Wedding Showcase at The Meadow Court Hotel

Wedding Showcase at the Meadow Court Hotel

It really didn't take much convincing to give up my Sunday afternoon for this Wedding Showcase in our local hotel The Meadow Court where we got married over 20 yrs ago!!

The newly refurbished function room is very warm and inviting to all.  A very comfortable homely feeling you get from this beautiful family run hotel.

Our showcase was modelled by Catwalk Modelling Agency.  In my interview with Mandy Maher Catwalk Modelling Agency I shared lots of my tips and advice for Mother of the Bride.

Suzie Mahony Designs hats and jewellery with fashion from Guna Deas Loughrea.  Perfect wedding guest looks for this season.

I could have chosen any colour hat here from the stripes in the skirt but red is on trend this season and makes the look a little stronger.

For my own Show I styled the models with hats, bags and jewellery to show a variety of what may work for your special day.  By using plain cream and black jumpsuits this look set off the accessories perfectly.

Nude Pink has to be one of the top tones this season for mother of the bride.  Here I designed a nude pink silk percher hat for which I designed the block myself to maintain a unique finish.  I have trimmed it with ivory veiling and silk swirls.  I added a pale pink pearl bag which brightens the black jumpsuit and also ties the look together.

Melania Blue:  

Another good tone for Mother of the Bride this year.  This piece is an elegant button shape where I have trimmed with beautifully cut feathers and a little bling!!

My 'Wave' Design hats are causing a stir this season as ladies take on the idea of wearing something very strong in shape and when created in block colours like this royal blue, can be very striking.

The Backstage Selfie!!  

Here I styled Katie with this bespoke black silk handmade hat trimmed with ivory pearls, feathers and silk swirls.  A real showstopper and looks amazing.  I simply teamed it with ivory pearls and a black patent clutch to bring the look together with her jumpsuit.  

Thank you for reading my blog.

Suzie x

Wedding Styling with Suzie Mahony Designs

Wedding Styling and Millinery with Suzie Mahony Designs

Styling ladies for their family weddings is something I have enjoyed throughout my Millinery career. It should be an enjoyable experience for your son or daughters wedding, but all too often we see the cracks of stress creeping in!!  And the search for that outfit goes on!!

I keep things simple,  the bottom line for me is a lady wants to look her absolute best on that day so its my job to bring it all together with the hat design and styling through the accessories that can transform the look.

Suzie Mahony Designs creates bespoke hats for a number of occasion boutiques each season.  This process gives me a great insight into the trends and colours featuring for weddings each year.

I have put together a little sample of my styling with a selection of outfits from Isobel Boutique Adare.  This boutique has been renovated into the most amazing occasion 5 Star boutique, a real gem in the heart of the beautiful Adare Village, Co Limerick.

Blues / Silvers

Slate Blue is a lovely soft rich blue tone and works perfectly with bright silver or ivory tones.  This is a two piece dress and jacket combination from Isobel Boutique.  This outfit has a beautiful finish with lots of seam detail.  

I paired it with 2 different types of hats.  An orchid and silk headpiece and the larger saucer hat trimmed with silvery ivory.  A simple silver clutch finishes the look. The selection of Suzie Mahony occasion bags are available online to browse.

 Nude Pink / Black 

Probably one of the most popular tones this year, nude pink.  Here the nude pink is overlayed with black silk, and a separate wrap.   I have shown here a hat which I have designed overlayed with black lace and pearl trim,  also the plain pink hat trimmed with a lovely splash of feather which works perfectly with the black detail on the dress.  Either bag options would work here, the pink pearl or a classic black clutch.  

Yellow / Grey Wedding Guest:-

This yellow and grey is a great 'guest' look for the wedding.  It is a very vibrant zesty yellow tone but when it is combined with the soft grey/silver it works very well.  The overall look is very fresh and seasonal.  

 Navy / Ivory

This is one of those outfits that the hanger doesn't do it justice.  A plain dress underneath with this detailed coat, all from Isobel Boutique Adare.   A beautiful elegant finish on.  I opted for a veiled headpiece which I designed with dyed silk swirls to bring out the lovely rose tones in the coat.  I also added a pop of royal with the bag and this works very well with the coat detail.   This outfit can easily handle a larger hat design. 

This is only a sneak peak at the vast range of international labels and leading brands available at Isobel Boutique.

Thank you for reading my wedding styling blog.
Suzie x

Rooftop Wedding Garden Event at the Sheraton Athlone

Rooftop Wedding Garden Event at the Sheraton Athlone

The Sheraton Athlone launches the fabulous rooftop wedding garden by hosting a beautiful fashion and bridal show for upcoming brides and grooms.  This oasis of privacy is in full bloom and is an ideal setting for any wedding party.


The Rooftop Party showcased the Sheraton at its best with canapes, bubbles, samples of dishes created by Rory Gabriel Executive Head Chef.  Cocktails and craft beer options were also on hand with help for you to choose your drinks menu.  Guests were also treated to a peek inside the 2-floor Bridal Suite with views of the river Shannon.  It really is a stunning wedding venue.






The fashion show with Catwalk Modelling Agency featured the best of exclusive style and bridal wear to the Sheraton Athlone.

Featuring the latest looks for Mother of the Bride and Groom from Olivia Danielle Athlone.





Millinery from my Suzie Mahony Designs collection complemented the style from Olivia Danielle.

They stock a large range of perfect hats and headpieces for all the top fashion labels.








Evening dresses from the brand new Debs Room  Athlone.

The collection of elegant evening gowns offers lots of variety in style, with a huge range of colours.  Something for everyone.


Well worth a visit for your upcoming special event or debs.
















The Bridal section of the show was from Belladonna Galway, a stunning range of bridal dresses gracing the catwalk.





With the rooftop garden, the Sheraton offer a unique platform for weddings and a wonderful area for guests to enjoy a family wedding.


Delighted to be part of this unique show.

Suzie x

The Wedding: Mother of the Bride/Groom

The Wedding:  Mother of the Bride/Groom

Having a son or daughter getting married has to be one of the biggest moments in a parents life. As Mother of the Bride you are the main troubleshooter and being there for your daughter.  Learn how much input is required of you from your daughter, some ladies want to do almost everything themselves whilst others need a little more assistance and listening ear along the way.   With the excitement comes the various debates and discussions about 'what to wear', 'colours', 'style' and much more.


I have witnessed every conceivable scenario over the years styling Mothers of the Bride or at least I think I have until I am faced with a new one!!  Mums who have never worn a hat before, panicking about what to do.  The last thing to do is panic.  There is a hat or headpiece that suits every lady and when you visit my studio you learn the designs that best suit you and your outfit.

With the lapse of time comes the variety and changes in wedding ceremonies.  Weddings are held not just in churches now but on a beach, at a castle, in the hotel ballroom or abroad.   If you are travelling abroad your hat is your hand luggage!!





When it comes to choosing her outfit the Mother of the Bride is often guided on which colours to wear or not to wear, the particular 
look that her daughter wants to achieve for her wedding day.  This collaboration is wonderful between Mums and their daughters.  Spending time with each other during this process is precious and should not be stressful, you should be able to enjoy it and express what it is you feel confident wearing.   Mother of the Bride should be dressed for her own role not matching bridesmaids unless the Bride has specifically instructed this.



'Mum' is very important and she should be elegant, look her absolute best but most of all, 'Mum' needs to be relaxed on your wedding day so she can enjoy it, meeting family and friends. Sometimes, the importance of this is lost in all the drama.   If you are a little organised and plan ahead, everything will fall into place.  You don't have to go shopping for numerous days to find an outfit or dress.  Do your homework first, all the leading Mother of the Bride/Groom Boutiques in Ireland stock an amazing array of labels and staff are experienced in choosing the right style and colours for you.  



When clients arrive at my studio I really enjoy getting to know a little of their personality as this is key to choosing the right hat design for her.   I coordinate all the accessories, the headpiece or hat can be designed dyed to match, occasion shoes and bags are also dyed to match, an array of beautiful clutch bags and occasion jewellery to complement any outfit. Your whole look can change totally with the right styling.  This process is relaxed and often lets us see the real personality of the Mother of the Bride. Giving you a complete look head to toe for your daughters wedding at Suzie Mahony Designs.

Bridal Headpieces

Your wedding day is the most important day of your life and shopping for your Wedding Gown is an event to be enjoyed and celebrated.

Finding the perfect dress is a moment you won't forget.  Every girl dreams of what she may like to wear on her wedding day, enjoy trying on styles until you have the perfect dress for you.



The neckline and the back of the dress will guide you for jewellery, long delicate chains on the back are stunning but can be lost behind a long veil.

Pearls and diamonds are a popular choice, when you try on jewellery take a photo of different options and this will help you decide.  Every girl needs a little 'sparkle' on her wedding day.

When you have your dress and decided on your hairstyle then your headpiece can be designed.

The headpiece can be elaborate or delicate as you desire.  I discuss different designs with clients from the dress design and the overall hair style.

The 'swan lake' style here is beautiful with strapless dresses and your hair up soft away from your neckline.

The 'birdcage' can be designed in a number of ways to complement a bride.  With or without flowers or beaded embellishments.

With a wide selection you can secure your piece with a headband, comb or pins.   The perfect piece will be comfortable to wear finish your overall 'Bridal Look' for your special Day.