Wedding of the Week: Secret sparkler starts journey down the aisle for Cathy and Darren

Cathy Herra and Darren Whelan met as students and said their I do's in Clanard Court Hotel in Athy, Co Kildare

Cathy Herra and Darren Whelan. Pictures: Art Wedding Photo

Slipping a sparkler into the suitcase on a trip for two without your other half knowing isn’t as easy as you might think.

But that’s what Darren Whelan did when he and his girlfriend Cathy Herra, both from Ballyfermot, Dublin, set off for Barcelona in August 2018. “I had no clue he was planning to propose!” she says.

Cathy Herra. Pictures: Art Wedding Photo

So when Darren asked her to marry him, it came as a complete surprise to Cathy — and as a relief to Darren. “His nerves were gone having had to carry the engagement ring through security at the airport,” says Cathy.

Darren popped the question in the privacy of their hotel bedroom — decorated especially for the engagement by the team at their hotel. “It was the best way to do it; he knew me well enough not to propose in public,” adds Cathy.

Darren Whelan. Pictures: Art Wedding Photo

Cathy, a retail supervisor and Darren, a social worker, now live in Enfield, Co Meath, where they share their home with their much-adored red cockapoo Rua.

The couple, who met as students 11 years ago, at Inichore College of Further Education, said their I do’s in the Clanard Court Hotel in Athy, Co Kildare.

Cathy Herra and Darren Whelan. Pictures: Art Wedding Photo

Celebrant Shelly O’Shea led the spring ceremony and their reception took place in the same venue. Wedding co-ordinator Emma Ferris ensured the event went to plan and that it was “a dream come true”, adds the bride. “Emma was amazing from the booking of the wedding to the day itself,” says Cathy.

Mother-of-the-bride Deborah Herra and the groom’s mum Betty Whelan celebrated with the couple.

Cathy Herra and Darren Whelan. Pictures: Art Wedding Photo

Very much in their thoughts were the bride’s late father, Mark Herra, and the groom’s late dad, Daniel Whelan.

“They were both very much missed on the day,” says Cathy. “My dad only passed, suddenly, four months before our wedding day, so it was a bittersweet occasion because of this. Darren’s dad sadly passed when Darren was a teenager, and he was sadly missed on the day.”

Cathy Herra and Darren Whelan. Pictures: Art Wedding Photo

Cathy chose her sister Lorna Herra to be her bridesmaid while Darren’s friend Craig McAuley was his best man.

The groom’s niece Neveah Whelan and his goddaughter Cria McAuley, who is also the daughter of the best man, were delighted to be in the spotlight as flowergirls, as were Reuben and Riley Lawrence, Cathy’s nephews.

Cathy Herra and Darren Whelan. Pictures: Art Wedding Photo

Sebastian of Art Wedding Photography (artweddingphotography.eu) was behind the camera, as was Liam Anthony of Liam Anthony Photography, the videographer. Makeup artist Danielle Curran and Marina of Stylicious Bridal Hair & Makeup (stylicious.ie) were the bridal hair and makeup team. Cathy looked elegant in her dream wedding dress, sourced at Angelo Bridal Dublin.

Cathy Herra and Darren Whelan. Pictures: Art Wedding Photo

Darren and his attendants were dapper in suits from Aston Formal Wear, Temple Bar, Dublin, and Love Sive’s Flowers created the floral décor. The newlyweds honeymooned in Belgium and the Netherlands, visiting Brussels, Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp and Amsterdam.

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