Music-loving Limerick couple Chloe Brennan and Michael Cussen were delighted to find a celebrant who sang from the same hymn sheet as themselves in every sense.
Chloe, who grew up in Monaleen, and Michael, from Father Russell Road, were wed recently in the Church of the Most Holy Rosary, Abbeyleix, Co Laois, by Fr Paddy Byrne and held their reception in Castle Durrow, Co Laois.
“Fr Paddy was an absolute gent! He was just wonderful — so much fun. When we asked him about church music, he said, ‘Whatever music you want’ — so we got to have a very eclectic range, including songs from The Cure, Oasis, The Cranberries, Smashing Pumpkins, The Beatles, and Taylor Swift. When I looked up at one stage during the Mass, I saw Fr Paddy singing along to Champagne Supernova,” says Chloe.
“We are also fortunate that our incredibly talented and kind singer and harpist Sinéad Walshe learned some songs for us.”
Rewind 10 years and Beyonce’s hits were the soundtrack as Chloe, a teacher, and Michael, who works for Limerick County Council, first spotted one another — at a New Year’s Eve ball on December 31, 2015, at the Dunraven Arms Hotel in Adare, Co Limerick. “We danced. [Afterwards] I was shy and ran away,” says Chloe.
But Michael asked around about Chloe. “I was in a musical that year with Limerick Musical Society, and we were part of the St Patrick’s Day parade in 2016. Straight after we went to Nancy’s [Nancy Blake’s Bar] in Limerick where Michael and I bumped into one another,” she says.
As Chloe was about to take up a teaching position in Dubai, a two-year long-distance romance ensued. Eight years later, and back in Ireland, Kilkenny’s five-star Mount Juliet resort was the backdrop to their engagement on January 7, 2024.
Both sets of parents, Trish Forde Brennan and Donal Brennan and Susan Cussen and Mick Cussen, were there to help them celebrate on their big day, along with Chloe’s grandfather Dan Forde.
“We were so appreciative of everybody being there, especially Susan, Michael’s mum, who passed away a few months after our wedding,” says Chloe.
“They showed us what love is, and we were able to honour them.
“Attending the wedding was my grandad’s first time leaving the house since Covid. He had the best time and stayed for the afters.”
The bride’s friends were by her side also, with Aisling Kelliher as her maid of honour and Clodagh Hayden, Elisse O’Donnell and Grace McDonnell as her bridesmaids.
The groom’s brother Shane Cussen was his best man, and his cousin Ed Cussen and friends John Reddington and Neil Connaughton were the groomsmen.
Chloe looked super-elegant in two bespoke gowns by Cleo Bridal. “Mary Flynn customised the two dresses,” she says.
“Designer Mary O’Sullivan did the veil, and my hair and makeup were by the amazing Catherine Hickey Hair and Make Up.”
The suits were from Anthony Ryan’s Galway, and capturing the occasion on film was Black Diamond Photography ( blackdiamondphotography.ie) and Ivory Films.
Bobby Mc & The Dukes performed during the drinks reception, and Soul Power Music was the wedding band, followed by DJ Jack Enright.
“Our first dance was to by Penny and the Quarters,” says Chloe. The newlyweds, who live in Monaleen, honeymooned in Las Vegas, California and Mexico.
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