Wedding of the Week: Uplifting moments for West Cork bride and groom

Emily Sullivan and Finbar Sheehan are married in Eyeries with reception in The Dunloe Hotel & Gardens

Emily Sullivan and Finbar Sheehan. Pictures: Dylan Clifford

West Cork couple Emily Sullivan and Finbar Sheehan exchanged vows on their beloved home ground, the Beara Peninsula.

Emily, from Eyeries, and Finbar, from Dursey Sound, Garnish, were married in St Kentigern’s Church, Eyeries, by Fr John Kerin and held their reception in the five-star Dunloe Hotel & Gardens in Killarney, Co Kerry.

Emily Sullivan and Finbar Sheehan. Pictures: Dylan Clifford

The couple’s pooch Ruby was an extra-special guest. “Our dog groomer, Grace Carney from Hairs & Graces Professional Dog Grooming, brought Ruby to the church so we could get photos with her,” says Emily.

Lisa Finn was the church vocalist and later, during the drinks reception, Naoimh Whelton sang and Caitriona Harrington played the harp. “It provided a relaxing atmosphere with the stunning setting of the Gap of Dunloe in the background,” says the bride.

Emily Sullivan and Finbar Sheehan. Pictures: Dylan Clifford

Also helping ensure all went to plan were the bride’s parents Martin and Bernadette Sullivan and the groom’s mother and father Mary and Frank Sheehan.

Emily’s friends Niamh O’Reilly (maid of honour), Tara Whelan and Claudia O’Sullivan (bridesmaids) were by her side. Finbar had the support of his cousin Damien Sheehan (best man), newly minted brother-in-law Damien Sullivan and brother Ronan Sheehan (groomsmen). 

Emily Sullivan and Finbar Sheehan with their dog Ruby. Pictures: Dylan Clifford

“The girls and I had a relaxing morning, with breakfast supplied by Bosca Bia Beara and the lads went for a relaxing swim in Garnish,” says Emily.

Emily and Finbar’s paths first crossed 12 years ago. “We met on a night out in Allihies village on April 8, 2012; we got chatting and instantly hit it off,” she says.

Emily Sullivan and Finbar Sheehan. Pictures: Dylan Clifford

Ten years later, Finbar popped the question, in June 2022, in Parknasilla Resort & Spa. 

“We stopped on a bridge which overlooked the Beara Peninsula and he proposed. I loved the little nod to home and the privacy of it,” says Emily.

Emily Sullivan and Finbar Sheehan. Pictures: Dylan Clifford

The couple always knew they wanted a relatively small wedding, with close family and friends, adds the bride. “We wanted it to be understated as the church and reception venue are in such beautiful locations, they really speak for themselves,” she says.

Emily looked elegant in a Rosa Clara gown sourced in The White Ivy Bridal Boutique in Kenmare, Co Kerry. Stacey Egan, Femme, Bantry, Co Cork, was her makeup artist with bridal hairstyling by Debbie Collins, Debbie’s Hair Studio, Castletownbere.

Emily Sullivan and her dad Martin Sullivan. Pictures: Dylan Clifford

Finbar was super-stylish thanks to Simply Suits and Peter Tora, Scent of Tora, created the floral décor.

Dylan Clifford (dylancliffordphotography.com) was behind the lens as their wedding photographer alongside videographer Daragh Twomey. “Dylan and Daragh were just perfect and blended in so well throughout the day,” says the bride.

Emily Sullivan and Finbar Sheehan. Pictures: Dylan Clifford

“We partied the night away with the wedding band No Strings Attached — definitely a highlight of the day," says Emily. 

“Our guests all commented on how good the music was, how delicious the food was and how amazing staff at the Dunloe were. We can’t thank them enough. 

Emily Sullivan and Finbar Sheehan. Pictures: Dylan Clifford

"O’Carrolls Cakes Killarney provided a stunning three-tier cake. It really was our dream wedding and we wouldn’t change a thing about it.” 

The newlyweds honeymooned in New York and the Dominican Republic.

Emily, who works for the HSE, and Finbar, a fisherman, live in Castletownbere. “We hope to build our forever home close to Emily’s parents’ house in Eyeries,” adds Finbar.

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