Wedding of the Week: Wed after the storm

NOT only did Stephanie McCarthy and Jan Reichle have a global pandemic to deal with in the run up to their wedding day, but Storm Ellen also hit, just 24 hours before they were due to say ‘I do’.

Stephanie, a neuroscience graduate, moving into pharmaceuticals, and Jan Reichle, Service Manager of John O’Leary autos in Ballincollig, live in Frankfield, Douglas.

The bride, who is also the Cork Rose, grew up in Ireland, her dad is Irish and her mum’s family are from Dubai. Jan is from Germany but moved to Cork with his family in his teens.

The couple first met on an evening out in Cork with mutual friends. Jan proposed last October while they were on a trip to Dubai. The perfect finish to an amazing trip.

Stephanie explained: “I wanted to re-create a picture in the middle of the desert that I had from my childhood so we arranged a trip out into the desert! We found a gorgeous spot it had the perfect backdrop, the sun was setting between two big dunes ! When the photo was being taken I could feel Jan’s hands shaking on my back, I thought he had sun stroke from being out in the sun too long but he got down on one knee and pulled out the ring! I was totally shocked it was so unexpected and Jan admitted after he only decided on the day to do it and went off and bought a ring so it was totally unplanned! But it was the perfect finish to an amazing trip and the photos I’ll cherish forever.”

They were married on August 20, 2020, in the Maryborough House Hotel in Douglas. The civil ceremony and drinks reception were in The Orangery, followed by the evening reception in the Sheridan Suite.

The bride’s dress was from Cinderella’s Closet in Cork — the Fleur De Lis Gown, by Hailey Paige: “I wanted something romantic, summery and elegant,” she said.

Hair was by Oisin Ryan, make-up was by Christine O’ Connor.

Jan bought his suit in Best Men’s Wear in Mahon Point.

Joining them on the day were parents, siblings, three grandparents, other close family members and friends.

“The Maryborough did a fantastic job and made sure we were all safe but could enjoy it like any other wedding day. We are so grateful to all our family and friends who made the effort to come celebrate our day, especially the few that had to travel two weeks prior to quarantine,” said Stephanie.

A Zoom screen was set up for those who couldn’t be at the ceremony and was watched from Germany, Dubai and Australia.

The couple said the ceremony was very personal and intimate, as they wrote much of it themselves and chose the music.

“We exchanged our vows in German as well as English, we thought it was nice to honour Jan’s background! said Stephanie.

“Geraldine O’Neill was our celebrant and was incredible. We included a sand ceremony for our kids where we each pour sand into a glass to represent the unity of our family. Our daughter Kayla was thrilled to be included in the ceremony but it did take some bribing for our little boy Logan.”

Cake was by Tracey Desmond from Trace of Cakes in Ballincollig.

Meanwhile, the first dance was to Charlene Soraia’s version of Wherever You Will Go.

Stephanie had some advice to anyone planning a wedding right now: "I think it is a stressful time for Brides to be but if I could offer any bit of advice it would be to just re-adapt your day. It is easy to get caught up with having the perfect day and stressing about restrictions. The truth is you won’t even notice on the day something that was keeping you up at night with the worry of it! So definitely, I would say not to put weddings on hold for too long and just go for it, you won’t regret it!"