Wedding of the Week: Couple who met at UCC are married at Honan Chapel

Sat, 19 Apr, 2025 - 06:55

Karen Geary, from Fermoy, and Darren McCarthy, from Riverstick, first met in 2010 while studying commerce at UCC.

The couple returned to their alma mater where they were married at the Honan Chapel on December 5, 2024.

Karen said she won't forget the experience of getting ready at home before the wedding. She is pictured here with her 17-year-old Westie, Molly.

“We had an intimate wedding with 52 people - our closest friends and family. It was exactly what we wanted, small, simple, and no fuss,” the couple said.

The couple were married by the local priest from Fermoy, Fr Brian Boyle.

Karen and Darren were married by Fr Brian Boyle, the local priest from Fermoy.

They were supported on the day by Karen’s parents Bernie and Michael Geary and Darren’s parents Ann and John McCarthy.

Karen and Darren are pictured with the bride’s family at UCC.

Other key family members in attendance on the bride’s side included Karen’s sisters and bridesmaids, Michelle and Lisa, her brother, David, her god-daughter Ellie Deegan, brother-in-law Alan Deegan, and Lisa’s partner Alex.

Darren’s brother and groomsman John, John’s partner Eadaoin, his sister Niamh, Niamh’s fiancée Patrick, and Darren’s cousin and groomsman, Darragh were at the groom’s side.

The bride said she didn’t visit any bridal shop when it came to finding her dress.

Karen and Darren inside the Honan Chapel at UCC with Darren’s family.

“I saw a dress online and liked it so I purchased it."

Her hair was by Lynn O’Leary while her make-up was by Rebecca O’Donovan. “Both Lynn and Rebecca were amazing on the morning, making us all feel amazing and bringing the fun,” she said.

The groom, and his groomsmen, wore suits from Morley’s in Cork city and the bridesmaid dresses were from Folkster in Kilkenny.

Asked what was the most memorable part of the day, the couple said it was having such a fun and relaxed time surrounded by their closest friends and family.

The couple said the ceremony was “very intimate” with their closest friends and families sharing the day with them.

“Maeve O’Callaghan sang at our church ceremony. I know Maeve from Fermoy. She is amazing,” the bride said.

After the ceremony, the couple held a reception for their guests at Hayfield Manor which they said was “magical” with all the Christmas decor.

Karen and Darren at UCC- back to where their love story began.

Their wedding car was from Wedding Vintage Cars. “Charlie was my driver - such a lovely guy,” said Karen.

The couple’s bridal party included Karen’s sisters Michelle and Lisa, Darren’s brother John, and his cousin Darragh.

Their wedding cake was by The Baker Boy while Emmet Sugrue provided music for the evening. The couple’s first dance was to Beautiful Soul by Jessie McCartney. Photos on the day were by John Sexton while videography was by Greg from DG Video.

The couple pictured at the Quad in UCC with the December sun setting in the background. After the ceremony, they held a reception for their guests at Hayfield Manor.

Asked what was the most memorable part of the day, the couple said it was having such a fun and relaxed time surrounded by their closest friends and family.

“It truly was the perfect day I will cherish forever,” Karen said.

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