Melanie Palmer & Luke Swayne 

Kenmare Bay Hotel, Kenmare, Co. Kerry

Photos courtesy of Nick Cavanagh Photography

Templenoe native Melanie Palmer married the love of her life Luke Swayne, a Cork man, on June 3, 2022, in Direendaragh Church and held an incredibly special wedding reception with 200 guests at the stunning Kenmare Bay Hotel in Co. Kerry.

The Meet & Engagement

The couple, who now reside in Knockadoon in East Cork, met on a night out in Cork City in 2016. They spent the next three years getting to know each other and falling head over heels in love. And, on December 21, 2019, during a family night away at the Montenotte Hotel in Cork, Luke popped the question on the balcony of the room overlooking the city. Melanie, who works in admin, never expected a proposal, and will forever have fond memories of the night.

The Wedding

Luke, a carpenter, and Melanie, who is expecting their first child, had three groomsmen and bridesmaids join them at the altar. Melanie’s six nieces and nephews also played a vital role in their wedding day. Some of their favourite memories include getting ready the morning of, anticipating how the day would unfold, and, walking up the aisle and seeing each other for the first time. Melanie walked up the aisle to “From this Moment” and their first dance as a married couple was “The One” by Kodaline. Their favourite wedding picture was that taken at Killarney Lakes. “We really treasure them,” said Melanie.


As a surprise for guests, the newlyweds had organised for famous multi-instrumentalist musician Liam O’Connor (and his three children) to perform along with two dancers, after dinner. It really sent electricity vibrating through the Kenmare Bay, raising everybody’s energy.


The bride’s one solid piece of advice is “focus on what you really want as a couple and be present and enjoy your day.”

How was your experience with the Kenmare Bay Hotel?

“From the moment we visited the Kenmare Bay we knew it was where we would have our wedding. We met Alan who was so helpful and relaxed. He explained how the day would run and gave us many options to choose from. From when we initially booked, then had to reschedule due to Covid and right up to the day itself Alan was only ever an email or a call away. On the day itself he was right by our sides, making sure everything ran as smoothly as possible. His experience really stands to him. The staff on the day were without fault and everything was seamless. We are very grateful to them all.”


www.kenmarebayhotel.com

Suppliers

Engagement and wedding rings: Keanes Jewelers Cork

Dress: The White and Gold Bridal in Kinsale

Suits: Simply Suits in Cork

Cake: O’Carrolls Cakes Killarney

Ceremony music: Caroline Spillane

Photographer: Nick Cavanagh Photography

Videographer: Mario Vaitkus

DJ: Eoin Finnegan

Band: The Pearls

Entertainment: Liam O’Connor entertainment after dinner and Darragh Lee sang at our drink’s reception

Florist: Bloomsday Florist, Cork

Hair: Pat O’Neill, Killarney

Make-Up: Lola Desmond Make Up

Invitations: Natalie Moriarty, Kenmare

Wedding car: Supplied by the Kenmare Bay

Honeymoon: Italy and travelled down the Amalfi Coast

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