Wedding of the Week: Sun smiles on Susan and Colin's 'magical' big day in Wexford
Susan McCrarren and Colin O’Shea on their wedding day. Picture: Wonder & Magic.
This romance began, in the words of the bride, “as all modern love stories start” when Susan McCrarren and Colin O’Shea met with a mutual swipe right on Tinder.
Susan, from Monaghan, and Colin, from Waterford, hit it off on their first date in The Chelsea Drugstore in Dublin, and seven years later, on November 6, 2023, Colin popped the question during a stay at Glasson Lakehouse. “We went for a walk in the woods surrounding the lake and he surprised me by getting down on one knee with a ring in hand,” she says.
They were married in St Alphonsus Church, Barntown, Co Wexford, on April 11 of this year by Fr John Carroll, with Dublin String Quartet performing during the ceremony. “My original vision for our wedding was classic and traditional, soft and romantic,” says Susan. “Our day couldn’t have gone better, especially given it was the hottest day of the year so far.”
The newlyweds travelled in style in a 1964 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III. “We got a white hummer limo for the bridal party from Irish Diamond Limousines and our transport was from Heffernan Wedding Cars,” says the bride.
The photography team Wonder & Magic (Wonderandmagic.ie) and videographer B&G had no shortage of stunning backdrops to choose from. The reception took place in Horetown House, Wexford, which the couple rented for three days for the celebrations.
Raising toasts to their future happiness were the bride’s mother and father, Helen and Tom McCrarren, and the groom’s parents, Shirley and Martin O’Shea.
Susan’s sister Cathy McCrarren was her maid of honour and Colin’s brother Emmett O’Shea was the best man.
"My bridesmaids were Emer Gilroy, Louise Mc Elwain, Maria Cregan, and Anna McCrarren and Colin’s groomsmen were his friends, James Frisby, Murray Kinsella, Niall Gilhooley and Jack Kennedy,” adds Susan.
“Our gorgeous flower girl was my niece Mabel Cregan, who did the most amazing job walking up the aisle at only 17 months old!”
Susan looked super-elegant in Chosen by Kyha and bought her dress and veil in The Suite in Rathmines. Aidan Darcy was the bridal hairstylist and Sue Brophy was the makeup artist.
Magician Andy James kept the guests spellbound during the drinks reception while, armed with ukuleles, The Kooky Ukes delivered their signature killer harmonies. “Our dear friend Murray Kinsella was MC, and he absolutely nailed it!” adds Susan.
The band Spring Break ensured the dance floor was full. “We were both thrilled with how the day went, it was really magical and special, beyond our expectations!” says the bride.
The newlyweds took to the floor for their first dance to My Girl by The Temptations. “Something I may have done differently would be to have been more to be more organised earlier in the process.
"We left a lot of work to the few months ahead of the wedding — including getting dance lessons two weeks ahead of the wedding and having to memorise a routine!” says Susan.
Lennie Wall of Wallflower created the floral décor, and Croft Cake Design baked the wedding cake. Entertainment for the second day was by Rag Doll Music followed by DJ and Sax.
“My advice would be to get a sax player for day two — he really brought the energy, which can be needed on day two!” says the bride.
The newlyweds are considering Miami, The Bahamas, or the Maldives for their honeymoon.
- If you would like your wedding to feature in Weekend email eve.kelliher@examiner.ie
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
