The Station House Hotel Joins Ireland’s Blue Book
We’re excited to announce that The Station House Hotel in Kilmessan, Co. Meath, has joined Ireland’s Blue Book—a...
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Leigh Watts and Ronan O’Connor officially tied the knot on March 14th, 2023, with a wedding equal parts glamor, romance, and quirky fun. Hosted at the Station House Hotel, their big day had all the magic of a fairytale—plus a touch of sneaker-clad practicality!
Falling in Love with The Station House Hotel
Leigh and Ronan stumbled upon The Station House Hotel during their venue hunt and knew instantly it was the one! Sold by our beautiful gardens and unique historical features, they opted to say “I do” outdoors, nestled in the lush green woodlands of Ireland’s Ancient East.
"It’s such a unique venue; I had so much fun exploring the grounds for pictures, and the old station house is such a beautiful focal point. What sold me was the outdoor ceremony area, surrounded by the forest. It felt so magical and whimsical, and I knew immediately that I wanted to get married there." -Leigh
At The Station House Hotel, your dream wedding can take center stage in our enchanting outdoor ceremony space, or one of our charming indoor venues, rich with history and character. Download our wedding brochure and check out dates for our upcoming wedding showcase events!
From First Kiss to Forever
Leigh and Ronan’s journey began 12 years ago as childhood sweethearts. On a warm summer day in 2022, the couple hiked Ticknock Mountain. After enjoying a picnic by a nearby waterfall, Ronan dropped to one knee and popped the question!
"It all started at an 18th birthday party we were at; we knew of each other beforehand. We had a little flirt and chatted, and as the night was drawing to a close, we walked outside through the crowd, held hands and had our first kiss."
A Bride’s Journey to Confidence and Glow
Determined to feel her best on her big day, Leigh started focusing on skincare well in advance. Her makeup, inspired by the warm tones of The Station House’s décor, featured a soft smokey eye and nude lip. She chose loose Hollywood waves for her hairstyle, ensuring her look was elegant yet dance-proof!
The glowing bride-to-be and her bridesmaids prepared for the big day in The Station Master Suite, a spacious haven with breathtaking views of our 12-acre gardens. Once the residence of the station master at Kilmessan Junction, the suite combines historic charm with modern elegance. They enjoyed complimentary afternoon tea and captured stunning photos against the vibrant, vintage-inspired decor.
A Short and Sweet Outdoor Ceremony
The couple embraced Ireland’s unpredictable March weather with an outdoor ceremony in The Station House Hotel’s enchanting woodland setting. Beneath a canopy of towering trees and twinkling fairy lights, they exchanged heartfelt vows between light rain showers. Guests added to the fun by placing bets on the ceremony’s length—an impressively swift 21 minutes, for the record!
A Dancefloor That Never Emptied
The reception was held in the Carriage Suite, a space rich in history as a former locomotive workshop dating back to 1862. Now transformed into an elegant banquet hall, it provided the perfect setting for the evening. After dinner, the tables were cleared, and beneath granite stone walls and a ceiling draped in lush greenery, guests danced the night away.
The dance floor was electric, thanks to Panic Animal, the couple’s band. “They were unbelievable,” Leigh said. “The dancefloor was not empty for a second, and they played banger after banger.”
Advice for Couples Planning Their Big Day
"The best decision, of course, was to marry each other, as cheesy as it is! I would do the day exactly the same over and over."
Special Thanks
A heartfelt thank you to Leigh and Ronan for letting us be part of your incredible day—it was an honor to host your wedding. May your journey together be filled with love and laughter!
Big thanks to Social & Personal Weddings for featuring this gorgeous wedding and to Two Souls Photography for capturing every moment so beautifully. Your stunning photos bring the day to life all over again!
Here’s to many more love stories like Leigh and Ronan’s!
