Wedding of the Week: Cork is in our hearts, we walked out of church to sounds of The Banks

One of the highlights of Noelette Noonan and Michael Brosnan’s wedding day happened when they walked out of the church hand in hand to the sounds of The Banks Of My Own Lovely Lee.

“Cork is more than our home; it’s in our hearts,” they explained.

The couple wed recently after meeting in 2019. Noelette lived in Watergrasshill for more than 25 years, and Michael is from Ballyvolane. They now live in Upper Glanmire/Whitescross, where Noelette is originally from, with their blended families.

Michael was a widower whose wife Sylvia had sadly died of cancer in 2018 after 21 years of marriage. “I have now been twice blessed in meeting and falling madly in love with beautiful Noelette, who is incredibly special,” he said.

The couple met in 2019, and Noelette has three children, Jonathan, 27, Heather, 24, and Pearse, 22. They first connected online, before having a first date “on a beautiful evening in Youghal, where we had a full moon lighting our way as we strolled the boardwalk and beach, it was a very special evening”.

They got engaged at the Cliffs of Moher when Michael got down on one knee “in a very Pride And Prejudice manner!”

They were married in the Honan Church in UCC - Noelette is a master’s graduate who previously spent over 10 years working there, and Michael played for UCC in Sigerson Cup football, “so it meant a huge deal to us both”.

The engagement ring and wedding bands were purchased in Keane’s Jewellers, Cork.

The suits for the groom and his party were supplied and fitted by Martin Heneghan and Alex in ItSuits in Fota Retail Park.

“We were aiming for an Irish Tricolour effect so I had elements of green, white and orange within my suit and button flowers,” explained Michael. The groom’s party wore champagne and green to tie the bridesmaids’ and Michael’s colours together

The couple were surrounded by family, friends, neighbours, Michael’s colleagues at Clearstream, and Noelette’s social work ‘family’ in Tusla.

Noelette’s 90-year-old aunty Evelyn McAllen was determined to fill the shoes of Noelette’s late father, Michael Noonan, who was so greatly missed for the celebrations, and walked her down the aisle with Noelette’s sons.

Noelette’s Aunty Mary from her mother’s side was the Eucharistic Minister on the day.

Michael’s sons, Nathan and Darren, and Noelette’s brother Tim did the readings.

Noelette’s siblings Paul and Annette did the offertory and her sister Maria read an Old Irish Blessing Reflection.

Noelette’s sister Evelyn Noonan was Maid of Honour, her daughter Heather was bridesmaid, and her granddaughter Isabelle was flower girl.

Best Man was William Buttimer, Michael’s best friend since college days.

Fr Christy Fitzgerald of Watergrasshill was a huge help on the day, with music provided by Eddie Costello.

The reception after was held in the Vienna Woods in Glanmire. Videographer and DJ Anthony Fleming were amazing from start to finish, and Sax On Fire had everyone dancing.

Christy Buckley of Wedding Vintage Car hire transported Noelette to meet Michael in the Honan. “It was special driving up Patrick Street in the old Austin car,” she said, “people were blowing kisses and waving, it was surreal, four generations of Noonans in one car!”

The couple’s first song was to I Hope You Dance by Lee Ann Womack, and Noelette laughed: “We did hear Aunty Evelyn tried to sneak into the bar to watch Katie Taylor’s last fight at the exact time of the first song!”

The bride and groom’s highlights of the day included listening to Inisheer and My Lagan Love as they lit the unity candle.

Make-up was by Kristina MUA, and Aisling Kelleher from Polkadot Wedding Hair did the hair. Sheenagh Morley and Donnacha Moynihan from Bismark were the photographers.