In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, a reflection on one of my favorite Irish symbols – The Claddagh by Chanelle Carlin, Washington State Wedding Officiant and Your ‘Celebrant for Life’

For those who know me or have spent any time reading my website, you know that I lived in Ireland for eight years…and loved every minute of my time there. So, in honor of the month we’re in…March… and a little over a week from St. Patrick’s Day, I thought I would share a post today about one of my favorite Irish symbols and one that couples often ask about…the Claddagh.  Before I get to that, I thought I would reflect on Ireland for a sec. It is the one place apart from Camp Killoqua in Stanwood, Washington that ever truly felt like home. Sometime, I will share a bit more about my Irish experience and how it influences me as your Celebrant for Life. In the meantime, here are a couple of photos from my time there. The first is a photo of the top of the street that I lived on when I first moved to Ireland (after staying with friends). If you look closely, there is a red brick building in the middle of the photo on the right. That was my building. I shared a flat (apartment) with two other girls. My first job in Ireland was down at the other end of the street on the left.

Dublin Street, Monaghan. The street where I first lived in Monaghan, Ireland. 

woman standing in a pink coat next to a hedge in rural ireland with gray buildings in background
Me standing along the side of a hedge in Clogher, Co. Tyrone (approx. 2010)

The Claddagh – enough about me for now…

I thought you might enjoy a little history as well as info on how to wear the Claddagh ring, plus one VERY important piece of info that you’ll want to read at the very end. 

The Claddagh is one of Ireland’s most recognized and precious images. Two hands embracing a heart adorned with a crown symbolize the purity of a cherished relationship – friendship (hands), love (heart) and loyalty (crown).  

Image by Mégane Percier from Pixabay 

Claddagh is a Place 

When we hear “Claddagh”, most of us think ring or maybe even door knocker. But Claddagh is actually a place. It’s located in County Galway on the west coast of Ireland and THE place where a fisherman-turned-goldsmith transformed his undying commitment to the woman he loved into the renowned band of gold. (More about the legend in a bit…)  

In an area once known as the Fish Market and named after the Irish word for “shore” – an Cladach, Claddagh is one of Ireland’s oldest former fishing communities. It is located in Galway city, just across the River Corrib from the Spanish and Caoċ Arches, the remaining structure of a protective wall constructed in 1584. Very little of the original village is present today due to shifts in industry, emigration, disease and war but the history and lore remains. You can find out more about Claddagh here .

Image by Snail from Pixabay

Hands, Heart & Crown 

There are many legends surrounding the original design of the Claddagh ring and most point toward Galway fisherman Richard Joyce.  In the late 17th century, Joyce was captured by pirates and sold into slavery. While in servitude, he forged a ring of gold for his true love back in Galway featuring three symbols: a heart of love, a crown of loyalty and hands of friendship.  After his release back to his village of Claddagh, he married the woman who had waited years for him to return. “With these hands I give you my heart, and I crown it with my love”. 

Image by Mégane Percier from Pixabay   

Traditionally, a Claddagh ring was passed from a mother to her daughter. Or in my case, from daughter to mother. I gave my mom a pair of Claddagh earrings when I lived in Ireland. Often a family heirloom, the symbol of love, loyalty and friendship is also commonly exchanged between friends.  

Most popular though is the wearing of a Claddagh ring as a symbol of romance. The Claddagh ring is to be worn in a specific way depending upon your relationship ‘status.’ 

How to Wear a Claddagh Ring 

Before getting married, the ring should be worn on your right hand. 

If you’re single, wear the ring with your heart facing out. This tells people you’re open to dating, i.e. that your heart is available to give to another person. The heart should point toward the end of your finger, rather than the center of your hand, and the crown should point inward. 

Once you’re dating someone and you feel committed, wear the ring with the heart facing in. This shows your heart is currently unavailable. The Claddagh should be turned around so the heart points toward the center of your hand. 

Once you are married, the ring can be moved to the left hand. For some, you can move the Claddagh ring to the left hand once you’re engaged (heart pointing out to the tip of your finger) and then turned around to have the heart pointed toward the center of your hand as part of the wedding ceremony. 

Image by Kilkenny Design 

Important….

Regardless of whether or not you’re looking for love, one thing is certain – never buy your own Claddagh ring. It must be gifted or received. It’s bad luck, and who knows more about luck than the Irish? 

Image by Alexa from Pixabay   

I hope you enjoyed this brief little post about one of my favorite Irish symbols as we get ready for St. Patrick’s Day. Do you have a favorite Irish symbol? Have you been to Ireland? I’d love to hear one of your stories. 

Thank you as well to https://www.claddaghrings.com/the-meaning-and-origin-of-the-claddagh-ring/ and https://oghamart.com/blogs/news/the-meaning-of-the-claddagh for much of the information gathered for this post. 

About Chanelle:  

Photo credit: Roxanne Best

Chanelle Carlin is Your Celebrant for Life. She is an ordained minister, professional wedding officiant, coach, and owner of Chanelle Carlin Weddings, LLC. Believing that life and love should be celebrated every minute, she collaborates with couples who’ve already started building the foundations of their relationship over the years and are now ready to venture forth into marriage with a custom, memorable (for all the right reasons) elopement/intimate wedding ceremony. While Chanelle works throughout the Pacific Northwest and Ireland primarily, she gladly travels to wherever her couples prefer to marry. As their Celebrant for Life, Chanelle also celebrates all the special milestones and moments that matter in each of her couples’ lives. She lives with her family in rural Okanogan County, Washington, USA, and totally LOVES her life. You can visit Chanelle at www.chanellecarlin.com, on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest. 

AN INTIMATE AUTUMN “BOHO” STYLE FAMILY WEDDING AT ROBERTS MANSION & URBAN ESTATE IN SPOKANE, WASHINGTON – BY CHANELLE CARLIN, SPOKANE OFFICIANT AND YOUR CELEBRANT FOR LIFE

An intimate family wedding at Roberts Mansion & Urban Estate in Spokane, Washington. PC Abby Muir Photography

Reflections from your Officiant

Each wedding is so special to me and always stands out in my memory for a few reasons. First, and foremost, is the relationship I’ve been honored to build with the couple. There is no wedding ceremony without them. After that are the truly beautiful venues these amazing weddings take place – case in point, the gorgeous, historic Roberts Mansion & Urban Estate in Spokane, Washington. Finally, there are the truly exceptional wedding professionals that I’m fortunate to work with. Here are some of my favorite reflections from this sweet, intimate family wedding.

Wedding cake with “It was always you” cake topper and autumn-themed flowers. PC Abby Muir Photography.

Austyn and Marisa – “It was always you.”

Austyn and Marisa are a very sweet couple that I was honored to “meet” virtually in the spring before their Autumn wedding. Marisa told me their special quote that they really wanted to have as the theme for their ceremony was “It was always you,” because it was. Their marriage was a decade in the making.

Fast friends = best friends

During our initial zoom meeting, they told me that they had met the 2nd day of 5th grade and became fast, best friends. Many afternoons after school saw Austyn at Marisa’s house, watching TV, doing homework, playing games – just hanging out.

First date to the ‘always’ date

Then, in 7th grade, they had their first “date” at Austyn’s house where they had Papa Murphy’s pepperoni pizza and watched Cake Boss with Austyn’s mom. Their young relationship continued through middle and high school, even when Marisa moved to Spokane. Although they contemplated a break-up as a couple, they couldn’t imagine not being best friends anymore, so twice a month, Austyn found himself making a long trek (sometimes via Greyhound) from the Seattle area to Spokane and home just so they could be together. Finally, when Marisa turned 18, she moved back to Seattle and graduated from high school with Austyn and their other classmates.

Planning a lifetime together

Fast forward a few more years…living in their home in Washington, being together day to day, preparing for the rest of their life together. Who wouldn’t want to be part of their wedding day?! Austyn and Marisa LOVE to laugh and its infectious. They are also kind and so in love with one another. Over the months of planning their ceremony, I saw multiple examples of this, but one I want to share here is so sweet. You see, Marisa had always wanted a pearl necklace so Austyn made that dream a reality on their wedding day. With the most beautiful, tender hearted note for his beloved, he gifted Marisa with a lovely strand of pearls. Marisa wore them on their wedding day and Austyn saw them around her neck for the first time as she walked up the aisle.

Austyn’s tender hearted gift to his beloved. “You are without a doubt, the most gorgeous woman I have ever met. I got you this as a symbol of your forever timeless beauty <3.” PC Abby Muir Photography at Roberts Mansion & Urban Estate

Austyn and Marisa – their day…

The day of their wedding was a gorgeous September day in Eastern Washington…beautiful sunshine and not too hot. The venue, Roberts Mansion, is a 120+ year old historic mansion located in the Brown’s Addition of Spokane, Washington. It has a stunning, walled garden (back yard) perfect for elopements, weddings and other events that need a little shade and privacy. Marisa had always wanted to have a wedding here.

Roberts Mansion & Urban Estate, Spokane, Washington. PC Abby Muir Photography.
The ceremony arbor in the walled back garden at Roberts Mansion & Urban Estate, Spokane. PC Abby Muir Photography.

There were actually several things that stood out to me during this ceremony and because I couldn’t choose just one, I decided to include all the ones that are STILL standing out in my mind.

First Reflection – a beautiful “Boho” paradise

First, the incredible detail and beautiful design and decoration of this wedding still stand out to me. Marisa’s mom worked with the Coordinator at the Roberts Mansion to transform the event space from a lush, shaded back yard into a beautiful, romantic, “boho” paradise. The couple had chosen gorgeous autumn colors of forest green, rust and purple as their colors and the wedding party (and most of the guests) dressed in those colors. The effect was truly beautiful and felt just like fall in the Pacific Northwest.

Forest green, burnt orange and purple boho-style floral arrangement at an autumn Roberts Mansion & Urban Estate wedding. PC Abby Muir Photography
An autumn-themed, family-style banquet table designed by Marisa’s Mom in the walled garden at Roberts Mansion & Urban Estate. PC Abby Muir Photography.

Second Reflection – tears of joy

As the wedding started, the guests were seated. The groom, Austyn was in his spot waiting for his beautiful Marisa. Standing behind him, I could see and feel his nerves as well as the tears of joy as she was escorted up the aisle. Once his best friend and future wife arrived in front of him, they held hands and closed their eyes. I grounded everyone in the moment and then they were ready. They both had tears in their eyes and the very biggest of smiles. Talk about a joyful moment for everyone!

Tears of Joy and smiles all around at Roberts Mansion & Urban Estate. PC Abby Muir Photography.

As the ceremony progressed, Marisa and Austyn shared their heart-felt, personal vows and exchanged wedding rings with each other.

Austyn shares his vows with his beloved Marisa at Roberts Mansion & Urban Estate wedding. PC Abby Muir Photography.

Third Reflection – A tardy guest arrives in the “knick” of time.

Just as we were getting ready to pronounce Austyn and Marisa married and have them kiss, a late guest arrived and walked straight through the wedding party and up the aisle, taking center stage…

A tardy guest. PC Abby Muir Photography
Making his way through the crowd. PC Abby Muir Photography

Rather than being shocked or irritated by this, our couple thought it was brilliant! Both passionate cat lovers (with three at home), Austyn shouted, “I was hoping he’d come back for the ceremony!” We allowed the tardy but very welcome guest to join the festivities. I then pronounced Austyn and Marisa married, they kissed and as they danced up the aisle, their family and friends stood and cheered!

The Kiss at Roberts Mansion & Urban Estate. PC Abby Muir Photography.
Mr. and Mrs. Saunders dance up the aisle after their autumn-themed ceremony at Roberts Mansion & Urban Estate in Spokane, Washington. PC Abby Muir Photography

Fourth Reflection – Let’s make it Official

Then…on to what is probably (to me), the most important part of a couple’s wedding ceremony…the part that makes them legally and officially married…the signing of the Marriage Certificate. Don’t get me wrong – as your Celebrant, I am all about the ceremony, the vows, the ring exchange AND the pronouncement in front of family, friends and witnesses. However, I also believe that as a couple, you are making a legal commitment to one another, so the signing of the certificate is just as important as the rest. I loved that they were both so happy to sign the ‘paperwork’. Look at that smile on Austyn’s face.

Signing the Marriage Certificate upstairs in the bridal suite at Roberts Mansion & Urban Estate – now it’s official! PC Abby Muir Photography

Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Saunders for the honor of celebrating your magical autumn wedding. It was truly a joy filled day! I wish you both (and now little Master Saunders) daily celebrations of love for a lifetime.


The Wedding Team

A quick note about the venue:

Roberts Mansion & Urban Estate – Spokane’s Historic Bed, Breakfast & Event Center – www.ejrobertsmansion.com
The 24-room mansion was built in 1889, and was one of Spokane’s premiere homes. Featuring granite window trim, spindle work in the gables and a prominent turret, the Mansion is one of the best examples of Queen Anne architecture in Spokane. Seasonally, the gardens are lush and worthy of a park-like stroll. Inside you will find beautifully appointed suites complete with antique furnishings, private balconies, claw-foot tubs, and modern amenities. Roberts Mansion is also conveniently located just one block from local restaurants and bars, a 3-minute walk from the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, and a 5-minute walk to downtown Spokane. With its rich history and romantic charm, The Roberts Mansion + Urban Estate is the perfect setting for your next elopement, wedding or other celebratory or even corporate event.

And the Photographer:

Abby Muir Photography – http://www.abbymuirphotography.com/
Abby is an elopement + wedding photographer living in Spokane Washington with her husband, their dog, Blu and the two gorgeous little humans. They love spending time in the outdoors and enjoying all the amazing views the Pacific Northwest has to offer. While Spokane is Abby’s home base, she also loves to travel and visit new places so don’t fret if you’re not close by!

Photo credit Roxanne Best

Finally about Chanelle:

Chanelle Carlin is a Washington State Elopement and Intimate Wedding Officiant and Your Celebrant for Life. She is an ordained minister, professional wedding officiant, coach, and owner of Chanelle Carlin Weddings, LLC. Believing that life and love should be celebrated every minute, she collaborates with couples who’ve already started building the foundations of their relationship over the years and are now ready to venture forth into marriage with a custom, memorable (for all the right reasons) elopement/intimate wedding ceremony. While Chanelle works throughout the Pacific Northwest and Ireland primarily, she gladly travels to wherever her couples prefer to marry (especially Spokane). As your Celebrant for Life, Chanelle also celebrates all the special milestones and moments that matter in each of her couples’ lives. She lives with her family in rural Okanogan County, Washington, USA, and totally LOVES her life. You can visit Chanelle at www.chanellecarlin.com, on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest.