Friends and family were very much at the centre of Diane and Chris’ wonderful wedding, and their personal touch truly shone through, celebrating in style at the Silver Tassie Hotel. Today, Diane offers some words of wisdom when it comes to choosing that dress, as well as what she loved the most about their magical day.
Diane, tell us you and Chris’ story
Myself and Chris met in Pulse Nightclub in Letterkenny. We hit it off straight away and talked for hours. The proposal was totally unexpected. Myself, Chris and my son Ben went Christmas shopping in Derry and visited to the restaurant my brother was chef in. We had a lovely dinner overlooking the Peace Bridge and when the time came for dessert, my brother brought out the ring on my dessert! As it happened Chris got down on one knee and Ben was there for the perfect shot. My mum, other brother, sister in law and nieces then appeared. I loved how Chris involved my mum and my son Ben. I’ll never forget that.
When and where did you get married?
We got married in Doneyloop Chapel in my hometown, Castlefin. Our reception was held in Silver Tassie Hotel in Letterkenny.
What did you love most about planning your wedding?
I loved the vision, especially putting all the bits and pieces together and imagining what it would all look like on the day. I also thoroughly enjoyed the buzz of the few weeks leading up to the wedding with all our friends and family.
Describe your dress. How did you find ‘the one’?
I had saved pictures of dresses that I thought would suit me. I was drawn to tight, fishtail lace silhouettes and became a bit disheartened after trying on four. Caroline from McElhinney’s in Ballybofey recommended I try on a Pronovias taffeta wedding dress with a V-neck, gemstone embroidery and full pleated skirt with pockets. As soon as it zipped up I couldn’t stop smiling. My mum and aunt shed a tear and I knew this was the one. It was just so me! I bought gloves from eBay and my look was complete. I felt so elegant and like a lady on the day. It was even better than I imagined.
Who were your bridesmaids?
My bridesmaids were my two nieces, Rachel and Katie and Chris’ sister, Louise. Their dresses were a classy rouge red colour. Our beautiful little flower girl was Chris’ niece, Lily. Myself and Chris are very family orientated so we wouldn’t have it any other way than having our family a big part of our day. My son Ben walked me up the aisle, which was a very proud moment for me.
We loved your bouquet!
I had a picture in my head of how to co-ordinate all my colours and my rouge red bouquet of roses with diamond embellishments fitted in perfectly.
What did you love most about Silver Tassie Hotel?
The hotel is amazing and it was our first choice. They literally do everything for you and genuinely care about taking the stress out of it. The food was top class and the feedback from all our guests was so good.
Did everything go exactly to plan?
Our day was so magical. We couldn’t have asked for better weather. It was January 26th and there was a storm the day before and through the night, so much so that the electricity was flickering on and off when I was getting my hair and make-up done and the hailstone were battering off the window. Then, at 10am, there were blue skies and the sun shone until the late afternoon. We were very lucky.
What advice would you offer other brides?
Just enjoy every minute of it and try to book an amazing honeymoon because that’s the time for you both to cherish and look back on everything, as it’s all over in a flash. We went to Mexico and Las Vegas after the wedding and had the time of our lives.
Finally, what led you to choosing Catherine as your wedding photographer?
I saw Catherine’s work in magazines and online and I had to have her. I love the feel of her work and the colouring of her pictures. I think they are timeless and classy.