Wedding of the Week: Cork couple say special day 'was worth the wait'

“We really had the day of our dreams.”

So said Denise Condon, from Fairhill, and Paul Flynn, from Blackrock, after their wedding.

The couple, who met through mutual friends 17 years ago in the cafe in Debenhams on Patrick Street, have been inseparable since.

Denise said: “We both have a disability so getting married and having the wedding day of our dreams was a long road for us, but we managed it with lots of hard work, planning and determination.”

They moved in together in Blackpool in 2010, and then to Bishopstown in 2017, where they now live happily with their cat Bella.

“We got engaged on June 24, 2012, at our home in Blackpool. Our big day has been in the planning for 12 years but it was well and truly worth the wait,” said Denise.

They were married on September 5 at the Oriel House Hotel in Ballincollig.

To say that we picked the perfect wedding venue is an understatement, all the staff at Oriel House could not have been more helpful.

“Our wedding planner Tanusha was top class, nothing was a problem for her, and her positive personality helped melt any stress and nerves,” said Denise.

The bride’s dress was designed and made by Ernest Perryman, French Church Street.

“ I would like to give him a special thank-you for all his hard work,” said Denise.

The bridesmaids’ dresses were from Vows in Blarney and the suits were from Morley’s in Grand Parade. Hair and make-up by Guilty Hair and Beauty in Blarney.

Denise said: “We are both from large families, I’m one of 12 and Paul is one of 10. We were so lucky to have all our family and friends with us to share our big day. 

We had a beautiful memory table to remember our loved ones that have passed on, my parents and Paul’s dad, brother and sister.

“Our celebrant was Ann Walsh and she made us feel so comfortable and special, which calmed any nerves. It was a truly magical ceremony, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.”

The bride said the reception was perfect, the food, speeches… The cake was made by Healy’s in Blackpool and was stunning. The couple’s first dance was to Perfectby Ed Sheeran. “It truly was perfect in every way. We all danced the night away to DJ Bertie, who was brilliant and kept us entertained into the early hours.”

Denise said she would like to thank both their families for all their help and support.

“We couldn’t have done it without them. I would also like to thank Kay Black in Douglas for doing our flowers and for doing such a beautiful job.”

Photographs were by Mark Farrell Photography.