q23 Menswear. Florist: Keane’s Florist with Niamh. Make-Up: Sarah Duffy. Hair: Bridal Hair by Carrie. Ceremony Music: Majestic Bears. Band: BeatClub.
See more photographs from Maria and Ado’s wedding in the gallery below.
Photography and Videography by Anthony Kane Photography.
Want to see your Real Wedding on IMAGE.ie? Email shayna.sappington@image.ie with the subject line ‘Real Wedding’.
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