True Love Tuesday Ciara McNamee and Ian Boal... - Getting Married in Northern Ireland Magazine

Glitz, Glam, and a Love That Lasts Forever

You don’t marry someone you can live with,

you marry the person you can’t live without

Love stories often start in the most unexpected places, and for Ciara McNamee and Ian Boal, it was a night out in Belfast that set the stage for a romance that would span seven beautiful years. From the sparkle of a Westlife concert proposal to a glitzy monochrome wedding, their journey has been ‘Unbreakable’.

Ian, ever the romantic, chose December 2022 to pop the big question during a Westlife concert. “Some might call it cheesy,” they joked, but Ian knew he wanted Ciara and him to make a ‘World of Our Own’

When it came to the ring, Ciara and Ian had browsed styles together, but Ian surprised her by picking out the final dazzling piece from Faith Jewellers.

Every bride dreams of her gown and of finding ‘the one’, and Ciara did just that at Petticoat Lane in Hillsborough. “Katie, the owner, made me feel so relaxed and excited. Mum and I had different favourites at first, but on a second visit, we both fell in love with the same dress—it was meant to be!”

Bridesmaids Emma (Best Friend and Maid of Honour), Julie (Best Friend), Frances (Cousin) and Roxi (Junior Bridesmaid and Stepdaughter) shone just as brightly. With dresses from Godiva and Monsoon, the monochrome and sequin theme set the stage for a chic and glamorous day.

The Men’s attire came from McCalls in Lisburn; the groom’s party consisted of Andrew (Best Man & Friend) David (Brother) Bobby (Page boy and Ian’s son) Adam (Page boy & nephew) Stephen (Groom’s Dad)

With 20 years’ experience as a florist, Ciara brought her expertise to her own wedding. “Planning was a joy,” she says. “Choosing flowers I’d dreamed of for years and collaborating with my boss and friend Claire made it all so special.”

The black, white, and gold theme sparkled at Leighinmohr House Hotel on 31 August 2024. Disco balls, sequins, and glitz transformed the venue for 110 guests. “I was always a black and white type of girl so monochrome without a doubt was happening and with the different style of sequin bridesmaid dresses it was adding the glitz & glam and also disco balls” Ciara told us.

Ciara and Ian made sure their day was filled with personal touches. From a reserved seat with her late dad’s buttonhole to Tennent’s Lager as men’s favours, the couple honoured family and love.

Guests enjoyed fun extras like a 360° photo booth, an audio guestbook, and a Colin the Caterpillar cake station. The first dance sweepstake had everyone chatting, but it was their dance to Noel Gallagher’s ‘Live Forever’ that stole the show.

“Walking back up the aisle as Mr. and Mrs. Boal was a surreal moment,” Ian says. Ciara adds, “The highlight for me was marrying my best friend and sharing the day with everyone we love.”

For future couples, Ciara advises, “Enjoy every moment—the planning, the lead-up, and especially the day. It truly flies by”

The Boal’s jetted off to Lanzarote in October for a well-deserved honeymoon.

As for married life? “It’s just bliss,” Ciara smiles.

WEDDING DAY SUPPLIERS:

Venue: Leighinmohr House Hotel

Dress: Petticoat Lane

Bridesmaid: Godiva & Monsoon

Menswear: McCalls of Lisburn

Make Up: Claire Greene

Hair: Bliss Hair by Claire

Flowers: All Seasons Floral Designs

Room Décor: Look Events / Orchard & Rose