He proposed in Páirc Uí Chaoimh as Elton John sang ‘Your Song’ 

Emma Collins jokes that her first encounter with Martin Kennedy across a Cork city bar counter may not have been a case of “love at first sight”.

Why on earth not? Emma, a nurse, believes her talkative nature could have been off-putting for Martin, an accountant. “I had gone back to study as a mature student at 26, and got a part-time job in Ryan’s pub on North Main St,” she says.

Emma Collins and Martin Kennedy. Pictures: Dermotsullivan.com

That’s where they first met, in 2017, but a date wasn’t on the cards until later. “Martin liked to come in after work and relax, but I am a person who doesn’t stop talking, and at the start, he wasn’t very impressed because he just wanted to take time out after a busy day — but we did over time built a good friendship. Then he asked me out and the rest is history, as they say.”

Emma Collins and Martin Kennedy. Pictures: Dermotsullivan.com

Páirc Uí Chaoimh was the backdrop to their engagement, five years later. “Martin proposed to me at the Elton John concert, to Your Song which is my favourite song,” says Emma.

The Cork-based couple, who live in Lehenaghmore, also chose the hit song for their first dance when they enjoyed July wedding celebrations that spanned two counties. 

Emma Collins and Martin Kennedy with their children Mattie and Nancy and guests. Pictures: Dermotsullivan.com

Emma, from Mallow, Co Cork, and Martin, from Dingle, Co Kerry, were married in the Church of the Resurrection in the bride’s home town by Fr Anthony O’Brien, with their reception in the Great Southern Killarney.

Emma Collins and Martin Kennedy. Pictures: Dermotsullivan.com

Their two children, Mattie, 3, and Nancy, 1, were pageboy and flowergirl respectively. 

“We all got ready in my mom and dad’s house in Mallow, so it was a small bit chaotic — but great fun thanks to my amazing bridesmaids,” says Emma. “Andrea Lowe was my maid of honour, and my bridesmaids were Karen McNamara, Jessica O’Sullivan Griffin, and Tara Connolly.”

Emma Collins and Martin Kennedy with their wedding party. Pictures: Dermotsullivan.com

By Martin’s side were Rory Kennedy as his best man, with Leslie Breen and Gearoid Ryle as the groomsmen. “The minute I arrived at the top of the aisle, I was completely calm as Martin has a calming presence; I’m the loud outgoing one, and Martin is more chilled,” says the bride.

Violini performed in the church and also at the drinks reception. “They played a medley of all our favourite love songs — even Can You Feel the Love Tonight from our kids’ favourite movie, The Lion King — and we entered the hotel to Coldplay’s Sky Full of Stars, Mattie’s favourite song,” says Emma.

Emma Collins and Martin Kennedy. Pictures: Dermotsullivan.com

The newlyweds and their 200 guests toasted to their future happiness at the reception in the Great Southern Killarney. “We are both very sociable, so we wanted a party feel to the day,” says Emma. “The venue blew us away! The wedding co-ordinator took our vision and made it 100 times better.”

The wedding band Celtic Knights ensured the dance floor was full.

Emma Collins and Martin Kennedy with their wedding party. Pictures: Dermotsullivan.com

Photographer Dermot Sullivan ( Dermotsullivan.com) made the most of local scenic spots, including Killarney Golf & Fishing Club, and Brian Connolly, Arc Light, was the videographer.

Emma looked super-elegant in a Suzanne Neille gown teamed with a veil from Sharon Hoey. The groom was dapper in a suit from Michael Murphy Menswear, Cork. Hairstylist Lynsey O’Leary and makeup artist Joanne Sexton ensured all were ready for their closeups, and Florist 4 U Cork created the floral arrangements.

Emma Collins and Martin Kennedy. Pictures: Dermotsullivan.com

The day-two venue was Reidy’s on Main St, Killarney. “It was the day of the All-Ireland so the Kerry side of the wedding were very happy,” says Emma.

Two holidays completed the experience. “We went on honeymoon to Tenerife and then brought the kids to Disneyland,” says Emma.

Emma Collins and Martin Kennedy with their wedding party. Pictures: Dermotsullivan.com
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