Wedding of the Week: Couple return to Cork for 'wedding of their dreams'

Sarah Sullivan, of Clonakilty, and Jason Corcoran, from Callan in Kilkenny, first met in 2017 while teaching in Tipperary.

Sarah, a keen hockey player, who previously represented Munster Hockey, was working at the Ursuline Secondary School, Thurles, when she met Jason - a passionate hurler with a minor hurling All-Ireland medal.

Seven years ago, the couple took the decision to move to Dubai, and they haven’t looked back since. Today, Sarah works as a PE teacher while Jason teaches business studies and economics. “We have made the most amazing group of friends in Dubai, have jobs that we love, and have beautiful weather,” the couple said.

Jason proposed to Sarah in 2024 at Dubai Creek Harbour at sunrise. “A security man ended up capturing the moment... It’s such a special place to visit now for us.”

The couple returned to Ireland for their wedding at Sarah’s “dream venue”, Castlemartyr Resort, on August 8.

“We had a civil ceremony in the gardens of the Manor Hotel, Alison O’Donoghue was our registrar, with our drinks reception at the Knight’s Bar and garden terrace. Our reception was at the Capel Suite. Jackie, our wedding coordinator, was one of the most incredible people we have ever worked with. As we planned the whole wedding from Dubai, Jackie ensured every detail was perfect. We only had a tour of the hotel a few months after we booked,” Sarah and Jason said.

Sarah recalled feeling the sun beam down just as she was about to walk up the aisle. “I remember feeling like it was a powerful moment, as if those that are no longer with us were giving us a wedding gift of sun on cue.”

The couple were supported on the day by their five bridesmaids and five groomsmen with each person representing a different stage of Jason and Sarah’s lives.

Sarah’s friend Oisin surprised the groom when he read a poem, penned by Sarah, during the ceremony.

The bride sourced her Suzanne Neville gown at Kadee Bride, Athlone, and wore a custom-made veil from Dubai. Her shoes were by Amina Muaddi while her pearl-drop wedding earrings were Jennifer Behr and her pearl bracelet was Shashi. The bridesmaid gowns were by Dresscode from Ellie & Daal, Galway.

Hair and make-up was by sisters June Murtagh (hairdresser) and Ruth Cassidy (make-up artist).

The tuxedos were from Detail Menswear, Kilkenny, and Kevin Bowens, Bandon. Jason’s jacket was Herbie Frogg from Gentleman’s Quarters, Cork. The shoes were from Detail Menswear, Kilkenny.

The couple’s rings were from Cara & Fergus James, Dubai.

Music at the reception was by the Pat Fitz band. “A highlight was Pat getting every single member of the wedding on the dance floor at one stage with the conga line - nobody even realised what he was doing,” the couple said.

The wedding cake was by Ramune from Ms. Cupcake Cork.

Photos on the day were by Anna G (Anna Nirca). “She captured every moment from the day, we absolutely love our photos. After we booked Castlemartyr, we booked Anna G and I knew the wedding was in safe hands,” said Sarah and Jason. The couple’s content creator was Evergreen by Kellie (“a gem”), while “gentleman” Kevin Caffrey (Little Bear Films) from Dublin was videographer.

The wedding celebrations continued into the following day with the couple holding their day two celebrations at The Hunted Hog where Derek Burke kept guests entertained.

“We went to the Europe Resort for a few days after the wedding and neither of us could believe the heatwave that hit Kerry that week! We are so grateful to have had the wedding of our dreams with our family and friends.”