Wedding of the Week: Cork couple met on night out in city seven years ago

Majella Dennehy, from Blackrock, and Brian Meany, from Montenotte, first met on a night out on the town in The Oliver Plunkett seven years ago.

The couple bought their home in Carrigtwohill four years ago and moved in just a day before the first of the pandemic-related lock- downs - “a serious test for any relationship”, they joked.

It was a test they must have passed with flying colours because in December 2023, the couple got engaged at Adare Manor in what they said was “a truly magical experience in an exquisite location”.

On August 31 this year, Majella and Brian were married at St Michael’s Church in Blackrock.

“This is my home parish church where I made my communion and it was very special to get married there,” said Majella.

“The wonderful Fr Michael Keohane was loved by all our guests.

“We were blessed with glorious sunshine on the day too!”

Among those in attendance were Majella’s father, Paddy Dennehy, her sister Catherine Fox, and her nieces Aisling and Jade Fox, who live in Australia and Spain respectively, and came home especially for the wedding “which was very special”.

Brian’s mum and dad, Cornelia and John Meany, his sisters; Karen, Rachel and Angela, and his brother Kevin also shared in the couple’s special day.

Majella’s sister Catherine was her maid of honour while her nieces Aisling and Jade, and Brian’s niece Joelle Meany were her bridesmaids.

Brian’s brother Kevin was his best man, and his best friends Mark Looney and Graham O’Leary, and his nephew Harvey Coughlan were groomsmen.

“The church ceremony was beautiful, and it was very special to have my father Paddy walk me up the aisle and to have Brian’s parents there,” said Majella.

The bride wore an off-the-shoulder gown from Amore Bridal Wear in Youghal.

“When I saw it, I knew it was for me as I wanted something very simple and classic to match the theme of the wedding which was black tie,” said Majella.

The bridesmaids’ dresses were from The Princess Rooms in Cobh and alterations were carried out by House Of Marie in Cobh.

Make-up was by Jeanette Cronin and hair by Alison from Bespoke Hairdressing. The wedding suits were from Morley’s Cork.

The flowers were by Flower Plower Florist in Glounthaune while the wedding cars were from East Cork Wedding Cars and Mackey Coaches.

After the ceremony, the couple held a reception for their guests at the Oriel House Hotel in Ballincollig.

“They were absolutely fabulous,” said Majella.

“Tanusha, the wedding co-ordinator, and Janice and her team were on top of everything and made everything so easy for us.

The couple’s first dance was to Always Remember Us This Way by Lady Gaga.

John O’Brien from O’Brien Photography captured the couple’s pictures on the day. Their cake was by Tracey from Trace of Cakes and the DJ was Patrick Aherne.

The bride said that one of the highlights of the day was being able to capture some of their wedding photographs at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

“My father was the caretaker of the Cork Showgrounds when it was located in Ballintemple and we lived as next-door neighbours to Páirc Uí Chaoimh for my whole childhood,” Majella said.

“Plenty of memories there, so very special to have that moment.”