WHEN Elaine O’Sullivan of Rylane and George Osborne of Whitechurch wed earlier this year, little did they know it would be one of the final weddings before lockdown.

The couple, who live in Rylane, were delighted they got to share their special day with family and friends, on March 7, just before restrictions were introduced due to Covid.

The couple, who first met in Cork city, got engaged on November, 2018, in Curraghbinny Woods overlooking Cork harbour.

They were married in St Olan’s Church, Rylane. There were two priests for the ceremony, Fr Peadar Murphy, Parish Priest of Elaine’s parish of Aghabullogue, and Fr Pat Scanlan former priest of the parish (Aghabullogue) and family friend of the O’Sullivans.

The bride looked beautiful in her dress from Brides of Eire in Clonakilty, while make-up was by Charlotte O’Mahony in Ballincollig and hair was by Norma Lyons in Rylane. George’s suit was from Suit Distributors, Kinsale Road.

Joining the couple on the day were parents Margaret and Noel O’Sullivan and George and Kay Osborne, George’s grandmother, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, work colleagues, neighbours and extended family — some travelled from all over including the UK, US and Malaysia.

Maid of honour was the bride’s sister Anne-Marie O’Shea and best man was George’s brother Michael Osborne.

Elaine said: “My sister Anne Marie was expecting her first child on the wedding day and she did a great job as maid of honour!”

The day was even made more special given that the country faced lockdown later that month. The couple said: “It was one of the last weddings before lockdown! It was the last time many of our friends and family got together or had a night out to celebrate.”

The wedding reception was hosted in the Radisson Blu, Little Island. The bride said: “Joanne, Dori and all the staff in the Radisson did a really great job, we were so happy with it!”

Flowers were by Wonderous Weddings. The cake was by Healy’s Bakery in Blackpool. Car was from Tom Carr of Cork Wedding Cars and the band were The Kelts, who kept the dancefloor packed all night. The couple’s first dance was to Happy Together by the Turtles.

As to the most memorable thing about the day, the couple said: “Elaine walking down the aisle and George managing to knock his mother’s hat off during the ceremony!”

Photographs were by Bismark photography. The videographer was Denis McCarthy, of Captured Occasions.