Catherine and Mike’s Intimate Family Wedding at the World-Famous Ballymaloe House Hotel: A Day of Love, Laughter, and Vegetables


Ah, weddings ha! The day when two people declare their undying love for each other, families come together (sometimes for the sesh), and someone inevitably cries into their champagne. But Catherine and Michael wedding on the 30th of May 2023? Oh, it was a masterclass in how to do a wedding right. Intimate, relaxed, and held at the stunning Ballymaloe House Hotel in Shanagarry, East Cork, it was a day filled with love, laughter, and most importantly family.


Let’s rewind to the beginning, shall we?

Cork City Wedding Photos

Large street art mural on building wall shows black and white portraits against vibrant floral background in urban setting.
Colorful graffiti art on a wall featuring red, blue and gray abstract shapes and patterns with textured details.
Historic white building with arched entrance and tall windows on a city street corner with road markings in Ireland.
Two people chatting on a sunny street corner with a white van and apartment building in the background.
Two people walking down a residential street with parked cars and buildings on either side in the daylight.
Two people embrace while standing near a stop sign on an urban street with brick buildings in the background.
Two people crossing a sunny urban street intersection with graffiti walls and buildings in the background.
A group of people chatting and laughing on a city street corner near a stop sign on a sunny day.
Group of people standing on a city street corner near a stop sign and parked cars on a sunny day.
A small group gathers outdoors on a sunny day, with people chatting and mingling near a residential building.
A group of wedding guests pose outside together near a colorful mural on a sunny day.
A stop sign and no right turn sign stand in front of a brick residential building on a sunny day.
Two people stand below a large colorful street art mural featuring portraits against an ornate floral background.
A postal worker has a friendly interaction with someone on the street in front of a residential building.
A group of people engaged in conversation outdoors on a sunny day near a residential building.

The Ceremony: Cork Civil Registration Office


Catherine and Mike kicked off their big day at the Cork Civil Registration Office on Adelaide Street. Now, if you’re imagining a stuffy, formal affair, think again. This was a civil ceremony, which meant no fuss, no frills, and absolutely no awkward hymns. The bride arrived at 11:40 am, looking effortlessly chic in her Hobbs dress from Brown Thomas and Dune shoes from Arnotts. Mike, ever the dapper groom, rocked a Moss Bros suit from Dundrum.


The ceremony itself was a swift 15 minutes—just long enough to say “I do” and short enough to avoid anyone’s feet falling asleep.


Ann Walsh, the officiant, kept things moving smoothly, and by 12:15 pm, Catherine and Mike were officially Mr. and Mrs. Sweeney. Cue the confetti (metaphorically, of course—this was a civil ceremony, after all).

Ballymaloe House Wedding Photos by Sarah Kate Photography

A curved gravel path leads through a sunny garden - Ballymaloe House Wedding Photos by Sarah Kate Photography
Green directional signpost showing Dalkeith Palace trail markers against a blue sky and leafy trees.
A vintage bicycle leans against a rustic building with overgrown plants and garden tools in a shaded courtyard.
Outdoor swimming pool surrounded by green lawn and trees on a sunny summer day at a rural recreational area.
Historic ivy-covered stone building with Georgian windows and outdoor cafe seating with purple flowers.
Tall window surrounded by lush green ivy and foliage on building exterior with manicured lawn.
Elegant table setting at wedding reception with water bottles, wine glasses and delicate floral centerpieces on white linens.
Simple elegant wedding table setting with white floral centerpieces in glass vases and place cards.
Elegant dining room with arched window, floral wallpaper, and white tablecloth set for a formal meal near natural light.
Elegant dining room with white floral table setting Ballymaloe House Wedding Photos by Sarah Kate Photography
Small vase of burgundy flowers and green foliage as wedding table centerpiece with wine glasses on white tablecloth.
An elegant dining room with stone walls features a round table set for formal dining with white linens and floral centerpiece.
Elegant table setting with white linens, floral centerpiece, wine glasses and delicate place card with botanical illustration.
An elegant white dining room with stone walls features a long table set for a formal event with floral centerpieces and natural lighting.
A couple poses in wedding attire Ballymaloe House Wedding Photos by Sarah Kate Photography

The Reception: Ballymaloe House Hotel

Now, let’s talk about the star of the show: Ballymaloe House Hotel. If you haven’t heard of it, where have you been? Nestled in the heart of County Cork, this place is the epitome of rustic charm meets luxury. It’s the kind of venue that makes you want to get married just so you can have your reception there.

Catherine and Mike’s reception was an intimate affair with just 14 guests, which meant no awkward small talk with distant relatives or dodging that one uncle who always wants to talk politics. Instead, it was all about good food, great company, and, of course, the legendary Ballymaloe hospitality.


The Photos: Classic, Relaxed, and a Dash of Veg

When it came to wedding photography, Catherine and Mike were clear: they wanted classic, relaxed shots that captured the essence of their day. And where better to do that than Ballymaloe’s famous vegetable garden? Yes, you heard me. The couple opted for their bride and groom photos among the cabbages and carrots, and honestly? It worked. There’s something oddly romantic about posing next to a row of perfectly planted leeks.


If you’re planning your own Ballymaloe House wedding, take note: the venue is a photographer’s dream. From the lush gardens to the elegant interiors, every corner is Instagram-worthy. And if you’re looking for inspiration, check out some stunning Ballymaloe House wedding photos to see how other couples have captured their special day.

A couple in wedding clothes stands against a pink wall with climbing roses, Ballymaloe House wedding photos by Sarah Kate Photography

When the bride matches the roses and the house! Ballymaloe House wedding photos by Sarah Kate Photography

FAQ: Getting Married at Ballymaloe

Thinking of tying the knot at Ballymaloe? Here’s what you need to know:

  • Venue Options: From intimate gatherings to larger celebrations, Ballymaloe can accommodate it all.
  • Catering: The food is, unsurprisingly, incredible. Think locally sourced, grown on site, seasonal dishes that will have your guests raving. It's literally a word famous cookery school for crying out loud.
  • Accommodation: The hotel offers luxurious rooms for you and your guests, so no one has to worry about driving home.
  • Photography: With its stunning gardens and elegant interiors, Ballymaloe is a dream for Wedding Photography Ballymaloe such as little ole me Sarah Kate Photography
A couple in formal attire walks through a stone archway at an elegant historic building.

Final Thoughts


Catherine and Mike’s wedding was a reminder that sometimes, less really is more. No flashy extras, no over-the-top theatrics—just a day filled with love, laughter, and a vegetable garden. If you’re planning your own Ballymaloe weddings, take a leaf out of their book (pun intended) and keep it simple. After all, the best weddings are the ones where you can truly be yourself.


So, here’s to Catherine and Mike—may your life together be as joyful, relaxed, and full of love as your wedding day. And if you ever need a reminder of how perfect it was, just look at those Ballymaloe House wedding photos.

Beautiful Wedding Photographs at Ballymaloe House by Sarah Kate Photography