Wedding of the Week: Love at the tea trolley for Cork couple

It was love at the tea trolley for Cork couple Victoria Pardy and James Walsh.

Victoria, from Macroom, and James, from Riverstick, first met when they were both working at Riverstick Care Centre.

“I was a health care assistant and James worked in the kitchen. It all started over the tea trolley and dinner service. When we worked together, James would put a lunch and snacks for me in the fridge, especially when I was on night shift. That’s when I knew he was the one because he had the same love for food!”

The couple got engaged in September, 2023, 11 months after they met.

“James had finished his shift. I was outside in the garden - it was the day before my birthday, and we had a little bonfire and James proposed to me in front of a few close friends. It was perfect,” recalls Victoria.

Today, the couple live in Macroom, where James works as the duty manager in the Castle Hotel and Victoria is a waitress at the Castle View Chinese restaurant.

Victoria and James were married at Macroom Church on June 6, 2025 by Fr Donal Roberts.

They were joined on the day by friends and family, including James’ parents Jim and Marian, his siblings, Patrick, Danielle, Theresa, and Laura, and their partners and children.

The bride’s sisters Joy and Julie were also in attendance as well as Julie’s partner Steven and their sons.

Victoria’s mother passed away ten years ago, and the bride said she was deeply missed at the wedding.

The bride’s aunt Rosie was a “calming presence” on the day. “She did me the honour of walking me down the aisle,” said Victoria.

Victoria’s gown was from Vows in Blarney.

“As soon as I tried it on, I knew I loved it,” said Victoria.

Make-up was by Julie O’Sullivan and hair was by Beka Kelleher from Coachford Hair and Beauty.

After the ceremony, the couple held a reception for their guests at the Talbot Hotel, Cork.

“It was fab. The staff were just unbelievable and the food was savage. Tanusha, our wedding co-ordinator, was phenomenal. She thought of every detail and question for us to be able to have the best day of our lives,” said Victoria.

Bog the Donkey provided music at the reception and kept everyone dancing all night.

The couple’s first dance was to Candy by Paolo Nutini.

Photos on the day were by Bismark.

What was the most memorable part of the day for the couple? “Just seeing everyone we love, all in one room, laughing and dancing.”