A Fairytale at Belle Isle Castle
For Eliza Lee, a 28-year-old Customer Success Manager from Perth, Ontario, and Eoghan McDermott, a 36-year-old Learning Development Manager from Ballyshannon, Donegal, love was written in the stars—and sealed with a harp melody in the Irish countryside.
The pair first crossed paths in September 2018 at a pub in Sligo, Ireland, where Eliza was studying abroad. Introduced by mutual friends, they quickly discovered a shared love of music, laughter, and the winding landscapes of the Emerald Isle. “One of the first places Eoghan ever took me was Mullaghmore,” recalls Eliza, “and it became such a special spot for us throughout our relationship.” It was there, in June 2024, that Eoghan surprised Eliza with a radiant-cut diamond ring from Brilliant Earth, as a friend secretly captured the moment from the long grass.
The Bride’s Look
Eliza found her dream gown at Sinders Bridal in Carleton Place, Ontario, after visiting three boutiques. The dramatic mikado ballgown, paired with a delicate lace jacket, was both regal and romantic—perfect for the castle setting. “The Sinders team was incredible,” says Eliza. “They helped me customize the look, even creating sleeves I could wear for the reception.”
Her bridesmaids, dressed in deep emerald satin gowns from Azazie, brought a rich contrast to the timeless palette of whites, creams, and gold accents. Across the aisle, Eoghan and his groomsmen looked dashing in tuxedos from MJ’s Menswear in Derry, completing the black-tie vision.
A Celebration in Timeless Elegance
On July 5, 2025, 111 guests gathered at Belle Isle Estate in Enniskillen for a wedding that felt straight from a storybook. With its misty countryside and castle grandeur, the venue embodied the couple’s theme of timeless elegance and romantic enchantment.
The décor echoed the mood with white and cream florals, rustic gold frames, and candlelight. Guests dined beneath soft fairy lights, surrounded by flickers of candlelit warmth and gilded charger plates.
Music at the Heart
For Eliza and Eoghan, music was woven into every moment of the day. A harpist welcomed guests, and Eliza walked down the aisle to Enchanted by Taylor Swift—played on harp. Their recessional was a joyful burst of Celebration by Kool and the Gang, performed by a friend. Later, their first dance—choreographed to a heartfelt cover of Simply the Best—set the tone for an unforgettable evening.
Guests danced long into the night thanks to the Atlantic Wedding Band, close friends from Sligo, while an impromptu groomsmen performance, complete with Eoghan on drums, left the crowd cheering.
Personal Touches
The couple’s love story was reflected in every detail—from custom Butler’s Chocolate wedding favours to signature cocktails named after their cat, Stinker (“Marpurrrita” and “Whisker Sour”). Shamrocks and maple leaves appeared throughout, symbolizing the union of Ireland and Canada.
The Real Moments
Not everything went to plan—the Irish weather forced the ceremony indoors, a fuseboard melted mid-afternoon, and a misstep with the groom’s phone nearly cut the music. But for Eliza and Eoghan, these quirks only added character. “At the end of the day, it was magical,” says Eliza. “Our guests are still raving about it.”
The highlight? For Eliza, it was the speeches—“There wasn’t a dry eye in the room”—and the joy of getting ready with her bridesmaids. For Eoghan, it was dancing the night away with all their favourite people in one place.
Looking Back
Like many couples, Eliza and Eoghan admit there are things they’d tweak—more coffee in the morning, more photos captured, and perhaps a sunnier day. But the essence of their celebration, steeped in romance, music, and heritage, was everything they dreamed of.
Advice for Couples
“Take your time picking your vendors,” Eliza advises. “They’ll be by your side the whole day, and they truly set the tone. We were so grateful for ours.”
As for life after “I do”? With six years already behind them, the transition has felt seamless. “It doesn’t feel that different,” Eliza laughs. “But it’s fun to wear our rings and say ‘my husband’ and ‘my wife.’”
For now, the couple is holding off on a honeymoon until 2026, but with a love story that has already spanned continents, one thing is certain—their next adventure will be just as enchanting as their Belle Isle wedding.
WEDDING SUPPLIERS INFO:
Reception location: Belle Isle Estate
Wedding Dress from: Sinders Bridal, Canada
Bridesmaids dresses from: Azazie, Online
Groomswear from: MJ’s Menaswear
Make-up by: Emma-Kate Makeup
Hair by: Rosey Breen Hair Stylist, Enniskillen
Flowers & Room Décor by : McGarry Wedding Design
Celebrant: Conor Clear, Ireland
Photography by: Inbetween Days Photography
Videography by: Filmmaker Jo
Content Creator: Dreamy June Wedding, Co.Down
Entertainment: Jennifer Leahy Harpist, Peadair Murphy Music and Atlantic Wedding Band
