Wedding of the Week: Limerick couple Chloe and Michael's big day was special for the whole family
Chloe, who grew up in Monaleen, and Michael, from Father Russell Road, were wed recently in the Church of the Most Holy Rosary, Abbeyleix, Co Laois, by Fr Paddy Byrne and held their reception in Castle Durrow, Co Laois.
Fr Paddy Byrne with Chloe Brennan and Michael Cussen and their wedding party.
'Fr Paddy was an absolute gent! He was just wonderful — so much fun. When we asked him about church music, he said, 'Whatever music you want' — so we got to have a very eclectic range, including songs from The Cure, Oasis, The Cranberries, Smashing Pumpkins, The Beatles, and Taylor Swift. When I looked up at one stage during the Mass, I saw Fr Paddy singing along to Champagne Supernova,' says Chloe.
'We are also fortunate that our incredibly talented and kind singer and harpist Sinéad Walshe learned some songs for us.'
Chloe Brennan and Michael Cussen. Pictures: Black Diamond Photography
Rewind 10 years and Beyonce's hits were the soundtrack as Chloe, a teacher, and Michael, who works for Limerick County Council, first spotted one another — at a New Year's Eve ball on December 31, 2015, at the Dunraven Arms Hotel in Adare, Co Limerick. 'We danced. [Afterwards] I was shy and ran away,' says Chloe.
Chloe Brennan and Michael Cussen. Pictures: Black Diamond Photography
But Michael asked around about Chloe. 'I was in a musical that year with Limerick Musical Society, and we were part of the St Patrick's Day parade in 2016. Straight after we went to Nancy's [Nancy Blake's Bar] in Limerick where Michael and I bumped into one another," she says.
As Chloe was about to take up a teaching position in Dubai, a two-year long-distance romance ensued. Eight years later, and back in Ireland, Kilkenny's five-star Mount Juliet resort was the backdrop to their engagement on January 7, 2024.
The bride's parents Trish Forde Brennan and Donal Brennan.
Both sets of parents, Trish Forde Brennan and Donal Brennan and Susan Cussen and Mick Cussen, were there to help them celebrate on their big day, along with Chloe's grandfather Dan Forde.
'We were so appreciative of everybody being there, especially Susan, Michael's mum, who passed away a few months after our wedding,' says Chloe.
The groom's parents, Susan Cussen and Mick Cussen.
'They showed us what love is, and we were able to honour them.
Susan loved weddings and was always the life and soul of every party. It meant so much to Michael and me that she was able to be there.
'Attending the wedding was my grandad's first time leaving the house since Covid. He had the best time and stayed for the afters.'
The bride's friends were by her side also, with Aisling Kelliher as her maid of honour and Clodagh Hayden, Elisse O'Donnell and Grace McDonnell as her bridesmaids.
The groom's brother Shane Cussen was his best man, and his cousin Ed Cussen and friends John Reddington and Neil Connaughton were the groomsmen.
Bride Chloe Brennan. Pictures: Black Diamond Photography
Chloe looked super-elegant in two bespoke gowns by Cleo Bridal. 'Mary Flynn customised the two dresses,' she says.
'Designer Mary O'Sullivan did the veil, and my hair and makeup were by the amazing Catherine Hickey Hair and Make Up.'
Fr Paddy Byrne with Chloe Brennan and her bridal party.
The suits were from Anthony Ryan's Galway, and capturing the occasion on film was Black Diamond Photography ( blackdiamondphotography.ie) and Ivory Films.
Bobby Mc & The Dukes performed during the drinks reception, and Soul Power Music was the wedding band, followed by DJ Jack Enright.
Chloe Brennan and Michael Cussen. Pictures: Black Diamond Photography
'Our first dance was to You and Me by Penny and the Quarters,' says Chloe. The newlyweds, who live in Monaleen, honeymooned in Las Vegas, California and Mexico.
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The Irish Sun
15 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
I risked prison to marry my cousin, the sex was sensational and we had a baby – but then my world fell apart
A PREGNANCY announcement is usually met with messages of love and support but Angie Peng faced only vile hate instead. 4 Michael and Angie Peng married and had a baby together despite being first cousins Credit: supplied So bitter was the vitriol that Angie, now 44, was forced to turn comments off altogether. But it wasn't the The couple faced hostility from the moment they announced their relationship from both strangers and their own family. Angie says: 'We posted a video of us kissing on the family Facebook page. 'One family member commented, 'I'll never be OK with this, you share the same blood.' 'Another said we were bringing dishonour on the family. That hurt but ultimately we were just two adults in love. What's so wrong with that?' Growing up, Angie had always felt drawn to Michael. She says: 'He was 10 months younger than me, but we only saw each other every few years because my dad's job took us overseas. 'When we were both seven, I saw him at a family party and we both felt an immediate connection. 'We made little rings out of pipe cleaners, which now seems quite symbolic. I visited 'world's most incestuous town' to track down infamous family - I was reported to POLICE and chased out of town 'Later, we climbed into a wardrobe, shut the door and shared a kiss. "His little brother opened the door, saw us and ran off shouting that he knew what we did, it made me wonder if we had done something wrong. 'Later that day, Michael told my mum he was going to marry me, she told him that we could only be good friends.' But the pair's bond grew. Angie, an artist, says: 'By the time I was 10, I had short hair, and Michael and I looked so alike, it was like looking at myself. 'Our personalities aligned too; we were both playful and mischievous. 'We'd sneak off, holding hands, desperate to be alone together. 'The other cousins would follow us though and report back to the adults. Eventually, my mum told me not to act so 'extra' with Michael.' 4 The couple, seen as children, were attracted to one another from a young age Credit: supplied 4 They were forced to travel across the country to marry as they faced five years in prison if they married in Utah Credit: supplied The cousins, who are from a large Mormon family, refused to let anyone come between them. Then, just before Angie left for university aged 17, they both stayed the night at their mutual grandmother's house. Angie says: "Michael snuck into my bedroom but nothing intimate happened, we just lay there talking for hours." Two years later, Angie married someone else and went on to have three children. Michael married too, and out of respect for each other's relationships, the cousins kept their distance from each other. But after nine years, Angie got divorced. She began working as a stripper in an unconventional attempt to boost her body image, and had been a single mum for 10 years when, in 2018, Michael's photo popped up on Facebook. Angie says: 'It turned out we were both living in Utah and his marriage had ended too. 'We started talking online and I started having dreams about him. My oldest said the relationship wasn't acceptable Angie Pen 'When I told him, he said he'd dreamt about me too saying sometimes it was innocent and sometimes sexual. 'One day I asked if he'd marry me and he said, 'In a heartbeat'.' They met up soon after at a family gathering and, the following month, in January 2019, shared their first adult kiss. Angie says: 'I didn't have my kids that day, so we got together at my house. 'Michael was shaking with nerves and I was sweating. 'We ended up kissing passionately for three hours. 'A few weeks later, we made love for the first time. It was sensational – both physically and spiritually.' Not wanting to waste time, they went online and were horrified to discover that marriage between first cousins in their home state of Utah risked up to five years in prison – but it was legal in nearby Colorado. Angie says: 'It was crazy, it should be legal everywhere. Love is love.' They decided to do it, but first they had to break news of their relationship to their parents. Angie insists that despite the initial shock, they all took it well – but Angie's three children, then aged 17, 15 and 11, didn't. Angie says: 'My middle child started crying. 'My oldest said the relationship wasn't acceptable. 'I realised we were hurting people but I was so full of gusto and enthusiasm, I didn't want to give Michael up. He made me happy.' Then came their Facebook announcement with the kissing video, which outraged their wider relatives. But not wanting it to deter them, just two months later, in March 2020, the couple went to Colorado for a civil wedding – one of just 18 states allowing unrestricted marriage between first cousins. Angie's children came round in the end. Can I marry my cousin in the UK? ACROSS the globe, more than 10 percent of marriages are between first or second cousins. In the UK, there's no legal bar to two cousins having a relationship. That means that if end up falling for the children of your aunts and uncles, there's nothing stopping you from eventually tying the knot. If you're over the age of 18, you can do this without the consent of your legal guardian or parent. First-cousin marriages were once quite common in Europe, especially among the elite. She says: 'There were no guests, no flowers. 'Michael had cold feet the night before; he was sensitive and was freaking out but he loved me so he did it anyway. 'When we uploaded the wedding video to Facebook, someone said that it wasn't the place to post that, but other family said congratulations.' The couple later started an online petition calling for marriage between cousins to be made legal. It was met with more backlash, but Angie felt it was important to have their voices heard. A few months later, Angie fell pregnant but sadly miscarried at 10 weeks. She says: 'It felt cruel, like a moment for the haters to say, 'See? That's what you get.'' Genetic testing later revealed that while Angie was a carrier of cystic fibrosis, Michael wasn't, confirming there were no genetic risks to pregnancy. Soon after, Angie discovered she was carrying again, and in May 2020, their son Eric was born. I realised we were hurting people but I was so full of gusto and enthusiasm, I didn't want to give Michael up Angie Pen Angie says: 'He was perfect. We were smitten.' But just 14 months later, in July 2021, and after a long-term battle with drug addiction, Michael tragically died of an overdose, leaving Angie heartbroken. She is now trying to build a life without her soulmate. She says: 'I'll always tell Eric, who is now five, about his dad. 'Just last month, for the first time, Eric suddenly said to me, 'Daddy is your cousin', so I took out a Beatrix Potter book in which Benjamin Bunny marries his cousin. 'I'd bought it when I was pregnant, ready for the day Eric would start asking questions as I always wanted to be honest with him. 'We read the book together and he was fine. If he has more questions, of course I'll answer them.' Angie is now admin of a Facebook group for cousins in relationships and is continuing to petition to change the law. She adds: 'Love is love and should be celebrated. 'I loved Michael deeply and am grateful for the time we had together. 'People try to make out that our relationship was wrong and dirty, but it was pure and wonderful. I have no regrets.' 4 Michael died in July 2021 but Angie is determined to keep his memory alive for their son Eric Credit: supplied
Irish Examiner
a day ago
- Irish Examiner
Wedding of the Week: Limerick couple Chloe and Michael's big day was special for the whole family
Music-loving Limerick couple Chloe Brennan and Michael Cussen were delighted to find a celebrant who sang from the same hymn sheet as themselves in every sense. Chloe, who grew up in Monaleen, and Michael, from Father Russell Road, were wed recently in the Church of the Most Holy Rosary, Abbeyleix, Co Laois, by Fr Paddy Byrne and held their reception in Castle Durrow, Co Laois. Fr Paddy Byrne with Chloe Brennan and Michael Cussen and their wedding party. 'Fr Paddy was an absolute gent! He was just wonderful — so much fun. When we asked him about church music, he said, 'Whatever music you want' — so we got to have a very eclectic range, including songs from The Cure, Oasis, The Cranberries, Smashing Pumpkins, The Beatles, and Taylor Swift. When I looked up at one stage during the Mass, I saw Fr Paddy singing along to Champagne Supernova,' says Chloe. 'We are also fortunate that our incredibly talented and kind singer and harpist Sinéad Walshe learned some songs for us.' Chloe Brennan and Michael Cussen. Pictures: Black Diamond Photography Rewind 10 years and Beyonce's hits were the soundtrack as Chloe, a teacher, and Michael, who works for Limerick County Council, first spotted one another — at a New Year's Eve ball on December 31, 2015, at the Dunraven Arms Hotel in Adare, Co Limerick. 'We danced. [Afterwards] I was shy and ran away,' says Chloe. Chloe Brennan and Michael Cussen. Pictures: Black Diamond Photography But Michael asked around about Chloe. 'I was in a musical that year with Limerick Musical Society, and we were part of the St Patrick's Day parade in 2016. Straight after we went to Nancy's [Nancy Blake's Bar] in Limerick where Michael and I bumped into one another," she says. As Chloe was about to take up a teaching position in Dubai, a two-year long-distance romance ensued. Eight years later, and back in Ireland, Kilkenny's five-star Mount Juliet resort was the backdrop to their engagement on January 7, 2024. The bride's parents Trish Forde Brennan and Donal Brennan. Both sets of parents, Trish Forde Brennan and Donal Brennan and Susan Cussen and Mick Cussen, were there to help them celebrate on their big day, along with Chloe's grandfather Dan Forde. 'We were so appreciative of everybody being there, especially Susan, Michael's mum, who passed away a few months after our wedding,' says Chloe. The groom's parents, Susan Cussen and Mick Cussen. 'They showed us what love is, and we were able to honour them. Susan loved weddings and was always the life and soul of every party. It meant so much to Michael and me that she was able to be there. 'Attending the wedding was my grandad's first time leaving the house since Covid. He had the best time and stayed for the afters.' The bride's friends were by her side also, with Aisling Kelliher as her maid of honour and Clodagh Hayden, Elisse O'Donnell and Grace McDonnell as her bridesmaids. The groom's brother Shane Cussen was his best man, and his cousin Ed Cussen and friends John Reddington and Neil Connaughton were the groomsmen. Bride Chloe Brennan. Pictures: Black Diamond Photography Chloe looked super-elegant in two bespoke gowns by Cleo Bridal. 'Mary Flynn customised the two dresses,' she says. 'Designer Mary O'Sullivan did the veil, and my hair and makeup were by the amazing Catherine Hickey Hair and Make Up.' Fr Paddy Byrne with Chloe Brennan and her bridal party. The suits were from Anthony Ryan's Galway, and capturing the occasion on film was Black Diamond Photography ( and Ivory Films. Bobby Mc & The Dukes performed during the drinks reception, and Soul Power Music was the wedding band, followed by DJ Jack Enright. Chloe Brennan and Michael Cussen. Pictures: Black Diamond Photography 'Our first dance was to You and Me by Penny and the Quarters,' says Chloe. The newlyweds, who live in Monaleen, honeymooned in Las Vegas, California and Mexico. If you would like your wedding featured in Weekend email
Irish Examiner
a day ago
- Irish Examiner
My Travels with Melissa Hamilton: 'Sunsets in Hawaii were the most incredible thing I've ever witnessed'
Melissa Hamilton is one of Ireland's most globally celebrated ballerinas. A principal with the Royal Ballet in London, she's getting ready to bring a very special show to the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre this September. A dancer who has performed all over the world, she's also co-founded Hamilton Christie Productions alongside her husband, Michael. From Tokyo to Santorini, the Belfast native and self-confessed 'dreamer' shares the travel moments and memories she'll never forget. Favourite childhood holiday memory We usually had one summer holiday a year when we were kids growing up. One of my most poignant memories is from our visit to Orlando, specifically Walt Disney World in Florida. I was an absolute Disney fanatic. I still love the fantastical and magical essence that Disney brings; that idea of following dreams and dreams being possible. It's at the core of what Disney is. That was definitely one of my favourite memories as a kid. Singapore. Most memorable trip One of the most memorable, meaningful and big journeys was to Singapore. It was the first production of Hamilton Christie Productions at the Esplanade Theatre in March 2024. To travel there with Michael and our company, to present our first show in such an amazing venue, that stands out for so many reasons. I had visited Singapore once before and really fell in love with the culture and the people. But this time, with everything it meant and represented for our work, it was something else. Hawaii. Most surprising destination I always say the sunsets in Hawaii were the most incredible and magical things I've ever witnessed. It was like watching a performance in the sky. The transformation of colour; it was like paintings being created in real time. I'd never seen anything like it. The sheer beauty of nature can truly surprise and take your breath away. Favourite city in the world Hands down, Tokyo. Without question. I love how different it is. I feel like an absolute alien whenever I go to Tokyo, but in a good way. The food, the culture, the people — the love and respect they have for ballet is incredible. I always have a great time there. I first visited in 2008 with the Royal Ballet Company and have been lucky to return several times during my career. There's a big ballet following there. I spent my 30th birthday in Tokyo performing in the World Ballet Festival. That was quite the birthday! Most memorable food experience There's a restaurant in London called Hakkasan (above) , which is modern Cantonese. We've had so many special moments marked there. It's where Michael and I celebrated my promotion to principal with the Royal Ballet Company. We've always been in awe of what they do. The standard of food is incredibly high and consistent. It's one of those places that just never disappoints. It's become our go-to for any milestone or celebration. Melissa Hamilton and husband at the Grace in Santorini Favourite hotel The Grace Hotel in Santorini. The views over the sea and the caldera, the contrast with the whitewashed walls of the hotel and the island — it was absolutely breath-taking. It was peaceful, but humbling at the same time. Michael and I just lay there, looking out over the water. From that view, the calmness was unforgettable. Favourite thing to do while travelling I always say I love travel because it allows me to recalibrate. It gives me a moment to switch off and reconnect to myself. I actually get upset now that there's wifi on planes! I used to love being forced to shut down and disconnect from the fast-paced rhythm of my life. Travel gives me that pause. I also love the energy you get from being somewhere new. It's like a system reset. A reboot. That's what it gives me. Dubai. My bucket list trip I've had opportunities to perform in Dubai before because there's a growing ballet audience in Dubai, but I've not made it yet. My husband is very passionate about interior design and architecture; he's a co-founder and director of 1.61 London, so his interest in the city's design has definitely piqued my interest in it as well. And just the sheer scale and level of luxury… I'd love to witness that. It feels like it would be a completely different experience from anywhere else. Melissa Hamilton will bring her spectacular show, Melissa Hamilton's Ballet Stars Gala, to Dublin in 2025. This star-studded ballet show, created exclusively for Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, will run from September 17-18. Tickets from €36.50 are on sale now through Ticketmaster.
