Wedding of the Week: 'I stayed in Garryvoe the night before with my mom and my two daughters'

Annette O'Donovan and Charlie Davis, Killeagh, who were married in Garryvoe Hotel, Co Cork

Sat, 10 Jan, 2026 - 16:00

Eve Kelliher

Ringing in the new year was magical for Cork woman Annette O’Donovan because she celebrated getting married, welcoming her first grandchildren, and marking her milestone 60th birthday in the past 12 months.

Annette, from Mogeely, moved to Killeagh, Co Cork, 18 years ago, which is where she now lives with her husband, Charlie Davis, originally from Cobh. “We met seven years ago, and he took me out for a meal to The Elm Tree in Glounthaune on our first date,” she says.

Annette O'Donovan and Charlie Davis. Pictures: Conor Healy Photography

They got engaged in July 2024.

“Charlie asked me if I’d like to go for a spin with him. He said he wanted to buy a watch in Dungarvan. Next thing I know, we’re going down the road to Dungarvan, and he said, ‘can I talk to you?’. I said ‘one minute’, because I’m usually answering a text or on social media. And he said ‘I’m taking you to Dungarvan to buy you an engagement ring’. Well. I nearly jumped out of the car.”

Annette O'Donovan and Charlie Davis and guests. Pictures: Conor Healy Photography

Luckily, Annette stayed put in the vehicle, and Charlie kept its momentum going, or we wouldn’t have their romance story motoring on to Weekend’s Wedding of the Week page. “I didn’t know what to say, so I told Charlie we’d have to go for a cup of tea. I was shocked — but it was lovely,” adds Annette.

Equally enjoyable moments were to follow throughout 2025. “We got married on March 8, and I celebrated the big six-o on March 10,” she says. “We holidayed in Lanzarote on March 11, which was just a mini-moon because we went on a cruise on the MSC World Europa Ship from July 4 to July 11.

“It’s been a busy and brilliant year.”

The couple were wed in the Garryvoe Hotel, which also served as the reception venue, by celebrant and solemniser Edel O’Flynn. “I couldn’t speak highly enough of them; they were outstanding,” says Annette.

The bride looked elegant in a dress she sourced in Vows in Blarney, and the groom was dapper in a suit by Suited Menswear in Midleton. “The makeup artist, Rebecca O’Donovan, and hairstylist, Chloe Aherne, came down to the hotel on the Saturday morning [of the wedding],” says the bride.

Annette O'Donovan. Pictures: Conor Healy Photography

“I stayed in Garryvoe the night before with my mom, Dina, and my two daughters, Shauna Broderick O’Reilly and Tamara Broderick, who were my bridesmaids. The flowergirls were Lily Connolly, Molly Connolly, and Lily Hehir and Jayden O’Donovan, my sister’s son, was the pageboy.”

Annette O'Donovan with her mother Dina. Pictures: Conor Healy Photography

Two new arrivals, a girl and a boy, Tamara and Shauna’s children, joined their team that spring and summer. “My grandchild Madison was born on March 21, and Finn was born on May 25 — and they’re my world,” adds Annette.

Annette O'Donovan and her daughters and bridesmaids Tamara Broderick and Shauna Broderick O’Reilly. Pictures: Conor Healy Photography

Charlie’s wedding party featured Denis Crowley, Dave Otter, and Martina Prendergast.

Annette O'Donovan with her flowergirls Lily Connolly, Molly Connolly, and Lily Hehir. Pictures: Conor Healy Photography

Fiona Kennedy Music performed during the ceremony, including a rendition of A Thousand Years as the bride’s son, Eric Broderick, walked her down the aisle. “Fiona also sang during the drinks reception.” The five-piece band Out the Gap, followed by DJ Tommy Coppinger, entertained during the reception.

Annette O'Donovan is walked up the aisle by her son Eric Broderick. Pictures: Conor Healy Photography

Capturing the big day on film was wedding photographer Conor Healy (conorhealyphoto.com) and videographer Brian Connolly, Arclight Weddings. “Conor was an absolute gem and did such a fantastic job, along with his friend Jamie O’Neill and Brian Connolly,” says the bride.

The floral arrangements were by Castlemartyr Florist and the bride’s friend Margaret Lehane baked the wedding cake. “Margaret was a guest at the wedding, and she gifted me the delicious cake,” says Annette.