CHILDHOOD sweethearts Colette O’Connell, from Macroom, and Tadgh O’Reilly, from Lissarda, met over 23 years ago in their teens.

The couple, who have two children, son Eoin, aged 10 and daughter Erin, aged four, were wed in a beautiful ceremony at the Radisson Blu, Little Island, Cork.

Tadgh proposed in July, 2017, down on one knee at the pier in Salt Hill in Galway. The couple chose the Radisson Blu Hote as the venue for the big day, as they loved everything about it, especially Ditchley House, and were thrilled with the support of wedding coordinator, Joanne O’Donoghue.

The couple were married on Saturday, June 22 in the stunning ceremony room, officiated by celebrant, Damion Maloney. This was followed by a drinks reception in the Victorian Ditchley House, where Niall Marron and his jazz band entertained the guests. They also had use of the garden where they hosted games to entertain guests, as well as summer cocktails and a chocolate fountain, made by Denisa of Incredible Flowers, Ballincollig.

The dinner reception to follow was in the newly renovated Great Island Ballroom.

The couple’s engagement ring and wedding bands were designed by Colette and custom made by the talented staff of Aksoy jewellers, Ballincollig.

Her dress was also designed by herself and customised by the wonderful Kate in Alterations by Kate, Ballincollig. Make-up was by the talented artist Jamie-Lee Davidson, hair was by Marie and Pam of Stylz, Coachford, who went above and beyond. Bouquets were by Sharon of Bloom Flowers. Suits were by Tom Murphy menswear of Patrick Street.

They had two ‘Hummers’, provided by Pat of Diamond Limosuines, Limerick. The wedding cake was gifted by a friend.

Photography was by Paul Keeling Photography, Killarney.

The bride and groom and guests danced the night away to the great Red Effect band, Cork.

The bridal party of 13 consisted of four groomsman, Tadgh’s two brothers, Colette’s brother, and Tadgh’s friend Steve, who flew from Australia to be there.

The four bridesmaids were her three sisters and Tadgh’s sister. Two of Colette’s nieces were flower girls and one of her nephews was page boy. Son Eoin was Junior Best Man and daughter Erin was Junior Bridesmaid.

After the wedding, the couple headed off with Eoin and Erin on a surprise trip to Legoland, Windsor. Following this, the duo enjoyed a week in Bulgaria, at the five-star Helena Sands Hotel.