Our Wedding Story: ‘Whoever picks vodka will be the boss in the relationship’

[ irishtimes.com/weddings ]

Cathal McKenna from Clontarf, an assets manager with Baker Tilly Ryan Glennon, and Milena Rowinska from Poland, a Science PhD researcher at DCU, met in 2007 in Redz nightclub in Dublin.

Their first date the following day was on the hill of Howth. Six and a half years later, Cathal proposed to Milena in Ronda, Spain with a ring he designed.

They were married on March 7th at Crooke Church, Co Waterford.

Milena wore a custom-made Enzoani dress and shoes by Jimmy Choo. Cathal’s navy velvet suit was from DKNY.

In keeping with Polish tradition, the newlyweds were welcomed to the venue, Waterford Castle, by their mothers – Lidia Rowinska and Maeve McKenna – with salt and bread which symbolises good luck and wealth. Lidia organised a performance of traditional Polish dancers while Maeve gave a speech in Polish, a language she doesn’t speak.

“We were served two shot glasses, one with water and the other with vodka,” said Milena, “Whoever picks vodka will be the boss in the relationship. I picked the vodka but I’m not a fan so Cathal finished it off. I guess we’re equal.”

Bridesmaids were Philippa McKenna and Edel Dawson, and Cathal’s groomsmen were Mark Fitzpatrick, Enda McKenna and Ronan McKenna.

The cake, made by Gracies’ Buns and Cakes, was an iced stack of cushions with the couple’s Yorkshire terriers, Lily and Freddy, lounging on top.

After dinner, the 90 guests were escorted outside to light Chinese lanterns and were surprised by the snow coming from the snow machine at the top of the castle.

String quartet The Musix Factor played during the ceremony and at the reception, followed by The Incredibles. The newlyweds' first dance was to At Last by Etta James and the bridal party dance – with confetti guns – was to A Little Party Never Killed Nobody from the soundtrack of The Great Gatsby.

The couple honeymooned in Sri Lanka, Maldives and Dubai.

Photographs: Rafal Borek, ralvphotoworld.com

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