Wedding of the Week: West Cork couple ‘always wanted a traditional wedding’
Katie O'Driscoll and Stephen Crowley. Pictures: Dermotsullivan.com
West Cork couple Katie O’Driscoll and Stephen Crowley’s paths first crossed on their local GAA pitch at U-10 football training.
Both from Drimoleague, they attended the same second-level school and became an item afterwards. “We were in the same year at Maria Immaculata Community College in Dunmanway and ended up in the same friend group during our college years,” says Katie, a primary school teacher. “We started going out in college and have been together for 10 years.”
A rainy Amsterdam was the backdrop as Stephen, an electrician, popped the question on December 9, 2023.
Almost two years to the day later, back in Cork, the Child of Prague statues must have been on overtime because no hint of dampness spoiled the fun as the couple said their I do’s.
They were married in All Saints Church, Drimoleague, by Fr Eoin Whooley and held their reception in Fernhill House Hotel & Gardens, Clonakilty. “The weather was great for a day in December, and we were all relieved to see the sun shining as we arrived in Owenahincha for some bridal party pictures,” says Katie.
Katie’s parents, Mary Ann and Martin O’Driscoll, and Stephen’s mum and dad, Christine and Diarmuid Crowley and his grandmother, Trudy Crowley, helped the newlyweds celebrate.
Katie’s younger sister Róisín O’Driscoll was her maid of honour, and her twin sister Máire O’Driscoll, cousin Trish Murray, and friend Sharon O’Regan were her bridesmaids.
Standing by Stephen’s side were four of his best friends — his best man was Ian Crowley, and the groomsmen were Jack Carroll, Brendan McCarthy, and Sean Hennessy. “All the bridal party, except for Róisín, were in the same year in school and have been friends for many years,” adds Katie. “We both always wanted a traditional wedding celebrated together with our family and friends.
“The staff in Fernhill pulled out all stops for our big day, and no taskwas too much for them.” After the meal, the guests were entertained by a singer from Singers Secreto, which started off a lively night before the Ian Hendrick band came to the stage.
“Having a secret singer perform, after the desert, really got the crowd going — everyone loved it,” says Katie.
“The floor was never empty with plenty of waltzing, jiving, and sets danced along with some questionable disco dancing.
“We are very grateful for the help we got from our parents and siblings in the lead-up to our big day. Having Stephen’s grandmother present made our day very special, also.”
The bride looked elegant in a Jesus Peiro dress, which she bought in Say I Do in Midleton, and the groom, his groomsmen, and both fathers were dressed for the day by Morley’s.
Maria Coleman was the makeup artist, and Molly Farrell was the hairstylist.
Katie and Stephen headed to Tromsø in Norway a few days after the wedding for a minimoon and plan to go to Thailand for two weeks this spring on their honeymoon.
They have just bought a house in Drimoleague.
- If you would like your wedding featured in email eve.kelliher@examiner.ie
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