It really is all about the people you are surrounded by when you say “I do”, and that goes for the venue organisers, suppliers and coordinators too! Here, we celebrate those incredible people who work around the clock to make sure every couple is as much in love with their wedding day as they are with each other.
Our expert judges oversaw the selections, each choosing special venues and suppliers to honour.
Meet The 2023 Judges...
Mark Rogers
Mark’s beauty career began when he was just 22 and he has been making up brides all over the country ever since. A regular contributor on RTÉ’s Today for more than 14 years, Mark makes beauty and skincare fun and easy with his entertaining Instagram reels.
Dominique Nugent
A social media content creator, Dominique loves all things fashion, hair, beauty and travel. Weddings are close to her heart right now as she only recently planned her own special day, and married the love of her life Paddy in June.
Aimee Connolly
Aimee is one of Ireland’s leading make-up artists and the visionary behind the award-winning make-up brand Sculpted by Aimee Connolly. The beauty guru tied the knot in France last month which means she’s an expert when it comes to must-have wedding trends.
Áine Kenny
RSVP journalist Áine is getting married in September 2024 so she knows first-hand what goes into planning a wedding. While she wants to offer advice to all brides-to-be, she is also hoping to pick up some suggestions for her own big day.
And now meet our 2023 finer details, beauty and fashion suppliers...
Best wedding music
The Lounge Man
Why Say Yes: The Lounge Man Conor O'Shea’s promise is to entertain your guests into the night with music that enhances an evening, not overshadows it.
Best You Didn’t Know: The singer is known for his classic repertoire of songs, performed with a contemporary flair that makes him so sought after.
Hit after hit: Sinatra, Dean Martin, Nat King Cole, Crosby, Bennett, Michael Buble - a virtually unending list of classical tracks will be performed to the delight of your guests.
W: www.theloungeman.com | T: 087-2924118 | E: theloungeman@hotmail.com
Best catering service
Handsome Burger
Why say yes: Handsome burger provides catering services for weddings, birthdays, corporate events and more - and even catered on set of the Banshees of Inisherin - and is the perfect unique addition to your wedding afters or day two celebration.
Bespoke burgers : The team will work with you to create a bespoke menu for your special day, and their food is award-winningly delicious.
W: wwwhandsomeburger.com
Best wedding photographer
Gary Barrett Photography
Why Say Yes: With over 27 years experience in wedding photography, Gary is an award winning photographer who's creative and beautiful snapshots capture each couple's day perfectly, creating relaxed, natural images that you will delight in reflecting back on for years to come.
Picture perfect: He prides himself on evoking a fun yet relaxed experience when it comes to getting your ideal shots, and works quickly and discreetly to ensure the photographs are taken as swiftly as possible so you can enjoy your day.
W:www.garybarrettphoto.com
Best wedding keepsake
Why Say Yes: When it comes to photographs, we don’t always look after them properly, keeping old prints jumbled up in shoeboxes in the cupboard, and don't even ask us to go through our phone’s camera roll! However, your wedding pictures should be cherished, and weddingalbums.ie specialises in ensuring you can share your precious memories with the generations to come.
Elegant options: Whether you want your images preserved in the perfect photos album, in a coffee table book or converted into high quality canvas prints, they have something for everyone.
Best hen and stag do activity
Tribe Irish Gin School
Why Say Yes: The perfect hen or stag do activity, Tribe Gin School is located in Salthill in Galway City and can seat up to 44 people at a time for gin classes, with participants coming away with a bespoke creation of a tailor made wedding gin.
Ultimate day out: Over two-and-a-half hours, guests will learn how gin is made and customise their 70cl bottle creations to the highest level, with personalised labels and flavour combos, all while enjoying complimentary gins, cheese and nibbles throughout the class, for €45-95 pp.
W: www.tribegin.ie | T: 085 160 5958
Best Wedding DJ
DJ & Sax
Why Say Yes: This team of Dj’s and Saxophone players add the ideal finishing touch to any wedding, to entertain your guests into the wee hours and create a memorable, fun-filled atmosphere. There are few accompaniments to music more enthralling than the saxophone, and it's a unique addition to your big day.
Mood music: Set the tone for a great night with their experienced DJs, who will bring their own flavour to the dance floor while incorporating the tastes of the wedding party.
W: www.djandsax.ie | T: 087 9575653 | E: rory@djandsax.ie
Judge Mark Rogers pick:
Gotcha Covered Event Specialists
Why Say yes: "Gotcha Covered are one of Ireland's premier wedding planning, event design and event management specialists. They have over 30 years experience and the team always ensures everything runs smoothly and without any hitches, and they have everything you need to throw a great party, sourcing everything from balloons, flowers, lights, marquees and caterers and more."
W: www.gotchacovered.ie
Judge Mark Rogers pick:
Pearly CakesPics in and copy done
Why Say Yes: "Over 8 years of experience in creating bespoke cakes and wedding cakes, Pearly Cakes will guide you through achieving and creating your dream wedding cake with less hassle. Pearl's attention to detail and passion in her craft creates the best masterpieces I have ever seen. Trust that the inside is as gorgeous as the outside!"
W: www.pearlycakes.ie E: pearlrose_g@yahoo.com
Best Bridal MUA
Aoibheann Walsh MUA
Why Say Yes: Aoibheann has a passion for beauty and makeup, and her goal is to make each beautiful bride that sits in her chair feel as confident as possible. She takes the time with each bride to discover exactly what they want, and feels that your special day is as important to her as it is to you.
Best in beauty: Her diary is open for Irish and international weddings!
Best at-home bridal skincare
Biofresh Skincare & Makeup
Why Say Yes: Good quality skincare can be hard to find, with so many new products coming out all the time. It's essential to find a holy grail skincare regimen you can rely on in the lead up to your wedding, and Biofresh is a tried and tested brand that skincare lovers come back to.
Simple steps: Biofresh 3 Steps For Healthy Glowing Facial Skin is the perfect combination to get you glowing and blemish free. The trio includes the Probiotic Cleansing Milk, Rose Water Toner and Probiotic Collagen Expert Day Cream.
W: www.biofreshskincare.ie
Best wedding skincare journey clinic
The Glow Clinic
Why Say Yes:T he Glow Clinic's goal is to help you shine as your best self on your big day. Dr. Jen and her team are here to guide you on your journey, and the clinic offers a variety of treatments, along with advice on supplements and lifestyle adjustments.
Glowing from within: Kickstart your journey with a personalised skincare routine, which can be paired with customised professional treatments, allowing you to witness stunning results.
W: www.theglowclinic.ie | T: 012232264 E:hello@theglowclinic.ie
Best bridal treatment packages
FILO Laser and Aesthetic Clinic
Why Say Yes: While they might be all about the high tech, results focused treatments to take your beauty routine to the next level, the customer's needs are at the heart of all that they do, and it is their mission to make you feel empowered on your big day.
FILO-ing fine: FILO offers wedding packages that include facials for clear bridal skin, laser hair removal and much more .You can also book in a Hen Do event, with FILO available to host pampering evenings complete with beneficial vitamin IV drips and skin consultations.
T: 087 788 9009 | E: info@filoaesthetics.ie
Best bridal skincare professional
Sharon Noonan ofSaffron Rouge
Why Say Yes: Sharon Noonan is RSVP's resident beauty advice columnist, with a wealth of experience improving people's skin from the outside in and vice versa. With your wedding coming up, you may be considering embarking on a new skincare journey, and Sharon's expertise makes her the perfect professional to guide you.
Skin happy: With over 16 years experience creating tailor-made facials for her clients, Sharon and the Saffron Rouge team are award winning and internationally renowned. They will do a considered consultation, listen to your skin goals, and draft a plan to achieve them by the time you walk down the aisle.
W: www.thewicklowstreetclinic.ie | I: @theskinexpert
Judge Dominique Nugent's pick:
Lisa Shannon Makeup
Why Say Yes: Lisa is the artist of all artists, the master of her trade. I have known Lisa for years and as soon as I got married I knew there was only one person I wanted to paint my face on the morning of my wedding. She has such a calming energy to be around and her work is exceptional. Anyone that has been lucky enough to have her raves about her. She made me and my whole bridal party feel amazing."
Judge Aimee Connolly's pick:
Joanne Kelly Hair
Why Say Yes: Joanne Kelly looked after Aimee's hair for her big day, and the stylist's big focus is on creating beautifully simple hair. She has spent years researching the right products and tools that are needed, and believes the key to great hair is in the prep. She takes the personal and attentive time needed with each client to figure out how to achieve exactly what they want.
Best Cosmetic Dental Practice
Alexandra Dental
Why Say Yes: Highly skilled practitioners of cosmetic and traditional dentistry, the award winning team at Alexandra Dental have seven locations across Ireland.
Big smiles on your big day: Alexandra Dental recommend starting your bridal smile journey one year to six months before the wedding, and have options from Invisalign Go and whitening to bonds and dental hygiene and maintenance programmes to have you smiling with confidence.
W: www.alexandradental.ie
Best Mother of the Bride/Groom Connacht
Don't Call Me Dear Boutique
Why Say Yes: Situated in the heart of Galway City is a shopping experience like no other. Specialists in Mother of The Bride and Groom wear, they have taken great care and attention to choose the very best occasion wear from designers all across Europe.
Bespoke styling: A complimentary one to one styling session is available for all customers, to assist in every aspect of your outfit and accessories with hats, hatinators and fascinators available to hire. Visits to the store can be made by appointment or walk in visits for browsing are also more than welcome
W: www.dontcallmedearboutique.com | T: 091 530760
Best bridal accessories
Azure Jewellery
Why say yes: A treasure-trove of incredible bridal and wedding guest accessories.Azure are passionate about creating exquisite handmade jewellery, bridal jewellery and hair accessories. All wedding pieces are created in their studio on Georges quay in Cork City.
Crowning glory: Create the perfect wedding day look with a member of their expert team who can also help you with gifts for bridesmaids, mother of the bride/groom and flower girls.
W: www.azurejewellery.ie | E: info@azurejewellery.ie
Best wedding dress selection
Cinderella’s Closet
Why Say Yes: Brides-to-be, Cork’s premier boutique Cinderella’s Closet has so many options to suit your bridal vision. A leader in the bridal scene, their collections are modern but timeless and have the edge when it comes to providing Irish shoppers with contemporary looks.
Bet You Didn’t Know: The knowledgeable, friendly staff provide a beautiful experience for brides making this joyful but difficult decision ahead of their big day.
T: 021 4225000 | W: www.cinderellascloset.ie
Best Mother of the Bride/Groom – Munster
Sinead’s Boutique
Why Say Yes: Sinead’s Boutique champion the idea that there is the perfect outfit out there everyone, and they strive to instil a newfound sense of confidence in their customers, which is why they have so many different sizes, colours, lengths and designs in their dresses, so finding something to suit the occasion will be a breeze.
Bet You Didn’t Know: Specialising in dressing the Mother of the Bride or Groom, the dedicated team provide a personalised shopping experience for each customer to find their special, elegant look.
W: www.sineadsboutique.com | T: 061 339 696 | E: sinead.devane@live.ie
Judge Dominique Nugent's pick:
The White Gallery
Why Say Yes: "Rachel has the most amazing bridal designers. The three looks I wore for my legal ceremony, the wedding and my second dress were all designers she stocks. I love fashion and bridal fashion was just the epitome of it for me.
My sister found the dress on instagram and it was love at first sight. I booked an appointment, tried it on and loved it instantly."
W: www.thewhitegalleryboutique.co.uk
Judge Aimee Connolly's pick:
MKbridal
Why Say Yes: Aimee's elegant strapless wedding gown, complete with sweeping train, was lovingly selected and sourced from MKbridal boutique. The multi award winning bridal boutique in the heart of Navan town prides themselves on handpicking each incredible gúna in the boutique, and the amazing consultants understand the importance of providing the ultimate bridal experience.
Judge Áine Kenny's pick:
My Fair Lady Bridal, Castleblayney, Monaghan
Why say yes: "This boutique is set in the rolling hills of Monaghan and carries Mori Lee wedding dresses. Each bride gets a two hour consultation with their own stylist, where they are assisted in choosing a gown and special accessories to bring the whole look together.
They also have sale dresses for those on a budget and stock a curvy range up to size 30."
Best Day Two Outfits
Carraig Donn
Why Say Yes: From wedding guests to mother of the bride to day two dresses, there is something for everyone at Carraig Donn, and we love their classic but contemporary styles.
Bet You Didn’t Know: Carraig Donn specialise in championing Irish design, so your choice to shop here is supporting local
Heritage and expertise: Founded in 1965, this brand has an incredible history of dressing Irish women beautifully.
W: www.carraigdonn.com | T: 098 50300 | E: online@carraigdonn.com
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