Daniel Murphy and Matthieu Nivard
July 7, 2018 – Inchydoney Island Lodge and Spa, Cork
Photographs Courtesy of Emma Jervis Photography
By John Harty
Daniel Murphey and Matthieu Nivard were both working in Cork in 2015 when they swiped right for each other on the dating app Tinder, and soon after met up for their first date.
It was during this first date at Arthur Maynes in Cork that the two realised there was something special between them and within a few months, they’d moved in together.
On the couple’s anniversary in September 2016 at the Aghadoe Heights Hotel and Spa in Killarney, Daniel decided to pop the question, preparing the perfect romantic setting as Matthieu brought their luggage up to the room, lighting candles and playing Celine Dion in the background.
With the breath-taking view of the lakes of Killarney from their room and the incredibly romantic mood, Daniel proposed with a watch from Liberty London as Matthieu entered the room and a thrilled Matthieu said yes.
Wedding Details
Inchydoney Island Lodge and Spa in Cork was the idyllic location the couple chose as their venue for their wedding, which took place during the Irish heatwave on July 7, 2018.
Spectacular Norma McElligot was the celebrant for the wedding, who did a fantastic job of making Daniel and Matthieu’s ceremony special, with Daniel explaining “she was absolutely amazing”.
Dashing suits worn on the day by the stylish grooms were bought at River Island and Tom Murphy’s Menswear, Patrick Street, Cork.
Always professional and delightful Emma Jervis was the photographer for the wedding, ensuring that the couple had perfect photos of the day to look back on fondly.
Cliodhna O’Riordan was the videographer for the wedding, filming fantastic footage of the big day that will be cherished by the couple forever.
Instead of a traditional cake the grooms made their own out of wheels of cheese, with the different types used being Coolea, Ardsallagh, Gubbeen, Smoked Gubbeen, Durrus, Cashel Blue and Killeens.
The wedding band, The Incredibles lived up to their name on the day, getting all the guests up and dancing which was then followed by Aaron Noonan from DJ Disco, who provided even more savage sounds, keeping everyone dancing the night away.
For the bridal party, Daniels side consisted of PJ McNulty, Emer O’Neill, Robert Wiseman, Gregg Hartnett and Cormac Linehan. On Matthieu’s side there was Cormac De Fréin, Sorcha De Paor, Aimee Ní Cholla, Fanny Ajamian and Florian Anouilh.
Personal Touches
Both Daniel and Matthieu decided to go traditional and not see each other the night before the wedding so when they did on the big day it would be more meaningful for them.
To make the day even more special, the couple wanted to incorporate all their family and close friends, with their sisters walking them down the while their parents performed the ribbon tying ceremony symbolising the everlasting union
Following a French tradition, the men gave their guests five sugar coated almonds each in handmade bags that Matthieu worked painstakingly for three months to prepare.
For the guests that wanted a bit of flavour with their drinks, the couple had a pimp your prosecco station at the drinks reception, with the bottles being the colours of the Pride flag.
In a break way from tradition, the men didn’t have a first dance, instead choosing to get everyone involved and dancing during the first song, ‘You’ve Got the Love’ by Florence and The Machine.
Favourite Memories
With so many personal touches and special moments throughout the day, picking a favourite memory isn’t easy, but for Matthieu it was the ceremony where he confirmed his love for Daniel in front of his friends and family, while Daniel’s was the first dance, where all the guests were dancing and having fun together.
“The good thing about an LGBT wedding is that you are not tied to any tradition and can make the day truly your own. Go with whatever makes you happy. Like any couple getting married, enjoy the planning and the build up as much as you can because the day goes so quick,” Daniel, a now happily married husband, offers to other LGBT couples planning on making the big leap into the adventurous world of marriage.
