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Wedding of the Week: 'When we met, I had a black eye and his ear was stitched together'

Wedding of the Week: 'When we met, I had a black eye and his ear was stitched together'

Irish Examiner05-07-2025
Photogenic Limerick couple Kristine Reidy and Keith Lacey were the ultimate chic traffic-stoppers on their big day.
Kristine, from Kilmeedy, and Keith, from Dromcollogher, were married at St Mary's Church, Feohanagh, Co Limerick.
Kristine Reidy and Keith Lacey. Pictures: Black Diamond Photography
En route to their reception at Fitzgeralds Woodlands House Hotel & Spa, Adare, they posed at a busy roundabout for Kaspars Sarovarcenko (Blackdiamondphotography.ie).
'The plan was to have photos taken in St Nicholas's Church in Adare, but when we arrived, there was another wedding there, so we ended up taking them at the nearby roundabout,' says the bride.
Kristine Reidy and Keith Lacey. Pictures: Black Diamond Photography
'Kaspars did an incredible job; passing cars were beeping at every picture taken — and it was all great fun.'
The pair had also sported head-turning looks on their initial encounter 16 years before, on Keith's local GAA pitch.
Kristine Reidy and Keith Lacey. Pictures: Black Diamond Photography
'When we first met, I had a black eye from a football game and he had just got his ear stitched together from a hurling match!' says Kristine, a secondary school teacher.
Keith, a social care worker, proposed on Ballycotton Cliff Walk, Cork, on January 21, 2023.
'I didn't want to go on the walk that day — I had new runners on, I didn't want to dirty them, and the weather wasn't great. Keith was behind me, and when I turned around, he was down on one knee,' says Kristine.
Kristine Reidy. Pictures: Black Diamond Photography
The bride exchanged her Feohanagh-Castlemahon and Limerick GAA colours for a Mozart gown by Suzanne Neville, sourced in Kadee Bride in Athlone, and the groom was dapper in a suit purchased at Red Church, Cork City.
The bridal hairstyling was by Anne Marie Fitzgerald, Tie The Knot, with Lauren Sexton as makeup artist.
Kristine Reidy and Keith Lacey and Loretta Hanley. Pictures: Black Diamond Photography
Krisine's lifelong friend Loretta Hanley was maid of honour, and her college pals Laura O'Neill and Sara McQuinn were bridesmaids.
Keith's brothers Alan Lacey and Damien Lacey were his best man and groomsman, respectively, and his friend Liam Murray was groomsman. Kristine's cousins Ellie and Grainne Collins presented guests with the Mass booklets.
Kristine Reidy and Keith Lacey. Pictures: Black Diamond Photography
Claire Heffernan provided the church music, and the couple's friend Cathal Murphy performed Bradley Marshall's 'Perfect For Me' during the Mass.
'Cathal sang incredibly, got the biggest round of applause you could imagine, and his moving performance reduced many guests to tears,' says Kristine.
Kristine Reidy and Keith Lacey. Pictures: Black Diamond Photography
The newlyweds travelled in style in a 1960 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II, supplied by Bentley Wedding. 'Keith had organised for pick-and-mix sweets from our sweet cart to be in the car for after the ceremony. We had those with a bottle of prosecco.'
Meanwhile, Kristine treated the nine brides-to-be among their guests with personalised special goodie bags at the reception.
Kristine Reidy and Keith Lacey. Pictures: Black Diamond Photography
All table numbers were in the day's gold and navy colour theme. "They were written in French (because I'm a French teacher) and supplied by Katelyn @Prettyglamcreations,' says the bride.
Enchanted Flowers, Macroom, created the décor and content creator Ellie-May of @Thecontentclub captured special moments also on camera.
As guests had entered the church, Clickrings.ie snapped their photo for a keyring which was featured in keepsakes left on each table.
Kristine Reidy and Keith Lacey. Pictures: Black Diamond Photography
Entertainment for the drinks reception was by Sax Appeal and wedding band The Pearls, and DJ Paudie Walsh kept the dance floor full.
The newlyweds' first dance was to Justin Bieber's Anyone.
Kristine and Keith enjoyed a mini-moon in Monart. 'We are building our forever home (on my land in Kilmeedy) so no big honeymoon plans yet,' says Kristine.
'Maybe we'll plan something for 2026."
If you would like your wedding featured in
Weekend email eve.kelliher@examiner.ie
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Wedding of the Week: Limerick couple Chloe and Michael's big day was special for the whole family
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