Wedding of the Week: Cork couple who met through mutual friend tie the knot

“Our friends and family made the day for us.”

Those are the words of Cork couple Eva Lyons and Kevin O’Leary, who were married last December.

Eva, from O’Donovan Rossa Road in Cork city, and Kevin, from Ardfield in West Cork, first met through a mutual friend eight years ago.

The couple have lived together in Sundays Well for the last six years.

Kevin took Eva by surprise when he popped the question in Amsterdam in November, 2023.

“We went over for a Hozier concert. The proposal was a complete surprise to me - Kev caught me totally off guard,” said Eva.

Just over a year later, on December 30, they were wed at the Honan Chapel at University College Cork.

“My mum and dad walked me down the aisle which was very special.

“My sister got married in the Honan in 2019 so it’s a special place for us,” said Eva.

The bride sourced her custom-made dress from Memories Boutique, adding: “It was my dream dress.”

Eva’s hair was by Claire from The Factory in Douglas while her make-up was by Louise Hanover. “They were a dream team,” said Eva.

The groom’s suit was from Gentleman’s Quarters.

“Denis was amazing in working with the lads,” the couple said.

Their wedding music was by Julie O’Sullivan from Ardfield.

“She was amazing and included all the songs we wanted in the ceremony,” said Eva and Kevin.

After their ceremony, the couple held a reception for their guests at Fota Island Resort.

“It was an amazing location to have our reception. Nothing was an issue for them. John, the wedding co-ordinator, was such an amazing help and was so attentive to all our needs,” the couple said.

Music at the reception was by Arthur.

“They were the first people we booked when we started planning the day. They kept the dance floor full all night and their energy was amazing,” Eva and Kevin said.

The couple’s first dance was to Coldplay’s Feels Like I’m Falling In Love.

Photos on the day were by John Sexton.

“We can’t recommend him enough. And our videographer was Sirus Productions - an amazing duo who captured our day perfectly.”

Asked what was the most memorable part of their day, the couple said: “It was the people around us - our friends and family made the day for us!”