Cork Couple Celebrates Dream Wedding After Amazon Proposal

Cork couple Deana Hurley and Eric O’Leary tied the knot in a heartfelt ceremony at Fota Island Resort on a memorable day that encapsulated their love for travel and adventure. The civil ceremony was officiated by Janice O’Callaghan from Bespoke Wedding Ceremonies, bringing together family and friends in a celebration filled with emotion and personal touches.

Deana, originally from Bandon, and Eric, from Sunday’s Well, were initially set to exchange vows outdoors in the resort’s gardens. However, unexpected rain prompted a last-minute venue change indoors. “We had to move, but it worked out beautifully,” Deana reflected. Remarkably, once the couple lit their unity candle, the sun broke through the clouds and illuminated the venue, allowing guests to enjoy the gardens later in the day.

To enhance the emotional atmosphere, Deana arranged for wedding singer Angela Ryan to perform “Ireland’s Call” as they signed the register. “Their faces lit up when they heard it!” Deana recalled, highlighting the joy shared by Eric and his family, who are passionate rugby fans.

After a delightful meal, the couple engaged their guests with an anniversary dance, inviting married couples to the dance floor based on how long they had been wed. This culminated in the surprise tribute to Eric’s grandparents, Oonagh and Basil Hegarty, who were the last couple standing. “They shed a few tears when they realized it was a tribute to them,” Deana shared.

The bridal party featured Deana’s sister, Clodagh Hurley, as maid of honour, with bridesmaids Anneisha Hurley and Celina Neville. Eric’s brother, Tim O’Leary, served as the best man alongside groomsmen Jack O’Leary and Xavier Hurley, Deana’s son. Their youngest son, Reuben O’Leary, delighted guests as the pageboy.

The couple’s journey began in May 2021 when they met for coffee on Cork’s Grand Parade after connecting on Facebook Dating. They quickly discovered a shared passion for travel. In a romantic gesture, Eric proposed in October 2022 “deep in the Amazon Rainforest,” a moment that solidified their bond.

Deana envisioned a travel-themed wedding and took on numerous DIY projects to bring her ideas to life. Floral décor was crafted by Elizabeth Cott from Wonderous Weddings, while the team at Fota Island Resort, led by Roberta O’Keeffe, ensured the day unfolded seamlessly. Magician and MC Jamie Skelton entertained guests throughout the evening, adding an extra layer of fun to the festivities.

Deana wore a stunning ivory dress designed by Mizz Rio in Dublin, which was a departure from her initial preference for black. Her hairstyle was styled by Kim Moynihan from Hair by Kim, with Aneta Winnicka providing makeup services. Eric sourced his suit from Suits.ie in Ballycurreen. The dance floor remained lively, fueled by the Danny O’Leary band and DJ Bertie.

Reflecting on the celebrations, Deana noted, “I overdid it. Between the Macarena, cha-cha slide, bunny hop, and every country line dance imaginable, I came away with two sprained Achilles tendons! But every second was worth it.”

In a touching surprise, Clodagh gifted Deana a video message from her favourite singer, Derek Ryan, adding a personal touch to the day. The couple, who now live in the Gurranabraher area, plan to honeymoon in South Africa in October, looking forward to their new chapter together.