Wedding of the Week: ‘We live where we first met’

Anne Cullinane, from Knockavilla, Innishannon, and Gordon Anderson, from Coppeen, Enniskeane, first met one another in the very home that they now share.

The couple, from West Cork, were acquainted when Anne was caring for Gordon’s father, John.

They had their first date a few months later, at the turn of the decade on New Year’s Eve, 2020.

“It felt like we had been together always,” recalls Anne.

Four years later, in April, 2024, Gordon proposed to Anne at their favourite beach, and she said yes!

The couple were married in a civil ceremony at the Talbot Hotel in Ballincollig, which was formerly the Oriel House Hotel, on December 21, 2024.

They were supported on the day by bridesmaid Gemma O’Mahony and best man Niall Anderson.

The bride wore a stunning emerald green gown for the ceremony and had a floor-length white cape.

“We call it our Christmas wedding, a very spiritual day,” the couple said.

“We did not want a ‘typical wedding’. We wanted a relaxed atmosphere with family and friends.”

The couple said their celebrant, Norma O’Donovan, created a very special ceremony for them, capturing both their personalities, and, as a surprise, included their beautiful labrador Bailey.

They incorporated the ancient tradition of hand-fasting into the ceremony, with their children also playing a role in this part of the wedding.

“We included the ancient Celtic tradition of hand-fasting where our hands are bound together by cord to represent our commitment to each other ‘tying the knot’,” the couple explained.

Violinists Pizzazz performed during the ceremony.

Afterward, the couple held a reception for their guests at the hotel.

“Danny O’Leary and his band played for us. They were fantastic, they played something for everyone, and had the floor packed all night. People are still raving about them.”

The couple’s first dance was to Galway Girl by Mundy and Sharon Shannon.

Later, DJ Donal O’Donovan, from Bandon, kept the celebrations going.

The couple’s photographer on the day was Philip Cullinane from Bandon.