Suzanne and James delighted their guests with a fun celebration that reflected their love of each other and their close family.
Being the owner and hair stylist at Chocolate Blonde Hair Couture in Markethill, Suzanne spends much of her time talking about weddings and helping brides create their dream vision, so when it came to her summer wedding she knew exactly how the day would go. James and Suzanne had originally met during a night out in Banbridge, and after he supported her recovery after an operation, Suzanne knew he was the one for her! After asking for her dad’s permission and with a romantic proposal planned, James ended up asking Suzanne for her hand in marriage on Halloween night in 2010 in their bedroom, just after a hospital visit. “I was 24 weeks pregnant and suffering from Hyperemesis gravidarum, so was feeling very ill. The only thing James could think of to pick me up was to produce a sparkler! It worked!”, said Suzanne. With two small children and a busy salon to look after, planning was eventful as time wasn’t something Suzanne had a lot of! Luckily, she knew how they wanted the day and what suppliers she would use; they decided to have a small wedding with only their nearest and dearest in attendance.
Suzanne and James were married in St Marks Church of Ireland in Tandragee. With their two little children by their side, the couple used possessions of loved ones who sadly weren’t with them; Sarah-Jane from Vintage Violet in Markethill added Suzanne’s grandmother’s necklace and her great aunt’s brooch to her bouquet, whilst James’s dad’s vintage suitcase was used during the service. “The ceremony was lovely, and becoming Mrs Wilshaw was a highlight, especially as I now shared the same surname as my husband and children, Savannah and Frankie. Of course, not everything was perfect. Halfway through the service I remembered my dress wasn’t done up at the back! Thankfully, when we were signing the register, my bridesmaids were able to finish the buttons!”, added Suzanne. Guests made the trip to the Slieve Donard Resort & Spa for the reception and plenty of fun family time. Following their day, Suzanne and James headed for a relaxing honeymoon at the La Marquise Resort in Rhodes.
Photographer: Paper Window, Belfast, tel: 07858 299 116
