With Irish dancing, the sweet tones of the harp and plenty of craic, Deborah and Omar’s wedding at Corick Country House Hotel was every inch a celebration, Irish style!
Deborah and Omar, who are both from Armagh met in an unusual place, during the wake of Omar’s best friends’s mother. “In a twist of Irish irony, Omar and his best friend had just come back from picking the coffin and well, naturally this was the perfect time to fall in love!” said Deborah. Omar fell instantly in love with Deborah, whilst she took things calmer and let her feelings develop over a few months.
Like much of their relationship, Omar acted on impulse and instinct and proposed one Saturday afternoon with a white gold necklace with diamond inset. Following the special question and Deborah’s acceptance the couple chose the engagement ring together.
Deborah began planning immediately and with her ceremony being held in St. Patricks Cathedral, Armagh she soon realised an Irish theme was emerging. The couple visited Corick Country House Hotel and fell in love with its perfect setting, gardens and reception suite.
On her wedding day, Saturday, June 20th, Deborah wore a high neck lace gown with a fishtail skirt that she had purchased in McElhinneys Bridal Rooms in Ballybofey. Her bridesmaids wore beautiful blue gowns with intricate beadwork from Creative Ideas Bridal in armagh, whilst her little flower girl Aoibheann wore a simple ivory satin gown. The couples son, Míchéal wore a modern grey tails, just like his dad.
Adding Irish charm to the day, Celtic Breeze performed traditional Irish music during the ceremony, performers playing harps Deborah’s father had made also added to at the atmosphere and Celtic Rhythm Irish dancers from Dublin performed at the reception. The Claddagh symbol was used throughout the day on the mass booklets, Mr & Mrs signs, on the wedding cake and the tissue envelopes.
“Our day was nothing short of amazing. From ceremony through to the reception and the joy and interest strewn among all of our guests, all swathed in a bath of glorious sunshine all day… we cannot possibly convey just how special it was. As spectacular and grand as it all was, we were humbled by the amount of love and genuine attention our friends and family devoted to us and for that we will always be grateful. Everyone helped make our day as wonderful as it was,” said Deborah.
To surprise their guests Deborah and Omar had been having dance lessons before the big day to create a spectacular first dance – it didn’t go quite to plan!
“About 30 seconds in Omar announced to me that he was done! His mind was blank and we just burst out laughing and went into a slow sway. No one noticed much until Omar took the mic and announced to the room the disaster that had taken place and they erupted into a great cheer. It was very much appreciated!” said Deborah.
Following their spectacular wedding Omar and Deborah headed off on the honeymoon of a lifetime taking in four nights at the MGM Hotel in Las Vegas, followed by three nights in New York and finally a week under the sun in Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic!
Inside Information
Ceremony: St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh.
Reception: Corick Country House Hotel & Spa, Clogher, tel: 028 8554 8216.
Wedding dress: McElhinney’s, Ballybofey, tel: 00353 74 913 1217.
Bridesmaids dresses: Creative Ideas Bridal, Armagh, tel: 028 3752 3327.
Groomswear: Louis Boyd, Newry, tel: 028 3026 2850.
Cake: The Perfect Cake, Lisburn, tel: 07817 630 079.
Stationery: Appleby Careers ‘Print It’ Project, Armagh, tel: 028 3751 8247.
Horse & carriage: Joanne Orr Carriages, Castlewellan, 028 4065 0436.
Bridal car: Exotic Limos, Dungannon, tel: 028 8775 5090.
Photography: Ciaran O’Neill Photography, Lurgan, tel: 028 3834 4100.
