Real Wedding: Getting Married Where They Got Engaged

What could be more romantic than celebrating your wedding at the same location where you originally said ‘Yes’! That’s exactly what John and Geraldine did! They chose their engagement location as the perfect spot for their wedding, and the festivities couldn’t have been more beautiful.

Couple: John and Geraldine
Engagement length: 18 months
Wedding date: 2022-07-08
Venue: Fota Island Resort
Photographer: David McNeill Photography

John and Geraldine got engaged at the beautiful Fota Island Resort, which is where they tied the knot!

“We got engaged in the oriental garden at Fota Island Resort. Inter-county travel had just resumed after the second covid lock-down and we booked a pre-Christmas trip to Cork. We went on a walk of the grounds before the sunset and it was a freezing cold, December evening. John got down on one knee in the little hut that’s at the end of the garden. It was a lovely surprise and such a nice time of year leading into the Christmas break.”

“We wanted to keep everything as neutral and simple as possible. Our wedding invites and mass booklets had a mauve theme but that was the only real pop of colour we used. The bridesmaids wore a pale olive green and all the flowers were ivory with greenery.”

“Our ceremony was a traditional Catholic wedding ceremony in St. Mary’s church, Kilmurry Co. Cork. Aoife O’ Neill was our wedding singer and really made the ceremony for us, she did an amazing job.”

We love that John and Geraldine tied the knot at the same place that they got engaged!

“Our reception was held in Fota Island Resort. As we got engaged there, we knew we wanted to have the reception there and to get our photos on the grounds. Ali Mooney was our wedding planner and she was fantastic. We really didn’t know where to start with it all and she guided us each step of the way. Everyone we dealt with was so helpful and nothing was ever an issue. Fota have an outstanding concierge – John Coleman. John made sure that everything flowed on the day and was always on hand to help out or to advise.”

Their wedding was beautifully captured by David McNeill (photography) and Gerry Moore (videography).

“David and Gerry were fantastic to deal with in the lead up – everything was seamless. They really led the day, making sure everything ran on time, everything was captured, everyone was relaxed, all the while blending into the background. We absolutely love our photos and the short trailer of our main video sums up the day beautifully. We would highly recommend David and Gerry both, 10/10.”

“We had the Bentley Boys for entertainment – they were fantastic and everyone danced the night away.”

Their favourite memory of their Big Day was walking out of the church right after the ceremony, as a married couple!

“We were hand in hand and the sun was shining. It was an amazing feeling and we couldn’t stop smiling.”

Newlyweds give brilliant advice, this is what John and Geraldine had to say:

“Although it is easier said than done – don’t sweat the small stuff, it will all fall into place on the day. Make sure to factor in some time to be alone together and just take a breath.”