Real Weddings
Real Wedding
Oonagh & Marty's Wedding
The Couple
Tell us a little about how met
It was around 9 years ago when I was working in my daddy's little shop. Marty came in and asked for a phone top up and then asked his friend, 'Who is the girl working in the shop?'. He got my number and sent me a text to go on a date. The first date was a success and the rest, as they say, is history.
Talk us through the proposal
We were on holidays in Tenerife which is one of our favourite destinations. We had a lovely day relaxing by the pool and we decided to get ready for dinner early so that we could go down to the beach to watch the beautiful sunset. When we were ready we left the hotel and I noticed that Marty had his phone and camera stuffed into his pocket but when I offered to put them in my handbag he was adamant that it was fine - little did I know the phone and camera were hiding the ring and box. We sat and watched the sun going down and just before it set Marty said we should set up the camera to take a picture of us. I turned around and there he was down on one knee and captured the whole thing on camera. It was perfect and a total surprise!
The Setting
Ceremony
St.Eugene's Church, Moneyneena
Reception
The Great Hall
Why Galgorm Resort & Spa
We had visited Galgorm on a couple of occasions prior to getting engaged and when we came home from our holidays we went to Galgorm for a celebratory afternoon tea. From this visit we knew no other venue would compare. Both sets of parents loved the venue and we booked it a couple of weeks later.
What made you choose a Resort location
Having our wedding at a Resort location just made everything flow so smoothly. Our guests were able to stay the night of the wedding at the hotel and make use of the amazing spa facilities. We also had our ‘Engagement’ meal at Galgorm with our families and we are returning to celebrate our ‘First Wedding Anniversary’. I just think there is something very special about being able to return to your wedding venue and relive all of those wonderful memories of the most perfect day.
Tell us the most memorable part of your day
It’s so difficult to choose one so I’ll choose a couple. I just loved the ceremony especially walking down the aisle with my daddy and then walking back up the aisle with Marty as husband and wife – it was lovely. Our first dance was another really special part of the day. Our parents love to dance so we took a few tips from them and learned how to jive and waltz. We jived to ‘Olly Murrs – Dance With Me Tonight’. We loved dancing to an upbeat song for our first dance.
Advice for future couples
Take in every moment because it really does go by so quickly. During the dinner take a moment to look around at all of those amazing people sitting among you who have joined you both to celebrate your special day.
The Dream Team
Galgorm Wedding Planner
Rose McMillan
Wedding Stationery
Perfect Day Print, Ballymena
Cake
Devine Cakes, Donegal
Flowers
Sally's Floral Studio, Ballymena
Entertainment
Ceremony and drinks reception: Una McGill
Band: The Merchants
DJ: Starling Entertainment
Decor & Design
Sally's Floral Studio
Photographer
Videographer
Stephen Noonan
Favours
Marie Curie Cancer Care Donation - in memory of our grandparents
Theme
Hollywood Glam
The Glad Rags
Wedding Dress & Accessories
I tried on a total of 89 wedding dresses. I’m such an indecisive person and couldn’t make up my mind as there were so many beautiful dresses to choose from. Marie and Laura at 'Castle Couture' did a fantastic job and it was my mum who chose the ‘Brompton’ by Susanne Neville for me to try. Once I saw it I knew it was going to be my dress. I had one request for Marie and Laura and that was to add length to the train. But as each of Susanne Neville’s dresses are handmade in London this was done exactly to my specification and I couldn’t have been happier with the result. Short Dancing Dress: About 2 weeks before the wedding at my last dress fitting we realised that I would not be able to dance the jive we had been learning in my beautiful wedding dress. My mum very kindly went home and began to make a little short dancing dress out of the leftover material she had from the bridesmaid dresses. It was beautiful and so easy to dance in. My veil was from 'Castle Couture' and I wore a bespoke headpiece by 'Millinery by Mairead' in Newry. Martin bought me Jimmy Choo sandals which finished the look perfectly.
Bridesmaid's Dresses
I knew I wanted my bridesmaids to be in the same material as me and in a bridesmaid dress that was individual and unique. My mum drew up a little sketch and made the dresses in a stunning powder blue silk crepe. We were delighted with the results and I think both bridesmaids looked absolutely amazing.
Groomswear
Remus Uomo supplied by Burns and Co, Draperstown. Marty loves a nice suit so I knew choosing the suit would be just as important as choosing the dress. He chose a navy Remus tux and Pat and the Burns and Co staff were all fantastic. The suits were perfect and the boys all looked very trendy.
The Glam Squad
Hair
Connie Farren from 'Runway' Maghera
Makeup
Ashlee Coburn (Ashlee MUA)
Nails
Finesse, Davina O'Neill Draperstown
