Cora + Dean | Third Time Lucky
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It’s an all too common scenario since the pandemic began in 2020.
Couples needing to cancel and rearrange their weddings due to the spread of the virus.
One Perth couple has managed to finally tie the knot after not one, but three attempts at nuptials.
Cora and Dean Lacey are originally from Ireland.
They moved to Australia in 2016, not knowing then that returning to their home country for their wedding was going to be fraught with complications.
There was no question that they wanted to marry in front of family and friends in Ireland before resuming their lives together in Perth.
But Covid-19 had other plans.
The world became a different place.
People faced restrictions to movement from everywhere to workplaces and social events.
Masks were the new essential fashion accessory and returning from overseas became near impossible.
Cora and Dean have been affected by Covid-19 like many couples but their story is a little different.
The couple met at a mutual friend’s party on St Patrick’s Day in 2011 and moved to Perth in January 2016.
The Big Day
On November 13 2021, on the banks of the Swan River in South Perth, Cora and Dean finally tied the knot.
Involving family and friends back in Ireland was paramount.
Cora said it was easy to still have family at the ceremony albeit virtually.
“I had my laptop with me and logged into Zoom to say hi to just my parents a bit earlier,” Cora said.
“My bridesmaid Kirsty walked down the aisle with my Mam and Dad on the centre of the screen.”
“The laptop was sat on a chair in the front row.” Cora said.
Cora and Dean and their 70 guests partied until the wee small hours at their Swan River venue.
Dean’s father gave a speech via Zoom during the reception to continue the theme of including family by remote.
Bittersweet
Cora said the day was wonderful but bittersweet.
“Definitely, it was difficult doing it without family but we've been together 10 years and just wanted to get married already!”
“I knew our day in Ireland wouldn't have been the same due to Covid anyway. We're really lucky to have such freedoms in WA,” Cora said.
Cora added, “There were definitely a few tear jerking moments throughout the day and we were really emotional the whole weekend.”
“We're really lucky our parents supported us and we hope to have a party back in Ireland at some stage.”
Just Do It
Cora and Dean’s advice to other couples?
“Just do it.”
“We had the best day. It was perfect, start to finish. At the end of the day you're marrying the person you love and that's the main thing.”
“There are so many ways you can involve those at home and we’re really lucky with the technology we have nowadays.”
What next for the couple?
“We’re going to apply for citizenship soon and will definitely be in Perth for the near future.”
“We’re both very career oriented so will be working on that for now. We aren’t thinking about a family just yet.”
Michaela Carr is a journalist and radio presenter in Perth. She is also a celebrant.
Vendor Credits : Photographer : Naomi from Aurora Rose Photography for Emot Wedding Photography // Ceremony Set Up : HA Hire // Venue : The Boatshed Restaurant // Florals : Soul Flowers by Shae New // Celebrant : Leanne Meldrum // Wedding Dress : Cupid's Bridal // Shoes : Christian Louboutin // Hair : Lemon Laine Collective // Makeup : Linda Bodnar MUA // Bridesmaid's Dresses : Dion for Brides // Suits : Brittons Formalwear // Limo : Chevin Heaven // Wedding Cake : Sherbet // DJ + MC : Perth DJ Hire