Wedding of the Week: Cork couple make memories for life on special day

Sat, 07 Sep, 2024 - 07:00

A day full of laughter and emotion, and most importantly, memories made for life.

So said bride Laura O’Donoghue, after she wed Cian McDonnell this summer.

Laura is from Ballyvolane, whlle Cian is from Whitechurch. They bought their forever home in Glanmire back in 2021, where they live with their sons, Leon and Joey.

Laura recalls how they first met.

“We met on New Year’s Eve on a night out in the nightclub Secret Garden in Cork. Our first date was in Sober Lane.”

They were engaged in October, 2022. Laura recalled: “Cian took me on a trip to Paris for my birthday, he popped the question that night at the Eiffel Tower, it was so magical.”

The couple first met on a night out in the Secret Garden, on New Year’s Eve.

They were married at St Oliver’s Church, Ballyvolane, on July 19, 2024.

The bride’s dress was from Memories bridal shop, Cork. Hair was by Christine O’Sullivan bridal hair, while make-up was by Sarah Cummins.

Cian and the lads were suited by Morleys in Cork. Leon and Joey had a matching sets from Next.

The couple had around 145 guests join them on the day, including family and friends.

Laura O’Donoghue and Cian McDonnell with their sons Leon and Joey, who were page boys.

“It was the most perfect day and extra special having our sons as page boys,” said Laura.

Among the guests were Cian parents, Collette and Noel McDonnell, and Laura’s parents Joe and Olivia O Donoghue.

The wedding party included the couple’s sons, Leon and Joey, as page boys.

Maid of honour was Stephanie Murray. Bridesmaids were Joanne Healy and Jessica Kiniry.

The couple with their wedding party, which was made up of family and friends. They had around 145 guests join in their celebrations.

Best man was Darren Heaphy. Groomsmen were Paul Hennessey and Daniel Coughlan.

Flower girls, were Sienna Murray, Kady Murray and Heidi Murray.

Recalling the day, Laura said: “The ceremony was just beautiful, the church singer we had, Nicole Desmond, had a voice like an angel.

Walking down the aisle with my dad holding his hand was the most emotional walk ever.

The couple were married at St Oliver’s Church in Ballyvolane, followed by reception in Fernhill House Hotel, Clonakilty.

The reception followed at Fernhill House, Clonakilty, in West Cork.

The band Sparkle performed, followed by a DJ. Their first dance was to Everlasting Love.

As to the most memorable thing about the day?

Laura said: “The beautiful day we got, the weather was so good for us. Everything about the day was amazing, it was honestly the best day of our lives.