Wedding of the Week: ‘We had a pamper morning while the lads cleaned our car in the rain’

Stephanie Cotter, South Douglas Road, Cork, and Ryan Ahern, Aherla, who were married in the Church of Christ the King, Turner’s Cross, and held their reception in Actons Hotel, Kinsale

Sat, 25 Apr, 2026 - 01:00

Eve Kelliher

Cork couple Stephanie Cotter and Ryan Ahern met 15 years ago at the city’s College of Commerce.

Stephanie, from the South Douglas Rd, and Ryan, who grew up in Aherla, were wed on April 11 in the Church of Christ the King, Turner’s Cross, by Fr Noel O’Sullivan, and held their reception in Actons Hotel, Kinsale. “We had an amazing day and would love to do it all over again,” says Stephanie.

She and Ryan didn’t have to look beyond their driveway for top-of-the-range transport for the occasion. “Ryan’s car was our wedding car. It’s a 1991 Mk2 Golf GTI and he’s owned it for about nine years,” says Stephanie.

On their big day, the couple, who now live in Ballincollig, returned to the scene of their engagement, Charlesfort, Kinsale, to pose for the camera. “We got engaged on June 1, 2024,” says Stephanie. “We had hoped to get to Charlesfort for some pictures on our wedding day, as that’s a special place to us. The weather was hit-and-miss but, thankfully, we got there for a short time and the photos turned out wonderfully.”

At the other side of the lens were award-winning photography husband-and-wife duo Laura and Benny (lauraandbennyphotography.com) and videographer Voward. “Laura and Benny, and Tom from Voward, were wonderful to deal with from the start and kept the day running on time,” adds Stephanie.

Also helping plan the fun were both sets of parents, Elizabeth and Aidan Cotter, and Mary and Pat Ahern.

Stephanie Cotter and Ryan Ahern with Elizabeth and Aidan Cotter and Mary and Pat Ahern.

Stephanie’s friends Lorna Murphy, Sarah Quinn, and Leah Esedebe were her bridesmaids. The bridesmaids’ children, Lottie Esedebe (flowergirl), Archie Murphy and Charlie Quinn (pageboys), also enjoyed key roles. Brendan Doyle was the best man, with Christopher Collins and Josh Tannian as the groomsmen.

Stephanie Cotter and Ryan Ahern with their wedding party.

Their big day “was everything we hoped it would be and more”, says Stephanie. “We, the girls, had a lovely, relaxing pamper morning while the lads spent it cleaning the car in the rain and having Ryan’s barber, Andrea Raymond, on hand to style their hair.”

Stephanie Cotter and Ryan Ahern walking back down the aisle. Pictures: Laura and Benny Photography

The bride chose a Justin Alexander gown, which she sourced at Cinderella’s Closet, Cork, and Ryan’s suit was made to measure by Lukasz at Saville Mens-wear in the city.

The bridesmaids’ dresses were from Daimon Bridal, Cork, and the groomsmen’s attire was also from Saville. Lizzy Desmond was the make-up artist, while the hairstyling was by Hairbymare.

“The day was very calm. I had the best people around, so it was just a fun time getting ready,” says Stephanie.

Stephanie Cotter and Ryan Ahern outside the Church of Christ the King, Turner’s Cross

To Harp and to Hold provided the church music, and Sax Appeal performed at the drinks reception. “Both are so talented and we’re delighted we had them for our day,” adds Stephanie.

Wedding co-ordinator at Actons, Ian Eaton, ensured all went to plan at the reception. The Simon Casey Band kept the dance floor full throughout the evening, after the newlyweds had stepped out for their first dance to Luke Combs’ Forever After All. “The music throughout the day was fab and the hotel staff went above and beyond for our guests, thanks to Ian, our wedding coordinator,” says Stephanie.

Enchanted Flowers created the floral decor, and Trace of Cakes baked the wedding cake. “The flowers were absolutely perfect, even better than I imagined, and our cake looked and tasted superb,”adds Stephanie.