Bride Laura Garvey and Belfast groom Paul Grant, their wedding on 20th July 2024 was the perfect blend of timeless elegance and personal romance—a celebration filled with meaning, laughter, and the promise of forever.
How it all began
Laura, a HR Advisor, and Paul, a Telecommunications Manager, first connected in December 2019 after weeks of exchanging long, thoughtful messages. By the time their first date rolled around, Paul found himself driving to Portadown for the very first time—satnav in hand—while both were filled with anticipation. Conversation flowed effortlessly, and it was clear from that very first meeting that their story had only just begun.
A romantic proposal
Fast forward three years, and Paul orchestrated a proposal straight out of a fairytale. After an overnight stay at the Ballygally Castle Hotel, he took Laura to the beach on the crisp morning of New Year’s Day 2023. Choosing to begin the year with a promise, he dropped to one knee as the waves lapped the shore. Thoughtful as ever, Paul had arranged for a photographer to capture the moment, gifting the couple timeless images of their “yes” to share with family and friends.
The ring—an 18ct yellow gold and platinum daisy diamond cluster from Murray & Co—was a dazzling choice Laura describes as “everything I had ever dreamed of.”
The dress of dreams
Laura knew she wanted something fitted with beading, and after visiting a few boutiques, she found “the one” at Elody Bride. Her Lillian West gown, paired with a bespoke detachable beaded overskirt and veil, offered both elegance and versatility. “Before I had even stepped into it, I said, ‘This is it. This is me.’” she recalls.
Her bridesmaids—best friends Hannah Murtagh and Maria McStravick—looked radiant in eucalyptus green chiffon gowns from Azazie, while Paul and his groomsmen, best man Mark McAleer and brother-in-law Michael Garvey, looked sharp in classic tuxedos from Freddie Hatchet.
A timeless celebration
The couple exchanged vows at Stonebridge, Kilmore, before celebrating with 132 guests at the breathtaking Killeavy Castle Estate. Wanting a theme that felt personal yet enduring, Laura and Paul opted for a classy, elegant, and timeless style: black tuxedos, abundant white florals, and the nostalgic sounds of 1940s crooners like Dean Martin and Tony Bennett.
A live singer set the tone for the drinks reception, while a second vocalist performed the first dances before the DJ carried the party into the night. One of the evening’s funniest moments? A full-on family dance-off, where the bride’s side and groom’s side battled it out—moves and all!
The highlights
For Laura and Paul, the most unforgettable moment was seeing each other for the first time on the aisle. “It’s that instant calm when you see the person you love—it melts away all the nerves,” Laura shares.
Their first dance was to Tony Bennett’s “Have I Told You Lately”, a romantic nod to the music that had underscored their wedding vision. Guests also enjoyed sparklers, lively entertainment, and plenty of laughter.
A perfect start to forever
After their castle wedding, the couple jetted off to Cyprus for a sun-soaked, all-inclusive honeymoon. “Your first week married is one of the greatest feelings,” Laura says. “It’s so special to spend that time together, just the two of you.”
Now happily married, homeowners, and expecting their first child in October, Laura and Paul are embracing this exciting new chapter.
Her advice to other brides? “Everything really does fall into place. Don’t stress about the small things—you’ll be too happy to even notice them on the day!”
WEDDING SUPPLIERS INFO
Reception location: Killeavy Castle Estate
Wedding Dress from: Elody Bride
Bridesmaids dresses from: Azazie Bridesmaid Dresses
Groomswear from: Freddie Hatchet
Make-up by: Sarah-Jane Johnston Make Up Artiest
Flowers by: Let’s Face It Creation
Room Décor by: Wedding Flowers Cherished Moments
Rings from: Murray and Co
Cake by: The Busy Whisk Bakery
Transport from: I do Wedding Cars
Photography by: Ciaran O’Neill Photography
Videography by: Jamie Gray Videography
Entertainment by:
Patsy Bradley, Seamus Heaney and DJ Mark Brown
