A date in Blackpool and a subsequent Christmas proposal led to wedding bells for Cork couple Stephen Crowley and Amanda Murray.

Stephen, from Tivoli, and Amanda, from Knocknaheeny, shared their first date at the cinema in Blackpool 17 years ago. “Not long after our second date, Stephen asked me to be his girlfriend… the rest is history,” said Amanda.

Today, the couple live in Hollyhill with their son Jake, 11. “He is our world. We bought our first house together and got Daisy, our dog, when she was a little pup. Herself and Jake are best buddies.”

Stephen proposed to Amanda on Christmas morning in 2024 after 15 years together and the couple were wed at a civil ceremony at the Talbot Hotel on May 1.

“Our celebrant was Janice O’Callaghan who did a beautiful ceremony.”

The bride sourced her wedding gown and veil from Diamond Bridal.

“It was the first shop I went to and the first dress I tried on. I tried on others on the day too, but I knew the first one was the one. Emer, who looked after me on the day, was just amazing.”

Amanda sourced her gown from Diamond Bridal. It was the very first dress that she tried on. Pictures: Bismark Photography Amanda sourced her gown from Diamond Bridal. It was the very first dress that she tried on. Pictures: Bismark Photography

Amanda’s shoes and bag, and the bridesmaid dresses and accessories were from Shein.

Her earrings were a wedding gift from Jake while her bracelet was a gift from Stephen.

Hair was by Ciara O’Connor from Hair by Ciara and make-up was by Jeanette Cronin. “Both ladies were amazing on the morning and had us all feeling and looking a million dollars.”

Tan was by Audrey of The Tanning Guru. The suits were from Morleys.

Music at the ceremony was by Ruth O’Brien, also known as Wedding Singer Cork.

Amanda’s sister, Melissa O’Brien was maid of honour while her nieces Chloe and Kaitlyn O’Brien and her friend, Kim O’Leary, were bridesmaids.

Stephen’s friend Eamonn O’Brien was his best man while Amanda’s brother David Murray and the groom’s friends Sean O’Riordan and Chris Mulqueen were his groomsmen.

The couple were joined on the day by their closest friends and family

Amanda and Stephen with their son Jake. The couple said that Jake is their “world”.Amanda and Stephen with their son Jake. The couple said that Jake is their “world”.

with Stephen’s sister Michelle and his niece Isla travelling from Australia for the occasion.

The couple took part in a traditional handfasting during the ceremony, involving both sides of their families.

Amanda with her bridesmaids on her wedding day. Amanda with her bridesmaids on her wedding day.

After the wedding, the couple held a reception for their guests at the hotel.

“The set-up was amazing, the place looked beautiful. Aoife, Micheal and the team were amazing on the day and went above and beyond,” said the couple.

Music at the drinks reception was by the “wonderful” Cathal Fitz. Later, DJ Bryan McDonnell ensured everyone was on the dance floor. He was joined by Aisling who played on saxophone for a period during the evening.

Stephen pictured outside the Talbot with his groomsmen. Stephen pictured outside the Talbot with his groomsmen.

John Frawley, the Singing Chef, performed during the meal. “People really enjoyed him”. Also popular with guests was the Selfie Mirror from Ace Entertainment.

Their three-tier wedding cake was by Tracy from Trace of Cakes. Flowers were by Joanna from Douglas Flowers.

Pictures were by Barry and Zoey from Bismark “who were both amazing”.

The couple’s first dance was to The Vow by Ed Sheeran.

When asked what was the most memorable thing about the day, Amanda said a few things came to mind.

“When I walked up the aisle with my wonderful dad David… when our son, Jake, placed a ribbon over our hands during the handfasting part of our ceremony with his Nanna Catherine. We were so proud of him. When I dedicated my bridal bouquet to my wonderful mam Catherine, who has been an amazing support.”

Amanda with her mum and dad, Catherine and David.Amanda with her mum and dad, Catherine and David.

The couple said they were grateful to all of the people who took part in their ceremony, adding: “I want to thank my four amazing bridesmaids who went above and beyond on the day looking after me. Stephen would also like to thank his four groomsmen who kept him calm on the day.”