True Love Tuesday Joanne & Colm McGeown... - Getting Married in Northern Ireland Magazine

Little did Joanne’s friend know when she played matchmaker in a bar years ago that not only would she find her a husband but also get a job as their wedding photographer.

A number of years later while on a trip to Bruges for Colm’s 30^th birthday while sightseeing they reached Lover’s Lake where Colm proposed which was completely unexpected and so fantastic. The engagement ring which is platinum with a marquise diamond came from Margaret Forbes.

After trying on lots of wedding dresses at Elody Bridal in Newry which is owned by Joanne’s school friend Sharon meant Joanne found her perfect dress. The bridesmaid’s dress also came from Elody Bridal for Joanne’s sister Jillian, flowergirls dresses for the couples daughters Jessica and Rachel came from Debenhams. Groomsmen outfits for Colm and his brothers Brian and David along with Page Boy, son Daniel came from Louis Boyd in Newry.

Being able to have their children involved meant the world to the happy couple and having the reception at home also meant they could have it their way and with restrictions changing the week before their wedding on 20^th August 2021 this allowed them to not have any restrictions for their outdoor reception.

After having a church ceremony at St Johns Parish Church, Kilcluney, Markethill and afternoon tea for 17 people a rustic themed late afternoon/evening reception was held at the couple’s home for 56 people. Wanting to bring a country feel to their celebration the couple added some wood slices for their cake and table centre with jam jars filled with flowers and candles, even bringing in hay bales and churns. The guests mentioned that the whole evening felt so relaxed and thought every wedding should feel like that.

They brought in a local ice cream van along with a food trailer from Glaze and Roll for gourmet burgers and sides. Music was provided by Ramblin String Band who even went out of their way to practice Kodaline song The One for their first dance made even more special after finding out that the band had rehearsed the song for 3 months especially for the couple.

The highlight of the day was being able to have close friends and family there and to watch the kids run about the garden blowing bubbles. Having good food and music, knowing they had planned it all themselves and it turned out perfectly. They would advise other couples planning their wedding to stick to their budget, don’t be getting any unnecessary things as you won’t even notice them on the day. Call in favours from friends and family and enjoy the day.