Wedding bells for couple who met while volunteering

Ina Buss Gonzales, originally from Germany, and Russel Gonzales, from the Philippines, were recently wed at Cork’s Talbot Hotel.

The couple first met when they were both volunteering at Camphill Community Dunshane in Kildare in 2017.

Six years later, the couple got engaged, and on March 29, they were joined by their close friends and family as they tied the knot in the city they now call home.

Ina and Russel were married by Pastor Stephen McBride from Cork Church during a Christian wedding ceremony at the hotel in Ballincollig.

“It was an intimate wedding with only close families and friends, dedicating our very special day to our Lord Jesus Christ,” the couple said.

The bride wore a floor-length gown by Jonalyn Libiran, which was brought over from the Philippines.

The bride’s accessories were also sourced in the Philippines and Ina made her own crochet shoes.

Her make-up was by Charlotte O’Mahony and her hair was by Amanda Gowers from Amethyst Hair.

The groom wore a traditional suit from the Philippines. “We call it ‘Barong Tagalog’,” the couple said.

The couple were supported on the day by their closest friends and relatives.

Ina and Russel said that while some of the bride’s family were able to attend from Germany, unfortunately, the groom’s family members from the Philippines were not able to make it.

After the ceremony, the couple held a reception for their guests at the Leslie Suite at the hotel.

Music was by the Cork Church worship team, and the couple’s first dance was to Nothing Else by Codi Carnes.

Their wedding cake was by Ruairi’s Kitchen. Photographer Mark Fariola was tasked with capturing the wedding and reception on camera on the day.

Asked what was most memorable moment of the day, the couple said “making our vows, dedicating to our Lord God.

“He’s the one who made our special day to happen.”

They added: “We would like to give special thanks to Tanusha, the wedding co-ordinator from the Talbot Hotel, that everything went smoothly in the planning and on the day and to everyone who made this day so memorable for us.”