Wedding of the Week: 'Cork didn't know what hit it'

A CORK woman who moved to the UK to pursue a career in primary school teaching, has yet to return home, having met the love of her life.

Karen Hegarty, from Ovens, met James Prunty, her husband, from Wigan, UK.

They feature in our Wedding of the Week today.

The couple met on a dating app - Bumble - and both hit it off when they realised their favourite pub was Mulligans Irish pub in Manchester.

Karen, a primary school teacher, and James, a programme manager, live in Wigan.

They got engaged in 2019 at Torc Waterfall, Killarney.

They were married in Ovens Church on July 28. Fr Martin Heffernan - Karen’s father’s first cousin - married the couple - he had also married her parents more than 40 years ago.

Bride Karen Hegarty, from Ovens, but living in the UK and working as a primary school teacher, with her bridesmaids.

The bride wore a dress from Justin Alexander, purchased in the UK from Pure Bridal. All jewellery was gifted to her from one of her best friends Sonia Gleeson, who has started her own business, theboldoneco.

Some of the suits were from Morley’s and some were brought from England.

Make-up was by Portraitbyjessica, hair was by Lynn O’Leary, Bridalhairbylynn. Tan was by Tara Maguire - Bridal Tan by Tara. Flowers were by Bloomsday Flowers.

Karen and her bridal party arrived in style on her father Michael Hegarty’s ‘David Brown 880 Selectamatic’ Vintage tractor - his pride and joy.

Karen said: “He was as proud as punch. All the neighbours came out and watched us arriving.”

The music at the church was by Aoibhe O’Connor.

Key family members there on the day included Karen’s granny, aged 91, both sets of parents - Maura and Michael Hegarty and Janet and Colin Prunty - Karen’s two brothers and newphew Jamie, who was page boy, James’ sister Laura, her husband Joel and their new baby Harry.

The wedding reception followed at Vienna Woods Hotel, Glanmire.

Magician Gerard Kearney entertained the guests.

The band were Truly Diverse, and the first dance was Frank Wilson’s Do I love You.

Cake was by the Baker Boy.

They also had a singing chef, which was “mighty craic”.

The photographer was John Sexton and videographer Wedfilms (Gordon Falvey).

Many friends and family travelled over from England and they had an absolute ball.

“Cork didn’t know what hit it!” the bride said.