Abbey and Tadhg Celebrate Love in Colorful Clonakilty Wedding

Abbey Desmond and Tadhg Lane exchanged vows on a joyous day in Clonakilty, County Cork, nearly nine years after they first met. Their wedding took place at the Fernhill House Hotel, where family and friends gathered to witness their commitment to each other on a beautiful day.

The couple’s journey began in September 2016 at Havana Browns in Cork during their first college night out. Tadhg proposed to Abbey on her birthday in March 2023, an occasion made even more special when he sought her father’s permission during a ski trip in February. Tadhg cleverly concealed the engagement ring behind his PlayStation, ensuring Abbey wouldn’t accidentally discover it.

Abbey, hailing from Glengarriff, and Tadhg, from Clondrohid, were united in marriage by celebrant Alison Driscoll of Bespoke Words. The ceremony featured a heartfelt performance by singer Lorna Moore, creating an intimate atmosphere for the occasion.

Abbey chose her sister, Aoife Desmond, as her maid of honour, while Tadhg’s sister, Eleanor Lane, along with her friend Sinead Kelleher, served as bridesmaids. The groom’s party included his best man, Cian O’Leary, and groomsmen Timmie Desmond and Kevin O’Connell.

As the wedding day approached, Abbey experienced a mix of excitement and nerves. “My bridesmaids did a great job of keeping me calm with the help of some champagne!” she shared. The emotional moment of walking down the aisle was marked by tears as Abbey’s father became overwhelmed. “I said, ‘Oh no, you can’t cry because I’ll cry!’ So the two of us went down the aisle crying! We’re an emotional family,” Abbey recalled.

Tadhg managed his pre-wedding jitters by staying active. He washed the car, despite the rain, before spending quality time with his groomsmen. “The conversations were as normal as ever — talking about anything but the wedding!” he said. Upon arriving at Fernhill, the group relaxed with drinks and mingled with guests, which eased any remaining nerves.

Celebrating alongside the couple were Abbey’s parents, Niamh and Kieran Desmond, her grandmother Joan Desmond, and Tadhg’s parents, Eileen and Peter Lane, along with his grandmother Mary Lane. Abbey emphasized their desire for a relaxed celebration with close friends and family, aiming for a bright and colorful ambiance. “Catherine in West Cork flowers helped us create the perfect bouquets for the day; they were stunning,” she noted. The bridesmaid dresses, sourced from Folkster, featured a beautiful pastel blue.

The couple selected Arklight to provide music for the evening, ensuring guests enjoyed a lively atmosphere that made the night unforgettable. Abbey’s wedding dress, designed by Justin Alexander, was purchased at Lilac Rose in Limerick. The bridal team included Maria Coleman for makeup and Audrey Cashman for hairstyling. Tadhg and the groomsmen acquired their suits from Mick Murphy’s.

Photographer Dermot Sullivan and videographer John O’Sullivan captured the day’s moments, with Abbey expressing gratitude for Dermot’s assistance in keeping the timeline on track. “We never felt like the day was getting away from us,” she said.

Following the wedding, the couple embarked on a three-week honeymoon in Bali, embracing the opportunity to unwind. Abbey, an analytical chemist, and Tadhg, a data engineer, currently reside in Crosshaven, County Cork, with their two dogs, Nina and Lola. Their wedding not only marked a significant milestone in their relationship but also celebrated the love and support of their families and friends.