Wedding of the Week: Sport was key theme in Cork couple's special day

Sat, 18 May, 2024 - 06:58

A PROPOSAL on Garryvoe beach, where they had their first date four years before, led to the wedding of this couple.

Esther Murphy (nee Vaughan), from Dublin Pike, and Ciaran Murphy, of Glanmire, met on the August Bank Holiday Weekend back in 2018 in O’Sullivans Bar.

Esther wore a necklace her late father Denis had given her on her debs in 2007. She also had his tie on her bouquet.

The couple had their first date the next day on Garryvoe beach. A few years later they returned to the spot. Esther recalled: “Ciaran suggested we go to Garryvoe for a spin with our little boy (Donnacha) which I didn’t take any notice of as it was such a beautiful day.

We got out and started playing with our little boy and I got the biggest surprise when I turned around and he was down on one knee.

The couple in St Joseph's Church, Springhill, Glanmire.

They were married in St Joseph’s Church, Springhill, Glanmire, on October 12, 2023, by Fr John Newman.

The church flowers and venue flowers were by Wedding Flowers Cherished Moments.

The couple on Garryvoe Beach where they had their first date and were engaged.

The bride got her dress in Cinderella’s Closet, purchased by her mum. Suits were from Morley’s. Make-up was by Make up by Laura and hair was by Hair by Stephanie.

They had a big bridal party made up of family and friends, including Maid of Honour Erin Smith and two best men, Cormac Murphy and MJ O’Sullivan.

Esther’s mum Esther Vaughan walked her up the aisle to This I Promise You. Also among the special guests were Ciaran’s parents, Kay and Timmy Murphy. Their siblings joined them too, as well as Esther’s godmother and her nan Ann Noonan - a special surprise, as she didn’t know if she could attend.

The reception was held in Garryvoe Hotel, whose staff attended to their every need.

“Garryvoe holds a very special place in our hearts, but we genuinely didn’t realise how amazing the hotel is and proved to be on the wedding day,” said Esther.

Entertainment was by The Ian Hendricks Band, followed by a sing-song. The couple’s first dance was to The Beatles’ In My Life.

The bride also had a dance with her father-in- law Timmy Murphy to I Hope You Dance, in remembrance of her father, Denis Vaughan.

The cake was by The Baker Boy. The topper, with a sports theme, was by Belle cake toppers.

As to the most memorable part of the day?

The bride said: “Honestly, everything.”

Sport played an important role in the day, Ciaran is a big Liverpool fan and is manager to Watergrasshill United, while Esther is physio to Glanmire ladies football team, and Ciaran’s dad Timmy Murphy was goalie in the 1970s Blackrock team.

The couple in their happy place, Garryvoe beach. The bride did all the invites, candles and mass booklets herself and flowers were by June Blooms.

Esther surprised Ciaran with a letter from Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, which was a special moment. They had a You’ll Never Walk Alone instrumental for their candle-lighting ceremony, while the cake topper had a Liverpool scarf and a football.

Videographer Gordon at wedFILMS did a great job capturing moments, allowing them to relive the day.