Wedding of the Week: Grace and Cillian's beach celebration in West Cork

Derek Burke of Crystal Swing Fame is a hit at the Inchydoney celebration and the couple's pooch Ozzie arrives in a tux for his close-up

Grace Kelliher and Cillian Claffey. Pictures: Bartosz Swierczynski

Their paths first crossed as students in Cork and a decade later Grace Kelliher and Cillian Claffey headed into the west of the county to exchange wedding vows.

Grace, from Limerick, and Dublin native Cillian had just started their studies at UCC when they met in 2013. “I lived upstairs from Cillian in The Student Village in Cork,” says Grace.

Dolores Kelliher, Ella Cahill, Fiona Kelliher, Niamh Kelliher, Grace Kelliher, Cillian Claffey, Kevin Hurley, Richard Lannin, Vincent Kelliher, Clodagh Cahill and Katie Kelliher. Pictures: Bartosz Swierczynski

Now based in Kerry, they were married in May this year at Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa in Clonakilty.

Celebrant Damian Moloney, Spiritual Ceremonies, officiated and key roles were taken by mother-of-the-bride Dolores Kelliher and Cillian’s parents Nora and Declan Claffey.

Cillian Claffey with his parents Nora and Declan Claffey. Pictures: Bartosz Swierczynski

Very much in their thoughts throughout the day was Grace’s father, the late James Kelliher, in whose memory the bride’s aunt Sr Mary Kelliher lit a candle during the ceremony.

“I also had a bouquet chain with my dad’s picture attached to my flowers — for walking me up the aisle (my brother Vincent walked me up) — and we had his photo at the top table as well,” says the bride.

Grace Kelliher and Cillian Claffey. Pictures: Bartosz Swierczynski

Grace’s sister Niamh Kelliher was her maid of honour with her sister-in-law Fiona Kelliher as her bridesmaid and her niece Ella Cahill as junior bridesmaid, while her nieces Clodagh Cahill and Katie Kelliher were the flowergirls. Cillian’s friend Kevin Hurley was his best man and his cousin Richard Lannin was the groomsman.

Grace looked elegant in a Justin Alexander dress. “I bought it in a sample sale online at B Couture Bridal in Wicklow,” she says. Hairstylist Amanda Gowers (Amethyst Hair, Cork) and makeup artist Pamela Prati ensured the bridal party was ready for the close-ups and the groom and his attendants wore sleek suits by Aston Formal Wear, Dublin.

Grace Kelliher and Cillian Claffey. Pictures: Bartosz Swierczynski

Grace and Cillian got engaged last year, in February 2022, while they were living in London.

“We went away for a weekend to Cliveden House in Berkshire,” she says. “Cillian had arranged to propose outside, on the grounds but there was a storm blowing all day so the staff set up the wine cellar and he asked me there that night instead!”

Sr Mary Kelliher lights a candle in memory of the bride's father James. Pictures: Bartosz Swierczynski

As for the couple’s vision when they were planning their big day? “We just wanted a relaxed, simple beach wedding with great food,” says Grace. “Ella and Clodagh Cahill (my nieces) are Irish dancers and they performed a dance in their costumes before Cillian and I had our first dance.”

Entertainer Derek Burke of Crystal Swing fame was a big hit with the guests. “Derek had everyone up dancing at the drinks reception,” says Grace.

Grace Kelliher and Cillian Claffey with their dog Ozzie. Pictures: Bartosz Swierczynski

The couple’s French bulldog Ozzie almost stole the show when he arrived, decked out in a tux. “Ozzie came for the photos after the ceremony,” says the bride.

Behind the lens was photographer Bartosz Swierczynski (Bartski Photography, Cork) and videographer Brian Connolly (Arclight Weddings, Cork), and The Flower Basket, Clonakilty, created the décor. The newlyweds chose South Africa and Dubai as their honeymoon destinations.

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