The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Hats off to Marguerite and her team at House of Weddings
‘Imagination to Creation’ is the promise at House of Weddings…
IT’S fair to say that Michael Healy-Rae tends to reserve hat tipping strictly for those special occasions and there was none more fitting occasion than the recent launch of Marguerite McDonnell’s ‘House
of Weddings’ in Denny Street where Michael was looking immensely pleased with his new image.
Michael was bestowed the honour of becoming the first male client to be styled by
House of Weddings when he put himself in the capable hands of Marguerite and Kelly McDonnell. Kelly is a former model and Miss Ireland contestant and is House of
Weddings’ very own in-house stylist. Michael Healy-Rae’s sartorial makeover now sends out a strong message to all men not to be afraid and get advice on their personal style at House of Weddings.
“We were very pleased that Michael was present and it was extremely kind of Michael to tip his hat to our new wedding venture. Michael is also looking very pleased with his fashion makeover and we’re delighted he could join us,” Marguerite said.
Marguerite is a lady with plenty of experience in weddings and event management and she has worked for many years in Texas earning a long association with the exclusive store, ‘Nieman Marcus’ in Dallas where she styles her US clients. Marguerite has over 30-years’ experience in the American market as an Events Manager and she is just back from Austin, Texas, where she organised a major event for the Consular General for Ireland.
Moreover, Marguerite is highly adept at organising ‘Destination Weddings’ and she has made many a dream come true in such stunning destinations as Heidelberg Cathedral and Castle, Mallorca and the Amalfi Coast - and if your budget doesn’t stretch that far… fear not, as Marguerite can source many beautiful and romantic locations right here at home. So couples take note.
Style, preparation and a personal touch are the key qualities that Marguerite wishes to offer her clients at House
of Weddings, as she explains: “You cannot buy style. Too many people confuse style with money but style is inherent and something I believe is almost genetic. If it is something which does not come easily to you, then come to us and let us
help in a totally confiden- tial and personalised setting,” Marguerite said. But while House of Weddings provides everything from a gown to a day’s shopping on the town, it also ensures a deep understanding and sense of respect for the religious aspect of weddings and here again Marguerite offers invaluable experience in this regard:
“I have worked for 15 years with the Benedictine Community in Glenstal Abbey, Limerick, and I have a HAVE you ever dreamed of strolling through the beautiful and elegant fashion houses of Knightsbridge in London and receiving the pampered attention you deserve? Well, you no longer need to dream of faraway destinations as now you can experience all this and more right here on your own doorstep at Denny Street, Tralee, where House of Weddings awaits your dreams. Wedding dreams are all about the realisation of an imaginative creation and thanks to the newly arrived House of Weddings in Kerry, aspiring couples about to say ‘I do’ can dare to dream of a spectacular wedding. From the opulent to the discreet, and whatever the budget, Marguerite McDonnell and her team will help couples maximise their ambitions where they can avail of Marguerite’s 40 years of experience working in fashion, retail, hair/makeup, hospitality, wedding co-ordination and events management. Marguerite’s promise is simple: “From the day you say I will, to the day you say I do, we will pave a stress-free path to the altar.”
And what can clients expect at House of Weddings?
“Regarding our designs, we have an exclusive contract with Patricia Avendano in Northern Spain who stole the show on the catwalks at this year’s Barcelona Wedding Fair with that extra wow factor, romantic and creative feel with some of her styles evoking memories of old Hollywood glamour. In terms of our in-house millinery service, we have secured contracts with the world famous Philip Treacy and award nominated, Kathy Troth. So be sure to visit us and view our exclusive private collection and remember - your dress is an extension of your personality and when the choice is right you will wear it with confidence and style. We’re now taking appointments nd you can call me directly on 083 8535 899. Email: info@weddingspecialists.ie - Or check us out on Facebook.”
Couples can also expect a range of tailored services in a ‘one stop shop’ for wedding and fashion preparation where a highly organised and motivated team of experts aspire to making your day a signature event: Michelin chefs, musicians and florists are all available and Marguerite specialises in
complete and educated understanding of all religious cultures and ethos. Through my contacts, I can arrange anything from a Priest, Rabbi, Iman, Humanist or Orthodox Minister. I will also guide couples with any complicated paperwork they may have. We are basically here to transform your entire wedding plans into something you and your guests will remember for a long time. So remember, our signature - your event.” Beautiful Handmade Lingerie Hair & Make-up Artists available to travel nationwide and same service arranged abroad Weekend Bridal Bootcamps. themed weddings working to make your imaginative dreams and concepts a lasting reality; and, if by chance, opera and musical theatre happens to be your forte, then know that renowned opera singer, Cara O’Sullivan, is also part of the House of Weddings team. So, whether it’s traditional, peculiar, signature or a unique wedding you desire, let
House of Weddings deliver your special day. “It’s all about a personalised service and giving clients the wedding occasion they desire,” said Marguerite. “I have worked with couples, both here and in the US, and weddings are about management and finding the time to fulfil wedding plans can be difficult for some couples. Also, since the Marriage Equality Bill was passed, couples whose civil ceremonies I organised are now returning asking me to arrange their wedding day which is really gratifying.
We promise everything from a high-end market wedding, to a wedding with a set budget and we ensure that each wedding is given its own bespoke feel. The perception that a low budget wedding somehow equates to a drab one is a nonsense that we will prove false here at House of Weddings. So be sure to give us a call.”