Fireworks lit up the sky over Garryvoe Hotel in County Cork to mark the wedding reception of Claire Dowling and Mark Geary following their ceremony at Star of the Sea Church in Ballycotton. The couple, who live in Lehenaghmore in Cork City, kept the display a secret from their guests, bringing everyone outside under the guise of sparklers before heading back inside for the band.
Family members and wedding party participate in ceremony
Canon Jim O’Donovan officiated the ceremony, having previously baptised the couple’s son, Tiernan, the prior year. The bride walked up the aisle accompanied by her father, Bill Dowling, while her mother, Marie Dowling, and the groom’s parents, Kaye and Maurice Geary, joined the celebration. Diane Dowling served as maid of honour, alongside bridesmaids Niamh Dowling, Sarah Dowling, Aoife Houston, and Triona Murphy. The couple’s daughter, Aoibhín Geary, age three, and niece, Nollaig Dowling, age one, acted as flower girls.
Mark Geary was supported by his brother Glen Geary as best man, with groomsmen Roy and Colin Geary, and his one-year-old son, Tiernan, serving as little best man. Nephews Rory Geary, five, along with Oliver and Zachary Dowling, aged one and four, completed the wedding party as pageboys. Pizzazz Violin performed during both the ceremony and the drinks reception, while Diane Dowling led the responsorial psalm accompanied by uncle Niall O’Riordan on guitar.
Couple connects on dating app before California proposal
The couple both work in finance and first connected on the Hinge dating app before their initial date in August 2021 at The Oyster Tavern in Cork. Mark proposed in January of the previous year during a holiday in California while Claire was pregnant with their second child, Tiernan. Following a visit to San Francisco Zoo, Mark proposed on a nearby beach while pretending to set up a selfie with their daughter Aoibhín, having successfully carried the ring from Keanes Jewellers in Cork.
Newlyweds select transport and attire for celebration
For transport, the newlyweds traveled in a maroon 1963 Jaguar MK2 provided by Cork Wedding Cars. Claire wore a Martin Thornburg-designed Delphi dress from Cinderella’s Closet in Cork for the ceremony, later changing into a silk halterneck dress from Memories Bridal Boutique for the evening reception. Mark wore an ivory tuxedo jacket purchased at Morleys in Cork, where the groomsmen’s suits were also hired.
Matt Brooker Photography captured the day, while Evergreen By Kellie served as content creator. Hair and makeup were managed by Lynn O’Leary of Bridal Hair by Lynn, Jessica O’Sullivan of Portrait by Jessica, and Andrea Murphy. Childcare during the evening was handled by Aoife of Auntie Katie’s Wedding Babysitters. Florist4u provided bouquets and decor, Total Event Rental supplied linen hire, Emerald Fireworks produced the display, Trace of Cakes in Ballincollig baked a single-tiered gluten-free wedding cake, and the couple subsequently honeymooned in Corfu.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Cork Celebration
Where did Claire Dowling and Mark Geary host their wedding reception?
The reception took place at Garryvoe Hotel in County Cork after the couple exchanged vows at Star of the Sea Church in Ballycotton.
Who performed the music during the ceremony?
Violin duo Pizzazz Violin performed at the ceremony and drinks reception, while the bride’s sister Diane Dowling sang the responsorial psalm accompanied by their uncle Niall O’Riordan on guitar.
Where did the couple go for their honeymoon?
Following their wedding celebrations in County Cork, the newlyweds traveled to Corfu for their honeymoon.
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