Wedding of the Week: Infant of Prague 'pulled it out of the bag' for Cork couple

Irish Examiner

21-06-2025

One household member overnighted under the stars before Alisha Heffernan and Brian Cahill were wed.
The sacred statue turned out to be a class act for the Cork teachers. 'The Infant of Prague pulled it out of the bag. The weather was absolutely stunning,' says Alisha, from Ballyphehane.
Alisha Heffernan and Brian Cahill. Pictures: Ray Terry Photography
As she and Brian, from Frankfield, Douglas, emerged from the Church of Christ The King as newlyweds to the tune of Leeside anthem After All by The Frank and Walters, Turners Cross could have been Torremolinos.
They were married by Fr Noel O'Sullivan and held their reception in the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Little Island.
Alisha Heffernan and Brian Cahill with their wedding party. Pictures: Ray Terry Photography
West Cork duo Orla and Niall performed in the church and Cathal Fitz entertained during the drinks reception.
Alisha's mother Martina Heffernan and grandmother Helen Heffernan and Brian's parents Christine and Paul Cahill and his grandmother Shirley Cahill led the toasts.
Alisha Heffernan with her mother Martina who walked her up the aisle. Pictures: Ray Terry Photography
Alisha's sister Sarah Heffernan, her cousin Muireann McCarthy and friends Eva Wallace and Ally Treacy were her bridesmaids.
Brian's brother Keith Cahill was the best man and his brother Aidan Cahill was groomsman, along with his friends Eoghan Linehan and Adam Barry.
The father-of-the-bride, the late Liam Heffernan, was commemorated on Alisha Heffernan and Brian Cahill's wedding day. Pictures: Ray Terry Photography
The bride's father, the late Liam Heffernan, was in their thoughts. 'It was a very emotional day as we missed my dad greatly. He passed away in 2017 and was commemorated on the day with a memorial table and bouquet charm,' says Alisha.
'My mother and sister gifted me with a beautiful bracelet engraved with 'Love you always, Dad x' in my dad's handwriting which was taken from an old birthday card,' she says.
Alisha Heffernan and Brian Cahill. Pictures: Ray Terry Photography
Their pupils and colleagues also congratulated Alisha, a special class teacher in Carrigtwohill CNS, and Brian, a special class teacher in Blarney Street CBS.
The couple met via the bride's grandmother and the groom's mother. 'Brian's mom, Christine, has been my nana's hairdresser for over 20 years so we had always heard about each other growing up, and we both attended Mary Immaculate College,' says Alisha.
Alisha Heffernan and Brian Cahill and her mother Martina Heffernan and sister Sarah Heffernan. Pictures: Ray Terry Photography
She and Brian went on their first date in July 2015. 'Pretty soon after my mom and Alisha's nana were chatting about who would be sitting at the top table!' says Brian.
He proposed in August 2022. 'Our favourite TV show is 'Taskmaster' and Brian had created a series of tasks for me, from making a picnic to solving puzzles to going on a treasure hunt.'
Alisha Heffernan and Brian Cahill. Pictures: Ray Terry Photography
The latter led to their favourite picnic spot, Tramore Valley Park. 'In an envelope was a message asking me to marry him — along with a beautiful ring from Designworks [Studio] in Cornmarket Street,' says Alisha.
Alisha's dream gown awaited at Cork's Tuckey Street. 'Karl at Memories Bridal Boutique helped me select the dress that made me feel amazing, an Abigail from Willowby,' she says.
Brian Cahill with Keith Cahill, Aidan Cahill, Eoghan Linehan and Adam Barry. Pictures: Ray Terry Photography
Fusion Hair Design and Lizzy Desmond were the bridal hair and makeup team, and the groom and his party sourced their suits at Simply Suits.
Florista created the décor, and Ray and Irene Terry ( rayterryphotography.com) and WedFilms were behind the cameras.
Alisha Heffernan with Sarah Heffernan, Muireann McCarthy, Eva Wallace and Ally Treacy. Pictures: Ray Terry Photography
"During the photos, I found a ladybird within a layer of my dress. We took it out only for it to reappear twice during the day! I like to think it was my dad's way of letting me know he was around,' she says.
As the groom is a darts fan, the entrance to the ballroom was decorated to resemble a darts walk, with legendary darts commentator John McDonald providing an audio track.
Alisha Heffernan and Brian Cahill with thier wedding party. Pictures: Ray Terry Photography
Thanks to The Old Moderns and DJ Bertie the dance floor was 'never empty'.
The Sallybrook-based newlyweds chose Bali for their honeymoon.
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