A Holiday To Remember
“One day you’ll meet someone who chooses you, and continues to choose you every day.”
Sometimes love comes along and completely takes us by surprise – that was certainly true for Cara Maguire, a stay-at-home mum, and her now husband, Marty Whoriskey, a butcher from Derry. They met when Cara’s sister and her husband played cupid and set the pair up. A quick Facebook message on Marty’s part, and the rest, as they say, is history.
9 blissful years later and the proposal couldn’t have been more special or have caught Cara more off-guard. Dining in a small restaurant overlooking the water on her very first holiday in Italy, she was taken completely by surprise as Marty got down on one knee and produced a stunning Crossans’ white gold engagement ring.
Cara confesses that she found dress shopping rather overwhelming “There was so much to choose from!” she tells us. Cara actually found the dress at Amore Bridal, which was the second bridal shop that she visited. The most stressful aspect for the couple was making sure that everyone was on time for their fittings, but in fact they quite enjoyed the planning process. They particularly loved “days that were spent looking at different venders because we always made a wee day out of it and spent the day together.” That’s the way to do it!
The four bridesmaid dresses for Cara’s sister Shannon (maid of honour), best friends, Tina and Amy and daughter, Eve were also bought from Amore Bridal and the flower girl dress for the couple’s youngest daughter, Mia was made especially for her.
The groomsmen’s outfits for Marty’s brother, Gary (best man), brother-in-law, Joe, best friend, Matt and son, Jamie, came from The Black Tie Showroom.
Their rustic wedding took place on the 5th of August 2023 at the beautiful An Grianan Hotel, Donegal, surrounded by 140 of the couple’s nearest and dearest. The décor oozed earthy woodland-chic, with sage greens, blush pinks and florals.
As the most beautiful favours, guests received a bottle opener disguised as an unusual old key, packaged up with sweets in a faux-wooden box.
The day could not have been better, and the couple wish they could do it all again! Luckily, their quirky photobooth means that they can relive memories of the fantastic day over and over again.
The highlights for them both were the speeches, alongside the “good craic” getting their photos done! The only thing that they would have changed would be to take more time to enjoy every moment as it passes so quickly. That would be their solid advice to other couples tying the knot – “enjoy every second and don’t worry about the small things”.
Following the wedding, Cara and Marty jetted off on their honeymoon to the beautiful island of Majorca… where she was hoping there would be no further holiday surprises!
WEDDING SUPPLIERS INFO NAME AND TOWN
Reception location: An Grianan Hotel
Wedding Dress from: Amore Bridal
Bridesmaids dresses from: Amore Bridal
Groomswear from: Black Tie Showroom
Make-up by: La Chic Beautique ~ Emma
Hair by: La Chic Beautique ~ Michelle
Flowers by: Bernies Blooms
Room Décor by: Amilo Wedding and Events
Photography by: James Aiken photography
Rings from: Crossans Jewellers
Cake by: Devine Cake
Stationery by: Ryan Patrick Design
Transport from:(20+) Facebook
Entertainment by: The Hitmen and Her
