Sharp suits, a satin dress and lots of sunshine!
Louise and Shane Haffey were together for 13 years when they tied the knot, having met when they were just 20. Shane, who’s a Customer Development Manager for Coca Cola, was out for New Year’s Eve, when his cousin introduced him to Louise – and they’ve been together ever since. Louise remembers the proposal, “Shane took me away to the Farnham Estate for a spa night and booked a beautiful suite. We went out for a meal that night and when we got back to the room late after a few drinks, I was about to get changed when he got down on one knee. “The ring is a beautiful halo ring, sparklyand just my style. It was from a shop in Portadown that has now ceased trading.“ After thirteen years, and two gorgeous children together, Louise couldn’t wait to get planning her big day. “The best part of planning the big day was Shane letting me work away and pick whatever I wanted for the wedding as I have waited so long for this day. It was also lovely to get to plan the whole wedding with my mother – strangely enough, we both liked all the same things and that made it easier!” With her mum on her wavelength, Louise made an appointment at Orchid Studio in Portadown to look at styles of bridesmaid dresses – but they left with a lot more. “Neil is the nicest person you would ever meet. Once we had nearly decided on a bridesmaid dress, he managed to coax me into a few dresses too. “The third dress ended up being the one and the whole experience was amazing. I am so glad I went to Orchid Studio, they made me so relaxed and I had such an enjoyable experience.” Orchid Studio also helped Louise plan her vision for the reception, as well as providing the cake and the flowers. And they did find the bridesmaid dresses they were initially looking for in that first visit too. “I also bought extra material from BM Dresses and had the flowergirls’ dresses made by Agnes at Sew Good.” This kept the bridal party looking cohesive, with the men in sharp suits from Herbie Frogg, sourced from Collar and Tie in Portadown.
In May 2018, 160 guests watched the couple exchange vows at St John the Evangelist Church in Gilford before travelling to the Seagoe Hotel in Portadown for a reception. It was here that Louise incorporated the other love of Shane’s life into the big day – Liverpool Football Club. “Shane is a big Liverpool Fan, so I named all the tables after the Liverpool players and designed the table name places myself. “We also had a few extra touches – including a selfie mirror, a balloon modeller and a caricaturist.” Looking back, Louise says, “The day went amazingly; I couldn’t have asked for anything more, and the weather was beautiful too.” Louise also isn’t sure about the budget … “I think you need to ask my mum and dad this question, although I’m sure they would say no! “But everything was perfect. Our highlight was just finally being married – and having our two boys by our sides on such a special day. Married life isn’t much different from before!” The couple rounded off their day by dancing to “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran,before embarking on a honeymoon to remember in Dubai, Bankgok and Koh Samui.
Wedding Details
Reception: Seagoe Hotel
Wedding Dress: Orchid Studio
Bridesmaids Dresses: Orchid Studio
Groomswear: Collar and Tie, Lisburn
Make-up: Catherine Flemming, Moria
Hair: Thee Salon – Lee Lyons, Dromore
Flowers: OrchidStudio
Room Décor: Orchid Studio
Cake: Orchid Studio
Stationery: Ciara Patrick
Transport: I Do Wedding Cars
Photography: Brendan Byrne Photography
Videography: CD Media Productions
Entertainment:Jukebox Jurors
