A Love Set in Galbally
“In all the world, there is no heart for me like yours. In all the world, there is no love for you like mine.”
—Maya Angelou
On the 1st of April 2024, the charming village of Galbally, Co Tyrone, became the backdrop for a wedding that was nothing short of magical. Caron Brannigan and Aidan Carberry, both natives of this close-knit community, celebrated their love surrounded by 316 family members and friends. The ceremony took place at the beautiful St. John’s Church in Galbally, followed by a joyous reception at the Four Seasons Hotel in Carlingford. The day was filled with love, laughter, and the kind of memories that will be cherished forever.
Caron, a dedicated teacher, and Aidan, a talented electrician, had known each other for years, being from the same club in Galbally. However, it wasn’t until Aidan’s sister decided to play matchmaker that sparks began to fly. As fate would have it, the two were perfectly matched, and their relationship blossomed from friendship to a deep, enduring love that has lasted over twelve wonderful years.
Aidan’s proposal was as thoughtful as it was surprising. On Caron’s birthday, he had booked a romantic dinner at Viscounts Restaurant, setting the stage for a moment that would change their lives forever. As Caron was getting ready upstairs, she came down expecting a simple birthday gift—perhaps even the Apple Watch she had been hinting about. But when she turned around, there was Aidan, holding a white box that would soon reveal a sparkling ring. Too cool to kneel, Aidan presented the ring from D&K Jewellers with a smile, and Caron’s heart melted. It was the perfect start to their engagement, filled with love, humour, and a touch of surprise.
For Caron, wedding planning was a joyous experience, made even more special by the people she loves. The dress shopping, in particular, was a highlight. Inspired by her sister’s experience, Caron returned to The White Gallery, where Rachel once again worked her magic. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of Caron’s style, Rachel helped her find the dress of her dreams. “I put all my trust in her, and she didn’t disappoint,” Caron recalls.
The bridesmaids’ dresses were custom-made by Janet Courtney Designs, ensuring that each piece was as unique and beautiful as the women wearing them. The flower girls’ dresses, sourced from an online boutique, added an extra touch of sweetness to the bridal party.
Aidan and his groomsmen looked dashing in suits from Freddie Hatchetts. The groomsmen included Liam, Aidan’s brother, Paul, Caron’s brother, and close friends Andy and James. Meanwhile, Caron’s bridal party was a true reflection of her closest bonds, with her sisters Eimear and Elaine, and cousins Aoife and Catherine standing by her side.
As the 1st of April dawned, there was a sense of calm and joy in the air. Perhaps it was because Caron and Aidan approached their wedding day with the same calm and confidence that had carried them through twelve years of love. The couple had no specific theme or strict budget, trusting that everything would fall into place—and it did.
The ceremony at St. John’s Church was heartfelt and intimate, with the couple exchanging vows in front of their closest family and friends. The reception that followed at the Four Seasons Hotel in Carlingford was a true celebration of their love, the day was simply about enjoying each moment with those who mattered most.
A particularly touching moment was when Caron’s mother who wrote a song and had Caron’s sister sing it after the speeches. This personal touch added a layer of emotion to an already beautiful day.
The evening was filled with music, dancing, and laughter. Caron took to the dance floor, singing her heart out while her loved ones cheered her on. Aidan, ever the cool and collected groom, soaked in every moment, declaring it the best day of his life. Their first dance to Bryan Adams’ “You Belong to Me” was a romantic highlight, symbolising the unbreakable bond they share.
As Caron and Aidan begin their married life, they reflect on their wedding day with nothing but fond memories. “We wouldn’t change anything—it was perfect,” they say. After a mini-moon in Powerscourt and a July tour of Ireland, they’ve settled into married life with the same ease and joy that has defined their relationship from the start.
Caron’s advice to future brides? “Don’t stress—it is meant to be the most enjoyable time of your lives. Everything will always fall into place.” And with a love like theirs, it’s easy to see why everything did.
As they continue their journey together, Caron and Aidan know that the best is yet to come. Their wedding day was just the beginning of a love story that will last a lifetime, filled with laughter, adventure, and the unshakeable bond they share.
Wedding Suppliers:-
Reception location: Four Seasons Hotel, Carlingford
Wedding Dress from: The White Gallery Boutique
Bridesmaids dresses from: Janet Courtney Designs, Dungannon
Groomswear from: Freddie Hatchetts, Cookstown and Dee Graham, Magherafelt
Make-up by: Laura Kelly Makeup, Co.Tyrone
Hair by: Emma Mallon Hair, Cookstown
Flowers by: Flowers by Arrangement, Dungannon
Rings from: D & K Jewellers, Coosktown
Cake by: Claire’s Cakes, Dungannon
Transport from: Glendale Limousines, Omagh
Photography by Ciaran O’Neill Photography, Lurgan
Videography by: Bobby @ Motion Media, Cookstown
Entertainment by: The Miracles Band