“DESPITE the changes, twists and turns this pandemic has caused, it will still be the most magical day of your lives because, after all, you’re marrying the one you love and everything else that can happen is a bonus! So enjoy it!”

So said Catherina O’Sullivan (nee Minihane) who wed Jason O’Sullivan at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Skibbereen on August 21.

Catherina is a carer for those with disabilities and the elderly at a private healthcare company, Victoria Healthcare Organisation in Skibbereen, while Jason works in construction at Castlefreke Castle, Clonakilty.

Catherina has two kids from a previous relationship, Daniel, aged 10, and Shona, aged five, who played a role in the proposal, on December 24, 2018 in Rineen woods in Union Hall.

“To my surprise, the kids had known about Jason proposing to me weeks before and kept it as a surprise, I had no idea,” said Catherina.

“I was in total shock and over the moon of course! It was very sweet, Jason had not only asked my dad for his blessing but also asked the children, who were all only delighted to give their blessings.”

The wedding reception was held in Fernhill House Hotel in Clonakilty, stopping on the way for photos in Castlefreke Castle.

The bride wore a Jean Fox 2020 couture dress from The Brides of Eire in Clonakilty. Her make-up was by her close friend, Aoife O’Neill, while the bridal party was taken care of by Honey bee salon in Skibbereen. On the morning of the wedding Jason sent a surprise gift — diamond-encrusted Jimmy Choo heels.

The suits were by Sean Murray’s & LadyM’s in Skibbereen., while the bridesmaids wore dresses from PresleyBlue in Dublin.

The pandemic meant they had to cut short their wedding guest list, but Catherina said: “As hard as the cuts were, we believed in our day and are lucky to have such a great support network within our family and friends.”

Cars were by Jason’s friends, videographer were Mark and Aoife Moriyama, from West Cork Videos, the photographer was Dermot Sullivan, and the band and DJ were Hell for Leather.

Also adding to the entertainment was James O’Donovan, Characaturist Clonakilty, Photobooth was by Magic Moments Clonakilty, West Cork flowers were the florists and the wedding cake was by a family friend.

Inspire in Skibbereen did the invites and a company called Just hitched Clonakilty provided some fabulous decor.

Close friends Eamonn, Helen and Aoife O’Neill helped the couple choreograph their first dance to Addicted To You by Picture This.

Catherina said: "The most memorable thing about the day was seeing all the love and laughter around us, we truly had the most magical day from start to finish and we wouldnt of change one thing about it!

"To any couples who are getting married especially this year and have decided to go ahead with their day, you wont regret it despite the changes, twists and turns this pandemic has caused it will still be the most magical day of your lives because after all your marrying the one you love and everything else that can happen is a bonus! So enjoy it!"