Real Weddings with Sara

Sara is back with the next episode of The Bridal Suite Series, coming to you from The Station House Hotel, Meath, a boutique luxury wedding venue where charm, character, and romance meet at every corner.This week’s guest is well-known content creator and journalist Éadaoin Fitzmaurice, who got engaged last year to her long-time partner John — fellow presenter, content creator, and fun fact alert… the voice of the Irish version of SpongeBob SquarePants (an-mhaith!).Éadaoin brings Sara up to speed on her wedding planning journey so far, sharing insights from the venues she’s explored (and documented for her Instagram followers), plus some refreshingly honest advice. One standout tip? Don’t overload yourself with venues — pick four or five and stop there. Decision fatigue is real!A natural planner, Éadaoin already has most of her 2027 to-do list mapped out (we’re impressed), but she also reflects on the balance that comes with having a more Type B partner, and how John reminded her to pause, enjoy the engagement, and savour the moment before the spreadsheets fully take over.A must-listen for anyone recently engaged, deep in planning, or simply dreaming of the big day!

Real Weddings with Sara – The Bridal Series | Episode 2: Fionnuala Jones ...Celebrate Your Own Way!In this episode, Sara is coming to you from the beautiful Station House Hotel in Meath, an award-winning boutique hotel, as part of The Bridal Suite Series. ✨ Be sure to check out more about this stunning venue on https://www.stationhousehotel.ie Sara is joined by broadcaster and podcaster Fionnuala Jones (aka Fionnuala Jay), who shares the story of her twice-as-nice wedding celebrations with her partner Cian Roche. 💍💍Fionnuala takes us behind the scenes of saying “I do” not once, but twice, from thoughtful decision-making to choosing sustainable venues including Fernhill House in Cork and Fallon & Byrne in Dublin. She opens up about embracing eco-conscious choices, how to avoid stress and truly enjoy the day, and why it’s all about having your people around you.No notions! Just doing things your way! This episode is a reminder that weddings don’t have to follow a rulebook, it’s about doing it your way, whether that’s once or twice.A feel-good, refreshing listen for anyone planning a wedding, rethinking traditions, or looking for permission to make it meaningful. 💫

Sara Kennedy from The Aisle by Sara Kennedy — your go-to wedding planning destination and expert with nearly two decades in the industry — is back with a must-listen podcast series for all newly engaged couples! In Episode 1 of the Bridal Series, Sara walks you step by step through her signature PLAN method to help you get organised, feel confident, and kick off your planning journey the right way. Think of her as your fairy godmother — equipped with checklists, templates, wisdom from years of real weddings!Recorded in the stunning Station House Hotel in Kilmessan, Meath — a boutique wedding venue full of charm — this episode will give you a fantastic head start and keep you on course as you move from “just engaged” to “let’s plan!” 💍Want more expert guidance? Check out The Aisle for planning tips, timelines, downloadable planners, inspiration and more at theaislebysarakennedy.ie.!

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!