Wedding of the Week: ‘We wanted our wedding to be personal, romantic, and funny’

Judy Collins, Carrigaline, and Graham Smith, Crosshaven are married in Dunmore House Hotel 

Judy Collins and Graham Smith. Pictures: Dylan Clifford

From Croatia to Clonakilty, and from Dalmatia to Dunmore House Hotel, Cork couple Judy Collins and Graham Smith were spoilt for choice when it came to stunning backdrops for their romance.

Judy, from Carrigaline, and Graham, from Crosshaven, have known one another for 14 years and became an item a decade ago. “We got engaged on the top of Mount Srd in Dubrovnik at sunset in August 2024,” says Graham.

Just as picture-perfect was the oceanside Dunmore House Hotel, where they exchanged vows at the end of 2025, in a ceremony led by celebrant Thomas Harty (@thomashartycelebrant), with the reception at the same venue.

Judy Collins and Graham Smith. Pictures: Dylan Clifford

That windswept but dry December morning, the bride and groom experienced “a mix of nerves and anticipation”, says Judy: “As soon as I saw everyone I knew, prior to walking down the aisle, the nerves just changed to excitement! We wanted our wedding to be personal, romantic, and funny — which our celebrant captured perfectly.”

The couple’s friend Caoimhe Barret sang Judy down the aisle. “She performed Fleetwood Mac’s Songbird; she was unreal,” adds Graham.

Sealed with a kiss: Judy Collins and Graham Smith. Pictures: Dylan Clifford

Congratulating them were both sets of parents, Amy Busteed Collins and Kevin Collins and Jacinta and Michael Smith, along with Judy’s grandmother Pat Collins and Graham’s grandmother Margaret Griffin.

The bride’s friend Tara Nolan was her maid of honour, and the groom’s brother Ian Smith was his best man.

Judy Collins and Graham Smith, Ian Smith Barry Ryan, Cian Byrne and Rob Shanahan. Pictures: Dylan Clifford

Caitriona Kelly, Casey Smith, and Hannah Dineen were the bridesmaids and Barry Ryan, Cian Byrne, and Rob Shanahan were the groomsmen. Judy’s cousin and Graham’s friend Mikey Collins was the ringbearer. “It was one of those surprises where we had placed it under his chair ahead of the ceremony,” says Judy.

Judy Collins with Tara Nolan, Caitriona Kelly, Casey Smith and Hannah Dineen. Pictures: Dylan Clifford

Judy looked ultra-elegant in a gown sourced in The White Ivy, Kenmare, and Graham was kitted out in Savilles Menswear, Cork. Graham adds: “It was an amazing day, Peter Barrett from Dunmore house was so calm in the build-up, which eased our nerves big-time.

“The food was incredible, the music and the general atmosphere were top-notch.”

Judy Collins with Tara Nolan, Caitriona Kelly, Casey Smith and Hannah Dineen. Pictures: Dylan Clifford

Judy adds: “The musician for the ceremony and reception was amazing, Peadar O’Callaghan (@peadar_music), and the band for the dinner and night were spectacular, The OffBeats Band (@theoffbeatsirl).” The bridal hairstyling was by Dawn Monaher (@dawnhairyfairy), and the makeup artist was Nikki Burke (@nikkiburkemakeupartist).

Judy Collins and Graham Smith. Pictures: Dylan Clifford

Photographer Dylan Clifford (@dylancliffordphotographer and dylancliffordphotography.com) captured the occasion for posterity with cameras also
rolling thanks to content creator Emi Laguna (@roxyweddings) and Daragh Twomey (@dtweddingfilms). The floral décor was by Flicks Howe (@howehillflowers).

The weather gods also played their part. “We got very lucky, considering the time of the year. It was beautiful the day after the wedding — we all went swimming in Inchydoney!” says Judy.

Judy Collins and Graham Smith. Pictures: Dylan Clifford

August is earmarked as the Crosshaven-based newlyweds’ honeymoon month. “We’re going to Canada to drive the Rockies,” says Graham.

Judy is an assistant manager for Vodafone Ireland and Graham is a retailer in Smiths SuperValu Kinsale.

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