A Love Like No Other
“Once in a while, right in the middle of an ordinary life,
love gives us a fairy tale.”
There are few moments in life that are as magical as when two hearts join together in love. On a beautiful summer’s day; 2nd August 2024, Shannon Duffy and Dermot Curran celebrated their love story in front of family and friends. With St. Michael’s Church in Enniskillen as the backdrop for their ceremony, and Lough Erne Resort hosting their classy reception, the day was nothing short of a dream come true. The bride, a trainee solicitor from Derry, and the groom, a principal software developer, had a day filled with joy, laughter, and cherished memories.
Shannon and Dermot first met in 2015 at a friend’s 18th birthday party. After hours of dancing and party fun, Dermot made a bold move, walking up to Shannon and saying, “I really want to kiss you.” As Shannon laughs now, “I guess being direct works sometimes!” This cheeky, romantic introduction sparked a love story that grew stronger over the years, despite some off-and-on moments. By 2019, the couple knew they were meant to be together forever, and their relationship flourished, leading to their unforgettable wedding day.
Dermot’s proposal was as sweet and sentimental as the rest of their journey. To celebrate Shannon’s birthday in July 2021, Dermot planned a romantic getaway at the Marker Hotel in Dublin. Although his original plan was to propose on the rooftop bar, nerves got the better of him. Instead, in the intimate privacy of their hotel room, he asked Shannon to marry him, nearly shaking with anxiety after two near car accidents on the way there. The ring is a stunning Princess Cut diamond from Lunns Jewellers in Belfast—a perfect match for what Shannon had always dreamed of. Dermot truly hit the mark, and their engagement became the beginning of their next chapter.
Finding the perfect wedding dress is often one of the most thrilling and daunting parts of wedding planning, but Shannon handled it with grace (and a little help from her family). After several visits to various bridal shops, Shannon found herself enchanted by a Demetrios Platinum dress at Blue Lace Bridal in Coleraine. With the support of her mum, Caroline, and her cousins Patricia and Leonora, the experience turned into a memorable adventure. “I valued my mum’s opinion more than anyone,” Shannon shares, “so I was absolutely delighted when she loved my dress as much as I did.”
Shannon and Dermot wanted a timeless and regal theme for their wedding, so they chose a stunning black, white, and gold colour scheme. The uplighting in the reception room, the elegant table décor, and even the band’s attire followed this elegant palette. Dermot wore a striking white tuxedo jacket, while his groomsmen (friend Bobby, brother Ciaran and friend John all dressed by SD Kells) and the bridesmaids (friend Karen, cousin Aoife and sister in law Carolyn dressed by Amore Bridal) were all dressed in classic black. The chic and sophisticated design was flawlessly executed, ensuring the day felt as grand as their love story.
The ceremony at St. Michael’s Church was heartfelt and moving, but it was the reception at Lough Erne Resort that truly brought their vision to life. With 140 guests in attendance, the celebration was lively and filled with surprises. Guests were greeted by a champagne wall, which instantly became a hit, while a trad band set the mood during the room changeover. Shannon and Dermot’s first dance, set to “Never Enough” from The Greatest Showman, was nothing short of magical, complete with cold sparks and dry ice swirling around them. In Shannon’s words “it felt like something out of a movie”.
Perhaps one of the most heartwarming moments of the night came when Dermot surprised Shannon by singing “Your Man” by Josh Turner. Shannon recalls the moment with a smile, “The band’s singer announced there was a surprise, and I was so confused. I even said, ‘No, there isn’t!’ But then Dermot took the mic, and I was blown away. It was a moment I’ll never forget.”
Looking back on the day, Shannon and Dermot both have their favourite highlights. For Shannon, it was their magical first dance. “It felt like there was no one else in the room,” she says. For Dermot, the most unforgettable moment was when he saw Shannon walking up the aisle. “I was overwhelmed with happiness,” he confesses.
As with any wedding, there were moments of stress—particularly with timing, Shannon admits, laughing about how she was over 30 minutes late to the ceremony. But in the end, the day was everything they dreamed it would be and more. “Everything went perfectly,” Shannon says. “We only wish we could do it all over again and change nothing, apart from maybe being 30 minutes late!”
Of course, none of it would have been possible without the incredible support of Shannon’s parents, Caroline and Pat Duffy. “They truly outdid themselves with the planning and effort they put into our day,” Shannon beams. Their dedication made the day even more magical, ensuring every detail was as perfect as the couple had envisioned.
After an unforgettable wedding, Shannon and Dermot jetted off to the Maldives for a dream honeymoon. “Married life is great,” Shannon laughs. “But I’m still getting used to seeing Dermot wearing a ring—I look at it sometimes and think, isn’t it crazy that we’re married now?” Their wedding may have come and gone, but their love story is only just beginning, full of excitement and adventure as they embark on this new journey together.
Shannon and Dermot’s advice to other couples? “Listen when people say it flies in because it really does!” And for anyone planning their big day, remember to enjoy every moment—it’s a magical experience you’ll cherish forever.
WEDDING SUPPLIERS INFO:
Reception location: Lough Erne Resort
Wedding Dress from: Blue Lace Bridal, Coleraine
Bridesmaids dresses from: Amore Bridal
Groomswear from: SD Kells
Make-up by: Katie B Makeup
Flowers by: Floral Couture by David McConkey
Room Décor by: EPIC Events, Champagne Memories
Rings from: Lunns Jewellers
Cake by: Gemma’s Cakes
Stationery by: Ryan Patrick Design – Wedding Stationery & Decorative Accessories
Transport from: I Do Wedding Cars, and 1st Choice Wedding Cars
Photography by: Rashida Keenan Photography
Videography by: Mark Ryan Wedding Film, NI
Entertainment by:
Daryl Simpson/Celtic Tenors, Ireland
Dream Band, Ireland
Ruth Corry Harpist, Belfast
