A charming family-run castle-style setting nestled in the heart of the Irish Midlands, owner of JUDGE Equestrian, Kelly-Ann McKay, married senior project manager, Adrian Judge, at The Abbey Hotel in Roscommon on June 2nd 2023. Photographed by Bokeh Photography, this elegant summer wedding is chocked full of dreamy details that we're excited to share!
The couple met in 2013, both being out in D2 to commiserate the mayo all Ireland loss. Despite living 15km from each other in Mayo it wasn't until they crossed paths in a nightclub in Dublin that their story began!
"In March 2021, We went to Doogort beach after Achill Island Distillery, my late father’s business, for my birthday. We had the beach to ourselves, despite it being March the sun was shining but still cold. Adrian didn’t get cold feet, he did fumble his words when asking the big question. It was an instant yes in my head but was too speechless to actually respond. Adrian had the proposal planned for months and designed the special ring with Nigel O Reilly over numerous zoom calls."
Not typically dedicated to makeup or skincare, Kelly-Ann instead focused on making sure her hair was as healthy and long as possible as she was dead-set on wearing it down. "A week before the wedding I had to focus on not getting sunburned, which I never thought would be an issue in Ireland! Adrian is a farmer so it was even more difficult to make sure he didn’t get too much sun." For her wedding day fragrance, she wore her tired and true fragrance from Chloé. "I was too scared to get something new or different and have Adrian turning his nose at the top of the alter!"
"I went to Forever Bridal in Belfast during the Christmas period of 2021, just for a look and day out as one of my bridesmaids was moving to Oz. They stock Eva lendel which was a designer that caught my eye on instagram. I wanted to try the Jess dress, however Leondra, suggested I try the Allegra first and then Jess. The Allegra was love at first sight! I would never have tried a strapless dress, it just shows the ladies in forever bridal are experts and know what is best for you."
"We knew we wanted a navy suits, Benetti suits always fitted Adrian so well. Once I picked my dress and bridesmaids dresses we knew we wanted a tuxedo to complete our look and got all suits from Eddie Murphy menswear and dress shirts from Donnellans."
Kelly-Ann had four of her nearest and dearest in her bridal party, her sister Katie, cousin Mairead, close friend Niamh and friend from home Joanne. "We picked the bridesmaids dresses from Simones in Sligo. They altered them too which was a big bonus. I loved the dresses as soon as I saw them, the satin and bow detail complemented my dress perfectly. They were very elegant and classy which is exactly what I was looking for. Anyone who knows me knows I’ve a big long for navy."
"We had a religious ceremony in logboy church, where my grandad was born. Father Brendan did a great job, the mass was light hearted and full of happiness. This was very important to us as we had gone through a few very sad mass’ of funerals in both families in previous years. Our aim of the day was to enjoy every second, creating a day of happiness, love and laughter. Our favourite part was seeing each other as I walked up the aisle. You can’t prepare for it or explain the emotion."
"Our priorities for the venue was simple- good food, nice decor and a bar within the function room. The Abbey delivered in all aspects and beyond. As an added bonus the venue had lovely decor for indoor photos which we needed to consider when planning a wedding in Ireland. Our photos speak for themselves. The food and service was something we knew we could rely on in The Abbey having dined there frequently over the years. The decision was easy once we met our wedding coordinator, Lisa and some of the hotel team. We don’t think we could honestly pick. The team were outstanding and went above and beyond for us on the day, all our guests complemented the food and service. Our photos in front of the hotel and behind( with the abbey ruins) are just spectacular."
"We had the Leinster quartet for reception drinks and at our mass and they were exceptional. They played a mix of modern and classic hits. Singers secretto were our “mid dinner”entertainment, I booked this without telling anyone to the surprise of Adrian! It was the best craic and the singer waiter was unbelievable. He had everyone up dancing after dinner. Sax on fire were our band and Dj, I loved the sax element to the band and they had the dance floor full all night."
Regarding the best decision, Kelly-Ann said, "The best decision was the pre-wedding shoot I had to drag Adrian to. It saved us so much time on the big day, and we felt like dez was one of our friends, allowing us to get precious candid shots."
- Gráinne