The Donard venue’s stunning surroundings, dressed celebration settings and outdoor ceremony spaces were on full display, with crowds of guests enjoying a glass of prosecco with their wedding coordinators meeting suppliers and engaging in workshops.
Among the day’s highlights was the pre-loved dress catwalk by Oxfam, which celebrated the circular economy and a commitment to sustainability.
The Wicklow Escape, which prides itself on being a pet-friendly venue, also welcomed My Lovely Horse Rescue, who brought along some furry friends looking for their forever home to star in the ‘doggie catwalk show’!
The Wicklow Escape owner Lisa Wilkinson thanked her guests and all those who made it possible, including daughter Naomi and her friends, who modelled Oxfam’s dresses on the catwalk.
“The day was fantastic, and we had a great crowd of prospective couples, with some who had booked already,” Lisa said.
“We started with an introduction from myself, followed by a demonstration by Silver Works on how to make a wedding ring and a talk with Lisa Chronier about getting the most out of your photographer
“Then Boyana (‘Weddings by Boyana’), who is a celebrant, gave tips on designing your ceremony, especially making it very personal to yourself, and some ideas about hand fastening and warming the rings – where the rings are passed through the family to warm them for a happy marriage.
“We went into the long hall afterwards, where Kate Corway gave a lovely demo on how to make a boutonnière and the guests all made a lovely arrangement and pinned it on!
“I then gave a tour of the full venue showing all the places people could marry, followed by the food, which featured a plate of mini main tasters for the guests and deserts, all hyper-local or grown in our gardens.
“In the main event, the pre-loved dresses were modelled by my daughter Naomi and her friends, then lovely dogs rescued by My Lovely Horse Rescue wearing their Petigo bandanas.
“It was a great showcase of our suppliers and a wonderful effort by our team and the PR crew from Best in Fest,” she added.
