You've Been Served: Antonia Smyth, Bridge House Hotel

Antonia Smyth is wedding co-ordinator at the Bridge House Hotel, Tullamore.

Sun, 17 Nov, 2019 - 16:15

Denise O’Donoghue

I began working in hospitality when I was18-years-old. I’ve always loved meeting the diverse range of people that walk through the doors every day. The diversity in hospitality was one of the main factors in my career choice. I’m quite an outgoing person and love meeting new people each day!

I love meeting brides and grooms and listening to their ideas for their big day. No wedding is the same and every couple adds their own unique touch to their big day, making it truly memorable and so special to be part of.

The best part of my job is most definitely getting to know all my brides and grooms. I love meeting them in the early stages of planning their big day and getting to know them over the course of their planning process. I love hearing all their ideas and hopes for the big day and helping in any way I can.

Seeing them on their special day is truly amazing, and then chatting with them after their wedding and hearing all about their experience is so exciting. They all wish they could do it all over again!

I think I would have to say having my wedding reception at the Bridge House Hotel was such a memorable and amazing experience. Really and truly, I couldn’t have imagined getting married anywhere else. I was my own wedding co-ordinator, but I knew I was in good hands with our dedicated team here.

Antonia at her own wedding in Bridge House Hotel

It was such a fantastic feeling walking into the hotel to a guard of honour and everyone I work with there to welcome us. The atmosphere in the Bridge House for a wedding is like no other — honestly, you can’t describe it, and you just can’t buy atmosphere. We knew everyone was going to have an amazing day, and of course, the food is amazing!

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When Storm Ali battered the midlands, the National Ploughing Championships were extended by a day.

This meant that it fell on one of our couples wedding day. With lots of diversions around the town the couple were understandably concerned about the impact this would have on their special day.

We arranged for a Garda escort through the town for the couple, who were over the moon. The whole situation took me by surprise, but we made sure nothing, not even the weather, would impact their special day. It always amazes me how Irish people really try and come together and help each other in times of need, and we are so grateful that this was one of those situations!