Wedding of the Week: We knew we wanted our wedding local in West Cork

They got engaged on Ballinglanna beach on New Year’s Day 2025 and exchanged vows in May of this year in the Trident Hotel, Kinsale.

Maryanna, who works for a pharmaceutical company, and Rob, a secondary school teacher, now live in Bandon with their cockapoo Luna, who was present when he popped the question.

“I was on the couch nursing a sore head from the New Year’s Eve festivities the night before when Rob suggested a walk and a picnic on the beach with Luna,” says Maryanna. “Rob had to coax me to get me to go.

“Once we had finished our picnic, Rob, cool as a cucumber, got down on one knee with the ring in hand. I was shocked but of course accepted — and seeing the commotion, Luna sprinted over and nearly knocked Rob (and the ring) over.”

Celebrant Patricia Irwin officiated at the humanist ceremony in the Trident, during which violinist Mary McCague performed. “My brother Seán drove my dad and me to the hotel,” says Maryanna. “I was very calm as I got ready that morning. The nerves started to kick in once I had the dress on.”

Their wedding photographer Philip Cullinane led a photoshoot that took in Charles Fort. “He also brought us into the Bulman pub, and we got a lovely picture in the bar. He left us alone to finish our drinks, and it was lovely to have this time to ourselves after a whirlwind of a day,” says Maryanna. “When we got back to the Trident, our guests were out on the balcony to welcome us and get the celebrations started.”

Maryanna chose her sister Susan Rice to be her maid of honour, Caroline Rice to be a bridesmaid, and her friend Lisa AlQemzi to be her bridesmaid. Maryanna’s nieces Esmé and Eva Murphy were the flowergirls. Robert’s friend Denis Coffey was his best man and his friends Brian Crowley and Peter Murphy were the groomsmen.

“We knew we wanted to have our wedding local to West Cork and to have both the civil ceremony and the reception in the same venue,” says Maryanna.

“When we visited the Trident, we loved that the hotel was overlooking the water and the views from the banqueting room were stunning. The wedding coordinators Norma Collins and Trish Grey (who is also the general manager) were so kind and experienced that we knew we were in good hands.

“We had only immediate family and close friends join us for the ceremony, which was very special as they all watched our relationship grow over the years. The rest of the guests joined us later in the day for the drinks reception as well as the celebrations.”

Maryanna sourced her dream wedding dress at Amore Bridalwear, Youghal, and Rob and his party wore suits from Red Church, Cork. Andrea Moore was the makeup artist, with hair by Signature Salon, Bandon. The floral décor and arrangements were by Daisy Chain, Kinsale, and Deuces Wild ensured the dance floor was full. Kelly Twohig, Sweet Tooth Factory, baked the wedding cake.

The newlyweds honeymooned in Florence.