Two venues, elegant simplicity and a contemporary city backdrop. Sara and Russell’s wedding during the Cork Jazz Weekend broke all the rules – and it was utterly fabulous!
Sara and Russell ditched the average hotel wedding in favor of an intimate celebration that was spectacularly unique and modern. After chatting about marriage frequently, the pair decided to book their special day for their 10th anniversary on the 23rd of October 2015.
Their shared love of Cork and a desire to stay local with family and friends led them to book a meal at favourite haunt the Castle Cafe in Blackrock and the plush penthouse suite at Clarion Hotel Cork for a fabulous after party set against the twinkling lights of the city. Their wedding is a lesson to us all – be yourself and do what will make you happy on your wedding day. “We didn’t so much walk down the aisle as shuffle down together, greeting and hugging all our family and friends as we passed!”
Choosing to avoid the traditional frills and flounces such as flowers and bridesmaids, we love how they kept things contemporary yet personal by introducing flecks of both their personalities through quirky little accessories.
Russell was kitted out in a royal blue suit with brown shoes and a bicycle tie – he’s a massive cycling fan! Sara looked a vision in an on-trend dipped hem two-piece with a pop of colour courtesy of her favourite pair of burgundy heels. Adding a touch of vintage charm to their special day, she opted for 40s style hair and make up by Cork’s Rosa Ospina. Bright red lipstick completed her beautiful bridal look.
Keeping things in the family, their nearest and dearest played special roles throughout the day. Their sisters acted as witnesses at the registry office and both mums baked a wedding cake each – a music and jazz-themed fruit cake and a delicious Mary Berry style walnut cake. Sara’s best friend Catriona even drove the pair to Fitzgerald’s Park for their fabulously colourful photo shot in the autumn rain with Andrew O’Dwyer. And on their return to the car, she had set up a bottle of champagne and strawberries for the happy couple. Now that’s what we call best friend material!
“Our photographer Andy O’Dwyer was really accommodating and came to our house while we got ready and took some shots of us there, before heading to the registry office, Fitzgerald’s Park and on to the Castle and Clarion. He was so patient and took on board that we wanted which was a really relaxed feel – he even joined us for a coffee after the first set of pictures! I’ve recommended him to several people and we think the set of pictures we got were perfect!”
“We go to the Castle Cafe, Market Lane, Orso and Elbow Lane group of restaurants frequently and knew the owners would take good care of us. We wanted to let our guests have the choice of a full a la carte menu and drinks.
The Clarion Hotel Cork was really helpful and gave us loads of choice in terms of finger food and drinks menus. The view from the penthouse was amazing and we were able to get some fantastic photos of the city backdrop. Also, there was a swinging chair hanging from the ceiling on the mezzanine floor, which everyone had to have a go in!”
Huge thanks to Sara and Russell for inspiring us with their stunning wedding and to their photographer Andrew O’Dwyer for sharing these breath-taking images. See more of his work at www.andrewodwyer.com
Wedding Supplier Credits:
- Photographer – Andrew O’Dwyer
- Venues – Castle Cafe, Blackrock and Clarion Hotel Cork
- Hair & Make Up – Rosa Ospina (Rosa Through The Looking Glass) – website & Facebook
