A Kilkenny man and a young woman from Waterford tied the knot in a most unusual wedding ceremony this week in Kilkenny.
Alan Healy from Glenmore in south Kilkenny and Bébhinn O’Keeffe from Waterford met for the very first time at the altar at Hotel Kilkenny on Monday morning this week.
With nervous looks on their faces, they took their vows to become man and wife ‘til death do us part’.
Beat 102-103 hosted the much publicised event where the bride and groom chose each other over the airwaves in what was a social experiment - ‘Two Strangers and a Wedding’.
The wedding was complete with wedding guests in formal suits and wedding attire. Many of the couple’s friends and families attended the ceremony and the bride was given away by her proud father.
Complete with stunning gown and veil Beibhinn saw Alan for the first time at the alter which was beautifully created at the hotel.
The ceremony was a humanist one and the couple took their vows solemnly in the early morning ceremony.
They can now apply to have their wedding legalised when they return from their honeymoon.
The wedding was broadcast live on the breakfast show on Beat FM. where the couple were initially matched based on their personalities but never met face to face before their big day. Bébhinn and Alan chatted on the phone, asked their family and friends to answer intimate questions to get to know each other better and consulted Beat 102-103’s expert panel for guidance.
Speaking about her experience of marrying a stranger, bride Bébhinn O’Keeffe says, “when I was walking up the aisle my mind just went blank and my Dad had to hold me up. I was just so excited. I’ve definitely already clicked with Alan. Beat 102-103 came up with a great idea when they launched ‘Two Strangers & A Wedding’ and I think it was a really good way to meet someone.”
While, Groom Alan Healy said, “like most grooms, I was nervous but I’m very happy I went through with it. My family and friends have been brilliant and supportive. I think Bébhinn is absolutely smashing.”
Essentially, the social experiment aimed to answer the questions, 'Is love really blind? Is there such a thing as love at first sight in the south-east?
Gabrielle Cummins, CEO of Beat 102-103, said, “there was a huge response to our social experiment ‘Two Strangers and a Wedding’ and listeners have really got behind our chosen bride and groom. We’ve been with Bébhinn and Alan every step of the way from first introductions to them meeting for the first time at the altar. On behalf of everyone at Beat 102-103 I wish the lucky couple the very best of luck as they jet off on their honeymoon to sunny Portugal!”
The ‘happy’ couple departed for their honeymoon in a luxury villa in Portugal where they are spending time to get to know each other.
