Couple wed in Wild Atlantic Way Philadelphia garden

An Irish-American couple from Philadelphia have tied the knot in Tourism Ireland’s ‘Wild Atlantic Way’ garden at this year’s Philadelphia Flower Show.

Roxanne Wilson and Frank Kennedy were the lucky winners of the ‘Philadelphia Wedding’s Greatest Groom’ contest, which meant they got to say “I do” and exchange Claddagh rings in the garden at the world’s largest indoor flower and horticultural exhibition, which attracts more than a quarter of a million visitors.

‘The Wild Atlantic Way’ features a replica of the Poulnabrone dolmen and has been designed to bring the wild landscape of our western seaboard to life.

Alison Metcalfe, Tourism Ireland’s head of North America, said: “The wedding of Roxanne and Frank was a novel way for Tourism Ireland to highlight the Wild Atlantic Way. 2013 was the strongest year ever for visitors to Ireland from North America, even surpassing the previous best year of 2007. We are undertaking a really strong programme of promotions right throughout 2014 to keep the momentum going and build on that growth.”

The bridal party also enjoyed a champagne reception in the garden, with Irish salmon and brown bread prepared by David Corbett, head chef of the Absolute Hotel in Limerick. The couple’s honeymoon is sponsored by Tourism Ireland. Naturally it will be to the West of Ireland, taking in the Wild Atlantic Way.