Wedding of the Week: Cork couple Emma and Cian's dream big day in Kerry castle
Emma, from Wellington Road, and Cian, from Carrigrohane, were married by celebrant Jessica Bradley in the castle belfry. 'Jessica made the entire ceremony so enjoyable — there was plenty of laughing going on,' says Emma.
Emma Barry Murphy and Cian Griffin. Pictures: SOSAC Photography
Both sets of parents, Olive and Kieran Barry Murphy and Josephine and Stephen Griffin, were joined by Emma's grandparents, Pat and Sean Barry Murphy, and Cian's grandmother, Betty Hawkins. 'We're beyond lucky to have had our grandparents in attendance,' says the bride.
Emma's sister Lauren Barry Murphy jetted home from Melbourne to be her maid of honour and her friends Cliodhna Kelly, Kate English and Robyn King were the bridesmaids.
Emma Barry Murphy and Cian Griffin. Pictures: SOSAC Photography
Cian's friend Emmett Doyle was his best man with his brother Ronan Griffin joining forces with his friends Peter Martin and Olan Dennehy as groomsmen.
Emma and Cian met through mutual friends in December 2021. 'We had our first date in the Sin E bar,' she says. 'We got engaged on Barleycove Beach, West Cork, in the torrential rain on August 4, 2023.'
Led by one of the castle wolfhounds, Emma Barry Murphy and her dad Kieran Barry Murphy and bridal party Lauren Barry Murphy, Cliodhna Kelly, Kate English, and Robyn King walk to the belfry aisle. Pictures: SOSAC Photography
They chose a castle wedding because of the fairytale factor and also from a 'logistic and organisation' perspective, says the bride: 'Once we viewed Ballyseede, we instantly knew it was the place. Not only was it just magical and stunning, but it was clear the team there were total professionals at running a wedding. We wanted a civil ceremony, not because we're against the church, but because it would be more 'us'.
Emma Barry Murphy with her sister and maid of honour Lauren Barry Murphy who travelled from Melbourne for the occasion. Pictures: SOSAC Photography
'Every time we think about the occasion we just smile from ear to ear. It was our dream wedding. I can't say enough about the staff! They were amazing from the minute we landed there to the minute we left. And of course, the dogs of Ballyseede were a huge part of the weekend, especially Dolan, their youngest Irish wolfhound, who was often to be found in my bridal suite.'
The wolfhounds at Ballyseede Castle added to the occasion for Emma Barry Murphy and Cian Griffin. Pictures: SOSAC Photography
The bride looked super-elegant in a Chosen by Kyha gown from The Suite, Rathmines, and the dapper groom and groomsmen's suits were from Redchurch in Cork City. 'My hair was done by Emma Fitzgibbon, owner of Hygge Hair in Douglas, and my makeup was done by Annette O'Brien — they were both so fabulous!' says Emma.
Emma Barry Murphy with her bridal party Lauren Barry Murphy, Cliodhna Kelly, Kate English, and Robyn King. Pictures: SOSAC Photography
Behind the camera were Shane O'Sullivan, SOSAC Photography (Sosacphotography.com) and videographer Maurice O'Carroll. 'Shane and Maurice really contributed to the fun and relaxed vibes,' says Emma.
Tie the Knot created the impressive décor and music was also important to the couple. 'The amazing Lorna Moore performed our ceremony music and I was blown away,' adds Emma. 'The wedding band, which also provided our reception music and DJ, was the wonderful Black Tye. Our first dance song was Kylie Minogue's 'Love at First Sight'.'
Emma Barry Murphy with her dad Kieran Barry Murphy. Pictures: SOSAC Photography
This was some time after the groom had serenaded the guests. 'It might sound kind of niche but one of Cian's party pieces at other wedding 'day twos' is to perform 'You're so Vain' by Carly Simon and so when he stood up and performed it for us at the end of the speeches and it really got the crowd going!' says Emma.
The newlyweds, who live in Ballincollig, honeymooned in Mallorca.
Emma Barry Murphy and Cian Griffin. Pictures: SOSAC Photography
Emma is a fulltime digital marketing manager for a blockchain company, and Cian is an innovation analyst at Pepsi. The bride is also a well-known barre instructor. 'I teach barre on the side (in-person and online) after creating my side hustle, Barre by Emma,' she says.
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