the wedding
when and where
November 20, 2007
Newtown Castle Tower
Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare, Ireland
The ceremony will take place in this 16th-century castle tower. The castle was originally built by a sect of the O'Briens and later passed into the hands of the O'Loughlins. Nicknamed the "Princes of the Burren." It was still inhabited by the family at the end of the 19th century, but later fell into ruin. In the 1990s the castle was restored as an exhibition center.
the location
Ballyvaughan is just minutes away from the village of Doolin in Co. Clare. Doolin is a secluded fishing village on the west coast of Ireland and is the unofficial capital of traditional Irish music. Doolin is also just a few miles away from the Cliffs of Moher, the most photographed area of Ireland.
the ceremony
The officiant over our ceremony will be Father Dara Molloy. Father Dara has an extensive and impressive history in spirituality and the Celtic tradition. He was ordained a Catholic priest in 1977. After ordination, he worked as a teacher and school chaplain in St Mary’s College. Father Dara ultimately left the Catholic Church to get married and have a family. He is currently a practicing Celtic monk and priest.
"I have been performing wedding blessings and marriage ceremonies for almost 30 years.
For the last 10 years, or so, the ceremonies I perform are independent of any particular church or institution. "
reception plans
Despite our wedding being held for just the two of us, Mike and I would love to celebrate our marriage with our family and friends. We are planning on having a reception upon our return from Ireland. Because our wedding is coming up so quickly we are unable to make reception plans until after we get back. We will keep you updated. If you think you will be unable to attend a reception but would like to send a gift, we are open to gift cards from places like Target, Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn and Home Depot. Cash is always acceptable as well.
about us
Melinda was born in Riverside, CA in 1980. I graduated in 2003 from California State University - Chico. I am currently the Assistant Vice President of Corporate Finance at Centennial Bank Holdings, Inc. in Denver, CO.
Mike was born in Modesto, CA in 1978. He spent four years in the United States Marine Corps and was honorably discharged in 2003 as a Corporal. Mike's passion is mountain biking and is currently the Service Manager at a successful bike shop in Parker, CO.
Mike and Melinda met in the summer of 2003 in Sacramento, CA. We met through a couple of friends of ours by complete accident. We have been together ever since.
contact information
(303) 459 - 2572