True Love Tuesday Lyndsey and Marc Stewart... - Getting Married in Northern Ireland Magazine

For Lyndsey and Marc Stewart, it took two chance meetings when they were out with friends before they started to see potential for romance. But with their love for one another blooming, the couple were married six short years later, with their four children all part of their bridal party. And it was while the couple enjoyed a family day out to Portrush that Marc took the chance to propose to his bride. “We were all out for the day in Portrush and on our way home we stopped at Yoko’s for a meal and this is where Marc proposed. He had chosen a beautiful ring with a phoenix cut diamond cluster from Cahoon’s in Cookstown.”

The happy couple then started to plan their special day which they planned to start with their marriage service in Derryloran Parish Church followed by a reception for 140 at the Corick House Hotel.
Lyndsey also made sure she was “organised from the get go”. “Nothing really stressed me as I was organised and I trusted my suppliers especially my florist Stephen Mallon, who really helped me to visualise my flowers and the church set up. “We also went with a relaxed and personal feel which we felt reflected us.” When it came to choosing the all-important wedding gown Lyndsey also had a really stress-free experience.

“We only went to one bridal boutique – No.8 Bridal in Cookstown. I went with quite an entourage – my daughters, my mum, sisters and bridesmaids all came along – and we even FaceTimed my sister Michelle who lives in England so she could be a part of the day.
“Michelle in No.8 Bridal was very helpful. She pulled a dress out of the box that had just arrived in store that day, and as soon as I saw it, I knew it was the one. Lyndsey’s dress turned out to be a gorgeous fitted, highly embellished halter necked gown with a strappy crossed back and gently sweeping tulle flare at the bottom.
Alongside her stunning style Marc went along to Red in Cookstown to put together the look for himself and his groomsmen. They opted for a striking navy blue suit, paired with a checked grey waistcoat, finished off with striking two toned brogues. The bridesmaids matched in beautifully in a pale grey-blue toned dress with a lace neckline, while the flowergirls looked very sweet in little white dresses with tulle skirts.

Music played a big part of the couple’s personal day too.
“My sister’s daughter Becky sang while I was walking down the aisle. She made that very special moment as I walked towards Marc, even more special. She also sang while we signed the register.
“At the reception, Marc also took to the stage and sang an amazing rendition of ‘Friends in Low Places’ by Garth Brooks which went down very well. Everyone was up on their feet and it was the funniest moment of the whole day. “My brother Rik was also invited to play bass guitar with the band! “Our first dance was to Kodaline ‘The One’ and instead of a bridal party dance we invited everyone to dance along to our daughters’ favourite song from The Greatest Showman, ‘From Now On.’” As an added personal touch, the couple created a photo booth with the help of their bridesmaids.
“We bought a polaroid camera and sharpie pens and as the guests took funny photos they left us a message which they hung into a frame Marc had made. We have hung it in our home and it makes us laugh every time we walk past it.”

All went off without a hitch.
“The day went fantastically well. Corick House was a beautiful venue and the weather was fantastic too. It was also really stress free.
“Our highlight was seeing all of our guests with smiles on their faces and we really enjoyed the journey from the church to the reception in the limo with our children.
“If we were to do the whole day again there isn’t a thing we would change. “We didn’t really have a budget but we did spend a little extra on the band which was worth it as they filled the dance floor from start to end. We also spent a bit more on dresses!”
As Lyndsey looks back on her day she has this advice for future brides. “Be organised! Have it all planned early and take the week leading up to your wedding to be pampered, relax, and spend time with family and friends.” The couple were certainly relaxed on their honeymoon, which they spent on the island of Mauritius. “We spent ten nights in the Victoria Beachcomber Resort and Spa which was fantastic. The people were so friendly, the food was delicious and the hotel was first class.”