Jenny O’Grady & Tommy Whelan July 21, 2018 – Tuscany Bistro at the Granary Photos courtesy of Black Diamond Photography Limerick native Jenny O’Grady first met Tommy Whelan when he moved to Limerick for college in 2005. Although they were close friends for a long time, the pair made it official in later years. During a week of glamping in Cork, Tommy popped the question (after asking Jenny’s dad for permission). “We went out night kayaking on the Atlantic midway through the week and the sea was glowing. When we came out of the sea Tommy got down on one knee and presented me with a box in the shape of a snitch from Harry Potter that he had made himself. I’m a massive Harry Potter nerd so I was speechless, but I was just about able to say yes,” Jenny recalls. The wedding date was set for July 21, 2018 with a ceremony in The Captain’s Room of the Hunt Museum, followed by an incredible reception in Tuscany Bistro at the Granary in Limerick City. The couple recall their special day as one with so many memorable moments. “I was eight weeks pregnant on our wedding day but only our immediate family and very close friends knew, so we took our photographer aside for ten minutes and took some photos to celebrate having our secret guest at our wedding,” Jenny, who is currently on maternity leave with their beautiful son Alistair says. The groom remembers the whole day as being amazing. “I am a huge foodie so I have to say I couldn’t wait to dig into the menu we picked at Tuscany, and I was not disappointed,” Tommy adds. The pair’s day was also full of incredible personal touches to ensure it was completely unique to them, such as having one of their closest friends as their celebrant. “We signed our marriage papers a couple of weeks beforehand and on the day our mutual dear friend Keith led a really beautiful, personal ceremony for us in front of our closest friends and family where we could say vows and exchange rings. My mother in-law also gave me a silver medal as my something old that my father-in-law gave her on their wedding day. I had the medal sewn into my bouquet and it was a very personal and special thing for me,” Jenny explains. The couple also handed out sparklers to all of their guests for their first dance so they were surrounded by a circle of glowing lights. Jenny also displays gratitude to the staff at the Granary for their own personal touches. “The staff also had alcohol-free prosecco and wine pre-organised for me for the day because we had mentioned that I was pregnant, so that was a really lovely touch from them,” the bride adds. Jenny also shares what tips she has picked up along the way to give advice to brides planning their own wedding day. “We planned our wedding on a budget and we made sure to prioritise things that mattered most to us, which was good food and a venue that was suitable for a young and older guests alike, with plenty of cosy seating for chats. From feedback from our guests, one of the things that everyone enjoyed was the lack of travel between venues as our ceremony took place 15 yards from our reception. That was important to us as we wanted to spend as much time as we could enjoying our day rather than in cars. I would also spend a good amount of time looking for the right band because they set the atmosphere for your reception. It’s important to remember that the wedding is just one day and the marriage is forever” Jenny advises. The brides stunning dress was purchased in Aibheal of Adare and Tommy’s suit was from Sextons. Hair was catered for by Leeann Daly O’Shea, while make-up was cared for by Ruby Pearl Beauty Sanctury, both located in Newcastle West. Jenny’s rings were chosen from Ryan’s Jewellers in Limerick. The bride gives a special mention to photographer Kaspars of Black Diamond Photography, saying that he was so easy to work with and that all of her wedding party felt at ease with him. Acoustra provided music for the special day. Friends of the couple also helped out, with a neighbour of the bride making the delicious wedding cake and a close friend David also played music during their special day. Their friend Noel captured it all for them on video. BRIDES OF LIMERICK SUPPLIERS Venue Tuscany Bistro at The Granary. Rings Ryan’s Jewellers How was your experience with Tuscany Bistro at the Granary?
“Our reception venue, Tuscany at the Granary, was amazing. We had so much help from the event organiser Linda. She was available by email constantly and went above and beyond from the beginning to make sure every detail was perfect. She had fantastic ideas for the décor, helped us plan the menu and had the staff so well organised on the day that it was flawless. So many of our guests commented afterwards about how fantastic the staff were, and the food ”
