Overlooking the majestic Cashel Bay on the west coast of Ireland, Cashel House Hotel, with its lush, flowering gardens and dramatic mountain backdrop was the truly stunning location for associate merchant of textiles at CB2, Mary Kathryn O’Donnell's, wedding to the owner of Uncommon Fitness, Carson Neely, on the 7th of September, 2024. Captured by Viorica Dib, this destination wedding is the epitome of dreamy!
The pair met the good old-fashioned way, with Mary's friend posting a photo of her on Instagram and Carason asking if she could connect the two. His luck, Mary agreed, and the couple started talking immediately, had their first date two weeks later and have been together ever since!
"It was my birthday, and Carson surprised me with a trip to the Chicago Botanic Garden, saying that his client suggested we go to the English Walled Garden. Little did I know he had a photographer disguised and hiding as we walked into a gazebo. I was completely shocked, even after 5 years of dating, but of course said yes, or at least I think I nodded my head!. Carson picked out the ring himself, and it was exactly what I had dreamed of."
Mary was lucky enough to be engaged to a personal trainer, so she started working out three days a week, about 7 months before the big day. She also started seeing a dermatologist more frequently to ensure clean and clear skin. "I knew what I wanted for my hair, despite being in the states and unable to have any trials, my stylist, Emma King, and I had great communication. The same for makeup with Sara Duffy. They both did wonderful work without a trial and meeting in person for the first time the day of the wedding!" For her signature scent, Mary Katheryn chose Light Blue by Dolce & Gabbana.
When it came to finding her dress, Mary knew exactly what she wanted (thin straps, a ball gown, or an a-line with detailing). So off she went to Genevieve’s Bridal Couture with her mum, and within an hour of the appointment and only five dresses in, she found the one! She did make some custom changes: closing a high slit, sheer back, fabric in the front corset, and white lining rather than nude.
Carson had shopped with Suit Supply before for special events and decided to go ahead with a custom 3-piece suit in a grey/sand shade.
For her bridal party, Mary had four in total, two cousins, her childhood best friend and her college best friend. Unfortunately, her matron of honour (Mary’s Sister in Law) couldn't make the trip to Ireland, as she had given birth two weeks before Mary and Carson’s first nephew. For their wedding day ensembles, the bridesmaids were told to pick their own dresses, but given the stipulation that they be a shade of blue and maxi or midi length. They all sent their ideas to Mary, who approved!
"The ceremony was so thought out. We worked closely with our officiant to make it as special and meaningful as possible, including a moment of silence and acknowledgement to family members who had passed or could not attend, thanks to the 60 friends and family from their travels all over the US to Ireland, Gaelic blessings and poems and a handmade Handfasting cord made by me and tied by our moms."
Carson had joked to Mary years before their engagement that they should get married in Ireland, and Mary was sold on the idea ever since, having studied at DIT for a semester and falling in love with the country. She also knew she wanted a small, intimate wedding, and when she found Cashel House on Instagram, she fell in love with the venue's warmth. They booked and then a few months later, were able to come see the hotel and grounds and fell even more in love with the history and location.
For their entertainment, the couple hired the House Party Band! "We knew we had to provide a party for the guests coming across the pond, and the House Party Band did not disappoint. They performed during the ceremony, cocktail hour, and, of course, the party."
Regarding the best decision, Mary Kathryn said, "Listening to ourselves and ignoring the comments of others saying the wedding shouldn’t be abroad! We couldn’t imagine doing it anywhere else, and all of the people who wanted to be there were."
Regarding the worst decision, Mary Kathryn said, "Shipping decor a month out! It arrived the day after the wedding and was unable to be used. Would have shipped it out sooner, as it got caught up in the postal service."
- Gráinne