CORK couple Emma Barry Murphy and Cian Griffin celebrated their wedding with a reception at Ballyseede Castle Hotel in Co. Kerry, having exchanged vows to become husband and wife.
Emma, originally from Wellington Road, and Cian, from Carrigrohane, were officially married by celebrant Jessica Bradley within the castle’s belfry. Emma shared, “Jessica truly made the entire ceremony enjoyable, filling it with plenty of laughter.”
Both sets of parents, Olive and Kieran Barry Murphy, and Josephine and Stephen Griffin, proudly attended, along with Emma’s grandparents, Pat and Sean Barry Murphy, and Cian’s grandmother, Betty Hawkins. “We feel incredibly fortunate to have had our grandparents present,” mentioned the bride.
Emma’s sister, Lauren Barry Murphy, made the journey from Melbourne to stand as her maid of honour, while her friends Cliodhna Kelly, Kate English, and Robyn King served as bridesmaids.
Cian’s long-time friend Emmett Doyle took on the role of best man, joined by Cian’s brother Ronan Griffin and friends Peter Martin and Olan Dennehy as groomsmen.
Emma and Cian’s love story began through mutual friends in December 2021. “Our first date was at Sin E bar,” Emma reminisced. “Cian proposed on Barleycove Beach in West Cork amidst heavy rain on August 4, 2023.”
The couple chose a fairy-tale castle wedding for its inherent magic, as well as logistical advantages for event planning, explains the bride. “Once we visited Ballyseede, we knew instantly it was the perfect venue. It was not only stunning but also clear that the staff were experts in wedding planning. We selected a civil ceremony not because we oppose the church, but because it better reflects our personalities.”
“Every memory we have from that day brings a smile to our faces. It truly was our dream wedding! I can’t praise the staff enough, they were amazing from the moment we arrived until we left. And of course, the dogs of Ballyseede played a significant role in the weekend, especially Dolan, their youngest Irish wolfhound, who spent a considerable amount of time in my bridal suite.”
Emma looked stunning in a Chosen by Kyha gown from The Suite, Rathmines. The groom and groomsmen wore suits from Redchurch in Cork City. “Emma Fitzgibbon from Hygge Hair in Douglas styled my hair, and Annette O’Brien did my makeup; both were incredible,” Emma added.
Shane O’Sullivan of SOSAC Photography (Sosacphotography.com) captured the day, along with videographer Maurice O’Carroll. “Shane and Maurice added to the fun and relaxed atmosphere,” Emma said.
Tie the Knot provided the beautiful décor, and music held a priority for the couple. “Lorna Moore performed our ceremony music beautifully,” Emma added. “The wedding band, Black Tye, provided our reception music and DJ services. Our first dance was to Kylie Minogue’s ‘Love at First Sight’.”
The groom serenaded the guests later in the day. “Cian is known for his rendition of ‘You’re so Vain’ by Carly Simon at wedding ‘day twos,’ so when he performed it at the end of the speeches, it really energized the crowd!” Emma explained.
The newlyweds, who live in Ballincollig, spent their honeymoon in Mallorca.
Emma holds the full-time position of digital marketing manager for a blockchain company. Cian is an innovation analyst at Pepsi. The bride is also an instructor. “I teach barre both on-site and online, through my side hustle, Barre by Emma,” she mentioned.
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