Wedding of the Week: Our Kerry wedding was like living in a movie scene

As the real-world gateway to Luke Skywalker’s ocean planet exile, Valentia is forever linked to the Star Wars universe. But it took zero Jedi tricks to get a resounding “I do” from Fernanda Ferreira and Brian O’Connor when they decided to tie the knot in Kerry.

“It was like living in a movie scene.”

Fernanda, from Sao Paolo, Brazil, and Brian were wed on his native Valentia Island on June 26, at The Royal Valentia Hotel, Knightstown, and held their reception in the same venue.

No lightsabers were needed, just pure cinematic brilliance, as photographer Conor Healy (conorhealyphoto.com) and videographer Niall Ashe worked behind the lens.

Fernanda Ferreira and Brian O’Connor. Pictures: Conor Healy Photography

“Having the wedding on Valentia Island and having all the photos taken there was particularly special for us as it’s my homeplace,” says Brian.

As a professional videographer himself, Brian has an eye for picture-perfect shots.

“The lighthouse is a key feature of the island, so being able to integrate that into our photos, along with the sea and rocks, made for some striking images,” he says.

Fernanda adds: “With the stunning views, it made the moment feel even more magical; it felt like we were living a scene from a film.”

Fernanda Ferreira and Brian O’Connor with the wedding party. Pictures: Conor Healy Photography

Playing key roles were Fernanda’s mother and father, Maria Aparecida Ferreira and Fernando Ferreira, and Brian’s parents, Colette and Pat O’Connor. The bride said: “We loved being surrounded by so many family and friends on our wedding day.”

Fernanda chose her aunt, Terezinha Barboza, to be her chief bridesmaid, and her bridesmaids were Aine O’Connor (Brian’s sister) and Fabi Tavara Nash.

Brian’s brother Shane O’Connor was by his side as best man, as were his friend Conor ‘Paris’ Murphy and cousin Niall O’Connor as groomsmen. The groom’s nieces Amelia Rose and Ada O’Connor were the flowergirls.

Fernanda Ferreira and Brian O’Connor with both sets of parents Fernando and Maria Ferreira and Colette and Pat O’Connor. Pictures: Conor Healy Photography

Fernanda and Brian’s paths first crossed in August 2023, at The Black Wolf-Beer & Food Co, in Blanchardstown, Dublin.

“There was a Manchester United match on the TV at the time, and we got talking about football, especially because of Fernanda’s Brazilian/Portuguese background. And the rest is history as they say,” says Brian.

Two and a half years later, they got engaged, on Christmas Day.

Their wedding lived up to their every expectation, from the moment violinist and cellist Ryan Parsons and Georgina Fennessy struck up the music for the ceremony, led by celebrant Kelsey Ní Shúilleabháin.

“We felt calm, relaxed, and excited on arrival,” says Brian.

Fernanda Ferreira arrives on the arm of her dad Fernando for the wedding ceremony. Pictures: Conor Healy

Irish trad instrumentalists Loinnir entertained at the drinks reception and later The Bansha Boys Band kept the momentum going, with the couple in the spotlight for their first dance to Camylio’s high, high, high.

The bride chose a Mori Lee wedding gown: “Finding my dress at Vows in Cork was a truly special experience. It was an emotional day, with my mom travelling all the way from Portugal to be there and my mother-in-law coming from Valentia to share this unforgettable moment with me. It was the third dress I tried on. The moment I wore it, my eyes lit up. I knew instantly it was the one.”

Sarah Ann O’Dwyer (Sarah Ann Bridal), Caherciveen, and Ella Corcoran (Sculpted by Ella), Valentia, were the hair and make-up team. Brian and his attendants sourced their suits at Connolly Man, Patrick St, Limerick.

Fernanda Ferreira and Brian O’Connor with the groom’s family. Pictures: Conor Healy Photography

Terry Cunningham of Shades of Bloom, Killorglin, created the floral arrangements and décor, and Alla Muammer baked the wedding cake.

The newlyweds will honeymoon this month in Italy.

Fernanda, who works in procurement, and Brian, a videographer and editor who has his own company, Brianoval Productions, live in Annacotty, Limerick.

If you would like your wedding in Weekend, email eve.kelliher@examiner.ie