Denise Meenaghan, wedding coordinator at the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa Sligo, organised her 1,000th hotel wedding last month.

Overlooking Sligo Bay, with views of Rosses Point on one side and Knocknarea Mountain on the other, the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa Sligo is an award-winning wedding venue.

It is Meenaghan’s job to ensure that each and every wedding day she organizes is designed to reflect each couple’s unique taste and personality, whilst maintaining an excellent standard of service.

In this interview, the woman from Sligo talks about her passion for her job and what inspires her.

You organized your 1000th wedding this month. What were the highlights?

The highlight for me is watching the couple’s reaction as they walk into the ballroom on their wedding day and seeing the pure joy on their faces.

Plus, it gives me goosebumps every time I stand in front of the ceremony hall just before the bride walks up the aisle.

It is a great honor to be present on the most important days in a couple’s life.

Have people’s demands and preferences regarding weddings changed significantly since 2006?

I think weddings have evolved a lot over the years. Nowadays, wedding packages include so many things and couples can access everything online with a tap of a finger. All of this has changed the perception of weddings.

But ultimately, they all have the same goal: to have a wonderful day and celebrate their love for each other with their friends and families.

Tell us about your background – where you grew up, what you studied, etc.

I am originally from Sligo, have worked in the hospitality industry since I was 16 and studied at the Tourism College in Killybegs Co. Donegal.

How did you become a wedding coordinator?

I worked as a reservations manager in a hotel in Galway for two years and then moved to America where I continued working in the hospitality industry, learning a lot about customer service and hospitality in general.

I returned home in 2005 and applied for the job of Wedding Coordinator at the Radisson Hotel Sligo in 2006 and the rest, as they say, is history.

I have worked in most departments of a hotel, so I know how things work from an operational perspective. This helps me a lot in my role as a wedding coordinator because I understand all aspects of the hotel business, not just the wedding aspect.

What do you like most about your role at the moment?

Quite simply, I love working with wedding couples and making sure they have the best day of their lives. I place a lot of importance on making sure that wedding planning fits into their lives and doesn’t take over!

Life goes by at a very fast pace and I just try my best to make sure that couples enjoy the planning process, that they don’t stress about it and then on the day itself they are beautiful and relaxed and can just soak up every moment of this special and joyful day.

Did you have mentors who influenced you along the way?

Yes, definitely. I have been lucky to have been able to work with so many wonderful colleagues for so many years.

I worked with our regional hotel manager Seamus Preston here for 10 years and also worked with Seamus in a hotel in Galway over 20 years ago. Seamus has been a huge part of my career and has had a very positive influence on me.

Our Sales Manager Paula Scallon and I have also been working together for ten years and she has always been my biggest support, everyone needs a Paula on their team!

I had the privilege of working with the late Chef Joe Shannon for 15 years. Joe was an incredible colleague and great mentor. Working with Joe will always remain one of the highlights of my career.

What is your business motto?

“There are no problems, only solutions” is one of the most powerful phrases that stays in the back of my mind in all the challenges I face, not only in my career but also in life.

What were the biggest challenges you faced in the industry?

The rising cost of products and living costs in general are definitely a challenge for the hospitality industry. It is a difficult time for couples who have to juggle everything: planning a wedding, building a house, etc.

The couple’s journey has changed dramatically over the years and the challenges we face in the hotel industry today have a direct impact not only on wedding couples but on all customers.

What do you like to do when you are not working?

I love anything that has to do with DIY, painting, renovating, furniture refinishing, etc.

Favorite food?

Everything Italian.

Favorite drink?

Beefeater Gin Tonic.

Favorite holiday destination?

Italy.