Wedding of the Week: Teenage sweethearts tie the knot in Cork 

Teenage sweethearts Lynsey (nee Moran) and Stephen Finn first met when they were just 13.

Lynsey, from Cobh, and Stephen, from Little Island, dated as teens and have been a couple for more than 15 years.

In 2022, they bought a home in Cobh, and later that year, Stephen surprised Lynsey with a proposal on a trip to Puerto del Carmen. “Of course, my answer was yes,” said Lynsey.

In 2024, their daughter Mia was born. “She is our world,” the couple said.

They were married last month at Cork’s Talbot Hotel by Carol Cotter.

“We were fortunate enough to have our beautiful daughter Mia, our wonderful parents, siblings, family, and friends to be by our side on our special day,” they said.

Music at the ceremony was by Aisling McCarthy. “It was absolutely amazing,” the couple said.

Lynsey’s gown was from Vows in Cork. “Ann helped me pick it out, she was amazing. When I tried on my dress, it was everything I ever wanted. There were a few alterations and the wonderful Caroline O’Sullivan in Vows made all that happen,” she said.

The bride’s hair was by Mairead Hastings Gilley from Yummy Hair Designs, and make-up was done by Shirley Cronin.

“Both girls are local, and I have known them since I was young. So, it was a great calm morning for all,” Lynsey said.

The bouquets were by Breda from Darling Buds.

The wedding party suits were from Morleys. “They were amazing to deal with. The lads went in and they had a suit on them in a matter of minutes,” the couple said.

They were supported on the day by Maid of Honour, Donna Moran; bridesmaids Moran McCormack and Lorraine Moloney; Best Man, Kevin Tobin; and groomsmen Niall O’Sullivan and James Hyde.

Flowers girls were Emily Moloney and Mia Finn.

After the ceremony, the couple held a reception for their guests at the hotel, where Gerard Kearney “had the crowd amazed” with his tricks.

The couple stepped out to the nearby Ballincollig Regional Park for photographs by Barry and Mark from Bismark Photography.

“They know how to catch the natural look and made us feel like there was no camera on us,” the couple said.

The entertainment at the hotel continued long into the evening, with music by The Gamblers. “Everyone is still talking about how great they are. If you’re into Irish traditional music, this band is a must,” the couple said.

Their first dance was to Amazed by Lonestar.

The wedding cake was by Ruairi’s cakes and “tasted unbelievable”.

Guests had great fun with Sean from 360 and Me and the couple are enjoying watching back the videos.

Decor was by To Have And To Hold, while Ace Entertainment provided signs and an LED dance floor.

“Our venue was the perfect place for us both. We immediately fell in love with it. We worked with Tanusha at the Talbot, and she couldn’t have made our day any better. She’s amazing at what she does. I want to thank her and all the staff on the day. It definitely won’t be a day we’ll ever forget,” the couple said.

Reflecting on the day, Lynsey and Stephen said it was one which was “filled with love, laughter and joy”.

They added: “The most memorable moment was standing at the altar looking at each other, saying our vows, knowing that we would be leaving husband and wife. It was such a magical feeling. After all these years, we were officially official.

“Overall, the day was just amazing, everything we both dreamed of, and will never forget.”