Yes, you did read the heading correctly! Shane did propose with a puppy & ring all in the one day - how romantic is this story! But this love story started long before this with a game of rugby. Mary tells us, 'we met through work and rugby. I was the physio of the team Shane was playing for in Limerick. The dressing room wasn't the most romantic of starts. We started with our first date on Ballybunion beach and it grew from there. I still happen to be the physio for Clonakilty, who he plays for now.'
Mary tells us about returning home from work one Saturday in December to her apparent Christmas present in the hall - a clothes horse! But Shane was sitting in the living room with a puppy! (Nice save Shane!) Mary was so excited about the puppy, as they both love dogs and it was a complete surprise to her. She continued about getting lunch while Shane was dutifully putting the clothes horse together and playing with Penny the puppy of course (featured in the image below). About half an hour later Shane called Mary back to the living room, it took her a few minutes as she was still cooking, to find Shane on one knee with a ring. Mary tells us it was 'the best day with a puppy and a fiancé!' And that she burned lunch of course!
Summing up their wedding Mary & Shane told us it was 'relaxed and fun! What a great day from start to finish. The happiest day, not a worry! We were blessed with the weather for a beautiful day in October and treated like royalty from start to finish.' From the beginning it was important to bring family and friends together and for everyone to have fun. 'We really wanted to respect our ceremony and have beautiful music (provided by Angela Ryan and Padraig O'Donovan),definitely the food, which made Fernhill an easy choice, and our music for the night (Oceans 6). To support local suppliers was also important to us as we are so lucky to have such wonderful people in the community.
When asked what made Fernhill 'the one', Mary told us;' An easy choice from our first meeting with Ann. Organised, kind and answered questions we didn't even know to ask! The reputation of Fernhill is well known but to actually experience the service, professionalism, kindness and sheer brilliance of the entire team is amazing. It's location, gardens, the marquee, dining room, food, staff, the fact that the wedding party isn't split up at any point of the day are just some of the many reasons it was an easy choice.'
Mary's advice to other couples planning their big day in Fernhill is to 'relax and enjoy! You are in the best of hands! It goes so quick. I genuinely wouldn't recommend anywhere else!'
Mary& Shane had planned a honeymoon to New Zealand but like so many plans for the last two years, covid put a pause on that. They have planned to go to Italy instead this coming June. This sounds lovely!
It was truly a pleasure to host your wedding day Mary & Shane, thank you for your advice and sharing your gorgeous photos with us. We wish you every happiness for the future.
Church: Church of The Immaculate Conception, Enniskeane
Photographer: Mark Coombes