Cork Couple Celebrate Double Wedding in Ireland and Malaysia

Stephanie Yates, a medical scientist from Little Island, Cork, and Samuel Joseph Dairiam, an emergency department doctor from Malaysia and Glanmire, celebrated two wedding ceremonies spanning Ireland and Malaysia following an Amalfi Coast engagement. The couple first crossed paths in May 2020 at Mercy University Hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic, as recounted by Stephanie Yates.

An Amalfi Coast Proposal and Dual Wedding Celebrations

Samuel Dairiam proposed on July 27, 2023, at Villa Cimbrone in Ravello, Italy, during a trip celebrating his birthday. Stephanie Yates noted they had the area to themselves while looking out at the ocean. The couple officially married in Ireland on May 15, followed by a second blessing and reception in Malaysia on June 27.

“As Sam is from Malaysia, we were lucky enough to celebrate our wedding twice,” Stephanie Yates said.

The Irish Ceremony and Reception Details

The first vows were exchanged at Our Lady Crowned Church in Mayfield during a Mass led by Father Charles Kiely. As musician Carys Ann Evans played the harp, the bride experienced no nerves, while the groom had a shot of Jameson beforehand. The newlyweds traveled to their reception at Innishannon House Hotel in a Jaguar MK2 supplied by Cork Wedding Cars.

Toasts were given by the bride’s mother, Christine Yates, and the groom’s father, Felix Dairiam. The couple also remembered the late Jim Yates and Judith Dairiam during the celebrations. Guests traveled from around the globe for the event, which Stephanie Yates described as feeling like the United Nations.

“So many people travelled from all over the world to celebrate with us; this made us feel so loved. We were like the United Nations,” Stephanie Yates said.

Attire and Wedding Party

The bride wore a Rosa Clará design purchased from Kathrin and Rouven at The White Ivy Bridal Boutique in Kenmare. The groom’s suit was bought in Malaysia, while the best man and groomsman secured their suits at Morley’s on Grand Parade in Cork. Flower-girl dresses came from Next, pageboy attire from The Baby Boutique on Castle Street, and the Indian-style bridesmaid dresses were sourced from Lashkaraa in India.

The bridal party included maids of honour Kimona Daniel Bourne and Jaimee Deschamps, best man Marvin De Jesus, groomsman Abhishek Sharma, flowergirls Kayniah Bourne and Millie Thomas, and pageboy Khaz Bourne. Photography was handled by Dermot Sullivan, with videography by Johnson Charles and Richie D’Souza of RJ Creatives, and music by The Aristocrats.

Malaysian Blessing and Reception

The second blessing took place at the Eastern and Oriental Hotel in Penang. Stephanie Yates wore a custom Indian-style dress made by Lashkaraa, and Samuel Dairiam wore an Indian suit from Penang. Bryan Chew at O Hara Floris provided a custom floral backdrop, and Light Feather Studios documented the event.

“Sam is Indian, so it was wonderful to experience the Indian culture and hospitality,” Stephanie Yates said, adding that the experience felt like being “movie stars in our own love story.”