Lyrath Estate

Wedding Day

Wedding

Reception

Our Story

Our Wedding

Looking back over the years now, it feels like Bryan and Nicole were always meant to be, starting when they first met back in high school. They started dating in the summer of 2000, when their mutual friend Katie tried playing matchmaker. They even took their first trip together to Boston on the Biology class trip! Nicole still teases Bryan about his timidness when she tried holding his hand during this trip. There were also many get-togethers at Bryan's parent's house, where Bryan would play basketball while Nicole watched from the roof of the garage, followed by milkshakes in the hot tub. After a few sweet months, the two parted ways. Over the years, they would run into each other at social events. They bumped into each other at Wegmans, which was the first time Bryan met Charlie. There was the New Year's Eve party at Bryan's house in the city that Nicole attended. The conversation always flowed easily. Life seems to take you by surprise when you're least expecting it. More than a decade later, on July 3rd, 2012, the two found themselves at the same social event once again. For the first time, the two both realized the instant chemistry and connection. They spent the entire night side by side. The two shared their first kiss in nearly twelve years while the fireworks lit up the night sky above them (but the only thing Bryan could keep his eyes on was Nicole). A few nights later, they went on their first date and the rest is history.They moved into their first apartment together across the river from the spot they had their 2nd first kiss on July 3rd during the fireworks. From their screened-in porch overlooking the water, they could look out anytime they wanted to see that spot, as well as the bench on the pier where they sat together holding hands by the water reconnecting. When did you first realize he was the one for you?I did not instantaneously realize I had fallen in love with Bryan. Instead, it was several tiny moments. For instance, I remember the first time Bryan met my son. He brought Charlie a package of cookies and did not let him out of his sight on the playground. At that moment, I fell in love with his thoughtfulness and attentiveness. When Bryan chose not to give up on his dreams, I fell in love with his determination. Everyday I fall deeper in love with his kindness, intellect, and compassion. When did you first realize she was the one for you?I knew that I instantly felt a connection with Nicole like I've never felt in my life. But it took some time to realize she was the one. I discovered right from the beginning how caring and fun and passionate she was and knew that I loved to be with her. I want to say that it was the night when she invited me over to help her house-sit for a friend because of the incredibly strong feelings I was feeling even then (I even remember wanting to tell her that I loved her during a moment looking into her eyes). However, I think I really knew she was the one when I started realizing that Nicole was making me become a better man. Instead of running from my problems, I began to face them head on with her, and I knew this was it. This was a girl who was going to call me out on my stuff. I could see from that point on that she was my other half. How he proposed: During their first time back to Boston since their high school trip, Bryan decided there would be no better place to bridge the past, present, and future. He dropped to one knee overlooking the Boston Harbor, where they had taken their first trip together as naive thirteen and fourteen year olds. Bryan pointed to the aquarium, where a lifetime earlier they had held hands, and pulled a ring out of her dress pocket! Nicole was ecstatic and pulled him in for an embrace. The spot where Bryan asked Nicole to be his wife was in the middle of the locations they had visited just twelve years prior - Quincy Market and the Boston Aquarium. Shortly after, they bought their first home together in Brewerton. Why Ireland? Even after booking their venue, they could not see themselves with a traditional wedding. When they pictured what their day might look like, they pictured green, old stone estates, their closest family and friends, and great food and drinks. They also knew they wanted a destination wedding, but the feel of the Caribbean was just not what they had envisioned. They decided to cancel everything they had booked in the US and chose to begin their lives as husband and wife in Ireland!

Our Story 1

The Wedding

Lyrath Estate Hotel Dublin Road, Kilkenny, Ireland Our ceremony will take place outside (weather permitting) at the Lyrath Estate Hotel. Following the ceremony, you will be led to a cocktail hour. The reception will take place in the Lyrath's historic yellow room.

Alternate Accomodations

Below is a list of additional accommodations in the Kilkenny area (other than the Lyrath Estate Hotel): Kilkenny Rivercourt Hotel Phone: 056 7723388Website:<a href="http://www.rivercourthotel.com"> www.rivercourthotel.com</a> McCourt's Townhouse Phone: 056 7723388Website:<a href="http://www.mccourts.ie"> www.mccourts.ie</a> The Folly Phone: 056 7722607Website:<a href="http://www.thefolly.ie"> www.thefolly.ie</a> Banville B&amp;B Phone: 056 7770182 Celtic House Phone: 056 7762249Website:<a href="http://www.celtic-house-bandb.com"> www.celtic-house-bandb.com</a> The Laurels Phone: 056 7761501 Fanad House Phone: 056-7764126Website: <a href="http://www.fanadhouse.com">www.fanadhouse.com</a> The Rise Phone: 056-7764534Website: <a href="http://www.therisedunmore.com">www.therisedunmore.com</a>

Accomodations

Travel Information

Airfare

We have found the lowest rates from Toronto airport. Be aware that we have also found the rates to be creeping up steadily. Alternatively, rates are also fairly low out of NYC. In case you would like to travel with us, we will be flying into Dublin airport from JFK on Delta 404. The fight leaves May 13th at 10:05 PM and arrives in Dublin at 9:55 AM.

Public Transportation

Our wedding will be held approximately 80 miles from Dublin airport. There are a variety of different methods to get to the estate. The following websites should be of assistance if you would like to look into the public transportation:<a href="http://www.irishtourist.com" target="_blank">www.irishtourist.com</a> <a href="http://www.dublinbus.ie" target="_blank">www.dublinbus.ie</a> <a href="http://www.irishrail.ie" target="_blank">www.irishrail.ie</a> <a href="http://www.buseireann.ie" target="_blank">www.buseireann.ie</a>Alternatively, you can also rent a car upon landing at the Dublin airport. <a href="http://www.buseireann.ie" target="_blank"></a>

Car Rentals

Note that there are different rules in Ireland about insurance on car rentals. Below is a good website containing an overview.http://www.infiniteireland.com/a-comprehensive-guide-to-renting-a-car-in-ireland/

Things To Do In Kilkenny

Kilkenny is located about an hour away from Dublin. We chose this location because of its history, shopping, breweries, pubs, and beauty. It wouldn't be a trip to Ireland without experiencing some of the country's lush green. Listed below are some of the things you may want to check out during your visit. Click on any of the names below to be brought to a website containing more information: -<a href="http://www.kilkennycastle.ie/en">Kilkenny Castle</a> -<a href="http://www.stcanicescathedral.ie/">St. Canice's Cathedral &amp; Round Tower</a> -<a href="http://www.visitkilkenny.ie/Smithwicks-Experienceâ">Smithwick's Brewery</a> (this beer is actually older than Guinness and they give tours)<a href="http://www.visitkilkenny.ie/Smithwicks-Experience"></a>-<a href="http://www.kilkennydesign.com/">Kilkenny Design Centre</a> (shopping) -<a href="http://www.discoverypark.ie#sthash.N74B8fGA.dpuf">Castlecomer Discovery Park</a> -<a href="http://www.visitkilkenny.ie/dunmore_caves">Dunmore Cave</a> -<a href="http://www.holeinthewall.ie/">Hole in the Wall Tavern</a> -<a href="http://www.slipsweetshop.com/">The Slip SweetShop</a> (Chocolatier)

Travel and Transportation

Wedding Party

Photos by Alexandria Photography

Registry

Q + A

A block of rooms have been secured at the 5-star Lyrath Estate Hotel. We have spoken with the Senior Reservations Specialist to notify them that we would need to book via e-mail since calling Ireland is at a premium. The rates at Lyrath are as follows:·Saturday, 14th May 2016 - €85 per person sharing or €170 per room – Bed &amp; Breakfast based on 2 people sharing per room ·Sunday, 15th May 2016 - €60 per person sharing or €120 per room – Bed &amp; Breakfast based on 2 people sharing per room ·Monday, 16th May 2016 - €60 per person sharing or €120 per room – Bed &amp; Breakfast based on 2 people sharing per room·Tuesday, 17th May 2016 - €60 per person sharing or €120 per room – Bed &amp; Breakfast based on 2 people sharing per roomIn order to secure this rate, you will need to e-mail Alma Adriano at Reservations@lyrath.com and let them know you are a guest of the wedding. The rate is being held until one month prior to the wedding.Guests of the hotel also get complimentary access to the health facilities! The health facilities feature a 17-metre infinity edge pool, a state of the art fitness center, a sauna and a Jacuzzi. Additionally, Lyrath is located a quick 5-minute drive to the village of Kilkenny. Kilkenny can be reached by a quick car ride or a 30-minute walk. A taxi for 4 is around €10 one way.

Kilkenny Lyrath Estate Hotel

Our wedding will be held approximately 80 miles from Dublin airport. There are a variety of different methods to get to the estate. The following websites should be of assistance if you would like to look into the public transportation:<a href="http://www.irishtourist.com" target="_blank">www.irishtourist.com</a> <a href="http://www.dublinbus.ie" target="_blank">www.dublinbus.ie</a> <a href="http://www.irishrail.ie" target="_blank">www.irishrail.ie</a> <cite><a href="http://www.buseireann.ie" target="_blank">www.buseireann.ie</a></cite><cite>Alternatively, you can also rent a car upon landing at the Dublin airport. </cite>

Bryan and I have decided to stay at the Royal Marine Hotel during our first night in Ireland (the 14th). In case you would like to as well, we thought we would pass along the hotel's information. A block of rooms have not been secured, however, there are favorable rates on their website. The Royal Marine is located right on the harbor in Dun Laoghaire. Dun Laoghaire is a quick 20 minute DART (train) ride to the center of Dublin. It is located right near a pier in the center of a village. The village is lively with pubs, restaurants, coffee shops, and shopping!Dun Laoghaire is about an hour and a half away from Kilkenny. Kilkenny can be reached by public transportation or rental car.

Bryan & Nicole

Bryan & Nicole

B&N

Wedding Day

3:30 PM

Wedding

3:30 PM

Reception