Wedding of the Week: Cork couple enjoy 'best day of our lives...'

A couple who met on a night out in Cork city around seven years ago were married recently.

Claire Kingston is from Bandon and Sam Nicholson is from Ovens. The couple now live in Innishannon.

Recalling their first meeting, Claire said: “I was in college with Sam’s good friend and we met on the street after being in Reardons and that’s how me and Sam got talking.

“Shortly after that night, we had our first date in Uncle Pete’s and the rest is history.”

They were engaged in February, 2023, in the south of France.

Sam chose the backdrop of The Exotic Garden of Eze to pop the question.

They were married on June 7, in a civil ceremony in Vienna Woods, Glanmire.

The bride got her dress in Diamond Bridal. Her headpiece and earrings were from an Irish brand called Kinn Noir. Her necklace and bracelet were from Azure jewellery.

Their wedding rings were from Sam’s neighbour, Liam Lynch jewellers, formally of the English Market. The bride went for a Hollywood wave, by Dawn Monaher (Hairy Fairy) and make-up by Ruthanna Crowley.

The men’s suits were from Morley’s in Cork city.

Both parents, siblings, aunts and uncles, Claire’s nieces and nephew and Sam’s very special grandparents Gillian and Brian, who are 62 years married, were all there to enjoy the celebrations.

The decor was by Darling Buds, while flowers were by Florist For You by Tracey.

The couple walked down to Still The One by Shania Twain.

Recalling the day, Claire said: “It was amazing from start to finish. 

We were both nervous wrecks before it but we were perfect once we saw each other.

The reception continued in the Vienna Woods, with James O’Donovan drawing guests and Niamh O’Connor singing.

The cake was from Ms Cupcakes.

Band were Hell For Leather and they had the dance floor hopping for the night, followed by Pat Aherne DJing. They also had had Celtic dance Irish dancers perform.

Their first dance was to After All by The Frank And Walters.

As to the most memorable part of the day?

“Just having all our friends and family together celebrating the occasion. We had the best day of our lives and it’s all thanks to the people who came,” said the bride.

The couple want to give a shout out to Michael Magner, Gordon and Seamus in Vienna Woods for making everything so special.

They were also able to have their two sausage dogs come along, for photos - which was made possible thanks to Cllr Alan Coleman and his wife Yvonne. 

”Our dogs are like our children so we will cherish those pictures,” said Claire.