Real Weddings with Sara

This week Sara talks to newly weds Jess Collins and Ger Lynch who have a very interesting back story! If you are a fan of the TV show First Dates, you may very well have watched he beginnings of their romance. They both applied for the show pre covid and had very different expectations of what might happen!Jessica Collins who also works as a comedian was signing up to the show thinking - will be good for her profile and maybe she might get some extra work, she openly admits she was not looking for a partner!Little did she know Ger was going to be matched with her and go on to get married. Ger said he was tired of the dating apps and said he would just go for it and try something different . So the big question, was there chemistry? They both said they knew they liked each others company and wanted to see each other again. They went for a second date to Dublin Zoo and ended up talking for hours - they ended up developing a close friendship when COVID hit Ireland and the world changed.Jess and Ger ended up making the decision to move in together, they grew even closer and ended up having the best lockdown because they fell in love! A year later - back to where it all began , Ger proposed in the Gibson Hotel where First Dates is filmed. Just back from their wedding now Sara gets the lowdown on how it all went and what's next for the First Date success couple!

This week Sara answers the many DMs that she receives on wedding pain points, issues and dilemmas. She is joined by two experts in the wedding business to boot to tackle the problems head on! Siobheal Nic Eochaidh founder of online accessory brand "Rosie & Dott" and Laura Downes CEO of digital wedding planning platform "Everly". They waste no time and my goodness can weddings bring out some opinions and attitudes! The girls end up given some quality advice in here for some problems that are probably more common than you think - so if you have some bridesmaid trouble, supplier problems, or if you are a bridesmaid who has a problem with the brides decisions! ( WOULD YOU DARE!) this is the episode for you. Sit back and prepare to get the wisdom of the wedding pros!

This week Sara chats to the morning Queen of breakfast radio in Dublin Rebecca Shekleton as she celebrates her one year wedding anniversary. Rebecca met Nathan at Forbidden Fruit Festival back in 2016, they had a random encounter , got chatting , Rebecca said "lets go for a drink" and they have been together ever since! She said it was the ease of being with him that made her know he was the one, she describes it as a feeling of coming home...oh YOU GUYS!. She knew that one day they would wed but was not expecting the proposal! It was a sweaty day for Nathan in Adare Manor as he plucked up the courage to ask his love to marry him! Rebecca lets Sara know that once wedding planning mode was in full swing, it was Sara`s guidance on Instagram that led her to pick the venue they ended up getting married in! Rebecca shares all the details and helpful tips from her big day and her parting advice for couples on the road to I do!

This week Sara chats to the ever entertaining Darren Conway and his fiancée Amy Corcoran as their upcoming wedding is right around the corner! Darren ( who listeners will know as one half of podcast duo Darren and Joe)and Amy host also host their own wedding podcast "The Conways" where they talk all things relationships, weddings, hens,stags and marital dilemmas galore! Here they take us all the way back to when they first met and how they have been inseparable since those first days of getting to know each other. They knew quickly that there was going to be no one else but each other for them. While they may have always known they would marry, Amy said she had no idea when it was going to happen and when it did - she thought the surprise was going to be a new mattress! They have gone into planning mode over the last three years (Darren admits its not as stressful as people make it out to be, while Amy looks on in disbelief!), They reveal some details of the big day but are keeping some all important details for themselves. We cant wait to see all when they tie the knot in May, the big question Darren wants to know - will Picture This make the day? That`s the real cliff hanger....

This week Sara chats to one of Limerick`s leading ladies Sinead O `Brien. Sinead is founder and owner of the very successful Irish brand Vacious Shapewear. She can be found on the gram sharing her fashion and lifestyle content tips on Sinead Curvy Style where you will also see she tied the knot recently to her partner Simon. Sinead thought she would be getting married in Ireland but said when she dipped her toe into getting married abroad there was no turning back! She is no stranger to planning events so she went full steam ahead when it came to her own wedding in Portugal. This episode is a masterclass in all you can put in to your wedding from top to toe to make moments stand out. If you want some tips and advice not only for getting married abroad - but also for how to make the moments count in the wedding day then grab the headphones and take a half hour for yourself for this!

This week Sara chats to the fabulous, funny cookbook author and content creator Gina Daly ( Yer wan with the Airfryer!) AKA The Daly Dish on Instagram. Gina is one of the most authentic, funny and heart warming guests to grace RWWS podwaves. She talks to Sara about her non conventional road to romance with her husband Karol Daly who co-wrote their first cook book together "The Daly Dish". The book was a massive success and is a book that adorns many a kitchen shelf in Ireland and abroad. The story behind Gina and Karol`s story to marriage is just a delight and a treat to hear Gina tell in her own witty and wonderful way. You will laugh, you will cry , you will probably think about making fajitas! Grab the headphones - this is a great story!

Sara is back with a whole host of new episodes of RWWS. Hold on to your diamonds because our guest for the new season is a lady who kicked off the very first episode of Real Weddings". She is the very talented and delightful entrepreneur, founder and owner of Chupi Jewellery - Chupi Sweetman. Chupi fell in love with the idea that jewellery is a piece of the future. Each piece is about the moment it will mark, how we commemorate those moments in our lives.” This episode is perfect for anyone who is daunted by the idea of picking an engagement ring , how, when and why. The main thing Chupi says to remember when picking the ring is your "why" , when a ring is going to be part of your future , how would you like it to feel, look? This episode is packed with advice on what not to worry about , the budget doesn't have to be blown! There are some mind blowing facts about the sustainability and ethics of diamonds, the fits and what it takes for something to be really "Irish Made". Have you ever wondered what the difference between a Lab grown diamond and a real diamond? You should! Get your headphones..this is a good one!

Sara spoke to Lisa last year and she was an instant hit with Real Weddings listeners. Her sheer no frills and no fuss advice that cuts straight to the tools that will work in your relationship ( once you commit!) is a breath of fresh air. She did also divide the nation with her statement that every couple should be kissing for at least 6 seconds a day! This caused quite the ruckus online and Lisa has an alternative for us that feel that this act alone might get us into some trouble time wise! There are more words of wisdom here for all couples, especially those who are entering into marriage. Lisa shares details of her new online course "Start Strong" that is now available for those who think this all makes a heck of a lot of sense to do! It certainly makes sense in Real Weddings Headquarters so we hope you enjoy another great episode from Sara with Lisa!

Sara is back! After a short hiatus in "Real Weddings With Sara" on the airwaves , she is back with an amazing guest Julianne Meade from Barbells and Babies. Julianne is an online fitness coach but as you will hear from the podcast , gives a completely different approach to female health and fitness depending on your own personal journey in life. Whatever you are looking to achieve in health and fitness, Julianne can work with you to achieve realistic goals and make sure you are feeling and looking your best! This is something Sara finds brides to be (including herself!) got very wrong and ended up not feeling good in her health and fitness on the run up to her wedding as a result of simply overdoing it. Julianne looks at every client differently and makes sure she tailors a fitness and nutrition programme specifically for you that will work. This is a great listen for brides or non brides who want a no nonsense simplistic approach to getting on the road to feeling their best inside and out for the long run!

The Bride of The Year Show is taking place on the 27th and 28th of January at the RDS. This is Ireland's largest, most exciting and diverse Wedding event. If you're recently engaged and at the beginning of your wedding planning journey or even further down the line of the planning phase, The Bride of the Year Show provides you with the perfect opportunity to chat with over 150 wedding experts in every category imaginable from cakes to décor, bridal to entertainment, Irish and destination Venues and all things Honeymoon all under one roof. ​With catwalk shows, I do! schools hosted by our very own Sara Kennedy! There is also thousands to be won in prizes, The Bride of The Year Show is your one stop Wedding Show! If you want a taste of what to expect take a listen to some of the great suppliers we bumped into back in September when the Wedding and Honeymoon Show took place there in September, it basically is your one stop shop and inspiration all wrapped up!

In this week`s episode Sara takes a side step from the usual and delves into Awards season! Sara has an established background in Digital Strategy and is also steeped in Wedding Event management and all that goes with it! With that said , she is no stranger to judging suppliers and businesses for some very coveted awards ceremonies.If you are a business or supplier in the Wedding Industry then this episode is 100% for you! In this episode you will get some inside tips and tricks on how to make sure your entries stand out and contain just what`s needed to catch the attention of the judges. Sara goes through what the key elements are to get right with your entry and also tips for what you do if you struggle with putting your greatness into the written word! This is a really good insight into how to get the detail right , your business is brilliant so make sure you get all the recognition you deserve! Now here`s to celebrating no matter what the outcome!

This week Sara chats to the Dentist extraordinaire Dr. Bronagh Keane AKA Ireland`s Tooth Fairy as you may know her from Instagram. On the lead up to your wedding day, there are soo many things to consider , the dress, the hair, makeup, , too much jewellery, too little, heels, no heels, skincare, and did we think about smiling during all of this! if your smile is something that you might be conscious of for photos or you just want to make sure you are in tip top dental health for the big day, then Dr. Bronagh has every tip under the sun for your pearly whites! Sit back and stick on the kettle, if you are going for a treat, just floss after , once a day the doctor says is enough!

This week Sara talks to the lady behind an Irish digital company called My Wedding Whizz. Laura Downes started the business in 2021 after being a bridesmaid for many years and experiencing the fatigue of wedding admin! The lightbulb moment struck when Laura was at her friend`s wedding over a Christmas holidays, there were piles upon piles of wedding cards with generous amounts of cash money! Laura and the bridesmaids had the task of moving and containing the cash as it piled up in the hotel safe. They got it all done and then realised the next day, no banks open for days of course! This was the festive season! This was one of the reasons Laura whipped up the idea for My Wedding Whizz. The website allows you can create a custom wedding website in minutes, with multiple website templates to choose from. You can setup your online wedding guest list manager, create and send stunning customisable digital Save the Date, Official Invites and Thank You cards with a built-in RSVP manager. If you need physical wedding cards, you can even order matching prints. Include a Digital Wedding Post with your package and enable your guests to send you a digital wedding card through your wedding website with a cash gift included. This sounds like your very own digital wedding admin personal assistant and we are here for it! If you are planning a wedding this is going to be a great listen for you! You can thank us later!

On this week`s episode Sara takes a look at the new kid in town when it comes to capturing your big day, The Wedding Content Creator! So what exactly is Wedding Content Creation and what can it bring to your wedding?Sara chats to a lady who does this very thing and has her own company to take care of it , the Wedding Content Company. Weddings, whilst beautiful, can often be hectic. Everyone's running around, laughing, crying, looking for safety pins! The last thing your best friend has time for is capturing the gorgeous behind the scenes footage they were hoping to get. Aine says allow her to become your best friend for the day, capturing 1000+ photos and videos of your special day, so your friends can be in the content, and most importantly, in the moment.This is certainly an interesting listen if social is your thing, and even if it isn't - Aine could bring that extra dimension to your wedding you were not even expecting to get! Sit back and enjoy the ideas in this episode!

This week Sara talks to the powerhouse business founder and stylist Mandy Maher. Mandy is founder of The Platform Agency (Ireland's Social Media Influencer & Content Creators Agency.) and The Catwalk Model Agency. She is also a regular stylist contributor to our TV screens on Virgin Medias`s IrelandAM. Mandy has a wealth of knowledge in weddings, wedding style and also is 28 years married this year to her lovely husband Ger. Mandy met Ger when she was 19 and says she knew instantly when she met him that she was one day going to marry this man! She got married in 1995 and says things are WAY different now, she didn't see one Wedding fair and got her wedding dress delivered two weeks before the wedding! Her advice for keeping the relationship strong is communication and making sure that effort is put in on both sides to keep the spark! Mandy is a tonic and gives some cracking advice for brides and grooms to be and for those already married! Sit back get a coffee and throw on the headphones for another episode of Real Weddings With Sara!

Two fabulous women joined Sara this week to talk about recent engagements and the navigation of the upcoming big days! Sharing their stories are model/make up artist Elisha Stokes and champion of mid sized fashion and beauty Leah Keoghan. Both their stories are ones of knowing that they have met their person and the rest is now easy sailing! In Leah`s case she knew since she was 13 and she met her husband to be on Bebo, he was also 13! It was written in the 90`s social media archives! Elisha also met he husband to be through social media when he messaged her on Instagram! They have been inseparable since and both share how they are navigating the planning, the pain points and the Icks of the upcoming big day. If you need a break from your own planning and want to see how 2 other brides are handling their journeys and their tips on bands, venue, celebrants and choosing the dress then pop those headphones in and enjoy!

This week Sara chats to Lara Battigelli aka Lara`s Bites on Instagram. Lara is a seriously passionate foodie with an obsession for cooking to get her out of any household chores! Her recipes online are DE-VINE and so easy so it was food that drew us to Lara! She is now in the middle of planning her wedding abroad so she takes us through the essential tips for up and coming married couples to be for taking the nuptials overseas! Lara gives some great insight into what bargains can be had and what steps she is taking to make the day as enjoyable as possible. If you are planning your wedding abroad - this one is for you!

This week Sara talks to the UK & Ireland's Leading Relationship Coach & Founder of Relationship Coaching NI Lisa McFarland. Hold on to your hats, scarves and shoes for this one! This episode delves straight into the tips and tools that Lisa thinks all couples should be aware of when entering into a relationship together. She talks about the most beneficial steps in starting this: Finding your love language, attachment style test, argument style test and the one we love.."Kiss your person for 6 seconds everyday". There is science behind the reason it works! Lisa has been married for 27 years and says she wishes she had the tools and advice she now gives to couples when she was starting out. It`s her mission to become that coaching guidance and make relationship coaching the absolute norm for everyone setting out on their life journey together.

On this week`s episode Sara chats to Honeymoon and Travel Specialist Susan Ryan. Travel has always been Susan`s passion so consider her as your personal Travel Counsellor! She strives to create the perfect bespoke travel experience for you. Whether you're interested in spotting wildlife in South Africa, dining under the stars in the Maldives, diving in Sri Lanka or sailing a yacht through the Great Barrier Reef… she can help you plan your next adventure! Planning a honeymoon is one of the most enjoyable and exciting times in a couple`s wedding journey, it can also be a little stressful! It`s safe to say if you book with Susan - she takes every ounce of that away, she is on hand at every step, flight information , delays , pre booking hotels/taxis and any detail you have not thought of - Susan will have it covered. This is such a good listen for any couple who are in the midst of honeymoon planning and need a helping hand! Sit back and enjoy, pina colada included! I specialise in bespoke long-haul holidays and honeymoons. On a trip to Iceland a few years ago my now husband surprised me by proposing in the Blue Lagoon. Needless to say, that is a trip I will never forget! We got married in Rome and went to New York on our Honeymoon. Since then I specialise in planning the perfect Honeymoon experience for my customers and after being a finalist in the Brides of Limerick Awards in 2017, 2018 and 2019, I went on to win Honeymoon Planner of the Year 2020 at the Irish Wedding Awards in Dublin earlier this year.

On this weeks episode Sara talks to award winning wedding celebrant Enda Harte. Enda performs legal wedding ceremonies in Ireland and Northern Ireland 7 days a week! This is the episode that answers all your Wedding Ceremony questions! This episode covers so much of the questions that have come through to Sara on Wedding ceremonies - what are the differences between humanist, spiritual , interfaith, civil or church and what do I need to do to register and tick all the legal boxes! How do I know what prayers, songs and readings I might be able to include? How long does the ceremony have to be? Who do I really need to invite? Enda is the upmost professional and has many years of experience in this area! He is registered as a solemniser with the General Registrars Office in the Republic of Ireland and also registered with the General Registrars office in Northern Ireland. Many answers are in here for questioning couples! Have a listen and if you are feeling generous please review and rate this episode!

Welcome to this week`s episode where Sara talks all things health and well being with a wonderful group of women who make this their business! They are Catherine, Mary and Nicola from Turning Point Wellness. Their story started with their own personal weight loss journey many years ago with group support and help, they achieved their weight loss goals. They each decided to become Weight Watchers Coaches and this is where their story begins.On 15th June 2006, they met for the first time and they just clicked . They trained together, having the same passion they became colleagues, very soon after that they became great friends in both their professional and personal lives. They help each member who book in with them to learn from using tools to make healthy food choices, achieve their healthy weight and sustain a healthy happy lifestyle. This is easy to say but can be so hard to make that first step - these ladies know very well how to manage that and are happy to chat to you one on one to get you started in the right frame of mind. They meet brides, grooms, families, groups preparing for big days and events and are all about making you feel the best for what ever goal it is health oriented or event oriented - they can help you get there. This episode is for anyone planning a healthier lifestyle and may be a little nervous about what that might look like - it can be overwhelming , sometimes it takes a little helping hand! Take a listen , this might be the solution!

This week Sara talks to blogger, teacher, model and influencer Sarah McDermott aka Sarah`s Secrets as she navigates the journey of being a Bride to Be! Sarah can be found showcasing boutiques and brands from all over Ireland, the UK and more and is now documenting the planning of her upcoming 2024 wedding and sharing all her fashion, venue and suppliers advice along the way! This episode takes you through the many thought processes that take place after an engagement and why it is key to take your time to do what suits you and your partner. Sarah talks about how she worked out her non negotiables when it came to planning the day which helped in each step of the planning. A tip she learned here on the Real Weddings With Sara podcast! Sit back and take in some great advice and top tips from Sara and Sarah!

Sara talks all things wedding invitations with the wonderful Corrine Smith from An Siopa Páipéar or The Paper Shop if looking for her on social. Corrine has been designing since 1995 when she started up an award winning graphic design company in Co. Louth which specialised in menu design. It was during this time that she discovered a passion for handmade papers, stationery, cards and crafts and began designing wedding invitations. In 2005 she sold her business and moved to the US where she continued to work with happy couples to create one-of-a-kind designs. While in the US she began embellishing my designs with various techniques to achieve a uniqueness that is displayed in her work. Happily, she has returned to Ireland with her family and has realised her dream of sharing her passion for design with happy couples on a full time basis. Corrine`s studio is in her home in Belturbet, Co. Cavan. She is open by appointment only, but says she is fairly flexible with her hours. Give her a shout +353 (0)86 067 7737 or email: info@thepapershop.ie. This is a great listen if you are looking for options of bespoke, DIY, templates or something completely different plantable invitations! Yes you heard that right - these ideas are something you won`t find everywhere! Corrine sets the record straight on the do`s and don`ts of wedding invites, the common mistakes and tips to make the whole process really enjoyable!

Welcome back to Real Weddings With Sara! We are back and ready for 2023, another busy year ahead we can feel it in the waters! This first episode sees Sara talking to four incredible make up artists, Pamela Matthews, Keira Smyth, Hayley Coleman and Patrycja Rusiecka who have huge experience in the wedding industry. They have invaluable advice for upcoming brides on how to research, what to expect and how to approach your make up artist chat and decision making. These are the people who live and breathe the business so if you are looking for some great advice on booking that make up consultation for the big day - this is a great listen for you!

This week Sara chats to the CEO of Laser Skin and Hair Clinics, Anne Gunning. This episode is a fascinating listen for brides and non brides alike who want to get a closer insight into the ever increasing and expanding world of cosmetic procedures, enhancements and just general face and body maintenance. Many brides to be may often put the facials and maintenance to the back of their minds until weeks before the big day , which is of course totally individual to every bride - however Anne lets us know that if you are planning on doing anything more , planning needs to be a bit further out than that! Anne talks through the many various treatments that are now available on the market, Laser Skin and Hair Clinics pride themselves on using the very best product out there with qualified clinicians taking care of your journey with them. The world of treatments are vast, from fillers to injectables, facials, tighteners, bum enhancements and much more , there are options galore - which can be daunting if this is something that you have ever considered and is very much a personal choice. Anne and Sara get to demystify in this must listen epside!

This week Sara chats to Carole the owner of the well known Pearls and Lace Bridal and Accessory Boutique in Donegal town. It was Carole`s dream to not only open her own bridal boutique but to create something different in the bridal industry. To make shopping for a wedding dress an experience, a memory to treasure. Carole`s advice for wedding dress shopping is invaluable and gives some much calming and practical advice for any bride starting out on the journey of making the most emotional purchase of all! The dress! It`s something that most brides take much pride and time in selecting so Carole wants to make sure it is stress free and full of enjoyment from day one! Step into this podcast and maybe her boutique to find out more!

This week Sara chats to Ian Dolan of the synonymous Carolyn`s Sweets, a well known and trusted supplier in the wedding industry! Ian is the man to go to if you are looking for that extra bit of sparkle and fun to sprinkle on the wedding day, from Chocolate Fountains , Candy Ferris Wheels, Ice Cream Bikes to Sparkle Dance Floors ,4ft Letters & more, they have something for everyone. Ian`s business idea all started from when he was getting married and wanted a Ferraro Rocher pyramid! While the Pyramid was not purchased - he did get a Ferraro Rocher heart built and went on to test the market with the idea - and the rest as they say is history ( of the sugary kind). If you are wondering how all those little magic pieces you spot get sorted and shipped/ set up and how to go about it - this is the episode for you! Ian takes you through the A to Z of novelty items that will create a talking point and most importantly enjoyable memories!

This week Sara chats to the incredibly talented soprano wedding singer Yvonne O`Toole who has over 15 years performance experience in the wedding industry in Ireland and abroad. She has performed in some of the most beautiful venues accompanied by strings, piano, harp and more! Not only has Yvonne extensive wedding singing experience and performed with The Celtic tenors, she was offered a position to study at London's prestigious West End Academy! Yvonne has great advice for upcoming brides and grooms on how to navigate the music choices for any type of ceremony you choose. She insists that asking a dozen questions is the way to get the ball rolling and not to be afraid to ask for what you want, even if that means additional singers or something you think may not work - ask Yvonne anyway! This episode is gold for anyone daunted by the thought of picking a wedding singer for their ceremony and what they can/can`t do and what rules to follow! Sit back and enjoy!

In this week`s episode Sara chats to David O`Connor Group General Manager of Louis Copeland and Sons, also known as Styledoc on Instagram. When it comes to wedding attire - we probably all automatically think about the bride , but don't forget the groom! The style is just as crucial for him and his entourage! David gives us the top tips on what styles, trends and factors matter on distinguished dressing for the men on their wedding day. This is a brilliant listen for top style advice from the best in the business!

In this week`s epsiode Sara chats to Cathal Molly founder of the Wedding Band Association and member of The Pink Champagne Wedding Band, Nicola Maguire from The Cosmonauts and Steve from Flog The Dog. The Wedding Bands Association is home to the finest Wedding Bands Ireland. It was set up to help protect couples in their search of finding a professional, quality and trustworthy wedding band to play at their wedding. The website is your one stop shop to check out the best bands in the business today - sample the music and check out the vibe of the band and what might suit you. From trad to jazz to 50s to 90s and everything in between! This one is for the couples who are wondering how it all comes together when choosing the music, first dance, and the most popular songs they are seeing right now for weddings including a Beyonce number "Love on Top" that The Cosmonauts have mastered! This is a super listen if you have no clue on where to start in picking your wedding band and giving you some top tips on how to get it right for you!

In this week`s episode Sara chats to Des of Bokeh Photography and Film. One of the big decisions for couples on their wedding day is how it is going to be captured and the latest photographic memories - on a Wedding day, they are countless! There are many different styles and themes that exist within photography, picking who you want to capture your big day might be a dazzling thought! Sara breaks it down with Des and delve into what a wedding photographed by Bokeh would be like. Bokeh Photography & Film is a tiny collective, with an enormous passion for weddings. They deliver images and film unique to their couples, focusing on their personalities, and the fire that makes you who you are as a couple. They understand that picking a wedding photographer and videographer is one of the most important decisions you have to make right now. They have developed a deep sense of what it takes to give you an experience to remember. This one is a great listen for anyone bamboozled by whats involved in picking a photographer and what goes into the day. Sit back and enjoy!

In this episode Sara chats to Laura from Wow Weddings about all things Wedding decor. What started at home in an attic as a flower and chair cover business and have now expanded and grown into what is, Ireland's widest range of wedding and event products. Laura is probably what could be described as a dream creator as she will go out of her way to make your wedding idea come to life! Their showroom is located at Centenary Business Park, Dundalk to see for yourself ! They have thousands of décor options, from custom built fairy light backdrops of the highest quality material, full room draping, tables, chairs, silk floral arrangements, lanterns, table centre pieces, giant light up letters, photobooths, floral moon gates and more there is something for everyone. Have you dreamt up an idea for your wedding and dont think its possible? If you listen to this episode you may change your mind!

This week Sara gives us a little mid week helping hand as Wedding Fair season is here! Sara is no stranger to these events and if you pop along to the The Wedding And Honeymoon Show at the RDS on the 3rd or 4th of September you could meet Sara there too! She will be hosting the "I Do! School" . If you are daunted by the idea of heading to a Wedding fair and how to even take it all in in one or two days , this is the podcast for you! Its the ultimate Wedding Fair Survival Podcast Toolkit!

This week Sara chats all things weddings abroad with the seriously talented destination planner Sue Egan from Dublin. Sue`s passion is to help couples create a beautiful, elegant, individual, stress free wedding day. Her motto is “your day, your way” and has helped countless couples plan their Weddings aboard with her company "Special Days By Sue". In this episode Sue goes through the top things to consider and manage when planning a wedding abroad and why it can be one of the most magical ways to celebrate with close friends and family. If you and your other half are thinking of a wedding in the sunshine and want to know how to get started then this is essential listening!

Welcome to episode 4 in Series 4! This week Sara chats to three wedding coordinators/planners from three beautiful hotels in the The Windward Group in Ireland. This Irish group operates fifteen hotels in Ireland and the Continent. In this episode Sara chats to Andrea in Ballymacscanlon House in Co. Louth, Danielle in Farnham Estate in Cavan and Samantha in Harvey's Point in Donegal. All three wedding planners give the inside take on the steps couples take when booking their venue and deciding on what is right for them and the day. Each hotel boasts individual beauty, charm and the signature hospitality that is synonymous with this group, so choosing what is right for the couple is carefully guided by the all important role of the wedding coordinator in the hotel. If you have been wondering what questions to ask, what to look out for and what to expect when booking your big day at a hotel , then this is the episode for you! Some great tips are packed inside!

Welcome to episode 3 of series 4! This week`s podcast is brought to you by one of the best in the business , celebrating over forty years in the jewellery industry, Fields the Jeweller is a wholly Irish-owned company which has been a market leader since 1979. They pride themselves on their people and their dedication to quality and service. Whether you are preparing to buy a show-stopping diamond engagement ring or simply looking for a special gift for a loved one, they are there to help! Sara chats to Kathy De Stafford, one of Ireland`s leading bridal designers and has just teamed up with Fields showcasing a stunning collection of diamond engagement and wedding rings, along with diamond pendants and earrings. Kathy tells us what is important when choosing your ring, and ultimately it really is going with your heart! In part two Sara chats to Rachel who is a key buyer in Fields and has the unique position of sourcing the jewellery that you see in Fields windows! She has an mountain of knowledge to share, if you have questions on what cut, carat, budget or metal you want for a ring, then this is a must listen! Top quality advice included!

Welcome to Episode 2 of series 4 where Sara chats to a man some of you may recognise as your local parish priest and most recently as a very popular guest on the Tommy Tiernan Show. Fr. David Vard is the youngest priest in Ireland today, he was ordained at the age of 25 in his hometown of Newbridge. Fr. Vard is now 30 and had some really lovely insights on marriage and his vocation when he appeared on TV so Sara had to have the chats as she often gets many DMs on the admin and protocol of Catholic Weddings. In this episode Fr. David Vard goes through it all and answers all those questions for you! This is a must listen for anyone who is planning a Church wedding!

Welcome to Series 4 of Real Weddings With Sara! It`s been a whirlwind couple of seasons navigating lockdowns, restrictions, rules, cancellations but engagement and wedding planning is back in full force. You probably have been to a number of weddings already this Summer and could be planning your own for later in year or next year! Fear not! Award winning Wedding Blog Author and all round Wedding aficionado Sara Kennedy is here to guide you through each step of planning the wedding you want without going through too many headaches! Sara will be breaking down the steps of wedding planning and bringing you some industry experts on finance, make-up, venues, accessories, music and more in this new season of Real Weddings With Sara. Weddings are back and Sara is here to hold your hand! In this episode, she will be easing you into the planning process and making it enjoyable too! Top advice only guaranteed right here.

Welcome to episode 6,Series 3 of Real Weddings With Sara! This week Sara chats to one of Ireland`s top make-up artists Gemma Leigh-Breen. Gemma`s story is one of childhood sweethearts to planning a wedding in a pandemic! Gemma tells Sara the ups and downs of trying to plan her wedding when she had originally planned going to Vegas! She dealt with all with a laid back attitude and said her tips are to just not stress!! The day will go fine! She kept a very top secret from most all up until the big reveal on the wedding day! Sit back and enjoy this story!

Welcome to Episode 5 of Series 3, the weeks are flying by and more amazing weddings to be discussed! This week Sara chatted to dynamic cork duo and stars of the hit TV show "Gogglebox Ireland" on Virgin Media, Dale and Dawn. Many will know Dale and Dawn as the one of the many favourite couples on Gogglebox, but not many will know that they got married last October! They talk about how they officially announced they were a couple on live TV and that is how most people knew they were together! There`s is a story of true friendship, love and partnership as they share their journey from meeting in the college halls to walking up the aisle last October. They did it their way and share their top tips for doing it that way! Sit back and enjoy!

Welcome to episode 4 of series 3! This week Sara chats to Caoimhe from the "The Irish Bride" , a wedding consultancy service and wedding blog where Caoimhe shares some brilliant tips,news and advice on all things weddings! Caoimhe was one of the many brides who had to go through postponements of her own wedding due to the pandemic and did finally get to say "I Do" in the middle of restrictions and had a limit of 6 at the wedding. She tells Sara about the positives and negatives of having the wedding in such a strange time and what she may now do differently. Caoimhe shares some must have advice on the lead up to the wedding preparation, and what might not always be talked about in wedding planning , the high emotions and anxiety that comes with it and how to cope with those times when they arrive. A great listen for upcoming brides who are feeling this too!

Welcome to episode 3 of series 3! This week Sara chats to Danielle O`Brien or "Danni the Mammy" as she is more broadly known on Instagram. The last time Danni spoke to Sara , we were in the middle of a huge amount of uncertainty with planning anything due to the pandemic and lockdowns were around every corner. Danni had to postpone her wedding twice but finally got to say I do to her now husband Kevin! Danni is just back from her honeymoon and is also over the moon that they finally got married! She shares all her tips and advice for planning, from deciding on music to picking the right dress for you - this is a great listen for up and coming brides to be!

Welcome to the latest episode in Real Weddings With Sara in Series 3! In this episode Sara chats to top Irish make-up artist Michelle Fox. Michelle is finally getting to have her big day after countless reschedules thanks to the pandemic, which we are sure so many brides to be can empathise with! Michelle lets us in on the night she and her fiance met where he told her upfront before she fell in love with him, she needed to know he was a farmer, a hurler and a hard worker! He certainly mastered the charm there! The rest as they say is history and now have a daughter Poppy together and will be saying "I do" this year! Sit back and enjoy Michelle`s tips for planning and her journey towards the wedding day.

Welcome to a brand new series of Real Weddings With Sara! It`s series 3 time and we are kicking off episode one with one happy pair...ba doom tish! We`ve got our coats. Sara talks to one half of the Happy Pear duo Dave Flynn who recently got married to author Sabrina Vande Cotte. This is a real eye opening conversation on their approach to building a solid foundation for their relationship and making sure they both were fully committed to the journey ahead and the bond of marrriage. They talked openly about how they have not annual but quarterly check -ins with each other to find out what is working and what isnt working for the other person. Refreshingly honest Dave says the big arguments in most relationships are around sex and finance so its about being open and honest and keeping the conversation going. This one was a real dive into the inside workings of a relationship and there may be some takeaways for people here! ( that food pun was purely accidental) please sit back, walk, or run and enjoy!

Welcome to episode seven of Series two of Real Weddings With Sara. This week Sara chats to the comedian, writer, podcaster and helarious instagrammer , Emma Doran. Get ready for this episode as Sara nd Emma go through the full list of your typical wedding guests, the funny to the annoying to the infuriating! This is an episode where you will probably recognise a few characters and know exactly who they are talking about! Sit back and get ready for a laugh!

Welcome to episode six of Series two of Real Weddings With Sara. This week Sara chats to the fabulous Ailbhe Garrihy , general manager of Dublin Bay Crusies and PR/Talent Manager. Ailbhe was so happy to get to go back down memory lane to her fab two day wedding to husband Ruaidhri. They met through one of Ailbhe`s best friends in Clare and hit it off in college, after 10 years together - Ailbhe recalls the proposal, the hair gel! and the beaming that came from being a bride to be. She gives some top advice for wedding dress shopping, how to manage two day weddings and has some wise words for treasuring every moment of it! What a fab lady for this chat, sit back and enjoy!

Welcome to a once off special in Series 2 of Real Weddings With Sara where Sara chats to Fionnuala Jones (fionnualajay) the host of The Band Wagon podcast , pop culture queen of the Six O`Clock show and Love Island extreme enthusiast! The theme of this week`s podcast is wedding etiquette! The do`s and don`ts of weddings in today`s world. Mid-Week weddings, plus one or not plus one, dancing, posting to social media and MUCH MORE..! Sara and Fionnuala have wrapped it all up nicely for you in this episode and warning- they are not holding back!

Welcome to episode 4 of Season 2 of Real Weddings With Sara. This week Sara chats with the phenomenal Irish singer/songwriter RuthAnne Cunningham. RuthAnne is a multi talented and multi award winning artist. She has penned songs for Britney Spears, Niall Horan,Westlife, JoJo -the list could go on! She is now penning music for her own performances and her singles include "The Vow" and her most recent release "Safe Place". RuthAnne met her fiance Ollie who also works in the music industry three years ago at a concert where RuthAnne was performing - she said she knew of him and spotted him in the crowd with one of her friends and starting to sing in that direction! They got to know each other over the months and then started to officially date. RuthAnne says from their first date - they became pretty much inseparable and the jouney for them had officially begun! RuthAnne tells Sara all about the surprise proposal in Christmas 2019 and what she is planning for the big day that is taking plcae next year! Sit back and enjoy!

Welcome to episode 3 of Season 2 of Real Weddngs With Sara where Sara chats to Siobheal Nic Eochaidh, the proud creator and owner of Rosie and Dott - a gorgeous accessory business based in Kildare. Siobheal has helped create so many amazing touches to so many weddings with some beautiful pieces from clutches to earrings to ring boxes, Siobheal has everything to make any special occasion look amazing! It was time to look back on Siobheal's wedding, back in 2011 when Siobheal was the Dublin Rose and did that amazing hip hop performance, this was where she met her now husband Brian. She tells us about the journey and the big day, the joys and the stresses and how planning her own wedding spurred her on to launch the amazing Rosie and Dott!

Welcome to episode 2 of Season 2 of Real weddings With Sara! This week Sara chats to Irish Influencer and Personal Irish Experience Planner Sarah Hanrahan who recently got engaged to her boyfriend Sean. Sarah is a travel enthusiast and is known for her exceptional planning from her experience planning business. Sara asks what it's like planning an experience now for her wedding! While Sarah says she didn't always have an urge to get married - now that she's engaged she knows what she wants. She is hoping for a Dublin City wedding with family and friends - where people can hop in on the bus and enjoy the day with them. We love the idea of this! Listen back to hear some of Sarah`s plans and how she is going to plan the big day!

Welcome to the first episode of Season 2! Sara chats to the fabulous Maeve Madden founder of "Queens Don't Quit" an online fitness community, Maeve is a former professional dancer, best selling author and personal trainer. She can be found on Instagram where she shares some really positive education on fitness and wellbeing for all women. Maeve recently got engaged to her fiancee and was said to have shocked her Instagram followers of over 300K followers and many of them didn't know Maeve was in a relationship! Maeve lets us in on where she met her fiance and the lead up to the engagement which involves her thinking all she was getting for Christmas was a vegetable patch! ( Which she now is growing many veggies in!) Sit back and enjoy this one as Maeve lifts the spirits as she looks forward to her wedding day and the celebrations.