Monday 10 December 2012

Meet the team

It is a pleasure to introduce our team here at Powerscourt House & Feast Catering. It is our ultimate aim to provide a highly personalised service at the very best quality. It is always nice to see the faces behind the emails and telephone calls - so here we are!

Carmel Byrne



Carmel has worked in nearly every industry you can imagine from printing, pharmaceuticals, architecture and timber framed homes to EU irrigation projects in Russia. Having spent some time in the USA in her early twenties and working in Australia for over two years she has gained experience in all aspects of administration, customer service, tourism and is known to be quite internet savvy too! Her passion for her children lead her to do a course in Child Development this year and she hopes to continue her study in 2013.

Carmel is the first point of contact for our wedding couples and she is happy to talk you through the initial process and forward any information you require.


Feast Catering

Our Philosophy

Our commitment to providing an excellent service goes hand-in-hand with our dedication to the food we prepare and serve. Our passionate and creative team of chefs devise seasonal menus for our clients, using the best ingredients from some of Ireland's local and artisan producers. We offer a highly personalised service to all of our clients and create bespoke event packages where we ensure that everything from the linen to the wines and menus are carefully considered to ensure they meet the highest expectations, and that events are seamlessly catered, from start to finish.

Domini & Peaches Kemp


Sisters Domini and Peaches Kemp are the founders and directors of itsa… and come from extensive culinary backgrounds.  Both are professional chefs and have worked for many years in the catering industry, including Michelin starred restaurants.   

Domini is a member of the Taste council, a Euro-Toques chef and is the main food writer for The Irish Times.  Her second cook-book titled itsa cookbook was published by Gill & Macmillan in Oct 2010. Her 3rd cookbook was released this October.  Peaches holds a post graduate diploma in Public Relations and has qualified with the WSET Wine Diploma in the Irish Wine Board (Advanced Level).

Annette Holly


Annette Holly has been part of Feast Catering since it was established 10 years ago and has contributed to the diverse range of events in its portfolio.  Annette has a BA in Politics and Sociology from UCD and has worked in the hospitality industry in the USA and Australia as well as Ireland.  Before joining Feast in 2002 she had taken time away from this industry to manage an animal welfare charity in Dublin, fulfilling a childhood ambition.  As the wedding planner at Powerscourt House, Annette ensures that the Feast ethos of ‘excellence in all, a focus on the best of ingredients, Irish wherever possible’ is delivered to couples at the right price and with a warm, friendly, engaging service.

Come along and meet us on Sunday 20th January 2013 at our Wedding Fair in Powerscourt House. It is on from 2pm to 5pm and we shall have our network of preferred suppliers from florists, wine merchant, musical entertainment, cakes photographers and lots more.

Download our 2013 brochure  or give us a call today to arrange a viewing, 01 204 6000.

Best Wishes from Powercourt & Feast Catering


POWERSCOURT HOUSE
hospitality@powerscourt.ie


FEAST CATERING

Monday 12 November 2012

A dream come true!

Anne and Sean

3rd August 2012


I think you will agree when you see the photos that this wedding is what every girl dreams of! Anne grew up in the seaside town of Greystones and she always dreamed of having her wedding in Powerscourt House.

It was a lovely day and the rain held off so Anne, Sean and their guests enjoyed a lovely drinks reception on the Italian Terrace in Powerscourt Gardens.


A red carpet on arrival!


Entrance Hall at Powerscourt House. Anne and Sean chose to have a civil ceremony.



Anne and Sean's guests enjoying a drinks reception in the Gardens.



Some photo opportunities on the steps overlooking the Italian Gardens.



A special moment.....


Wedding Reception in Powerscourt Ballroom





Sharing a quiet moment that they will remember for a lifetime.....





Thank you!

'A heartfelt thank you from my new husband and I for what was the most perfect day. It exceeded all of our expectations for our wedding day. Feast and Powerscourt House were amazingly helpful both on the day and in the run up. We have had so many of our friends and family comment on the beautiful setting and excellent service. The highlights included, having our drinks reception outside over looking the gardens and seeing everyone enjoying the meal in the stunning ballroom.
We are delighted we chose Powerscourt House.' 
Anne & Sean


Photography by
Brideen Baxter

POWERSCOURT HOUSE
hospitality@powerscourt.net
www.powerscourt.ie/weddings



















Friday 26 October 2012

Vintage Style Weddings



When we hear the word 'vintage' we think of aged fine wines. Well it has now made its way into the everyday vocabulary of brides and grooms, soon to be Mr & Mrs, as it is now trending a 'wedding style' as opposed to a fine wine.

More and more often people are opting and looking for something a little different, something that will set them apart from others. All to often people think that doing something out of the ordinary for their wedding day is going to cost the earth but in fact with vintage style there are so many DIY options available that don't, in reality, cost the earth or take too much time to plan.

With this new trend, especially in the US, taking us by storm it's time to share some great ideas with our Irish brides and inspire you with some vintage ideas to make your wedding day that little bit different!

Powerscourt House certainly lends itself to this theme with the gorgeous exposed brickwork in the Entrance Hall, Garden Rooms and the decadent double height ballroom.

The All Important Wedding Dress

In the depression of the thirties, women found escapism in the glamour of Hollywood and the silver screen. Hemlines dropped, the waist moved back up and emphasis was placed more on cut than ornamentation.


The New Look created by Christian Dior in 1947 dominated the beginning of the fifties. The hourglass silhouette was embraced and crinoline underskirts were worn to increase fullness.



Wedding Accessories for Him & Her

1880s hinged bangle with floral motif, set with seed pearls and diamond; yellow gold.


Exclusive Designs...Original Technique...

Each piece was intricately painted and created by the Artist. Using an original technique she developed with different textures of resin and sometimes combined with other materials to achieve the look of depth and captured motion.




Wedding Stationery

To have a wedding with a difference it has to start with the stationery. You can be sure that your guests will be intrigued and the RSVP's will fly through the postbox.

  This reminds us of a gorgeous, gently sketched illustration from the 1960s - it's so sweet and romantic.  A pretty bird cage swings among tumbling roses, while its owners bill and coo on a branch below...

'Free As a Bird' wedding invitations from Weddings In a Teacup


Inspired by the stylised natural forms of the glamorous Art Deco era, this elegant stationery is perfect for a retro-style wedding. 

'Art Deco' wedding invitations from Weddings In a Teacup

The Flowers

Everything to do with weddings is special and without exception are the flowers. We happened across this website and the flowers are just amazing!


Ranunculus 'Cappucino'


Hand Tied Bouquet

These beautiful flowers are available from Bloomsday Flowers. Have a look at their gallery, they are truly fabulous.

Decorating your Wedding Venue

You may think that decorating your wedding venue will be expensive but with some simple ideas can make a huge difference at little or no cost.



A beautiful table centre piece very simply done but it looks fabulous.


Use patterned table linen, it creates a lovely homely feel.


You could make these lovely vintage menu cards at home!


Try some vintage China to decorate the venue. Cupcakes are so trendy at the moment, why not have some as centre pieces on the tables.


These are available to rent from 'Me Auld China'

We hope we have inspired you to think outside the box when planning your big day. Here are some great websites and blogs for more great ideas!



POWERSCOURT HOUSE
hospitality@powerscourt.ie





















Wednesday 17 October 2012

Top Wedding Gowns for 2013

Top Wedding Gowns for 2013


Some fabulous wedding gowns for 2013 have been revealed, from the elegance of silk to the lace styles of vintage and of course there is still plenty to choose from the more traditional gowns.

We are delighted to bring you some of the countries finest wedding designers and their collections for 2013.

Agnes Bridal  - Gold Collection

www.agnesbridal.com



Agnes Bridal - White Collection

www.agnesbridal.com


Anne Gregory Designs - Local Wicklow Designer

www.annegregorydesign.com/





Little White Dress - A Dublin Gem

www.littlewhitedress.ie





Have a look at these wonderful celeb wedding dresses, I am sure they had a lovely price tag too!

Here are some great websites with so many different styles of dresses - there are just too many to choose from:)

Season Styles from Irish Boutiques



POWERSCOURT HOUSE
hospitality@powerscourt.net
www.powerscourt.ie

















Tuesday 2 October 2012

Wedding Planning


Budgeting and DIY Tips to help you prepare for the big day



In this current climate we are all looking at ways to cut costs and weddings are no exception.  The daunting task of organising and budgeting can seem insurmountable but with the help of great resource sites and DIY options it doesn’t have to take up every spare moment or penny for that matter!





Some of the best ways to achieve a wedding within your budget is to look at the areas that are most important to you. That way you can establish a clear budget for each area and try and stick to it. Make sure you do a checklist and that you don’t have a last minute expenses that you had not factored in.




Here are a few tips on how to nip and tuck on some wedding spend without your guests knowing. Don’t worry you don’t have to have your wedding night in granny’s attic either!


Top 10 tips


  1. If possible avoid the high season.
  2. Talk to other brides to get some ideas.
  3. Cut the cake – most people forego the wedding cake after a big wedding meal, so cut down on the tiers.
  4. Go with flowers that are in season and get to know your florist, they may have some great deals for you. 
  5. Dress down the gown – yes we know this is an important part for the bride, but whose going to see the label. There are some great second hand boutiques that have great bargains on designer gowns at a fraction of the cost.
  6. Who needs a favour – do your guests really remember what they got as a wedding favour. If you want a personal touch buy some truffles and wrap them yourself, rope in your friends and family it will make them feel part of the day too.
  7.  The invitations – there are some great DIY options available and your guests appreciate it all the more. 
  8. Be different! use non floral fillers. Mix fruit with flowers to create a beautiful centerpiece or ask for extra greenery to fill out the arrangement at a lower cost.
  9. Limit your bridal party, it is amazing how much you will save on bridesmaid dresses and gifts.
  10. Rather than hiring a car ask someone you know to escort you to the church instead.




POWERSCOURT HOUSE
hospitality@powerscourt.net
www.powerscourt.ie/weddings


Monday 24 September 2012

Alex and Ruby's Wedding

The sun was present, thank goodness and preparations for the big day started early. The theme of this wedding was relaxed and simple and the wedding couple can only be described as love-struck!


The wedding dress and accessories!


The bride arriving and the grooms anxious wait. The red carpet arrival at Powerscourt House.


An intimate affair

The couple opted for a civil ceremony with family and friends in the stunning historic Powerscourt House.


Alex and Ruby chose to have a relaxed dinner with evening entertainment for their guests.


The backdrop of the Sugarloaf mountain and the Italian garden were the perfect setting to capture those precious memories.


Rather than the traditional wedding cake Alex & Ruby opted for something a little different. A one tiered cake followed by tiers of beautiful butterfly cupcakes.



Once in a while, Right in the middle of an ordinary life,

Love gives us a fairy tale.




Alex and Ruby took some time out to stroll the grounds of Powerscourt Gardens.


I do - me too!

POWERSCOURT HOUSE
hospitality@powerscourt.ie
www.powerscourt.ie/weddings