Have you ever thought how much effort goes into planning a wedding? The role of the Wedding Coordinator is one of the most important in the planning process, they are the ones who will make all your dreams come true. At the Redcastle Hotel Aisleen McDonald is the fairy godmother of all brides and grooms. Would you like to meet her?
What’s the job of a Wedding Coordinator?
I invite the couples to the hotel and establish what vision they have for their wedding day, as each wedding is different. By being in the hotel, it is much easier for them to visualise the flow of the wedding day. When it’s the couple’s first time to the hotel, they are always amazed by how close we are to the water and the breath-taking views we have from The Ocean Suite. It usually is a case of love at first sight. I am always on hand for any query the couple have during their planning stage, to guide and help them to have the most memorable wedding day.
How is the relationship between the Wedding Team and the couples?
Creating a close bond between the wedding couple and myself is very important. During the wedding journey they may experience very intense and overwhelming times, so we are always ready to support and assist them. I like that one to one relationship. I would like all my brides and grooms to contact me if they have any queries, as no question is a silly question, it’s always better to ask, we will always help you and try to accommodate your requests.
Why should a couple choose the Redcastle Hotel to get married? What makes it different from other wedding venues?
So many reasons! Our packages are amazing. The venue and the surrounding grounds are just stunning. We have the golf course, the shorefront, the Lough Foyle, The Ocean Suite itself is overlooking the water. I invite all newly engaged couples to arrange an appointment; I will show them around and I’m sure they will fall in love with the place.
Would you tell us more about these packages?
We have the Ultimate Wedding Package, available all year round. We just launched our new ‘All Inclusive Winter Wedding Package’ which is available on selected dates in 2018 and 2019, from only €39 pp. Imagine, 100 guests for only €3,900. This is one of the favourite packages and we can certainly understand why!
What are couples most worried about?
They worry about the entire process; the big question is where to start. But they don’t need to, the Redcastle Wedding Team will guide them and will always be there if they have a question or query. We also have a wedding checklist to help guide them on the wedding journey.
What made you want to become a Wedding Coordinator?
I love the excitement of helping a couple plan their most important day. To be involved in a day where all their family and friends come together to celebrate their relationship & marriage feels very special. I always had such a passion for weddings and I feel I’m the type of person that people can trust and rely on. I have worked with the company for over a decade now and am truly delighted to be the wedding co-ordinator for such an amazing property.
What do you like the most about your job?
It would have to be watching the bride and groom entering the Ocean Suite to all their applauding guests, it just gives me shivers. The door opening to their new life together… it’s my favourite part.
What would be your ideal wedding?
I have always wanted to get married here, for the amazing setting and many other reasons. Living locally, I have been guilty of taking these views for granted, however, sometimes it’s not until you go away that you realise how stunning it really is. The surrounding grounds are beautiful and perfect for photos and there is a chapel is just 2 minutes away. It couldn’t get any better.
And I love the fact that we offer fully inclusive packages which means it is less for the wedding couple to worry about. The Ocean Suite offers an elegant and romantic setting. Enhanced by our new drapes, which are stunning. So, if I were to get married it would have to be here at the beautiful Redcastle Hotel.
Is there any wedding celebrated at the Redcastle Hotel that you remember especially?
There is, I was bridesmaid here at Christmas. It was my first time in the bridal party and I have to say it was amazing. The food was great, the service fantastic and it was great to actually come in and experience a wedding from the top table!
Are there any wedding events taking place at the hotel anytime soon?
The Redcastle Hotel Wedding Fayre is on Sunday 18th February from 2 – 5 pm. It’s a great chance for couples to come down and see our packages, to meet with myself and the Wedding team, to view the room, see the bridal suite and one of our standard rooms. If they have any questions or queries they can ask us personally, and they can speak with many great suppliers too. I would also recommend going to the Sunday Carvery on that day.
Would you like to discuss your perfect day with Aisleen and the team? Come along to the Wedding Fayre on Sunday 18th February or contact them on events@redcastlehotel.com to arrange a show around.