Wedding of the Week: From New York to West Cork via London for Erica and Jonny

“We enjoyed many happy years living in the Big Apple together before moving back to London,” says Erica, an events manager.

Of their engagement, Jonny, who works in finance, adds: “Given we were in Inchydoney at the time, Erica wasted no time in securing her dream wedding location and had a date secured within two days of getting engaged. Big shoutout to Emma in Inchydoney who was also amazing in all the planning and prep!”

The couple married in an outdoor ceremony by Damian Moloney.

“We wanted to be by the sea and always wished for an outdoor wedding,” says Erica. “Our dream came true and the weather meant we could say our vows on the Virgin Mary rock.”

Congratulating them were mother-of-the-groom Cathy Ford and the bride’s parents Rosaleen and Henry Paul.

Erica says: “Jonny’s dad sadly passed away a few years ago and he was very much missed on the day but Jonny’s uncle Robert Ford made a beautiful speech honouring his late brother and making it feel like he was with us. He had the whole crowd in tears, it was truly beautiful. Seeing all our family and friends in Inchydoney was so special.

“It will forever live in our minds as the most wonderful day filled with love, laughter and happiness.”

The couple’s pooch Pippa, in the role of ring bearer, didn’t hold back when showing her emotions either. “Pippa barked during the vows — making it very clear that she was saying ‘I do too!’” says Erica.

“Having our beautiful little dog with us made our day even more amazing than we ever imagined, we will treasure the photos with her forever, shoutout to her dog walker Christie White who came to Cork to mind our little girl.”

Erica’s friends Eimear O’Brien (maid of honour), Bríd O’Riordan and Heather O’Sullivan (bridesmaids) and Mikey McCarthy (bridesman) were also key to the event.

The groom’s friend Olly Johnston was the best man and his brother Andrew Ford joined forces with his brother-in-law Darren Paul and friends Rory Hume and Piers Beeton as groomsmen.

Erica looked elegant in a gown sourced in London by Australian label Made with Love and the groom and his attendants wore suits from Next.

The groom’s niece and nephew Arabella and Edward Ford were the flower girl and page boy respectively.

The bridal hairstyling was by Cathy Anne Kelleher and Maria Schartova was the makeup artist.

Dermot Sullivan ( dermotsullivan.com) captured the big day on camera, with Renee Hayes (Wild Vibes) as the videographer.

Flicky Howe ( Howe Hill Flowers) created the floral décor.

The newlyweds, who live in Wimbledon, honeymooned in Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

“We had the trip of a lifetime,” ays Erica. “It was the perfect ending to a dream month of celebrating.”

If you would like your wedding featured in Weekend, email. eve.kelliher@examiner.ie