Our wedding a day to cherish forever

SURROUNDED by loved ones, Eilís O’Regan and Gareth Duke were married in West Cork.

Eilís is from Rathbarry, but living in Dublin since 2001, while Gareth is from Dublin.

Recalling how they met, Eilís said: “We met online, our first date was December 29, 2020. I had to cook as it was Covid. I did spiced beef from SuperValu Clonakilty and I think it was love at first sight - for Gareth anyway, also known as Dukie!”

Eilís is a nurse and midwife and Gareth is an accounts manager for Eir.

They got engaged outside the Convention Centre in Dublin on October 30, 2021.

“He knew he was onto a good thing and he loves my mother’s baking, she is famous for Betty’s buns. He also loves Guinness and when he went to De Barra’s he wanted to move to West Cork.”

They were married on July 15, 2023, in Rathbarry Church, followed by reception at Dunmore House Hotel.

The bride got her dress in Belle Marie bridal in Athboy, and shoes from Fitzpatricks, Grafton Street. Jewellery and both rings were from John Lowney in Clonakilty. Make-up was by Jeanette Cronin and hair was by Justin and Megan from A Cut Above, Clonakilty. Gareth’s suit was from Collar & Cuff in Phibsborough in Dublin.

Eilís’s sister was bridesmaid, and a wonderful help in planning the wedding. Gareth’s childhood friend David Cummins was best man.

The ceremony was presided over by Canon Jim McCarthy. The bride said: “I knew him since I was a child and I told him if I was ever crazy enough to get married, he was the man for the job.”

She also gave a special mention to Breeda Hodnett, who got the church ready; “She does so much for the people of Rathbarry.”

The cake was made by a family friend, Frances McCarthy. The rolls Royce was from Cork Wedding cars. Flowers were from Floral Creations in Dunmanway.

Photographer was the wonderful Dermot O’Sullivan who “captured moments we will cherish forever”.

The band were The Pearls from Kerry - “the best craic ever”.

The couple’s first dance was to Kodaline’s The One.

Eilís said: “The most special part of the day was having everyone we loved there and making the Dubs leave Dublin!

“A memorable part was looking around at about 2am and everyone was getting a bit tired but then the glow sticks came out and the rave started.”