Salsa, Surprises & A Touch of Harry Potter
Salsa dancers Megan and Chris incorporated a few of their favourite things into their unique summer wedding at the Silverbirch Hotel.
When piano teacher Megan McCance from Killyclogher began salsa dancing over 10 years ago, little did she think it would lead her to meeting her now husband, Chris, a salsa instructor from Newcastle upon Tyne. Six years after getting together, the couple married on 13th May 2017 in Megan’s parish, Saint Mary’s, Killyclogher, after Chris surprised her by travelling to Ireland and proposing on Christmas Day the year prior. Eager to incorporate their interests into their wedding day, Megan and Chris chose to include touches of Harry Potter throughout their day, as well as a few surprises and, of course, salsa! “I’ve loved Harry Potter since I was a child and Chris proposed with a Harry Potter ring box, so it was important to include a little of those things in our day,” explained Megan. She used antique lanterns for their table centrepieces as well as Harry Potter themed wedding favours and sweet cart.
During their wedding planning, Megan visited Pronuptia Bridal in Belfast in search of her dream wedding gown. She chose a stunning lace and tulle sweetheart fitted gown that flared at the hips into a flowing full skirt and train. “The whole experience of choosing my dress was brilliant and I can’t thank the staff at Pronuptia for all their help and for ensuring the whole experience was so relaxed and great fun for both myself and mum,” added Megan. To complete her look she wore her long brunette hair in loose curls, pinned to one side with a delicate pearl-beaded hair slide and short veil. Megan chose soft pink high-neck dresses for her four bridesmaids, cousins Ciara, Kerri, Leah and her friend Hannah. The girls carried soft hand-tied bouquets of roses, babies breath and eucalyptus.
Not to be outdone by the gorgeous bridal party, Chris chose a dashing navy tweed trouser and waistcoat teamed with a dark blue check tweed jacket for himself and the groom’s party. Their outfits were teamed with dark brown brogues and flat caps for a unique look. “Our day ran really smoothly, thankfully, and was so relaxed, which was great. The ceremony was lovely with great music by Devine Music and a lovely song from my three young cousins. We had some photographs taken at the Folk Park which was brilliant, especially for our guests from Newcastle who had never been before. We had the Hootin Annie’s play during our drinks reception which everyone loved. Our wedding band, Long Time Coming, were brilliant and really made sure everyone danced from start to finish. The entire day was better than we could have hoped for,” said Megan.
“My favourite part of the day was our first dance. Incorporating our joint love of dancing into the day was important as it was how we first met and got to know each other. We dance as part of a Salsa team in Newcastle, so it was great fun to have our parents and dance team take part in our first dance. We hadn’t told anyone, so it was a total surprise for everyone watching and we all had so much fun doing it! Another highlight was Chris’s comedy dance. Chris and his best man do a comedy dance act where they dance and wear comedy faces. As a surprise they used faces of our family and friends which was hilarious.” The couple danced to an original track that they created themselves which included Defying Gravity from Wicked, Return of the Mac, The Drifters, Ed Sheeran, a popular salsa track and Lord of the Dance to finish! Looking back on their wedding day there is nothing Megan or Chris would change about it, and she advises all brides-to-be to not let stress take over during the planning process as it’s over before you realise and, instead, you should focus on making the most of every minute – wise words, Megan!
Inside information
Ceremony:Saint Mary’s
Reception: Silverbirch Hotel
Wedding dress: Pronuptia Bridal
Make-up: Cathy Cobane, The Salon
Hair: Eimear and Nadine, The Salon
Flowers: Floral Temptations
Photography: Anne Miller Photographer
Drinks Reception: The Hootin’ Annies
Entertain ment: Long Time Coming
