This week’s Wedding of the Week couple is Noel and Kelly Sharkey, who celebrated their wedding in An Chúirt Hotel.
A VERY special wedding day was recently celebrated at An Chúirt Hotel in Gaoth Dobhair when two former employees got married.
Noel and Kelly Sharkey got married on April 24 last with lots of sunshine, scenery and smiles.
Their journey began nine years ago in An Chúirt when Noel was working as a chef and Kelly was a waitress while studying for her nursing degree in Belfast.
Both natives of Dungloe, Noel and Kelly already knew each other but romance blossomed after two years as colleagues.
The couple now live in Armagh and work in Belfast, but when it came to deciding where to celebrate their wedding, there was only really one option.
“When we had talked about the prospect of getting married before we were even engaged, it was always An Chúirt,” said Kelly.
“It just always felt like the right decision to go back there. And from the minute we walked in, it just felt like we were kind of home in a sense. That it was a full circle moment and it was just lovely.
“From the planning stages right through to the wedding day itself, the staff were just fantastic. Their professionalism, attention to detail, everything just ran so perfectly.”
Kelly and Noel picked up ideas for their special day from working at weddings in An Chúirt.
“I was quite familiar with how it all worked,” said Kelly.
“It was Francis and Martin, they went through everything with us. They were very, very good. Anytime we wanted to come down to look at different things or run different ideas past them, they were always so welcoming and very open.
“Everything was just made so easy to plan through them.”
Kelly and Noel may have held their wedding on a sunny spring day, but Kelly was proposed to on St Stephen’s Day 2024 at a place close to her heart.
“We had Christmas at home. I was off, which is quite rare when you’re a nurse sometimes to get the days off,” explained Kelly.
“We were off Christmas Day, and then he had said we’d do something on Boxing Day. We usually go away anyway or do a wee day out or a walk or out for dinner and then out with family and friends afterwards.
“My granny was from Lettermacaward, so I love Dooey Beach. I grew up going to that beach. It’s one of my favourite places, so on Boxing Day, we decided to go for a walk and went up to the beach, and he proposed to me on Dooey Beach, so it was lovely.”
Fast forward to April 2026, and the couple were delighted that the sun shone for their wedding day.
The ceremony was celebrated by Fr Pat Ward in St Columba’s Church, Burtonport.
Kelly had three bridesmaids, with her sister Chloe as maid of honour, and Noel matched this number with his groomsmen.
They invited 175 guests who travelled from all over the world to be there for the special day.
“My brother and his girlfriend flew in from Australia and I had another friend from Australia as well,” said Kelly.
“We had a lot from up north, Belfast, Dublin, London, everywhere. Every corner came over to it and they’re still talking about it.
“We had the most beautiful day. The sun was shining, it was about 22 degrees. There were just clear blue skies, and we got our photographs taken outside Errigal.
“It was lovely, our guests are still talking about An Chúirt itself. How beautiful the venue was, how beautiful the scenery was and how much they enjoyed being a part of the day.”
The stunning backdrop of Errigal mountain provided a perfect setting for professional photos by Patrick Duddy and videos by Simon Gillespie.
Noel and Kelly with their groomsmen and bridesmaids.
Meanwhile, guests were welcomed into the hotel reception with music by Danny O’Donnell. The newlyweds arrived to hear him perform ‘Can’t Help Falling In Love’ by The Whistlin’ Donkeys.
Speeches were made before everyone enjoyed their meal and Kelly and Noel made sure to get a picture with every table.
They made a “photo dash” around the room, getting the atmosphere going with ‘Maniac 2000’ among the tunes.
Kelly enjoyed a meal of prawn and monkfish gratin for starter, steak for main, and a trio of dessert.
As a chef, Noel paid particular attention to the food and the couple were impressed that an additional menu was provided for the top table.
After a quick turnaround, The Rockhill Ramblers got set up and proved to be a crowd pleaser.
Kelly and Noel had their first dance to ‘Good Morning Beautiful’ by Nathan Carter, a special moment where everyone gathered together.
After the band finished up, the DJ took over for everyone to dance the night away.
The next day, Kelly and Noel enjoyed breakfast in the hotel with their loved ones before heading for another round of celebrations to Owenie’s Bar in Dungloe, which is owned by Noel’s aunt and uncle.
Overall, Kelly and Noel had a special day that brought back old memories and created new ones.
“Going back and being able to create that new chapter there with our family and friends was lovely,” said Kelly.
“It was very, very nice, and the hotel was fantastic from beginning to end. We couldn’t have asked for a better day.”