Ciara Loftus and Mike O’Neill married in Cortoon Church followed by a beautiful, intimate reception at the Ardilaun Hotel, Galway.
”We really had a great day with our 25 guests. It was intimate, personal and everyone had a brilliant time. – Ciara Loftus & Mike O’Neill
Wedding details:
Reception: Ardilaun Hotel Galway
Church: Cortoon Church, Tuam
Dress: Pronovias, Belladonna Bridal, Galway
Groom/ Groomsmen suits: Fallon for Men, Tuam
Flowers: Wedding Flowers Galway
Rings: Matthew Stephens Jewellers, Limerick
Photos: Niall Scully
Hailing from adjoining housing estates in Tuam, Mike recalls how he was convinced Ciara would make up excuses to come into the local shop where he worked to see him but it was only on the Bank Holiday Weekend in October 2016 when the pair “officially” met and sparks flew. Fast forward 3 years to a trip to Rome where Mike got down on one knee and popped that all important question. Ciara got such a shock that her heartrate logged a cardio work out for 10mins on her fitbit!
Having originally planned a Destination Ireland Wedding in County Clare for the Autumn of 2020, the onset of Covid-19 and subsequent lockdowns threw their plans into disarray. A second venue cancellation three days before their wedding was another devastating blow and Ciara recalls wanting to throw in the towel completely. “I really wanted to give up at this stage but that’s where I advise all couples out there to lean on each other. It took the two of us to get it over the line and it’s important to remember it’s a team effort”. After a recommendation from their Seamstress, they reached out to the team at the Ardilaun hotel who were able to plan and execute their wedding in just three days.
Looking back on their special Day, Ciara and Mike have fond memories from the excitement of getting ready to the beautiful ceremony and exchange of vows. They also took some time to capture special photographs in their local park in Tuam where they spent many of their childhood years. “We really had a great day with our 25 guests. It was intimate, personal and everyone had a brilliant time”. A very special moment Ciara recalls from the day was having time after the meal to sit and have a chat with her Dad. “In normal times, I probably wouldn’t haven’t been able to sit back, relax and take that moment with my Dad so it will always be a wonderful memory that I will look back fondly on and be grateful for”.
