We have to admit, we love hearing about real life stories. From behind-the-scenes looks of the big day with the couple to what goes into making that big day perfect; there is inspiration to be found everywhere! The lovely Aileen Hanley of Sheen Falls Lodge, Kenmare, co. Kerry, gives us an insider’s perspective into her day as a wedding planner of this astounding 5 star property. Trust us, you will be amazed!
As a wedding planner for one of the most gorgeous wedding venues in Ireland, my days are fun-filled and jam-packed. I am always fully involved with the couples from the moment I receive an enquiry, right through to the review of the wedding! I really love to get involved to the point that I become like an extended family member and our hotel becomes a home for the happy couple and their bridal party.
My day begins at 6am with a BIG cup of coffee while I check emails and social media. After a hearty breakfast and a walk, I drop my girls off at their crèche and head into the office for a 9am start. Morning activities include answering all my pressing enquiries via phone and email and tackling my top tasks for the day. The minute, scrupulous attention to and sheer volume of detail that goes in to organising every wedding is unimaginable to those who have never held or organised a wedding!
It is our responsibility to make each couple feel relaxed and happy in the knowledge that they are in safe, expert hands. In the grand scheme of planning, a couple may only visit the hotel a few occasions prior to their wedding, so it’s vital to create a great working relationship from the very start which is usually built upon via email or even Skype.
My afternoons vary between appointments with our fantastic Head Chef, Philip Brazil, to discuss upcoming events and dealing with specific requirements for each couple. Phil is a great support: he is so passionate and proud – every dish that leaves his kitchen will contain only the finest ingredients and local produce wherever possible. He rises to every culinary challenge, and a wedding is the perfect opportunity to showcase his talent for balancing the perfect menu for ‘wowing’ guests and satisfying a variety of appetites. A true perfectionist, in addition to heading up the highly revered kitchen at Sheen Falls Lodge, he is also studying for a Masters in Culinary Arts Management… we like to spend every waking moment at Sheen Falls Lodge perfecting our crafts!
I believe every wedding should be unique. For that reason, I spend a great deal of time focusing on the visual element and looking for ways of creating bespoke events. In my experience, no two couples are alike; they all have their own vision. I encourage them to share their aspirations, hopes and dreams and when they choose to hold their wedding with us at Sheen Falls Lodge. I strive to get a ‘feel’ for their individual personalities and combine their tastes and desires in my mind so that I can be sure we meet and hopefully exceed their expectations.
In the midst of my daily tasks, there are also meetings with prospective couples; this in itself can take an entire day. Sheen Falls Lodge is steeped in history and its beauty can literally take your breath away – one only has to drive through the front gates of the 300 acre estate to see the delights of Kenmare Bay on your left and the Caha mountains on the right to realize that there is something truly special about this location. Once our couples set eyes upon our magical cascading falls, it’s usually a done deal!
My job, from this perspective, can be incredibly easy. However, a couple needs more than a stunning view and a great menu: they need absolute assurance that they will be listened to and looked after every step of the way. So once they decide this is the venue for them, I take them through every aspect of their wedding, from the booking with us to their big day. A five page function sheet, which each head of department receives, is carefully compiled and is a rubber-stamp guarantee that we are all on the same page.
I try and end my day in the office by 6pm to get home in time to enjoy the company of my lovely girls and put them to bed. This is hugely important to me, as time spent with my little girls is precious. I make sure I am on site during every wedding at Sheen Falls Lodge, so there are some days that I don’t get to see them at all. Once the girls are safely tucked up in bed, I can be found trawling through Pinterest to keep on top of current trends and ideas, in order to keep our offers fresh and original. I finish off each day by having a peek at my schedule for the following day, drawing up a ‘To Do’ list and getting some much- needed R&R!
Wow! A lovely account of Sheen Falls Lodge from Aileen. Find out more about this incredible Kenmare venue here and stay tuned for more posts!
