Wedding of the Week: Donal and Vincent say 'I do' in Killarney

“Then, Mark Jones DJd into the early hours. Our ceremony and drinks reception music was performed by the amazing Owen Rua of Tralee who blew everyone away with his talent.” 

Donal, from Ballinagree, Macroom, Co Cork, and Tralee native Vincent were married by Donal’s friend Deirdre Hennighan of West Cork Celebrants, with Vincent's niece Danielle Dennehy Hussey presiding over the vows.

“Donal lived with Deirdre in Cork city while he was in college and they have remained friends ever since and it was so special that Deirdre was able to do this,” says Vincent.

Five years earlier, Vincent had officiated at Danielle’s wedding in Greece so the couple were thrilled that Danielle was there to return the favour, adds Donal.

They first laid eyes on one another two and a half years ago, in April 2022. “Like many people, we initially met on [the dating website] Plenty of Fish,” says Donal. 

“We had our first date the following week at the Great Southern Hotel in Killarney. Our first date was on Good Friday — which we both now refer to as a great Friday. Vincent invited me to Tralee the following day for an 80s night and we haven't looked back since.” 

Vincent popped the question in November of the following year, on holiday in Gran Canaria. “We had gone there with Vincent's twin Gene and his wife Denise. One night Vincent did a bit of Karaoke, performing his go-to song ‘My Way’ by Frank Sinatra, and when the song finished, Vincent held onto the mic, walked down towards me and went down on one knee,” says Donal.

Back in Kerry, Gene and Vincent's sister Deirdre were best man and groomsmaid respectively at the nuptials 10 months later, on September 20, while Donal’s brother Martin was best man and his sister Patsy was groomsmaid. “Our big day was amazing; we had 290 family and friends celebrating with us,” says Vincent. “We met prior to the ceremony for a ‘first look’ watched on by the wedding party and we enjoyed a drink in Reidy's in Killarney before making our way to the hotel.” 

Vincent was walked up the aisle by his mother Breda, followed by Donal who was given away by both his mother Noreen and father Danjoe to the strains of Nella Fantasia, sung by Owen Rua. At the beginning of the ceremony, a candle was lit in memory of Vincent's dad Patrick.

Vincent's son Dylan was a witness along with Donal's sister Patsy, and Vincent's brother Padraig made the trip home from Australia with his niece Nelly and nephew Liam.

Photographer Dylan Clifford (dylancliffordphotography.com) was behind the camera and the newlyweds and their guests enjoyed a wedding cake by Heavenly Baked, Tralee, and Eleanor’s Florist, Tralee, created the décor.

The grooms were dapper in Bennetti suits. “Special thanks to Ger Hussey of Ryles Menswear, Tralee who dressed us both,” says Donal.

The Tralee-based couple honeymooned in South Africa and Dubai, after which they enjoyed a two-night minimoon in the Ice House Hotel & Spa in Ballina, Co Mayo.

Donal is a mental health nurse in Killarney and Vincent is a social care leader in Killarney.

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