Wedding of the Week: Cork-based couple meet at work, get engaged in Crete and marry in Kilkenny
THEIR paths crossed in the workplace but civil engineer Aileen Prendergast and project manager Niall Mulcahy swapped Cork for sun-soaked Crete for their engagement.
The newlyweds, who are based in Douglas, met just over four years ago and were married recently in Langtons Hotel, John Street, Kilkenny, hosting their reception in the same venue.
Aileen Prendergast and Niall Mulcahy. Pictures: Laura and Benny Photography
Aileen Prendergast and Niall Mulcahy. Pictures: Laura and Benny Photography
“Niall and I got engaged while away on holiday in June 2022. Niall popped the question a quiet stretch of beach, under a full moon and a sky filled with stars at midnight. Here’s the funny bit: Niall kept the ring in his pocket all week looking for the right spot to propose — right until the last night!” says the bride, who is originally from Doonbeg, Co Clare.
Aileen Prendergast and Niall Mulcahy. Pictures: Laura and Benny Photography
Aileen Prendergast and Niall Mulcahy. Pictures: Laura and Benny Photography
Aileen and Niall, from Mallow, Co Cork, exchanged vows in the ballroom at Langtons in a ceremony led by Carrigaline-based Jacquie Lee, The Serene Celebrant.
“Jacqui listens to your story and presents it to your audience with empathy, warmth and authenticity,” says Aileen.
“The wedding team at Langtons ensure everything runs like clockwork on the day. There is a reason they get the amazing awards consistently year on year for the effort they put into providing exceptional service.”
Photographers Laura and Benny Photography (lauraandbennyphotography.com) were behind the lens, as were videographers Oleg and Ernest (Weddimony Films).
Aileen Prendergast and Niall Mulcahy with Una O’Grady, Niamh Gallagher, Niamh Nash Teehan, David Mulcahy, Kieran O’Sullivan and Brendan Canty. Pictures: Laura and Benny Photography
Aileen Prendergast and Niall Mulcahy with Una O’Grady, Niamh Gallagher, Niamh Nash Teehan, David Mulcahy, Kieran O’Sullivan and Brendan Canty. Pictures: Laura and Benny Photography
The couple planned a “stress-free” event with “no driving, no hassle”, adds Niall.
“We also limited what others had to do so that there was no stress on anyone. As an example, we walked into the ceremony together, completed some photos together before the ceremony and had a ‘first look’ [photoshoot] in advance,” he says.
“This reduced what our parents needed to do and cut back on the time for photographs afterwards so that we could enjoy a longer drinks reception.
“Laura and Benny were amazing on the day. Our ‘first look’ and couple photoshoot, before the ceremony, was so enjoyable and is one of Aileen’s favourite parts of the day looking back on it.”
Aileen Prendergast and Niall Mulcahy with Una O’Grady, Niamh Gallagher, Niamh Nash Teehan, David Mulcahy, Kieran O’Sullivan and Brendan Canty. Pictures: Laura and Benny Photography
Aileen Prendergast and Niall Mulcahy with Una O’Grady, Niamh Gallagher, Niamh Nash Teehan, David Mulcahy, Kieran O’Sullivan and Brendan Canty. Pictures: Laura and Benny Photography
The newlyweds’ parents, Maeve and Tony Prendergast and Ber and Kevin Mulcahy, also helped them organise an occasion to remember, as did their wedding party.
Aileen chose her friends Una O’Grady, Niamh Gallagher and Niamh Nash to be her bridesmaids while Niall’s brother David Mulcahy was by his side as his best man and his friends Kieran O’Sullivan and Brendan Canty were the groomsmen.
Aileen adds: “We didn’t spend money on any extras like sweet carts or extra entertainment but we did spend a little bit more to get the best professionals we could on the day for the main parts.” Aileen looked super-stylish in a dress by Sharon Gregory Design Studio, Mallow.
Lisa Coffey was her makeup artist, with Linda Morris creating the bridal upstyling.
Aileen Prendergast and Niall Mulcahy. Pictures: Laura and Benny Photography
Aileen Prendergast and Niall Mulcahy. Pictures: Laura and Benny Photography
Tom Murphy Suite Hire, Cork, ensured the groom was dapper and award-winning Kilkenny family business Flowers by Lucy created the floral décor.
Honeyvoom Duo provided the music for the ceremony and wedding band The Harleys ensured the dance floor was full later that evening.
The newlyweds honeymooned in Morocco and plan a longer trip later this year.
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