As we were driven up the avenue of Carton House in Co. Kildare, it was evident by the shear size of the marquee, the number of security men and the line of big cars just how spectacular the wedding was going to be. Then there was the style. Black tie for the gentleman and high fashion for the ladies.
It was definitely the big society wedding of the year, as Anne-Marie Leavy tied the knot with Kieran McManus in Ballivor Chuch in the brides native Co. Meath. The wedding was a true family affair with Anne-Marie's sister Vivienne and Kieran's sister Sue Ann as bridesmaids and brother Gerrard doing a reading. The ceremony was attended by 250 of the couple’s family, and an additional 500 attending the reception at Carton House. That’s some crowd.
Guests enjoyed a Dom Pérignon champagne reception in the gardens of the historic mansion, as background music from a string quartet mixed with the gentle sounds of the nearby fountain. Feasting on canapés, the girls, and boys no doubt, subtly eyed the fashion on show. From the simple to the outrageous, the word of the day was “elegant”.
And nobody looked more elegant that the bride herself. Anne-Marie looked absolutely stunning in a Vera Wang creation which was long and fitted with a lace top, suiting her tall frame. The bridesmaids looked fabulous too in long flowing pink dresses that were created by Irish designer Synan O’Mahony.
The interior of the marquee was breathtaking with each one of the tables sporting a gigantic floral display, with discreet pink lighting complimenting the flowers. Candles, chandeliers and cream napery completed the overall look.
The wedding dinner was delicious and worthy of the best restaurant anywhere. It was 8 courses, and included dishes such as “Tian of Smoked Chicken and Mango with Lakeshore Mustard Cream, Green Asparagus and Baby Leaf Salad”, “Steamed Paupiette of Dover Sole with a Lobster Mouse and Lobster Bisque Sauce” and “Roast Fair End and leg of new Season Lamb, Parsnip and Gubeen Dauphinoise,
Speeches were short and simple and from the patriarch’s of the families. Gerard Leavy spoke of his delight at seeing his daughter so happy, while JP McManus welcomed Anne-Marie into the McManus family on behalf of him and his wife Noreen. Kieran’s best man, his brother John McManus, also made a lovely speech, with Kieran himself rounding off proceedings.
Among the guests I spotted were businessmen Dermot Desmond and John Magnier, Minister for Defence Willie O’Dea TD, Tamso Doyle of HRI, designer Lynn Hunter of Lynn Marr fame, Aisling Kilduff of the Design Centre and her husband Aidan and EU Commissioner Charlie McCreevy.
Entertainment was provided by several bands and singers, including Paddy Cole, and the party continued well into the wee small hours.