02-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Wedding of the Week: Limerick couple Chloe and Michael's big day was special for the whole family
Music-loving Limerick couple Chloe Brennan and Michael Cussen were delighted to find a celebrant who sang from the same hymn sheet as themselves in every sense.
Chloe, who grew up in Monaleen, and Michael, from Father Russell Road, were wed recently in the Church of the Most Holy Rosary, Abbeyleix, Co Laois, by Fr Paddy Byrne and held their reception in Castle Durrow, Co Laois.
Fr Paddy Byrne with Chloe Brennan and Michael Cussen and their wedding party.
'Fr Paddy was an absolute gent! He was just wonderful — so much fun. When we asked him about church music, he said, 'Whatever music you want' — so we got to have a very eclectic range, including songs from The Cure, Oasis, The Cranberries, Smashing Pumpkins, The Beatles, and Taylor Swift. When I looked up at one stage during the Mass, I saw Fr Paddy singing along to Champagne Supernova,' says Chloe.
'We are also fortunate that our incredibly talented and kind singer and harpist Sinéad Walshe learned some songs for us.'
Chloe Brennan and Michael Cussen. Pictures: Black Diamond Photography
Rewind 10 years and Beyonce's hits were the soundtrack as Chloe, a teacher, and Michael, who works for Limerick County Council, first spotted one another — at a New Year's Eve ball on December 31, 2015, at the Dunraven Arms Hotel in Adare, Co Limerick. 'We danced. [Afterwards] I was shy and ran away,' says Chloe.
Chloe Brennan and Michael Cussen. Pictures: Black Diamond Photography
But Michael asked around about Chloe. 'I was in a musical that year with Limerick Musical Society, and we were part of the St Patrick's Day parade in 2016. Straight after we went to Nancy's [Nancy Blake's Bar] in Limerick where Michael and I bumped into one another," she says.
As Chloe was about to take up a teaching position in Dubai, a two-year long-distance romance ensued. Eight years later, and back in Ireland, Kilkenny's five-star Mount Juliet resort was the backdrop to their engagement on January 7, 2024.
The bride's parents Trish Forde Brennan and Donal Brennan.
Both sets of parents, Trish Forde Brennan and Donal Brennan and Susan Cussen and Mick Cussen, were there to help them celebrate on their big day, along with Chloe's grandfather Dan Forde.
'We were so appreciative of everybody being there, especially Susan, Michael's mum, who passed away a few months after our wedding,' says Chloe.
The groom's parents, Susan Cussen and Mick Cussen.
'They showed us what love is, and we were able to honour them.
Susan loved weddings and was always the life and soul of every party. It meant so much to Michael and me that she was able to be there.
'Attending the wedding was my grandad's first time leaving the house since Covid. He had the best time and stayed for the afters.'
The bride's friends were by her side also, with Aisling Kelliher as her maid of honour and Clodagh Hayden, Elisse O'Donnell and Grace McDonnell as her bridesmaids.
The groom's brother Shane Cussen was his best man, and his cousin Ed Cussen and friends John Reddington and Neil Connaughton were the groomsmen.
Bride Chloe Brennan. Pictures: Black Diamond Photography
Chloe looked super-elegant in two bespoke gowns by Cleo Bridal. 'Mary Flynn customised the two dresses,' she says.
'Designer Mary O'Sullivan did the veil, and my hair and makeup were by the amazing Catherine Hickey Hair and Make Up.'
Fr Paddy Byrne with Chloe Brennan and her bridal party.
The suits were from Anthony Ryan's Galway, and capturing the occasion on film was Black Diamond Photography ( and Ivory Films.
Bobby Mc & The Dukes performed during the drinks reception, and Soul Power Music was the wedding band, followed by DJ Jack Enright.
Chloe Brennan and Michael Cussen. Pictures: Black Diamond Photography
'Our first dance was to You and Me by Penny and the Quarters,' says Chloe. The newlyweds, who live in Monaleen, honeymooned in Las Vegas, California and Mexico.
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