An Amalfi Coast proposal led to an ‘I do’ in Dingle

Music, song, dance, and sport took centre stage as Limerick couple Melanie Murphy and Adrian Enright said “I do”. Both from Abbeyfeale, Co Limerick, their paths first crossed when they enrolled in preschool.

But even though the groom was a guest at the bride’s third birthday party, they “didn’t have a proper conversation after that” until the night of her Leaving Cert results, reveals Melanie. “We have been together ever since,” she says.

Adrian popped the question in Italy in May 2024. “It was the most beautiful place, Hotel Villa Cimbrone in Ravello, on the Amalfi Coast,” says Melanie. “The proposal was followed by a Michelin dinner experience in the gorgeous Palazzo Avino.”

Melanie Murphy and Adrian Enright. Pictures: Padraig Healy PhotographyMelanie Murphy and Adrian Enright. Pictures: Padraig Healy Photography

Their passions prompted the Castletroy-based couple to choose West Kerry as their wedding destination. 

“Adrian has always been a GAA athlete (he played football for Limerick), and I come from a family of traditional Irish musicians, so it was very important to us that we found a place that we would represent and reflect our Irish culture — and Dingle has always been a place that marries both of those,” says Melanie.

Celebrant Damian Maloney performed the civil ceremony in the Dingle Skellig Hotel, which was also the reception venue.

Melanie Murphy and her parents Mary and Donal Murphy. Pictures: Padraig Healy PhotographyMelanie Murphy with her dad Donal Murphy. Pictures: Padraig Healy Photography

As she arrived on the arm of her dad, Melanie felt “just complete and utter excitement”, she says. Singers Grainne Gavigan and Trevor Sexton sang U2’s All I Want Is You, with Niall Murphy on fiddle and Rebecca McCarthy Kent on piano, as the bride walked up the aisle. 

“Our ceremony music was absolutely and utterly amazing. Everybody was crying, including the groom and four groomsmen,” says Melanie.

“Our reception entertainment started with Trevor Sexton singing amazing Irish ballads, followed by traditional music by the Rising.”

Melanie Murphy. Pictures: Padraig Healy Photography

Melanie wore an elegant Ella Moda dress, and the men’s suits were from Esquire’s, Limerick.

Niamh Hurley was Melanie’s hairstylist, and Lizzy Desmond was the bridal makeup artist.

Melanie’s friends Laura Dillon, Orla Murray, Rachel Dennesen, and Emma Dobson, and her cousin Clodagh Murphy were her bridesmaids and Adrian’s brother Padraig Enright, along with his cousin Dean Enright and his friends Dara Noonan and Colm McSweeney were his groomsmen, with his nephew Benjamin (Benji) Enright as the pageboy.

Adrian Enright with his groomsmen Dara Noonan, Colm McSweeney, Dean Enright, and Padraig Enright. Melanie Murphy and Adrian Enright with their wedding party. Pictures: Padraig Healy Photography

Renowned Kerry photographer Padraig Healy ( Padraighealy.com) captured the occasion on camera, with LM Videography also behind the lens. “Our big day was beyond our wildest dreams — it felt like the biggest celebration,” says the bride. “It was surreal. We feel blessed.”

Both sets of parents, Mary and Donal Murphy and Eileen and Tom Enright, were a key part of the day’s success. After the dinner, Mel’s family surprised her with a big showcase of Irish music — thanks to her dad Donal, a world-renowned traditional musician, and her uncle Sean Murphy, co-director and co-founder of the Celtic Steps show. 

Melanie Murphy. Pictures: Padraig Healy PhotographyMelanie Murphy with her parents Mary and Donal Murphy. Pictures: Padraig Healy Photography

“We had Irish dancers and Irish music after the dinner and before the band — Mel also joined for some sets,” says Adrian.

Wedding band The Pearls, followed by DJ Gavin O’Reilly, ensured the dance floor had “an energetic and lively” vibe, says Melanie.

The floral arrangements and décor were by Tie The Knot Weddings. ( Tietheknotweddings.ie). “Danielle [O’Donoghue] created an actual fairytale,” says Melanie. “My brother Eoin also made all the marble table numbers from scratch (using a 3D printer for the numbers).” 

Melanie Murphy and Adrian Enright. Pictures: Padraig Healy PhotographyMelanie Murphy. Pictures: Padraig Healy Photography

O’Carrolls Cakes, Killarney, created the wedding cake.

“Day two was in Páidí O Sé’s, Ventry, where we had the amazing Super Ceili play into the early hours,” adds the bride.

Melanie, a pharmacist, and Adrian, an automation engineer, plan to honeymoon in Japan later this year.

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