​​Justin spent years performing as part of a busy wedding band, gaining a deep understanding of what couples look for when it comes to live music, atmosphere, and a celebration to remember. That experience led him to create Partybands.ie, a platform where he now works with and manages a wide network of talented bands, musicians, and DJs across the country. His background on both the stage and the organisational side means he understands the wedding industry from every angle.

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While Justin was building and performing, Katriona was the steady support behind the scenes, helping, organising, advising, and becoming a key part of the team. Her practical approach, eye for detail, and ability to keep everything moving smoothly has been instrumental in growing the business. What started as helping in the background naturally evolved into being an essential part of planning and coordination.

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Wedfest originally began as a small showcase within Partybands, a relaxed way for couples to experience the bands, musicians, and DJs represented on the platform. We would attend wedding fairs across the country as Partybands, meeting couples face-to-face, and then host our own intimate Wedfest event a week or two later so they could see the entertainment live rather than just browse online.

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We attended one particularly small and very quiet wedding fair with Partybands and were so disappointed with the turn out and that became our turning point. After that event, Justin knew there was room for something bigger, better, and far more engaging for couples.

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Having previously showcased at the Munster Wedding Show in Páirc Uí Chaoimh (which was a wonderful event), Justin reached out to the organiser, only to learn she was no longer in a position to run it again. That moment sparked the opportunity that changed everything. Instead of waiting for someone else to create a large-scale, energetic wedding experience, we decided to build it ourselves.

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From those early showcases, Wedfest has evolved into the vibrant, full-scale event it is today. An immersive wedding planning experience that brings excitement back into the process. Now, Wedfest proudly features:

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• Over 100 trusted wedding suppliers

• Numerous incredible wedding bands, ceremony singers, and musicians

• A world-class fashion show

• A fun, relaxed atmosphere where couples can enjoy the journey

What began as a simple way to help couples choose entertainment has grown into one of the most engaging and enjoyable wedding events in Ireland.

Weddings.ie grew naturally from the success of Wedfest. After seeing how much couples valued meeting suppliers in person, chatting with them, and experiencing services firsthand, we realised there was a gap in the market. Couples needed a wedding planning website that wasn’t just a directory but a place where they could connect, communicate, compare, and plan all in one space, both online and in person.​​