Wedding of the Week: Instant 'yes' led to an unforgettable day of laughter and tears

Joanne O'Dwyer and Christopher Barry were married at The Lodge at Ballygarry Estate Hotel & Spa

Joanne O'Dwyer and Christopher Barry. Pictures: Black Diamond Photography

Sat, 05 Sep, 2026 - 01:00

Eve Kelliher

As she glanced out the window while getting ready on her wedding morning, Joanne O’Dwyer was thrilled with what she saw.

Joanne, from Doon, Co Limerick, who exchanged vows with and Christopher (Chris) Barry, from Limerick Junction, Co Tipperary, at The Lodge, at Ballygarry Estate Hotel & Spa, Tralee, Co Kerry, says: “While all attention was focused on me and my makeup prep inside the venue, outside my aunts, uncles and extended family — although you may think could be beyond it — were to be seen on the estate lawns, playing swing-ball, oversized Jenga and reliving their youth cycling around the grounds on the complimentary bicycles.”

It summed up the spirit of the occasion. “Our day was full of moments of laughter with happy tears — with many tears coming from the groomsmen!” adds Chris.

The newlyweds, who live in Lattin, Co Tipperary, were married by celebrant Catherine Lewis, a neighbour of the groom’s family. “Catherine made our ceremony personal to us, and was able to involve our guests and the younger wedding party,” says Joanne. “We had our wedding drinks reception at the ‘Pavilion’ at Ballygarry Hotel, and we were fortunate with the weather — our guests were able to enjoy the wedding celebrations outside, soaking up the sun.”

Joanne, a mental health nurse, and Chris, an agricultural mechanic, have been an item for a decade. “We met online and had our first date in June 2016,” says the bride.

Seven years later, they got engaged on holiday in the US. Chris got down on one knee to pop the question as they walked in The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. “It was an instant ‘yes’,” says Joanne.

The couple chose the Kerry venue because they wanted to have both their ceremony and reception onsite. “Our big day was unbelievable; we couldn’t have asked for better or more,” says Joanne. “We were supported and reassured by the staff of Ballygarry from the moment of our arrival.”

Joanne’s sister Pauline O’Dwyer was her maid of honour, and her friends Lisa McCarthy and Claragh Pye were her bridesmaids. Chris’s friends Sean Kiley, best man, and Cormac Flanagan and Daniel Bowes, groomsmen, were by his side. Also taking centre stage as flowergirls were Christopher’s daughter Ciara Loobey, his nieces Emma Long and Zoe Long, and Joanne’s niece Annie O’Dwyer, while Joanne’s nephew Paul O’Dwyer shared the spotlight in the role of pageboy.

Modified cars, including a vintage tractor and the groom’s prized Ford Transit van, were on display for the event. Joanne sourced her wedding gown at The Attic Bridal Boutique in Limerick, and the groom purchased his suit from Esquire Formal Menswear in Limerick city.

Makeup artist Lisa Ryan and hairstylist Audrey Cashman from Upstyle Junkie “made a wonderful glam team” for the bride and her attendants, adds Joanne.

Kaspars Sarovarcenko of Black Diamond Photography and content creator Chloe Walsh of Say I Do by Chloe captured the big day on camera, as did videographers Jackie Cahill and Lucas Machowski from LM Wedding Videography. Danielle O’Donoghue of Tie The Knot Weddings created the floral décor.

Joanne O'Dwyer. Pictures: Black Diamond Photography

Bryan Murphy conducted the music for the ceremony and reception, and No Strings Attached was the wedding band. “The band made sure the dance floor was never empty and kept all our guests involved.

“They even had our groomsman Cormac and bridesmaid Lisa out on the floor making their best attempt at the brush dance,” says Joanne.

The newlyweds have yet to decide on their honeymoon destination.