Wedding of the Week: 'It was like a winter wonderland'

Siobhan Riordan, originally from Knocknaheeny, and Alan McCarthy, from Brooklodge, first met almost ten years ago.

The couple, who live in Glanmire, had their first date walking on the beautiful strand in Youghal. On New Year’s Day 2023, Alan planned to return to the seaside town with Siobhan to ask her a special question, but the weather had other plans.

Instead, under the shelter of a grand old tree at Fota Gardens, and in the company of their two sons, Conor and Aaron, Alan asked Siobhan to marry him.

The couple tied the knot at the Orangery at Maryborough House Hotel on December 29, 2024.

“It was like a winter wonderland, it was really beautiful,” said Siobhan.

Music at the ceremony was provided by Sparkle. A violinist played as Siobhan walked up the aisle, a moment she says was very special and one she will never forget.

The bride wore an elegant long-sleeved gown from Say I Do in Midleton while the groom’s suit was from Simply Suits.

Her hair and make-up were by Stephanie Peyton and Rebecca O’Donovan respectively.

The couple’s children, Conor, 7, and Aaron, 5, were page boys while Emma Statts and Sarah Carolan were mini-bridesmaids.

Andrew Kelleher was best man with Timmy McGrath and Aidan Greeney serving as groomsmen, while the bridesmaids were Lorraine Donovan, Annmarie Collins, and Fiona Carolan.

The groomsmen’s suits were from Simply Suits and the bridesmaids’ dresses were from Diamond Bridal.

After the ceremony, the couple held a reception for their guests at the hotel, where they were joined by family who had travelled from America, Australia and Germany to share the special day with them.

“We really appreciated Alan’s side of the family coming from America, and my side coming from Australia,” the bride said.

Siobhan said it was particularly special to be able to spend so much time with family at Christmas in the lead up to the day.

Music at the reception was by The Loungman while trad band The Buachaills played in the evening. The couple’s first dance was to The One by Kodaline.

The flowers were by Elizabeth Cott from Wonderous Weddings while the cake was by Therese O’Donovan.

The couple had initially planned to wed on a different date, but changed the day so that Ray Terry Photography could take their pictures.

“They were really lovely,” the bride said.