True Love Tuesday Laura and Darren Wilson.... - Getting Married in Northern Ireland Magazine

Laura and Darren are childhood sweethearts who became Mr and Mrs in a wedding day that was fit for royalty. This pair shared their first kiss on Christmas Eve when they were teenagers. Darren’s funny story made Laura fall for him right then and there. They were destined to be together and twelve years later Darren got down on one knee in their kitchen to propose. Taking Laura completely by surprise, she wasn’t feeling well and he told her he had something that would make her feel better. As she turned around, he was there on his knee with a stunning diamond ring from Ellison’s.

The couple wanted to have a themed wedding and as they watched Alice in Wonderland one evening, it was Darren who suggested it as the perfect theme for their wedding day. Laura agreed and they had a lot of fun incorporating it into their intimate wedding at Brownlow House in Lurgan. Laura’s invitations by Pink Elephant gave guests a small clue with a clock on the design but really it was a big surprise for everyone when they arrived. Laura says, “We wanted the guests to be surprised and get the WOW factor and they certainly did. The venue itself was perfect as its quite quirky and vintage with ornate ceilings, open fires and lavish staircases. We also had playing cards, tea cups, flowers, keys and signs dotted around the venue and pink flamingos in the smoking area.” However it was the reception room that was the show stopper with each table themed to a character from the book. This included grass table tops and props, all provided and styled by Orchid Studio.

Laura’s search for the perfect dress was a little trickier as she visited a few shops but didn’t see anything that she loved. She found Madeline Gardener New York’s dresses online and booked an appointment with Now and Forever Bridal here in Northern Ireland who stocked the designer. It was there she found her dress fit for a princess and although she went to a few more shops, it just confirmed she’d found the one. She says,”People had told me that when I found the perfect dress I would just know and I didn’t believe them but they were right and when I added the veil I felt like a true bride.”

Laura had four bridesmaids who all wore blue dress to match Alice’s dress, which she purchased online. Darren and his five groomsmen wore classic suits from Hire Class in Belfast.

On the day itself, everything went smoothly except the weather as it rained all day. However Laura says, “we didn’t let that spoil it for us, if anything it turned out better as it meant we got to spend more time with our guests while we were getting our pictures taken. The rain did eventually go away in the evening so we did manage a few pictures outside.” And her highlight? “It was walking back down the aisle after we had signed the marriage certificate. We walked down the aisle holding hands to Florence and the Machine You Got The Love and all our friends and family cheered, and were so happy for us. I have since saw a picture that a friend took of Darren looking over at me and he looks so proud to have me as his wife.” For Darren, it was seeing the guests reaction to the reception room as they saw the Alice in Wonderland theme in all its glory.

As everyone partied into the evening, Laura and Darren danced to The Wannadies, You and I Song for their first dance. They also ventured outside for a sparkler shot but some guests forgot to remove the paper note attached to the top and they lit a lot quicker than expected. She laughs, “Thankfully no injuries occurred!”

The newlyweds went to Mauritius in September for their honeymoon and have now settled back into day to day life. They had lived together before getting married so Laura says that nothing much has changed, she adds “We have slipped comfortably back into our routine however, we do feel a lot closer to each other and have a new found respect for one another. We are no longer boyfriend/girlfriend, we are husband and wife and I beam when I hear someone say Mr and Mrs Wilson.”

Her final advice to anyone planning their wedding is to do it as a couple, “The day is about the two of you and celebrating your love for each other so make sure you plan it together.”