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When the Beast from the East and Storm Emma decide to play havoc with your Wedding Day, who you gonna call? It is of course, Marie Dooley our Wedding and Events Manager. None of us were prepared for the snow and freezing temperatures brought on by the Beast from the East and Storm Emma and while the grim weather conditions didn’t derail most of us beyond the need to have some snow days, for some, the unexpected weather came at the worst possible time.

Little did David and Sarah think when they were deciding on their wedding date that on the 2^nd March, Ireland would be on a red weather alert and see the heaviest snowfall since 1982. With all their guests travelling from near and far, a contingency plan needed to be in place and it was Marie’s organisational skills and quick thinking that saved the day along with the dedication and support of the Celtic Ross Team who stayed onsite for the duration of the storm.

From the earliest hint that this was not going to be plain sailing, Marie was able to pick up the pieces and put a new plan into action. There were a few things that needed re-arranging, from finding a new band and DJ to the priest moving the ceremony to the day before as the chances of getting to the church on Friday would be slim, unless David and Sarah wanted to arrive on skis! The flowers arrived by tractor, the groomsman’s partner was hairdresser for the day and local salon owner Rebecca of Rebecca's Salon was able to step in and do make-up for the all the ladies. Such is the dedication of the team, Head Chef Alex Petit, who was snowed in, walked in the snow for an hour so he could be here to cook the wedding feast and present them with their first meal as husband and wife.

As Marie said “There was so much feeling for David and Sarah that this was “the” day of their lives, and I wanted to do everything I could to make sure their day was as special and memorable as it could be despite the setbacks. The team spirit was incredible and the memories from that day will be with me forever”

To read back on some of the wonderful reviews from guests who attended the wedding has made us all so proud to have been part of David and Sarah’s Day. Here are just some of them…

“We stayed here for a wedding for the duration of storm Emma and the hotel really pulled out all the stops to ensure the happy couple had a day they will never forget”

“I was bridesmaid at a wedding here in the middle of the recent snowstorm. Plans had to be changed at the last minute, but it was no hassle to the wonderful staff and made for the best wedding I've been at in a long time and one that I definitely will never forget! Marie Dooley especially deserves a mention. Can we nominate her for an award? I had never been to Rosscarbery before and I'm already planning my next visit to the Celtic Ross Hotel”

“I don't have the words to describe! Well done to all the extremely friendly staff of the Celtic Ross. I can only imagine how difficult it was for ye over the past 4 days, during the worst storm I've ever witnessed but the hotel was run like nobody had broken a sweat. Thank you so much for hosting an unforgettable wedding”

“Never in my life have I stayed at a hotel with such caring helpful and friendly staff. We had our wedding here in the recent Red Alert storm and where other weddings around the country were cancelled Marie Dooley made sure our day went ahead. She fixed everything that went wrong. Marie and staff went above and beyond, and we will be forever grateful for that. Thanks for a lovely time and thanks so much for minding ourselves and our guests. #superpeople” The Happy Couple Mr & Mrs Ryan

With over 20 years of experience celebrating unforgettable weddings, we’ve learnt a thing or two about planning and executing not just the perfect wedding celebration, but your perfect wedding celebration and no matter what Mother Nature throws at us, we do everything to make sure your wedding day is the best day EVER!