Ballincollig based Valerie O’Leary Ahern, from Turners Cross, and Vincent Ahern, of the Model Farm Road, tell us about their special day
Valerie O'Leary Ahern and Vincent Ahern had a mini moon in Gran Canaria, but hope to go on a proper break after the general election. Pictures: Laura and Benny Photography
ALL good things come to those who wait… so say this Cork couple, who wed early in the New Year.
Valerie O’Leary Ahern, from Turners Cross, and Vincent Ahern, of the Model Farm Road, live in Ballincollig. They met almost 20 years ago when Valerie walked into the Rendezvous bar for a friend’s birthday party.
“I spotted her across the bar and it was love at first sight,” said Vincent.
They got engaged in August, 2011, on the bridge overlooking Gleninchaquin Waterfall in Kenmare. Valerie recalled: “Vincent took me, our daughter Éabha and our little dog Rebel on the scenic route up the side of a mountain. When we got to the top he told me that he wanted to bring me closer to my grandmother Phil O’Keeffe, who had recently passed. He promised her that he would look always look after me and he got down on one knee.”
They were wed in The Honan Chapel in UCC on January 2. Fr Bertie O’Mahony performed the ceremony. Audrey Lynch and Tony Milner of The Velvetones sang.
En route to The Great Southern Hotel, Killarney, they made a pit-stop to J.M Reidy’s for a pint of Guinness, expertly poured by Valerie.
On arrival at The Great Southern they were greeted by Event Manager, Denise O’Sullivan and her team, who they are full of praise for.
“We had waited a long time for this day to come (as did our families) so we wanted to make it a day to remember,” they said.
Music played an important role in the celebrations, from The Velvetones to UV5 and The Piano Man, Sean de Búrca.
Valerie O’Leary and Vincent Ahern at UCC. Pictures: Laura and Benny Photography
The bride looked stunning in her Stella York dress from the Moderne Bridal, shoes were by Freya Rose London and her bridal hairpiece was from Azure Cork. Suits were by Tom Murphy Menswear while the bridesmaid and flower girl dresses were from Monsoon. The Glam Squad were fantastic: Jenna and Nicola from The Salon, Ballincollig, and the very talented Nikki O’Leary, TheMakeUpDoll.
The couple said: “We’d like to thank everyone who helped us create such a wonderful and memorable day.”
They praised photographers Laura and Benny, who “really captured the atmosphere, the love and so many special moments throughout the day”.
As to what was the most memorable thing about the day?
“Good things come to those who wait. And wow, was it worth the wait. It was everything we hoped for and more.
“We were overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and support from our family and friends.”
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