True Love Tuesday Marie and John Duffin... - Getting Married in Northern Ireland Magazine

Happy Landings

A short engagement and perpetually changing covid restrictions meant time was of the essence for Marie, owner of Romantique Bridal and her engineer husband John when planning their Autumn wedding.

This love story began back in 2005 when the couple’s sisters conspired to get the two together, “John’s sister and my sister thought we would be a good fit and set us up so that we were sitting beside each other on a night out. They were 100% right, we clicked straight away!”

In the middle of lockdown in June 2020, the couple were enjoying a romantic meal for two. “We were chatting about our past and our future when he popped the question. Of course, I said yes immediately!” Marie told us. The couple quickly set a wedding date for just three months later.

John took his new fiancée to Fred Malcolm in Belfast to choose an engagement ring. Marie has always loved emeralds so she had an idea in mind for her ring, “I chose an oval shaped emerald set between two diamonds and it was exactly on our budget, so we chose the ring and left it there so they could size it. There was a larger emerald in the same setting and unbeknownst to me John called back and upgraded to the that one!”

Being in the wedding gown industry Marie knew exactly where to look for her dream dress, “I have dressed so many brides who were my dress size and being a more mature bride, I had a good idea of what I didn’t want. All I knew for sure was that I wanted to be a Pronovias Atelier Bride, as their design team and gowns are second to none,” said Marie.

The bride to be turned to the Pronovias Atelier 2021 Lookbook and found the perfect long-sleeved, champagne coloured gown with intricate appliqués and beading. It was exactly what she was looking for! With just three months to go until the big day, Marie was worried that the dress would not be made in time as Pronovias were working with a reduced staff, “It took a few stressful nights waiting to hear that Pronovias could produce the gown in time.”

Thankfully Marie’s apprehension was unfounded and her dress arrived on time, “It was beyond beautiful! The colour was perfect against my porcelain skin, and the sparkle was so subtle and incredibly beautiful,” she told us.

Suiting and booting the groom in waiting was a much less nervy affair. Keen to shop local, John and Marie turned to Tom Morrow in Cookstown where, within just one hour, they had purchased everything right down to John’s socks and belt! Marie said, “I knew we had one day to sort John with everything as shopping is just something he really does not enjoy.”

During the run up to the big day, Marie and John kept a careful eye on changes in Covid restrictions, “John and I said we would go ahead even if it was only us and the celebrant present, but we had everything crossed that this wouldn’t become our reality,” said Marie.

The week before the wedding saw the Republic of Ireland go into lockdown which meant that some close friends of the couple were unable to attend. The following days saw other close family and friends forced into isolation due to positive tests, “We were just worried what the next day would bring!”

The big day arrived on 10^th October 2020. The bride enjoyed a lovely morning getting ready with her daughters, sister-in-law and nieces. “I’m so lucky to have my daughter Aisling who is an amazing nail technician and owns her own beauty salon, AMC Hair & Beauty. She took charge of all my appointments to get me prepped and glowing for my big day,” said Marie.

Oonagh from Macknagh Blossoms arrived with Marie’s beautifully scented bouquet and John’s buttonhole.

Arriving at your wedding should be done in style so John arranged for a helicopter to fly the bride and groom along with their three daughters to the Lough Erne Resort from their home in Maghera.

The couple married in a religious ceremony at Lough Erne in front of 36 guests. Marie and John walked down the aisle together whilst Marie’s daughter Erin played Pachelbel’s Canon D on the harp. Readings and prayers were said by John’s daughter Katie, Marie’s sister Geraldine and close friend Karen.

It was important to Marie that her parents would be remembered throughout the day,” For a long part of our relationship I helped care for my parents. They both became a huge part of our day-to-day life and were very much loved by us all, so it was important that they were at the forefront of our special day.” Marie featured a memory table at the ceremony with a picture of her dad and one of her mum on her own wedding day. A memory candle also burned throughout the ceremony. Marie and John also incorporated a special hand tying ceremony into the service using thin ribbons removed from Marie’s mum’s wedding dress and bridesmaid dress which she had given to Marie on the opening of Romantique Bridal.

Erin performed again on the harp whilst the registry was signed by Marie’s eldest daughter Aisling and John’s brother Malachy and the newlyweds exited the ceremony to The Wedding Reel.

Unfortunately, due to restrictions, no music could be performed at the wedding reception however the groom and his friend, DJ Stevie McStocker compiled a playlist for the hotel’s sound system. This ensured a fun atmosphere for the bride and groom to mingle with their guests after the meal. Every cloud has a silver lining and with the funds saved from having no entertainment, the couple treated their guests to an open bar.

Marie and John really loved the Lough Erne Resort experience. “The meal and service from Lough Erne was five-star. We had the venue, the photo opportunities, five-star food and accommodation and a day with friends. What more could you ask for? It was all perfect!” they told us.

Looking back, the highlight of the whole day for the couple, was getting to spend time with family and friends. “Because the numbers were low, we got to spend quality time with everyone that was there and sit and enjoy the craic with them all. Spending the day with loved ones and enjoying great food and great drink was fabulous!”

Marie’s advice to brides approaching their own wedding is, “Be the best version of you on your wedding day. Only book those you trust and have seen their work first-hand and you will not stress, trust me on this! Being in the business and knowing exactly who I wanted was brilliant. The bride and groom are the most important people throughout the day so remember each other in the preparations and spend quality time together NOT taking about the wedding!

The couple are looking forward to a honeymoon in New Zealand once restrictions are lifted and are currently loving married life, “Life is easy when you are with the one you love!” said Marie.

WEDDING SUPPLIERS INFO