After checking out what would eventually become their new apartment, Rachel & her friend headed to the grand-aunt. Unknown to the girls, the grand-aunt had invited her two sons to come along and meet the girls and give them a tour of the area. And it just so happened that one of those sons was Neil!
From the moment these two met there was an instant connection, although it wasn't until a couple of month's later - after Rachel had officially moved to London 0 that Neil finally mustered up the courage to ask her out. Their first date didn't go quite as planned, with one of Neil's colleagues tagging along for the evening blissfully unaware of the budding romance. But, by the second date, things clicked, and from that point on, Rachel & Neil were inseparable.
Rachel & Neil found out they were expecting a baby in April 2022. With Rachel's 30th birthday approaching in June, they planned a trip to Ibiza for Neil's cousin's wedding that coincided with her birthday week. After the wedding they flew back to Dublin, rented a car, and drove to Cork the day before Rachel's birthday. A friend had invited them to meet at Fitzgerald Park in Cork. Rachel was hesitant because she was tired but, after some persuasion from Neil, Rachel agreed to go. When she arrived she noticed a huge bunch of red roses on the bench and candles around it. She assumed it was a birthday surprise, but as she reached for the card, she turned to find Neil down on one knee. To make the moment even more special, Rachel's sister was hidden nearby, capturing it all on camera!
Rachel & Neil originally wanted a rustic styled wedding but when they visited Fernhill, Rachel told us ''it just clicked as the perfect venue''. They loved the family vibe and that they could have a relaxed day knowing the service would be 'top - tier'. When they went to the Garden Marquee they could picture their drinks reception being there. When they left after their first visit they both immediately wanted to book Fernhill. Dealing with Ann, Fernhill's wedding coordinator was very reassuring. She made the process very clear, taking into account what was really important for the couple.
One very special aspect of the day was the marriage ceremony which was held in the Church of the Immaculate Conception Clonakilty, which was performed by the same priest who had married Rachel's parents 34 years prior on the same week. The couple had always envisioned a reception that felt uniquely theirs, and the size of Fernhill provided just that. Even with 180 guests, the setting retained an intimate feel, making it seem as though they had the whole place to themselves - exactly as they had hoped for. 'From start to finish the day was so much fun. There were a few points throughout the day where we stopped to look at one and other and watch how people were beaming and having such a great time all day, which made our day.''
The food, being an important part of the day for Rachel & Neil - was amazing. 'We really appreciated everyone being looked after, especially with dietary requirements. Many of our guests kept us informed throughout the day just how good it was!' With Rachel & Neil's vendors so used to working here in Fernhill the couple knew their vision would ''come together beautifully'.
Rachel, Neil & Archie, we wish you all every happiness together & thank you for sharing your beautiful story with us.