True Love Tuesday Meghann and Stephen Maher... - Getting Married in Northern Ireland Magazine

Magic was in the air – quite literally – when Stephen proposed to Meghann on a clifftop in Portugal, and the magic continued on their wedding day at the Larchfield Estate in May.

He didn’t quite pull a rabbit out of a hat, but Stephen Maher’s proposal to Meghann Pollins was truely more magical than most!
The couple met on Tinder. Meghann, 28, is a general manager in Maggie May’s café, and Stephen, 33, is a civil servant. Stephen popped the question when they were relaxing in a clifftop cocktail bar on holiday in Portugal in June 2017.
“Stephen had told me for months beforehand that he was doing overtime in work on a Saturday to save up for our holiday when in fact he was going to magic lessons,” said Meghann. “He learned a magic trick called the travelling coin. He made a coin disappear and then smoke came from his hands and the engagement ring appeared in its place! It was amazing! He still won’t tell me how it’s done.”
Meghann got the engagement ring she had always wanted, a black diamond from California.”
Her dress was designed and made by Ruedi Maguire. “I didn’t want anything too traditional. I wanted something a bit alternative and different, but still wanted to feel elegant,” Meghann said. “Ruedi is amazing, a really creative and talented designer who goes above and beyond to ensure you feel incredible and that your personality shines through.”
Ruedi also made the bridesmaids, flower girls and mother of the bride dresses, which Meghann said were ‘just prefect.’
Bridesmaids Zoe Angel, Meghann’s best friend, and her two sisters Lisa and Shannon Pollins certainly looked stunning.
The groom’s’ party, made up of Meghann’s brothers Paul and Luke Maher, and her cousin James Flynn, were attired at Suitor Suits, Belfast.

The couple enjoyed planning their day. “We loved seeing everything coming together. Picking a venue, getting the suppliers we wanted,” said Meghann. “Also thinking of creative and different ways that would make our big day personal. It was really exciting.
“My mum Moya was a massive help with all the planning and organising. Anytime I was got stressed she calmed me down and reminded me it’s not worth getting worried about. We honestly couldn’t have done it without her.”
The couple married on May 11 at the Larchfield Estate, where they entertained 250 guests.
Certain aspects of the day were designed to reflect their interests and hobbies, as Meghann explains. “I’m a massive Harry Potter fan, so we named all the tables after spells and potions from Harry Potter. Also our favours on each table where small potion bottles filled with different liquors. Stephen and I love nothing more than geeky sci-fi shows, so we had four different themed cakes, Harry Potter, Doctor Who, Game of Thrones and Star Wars.

“It made the wedding feel more personal. We wanted something that was a bit different and fun.”
The couple say they couldn’t have asked for a better day with amazing weather, which was fantastic as their wedding ceremony was outdoors.
After dinner laughs were provided by stand-up comedian Dave Young and there were fire breathers in the courtyard.
The couple’s first dance was to The Girl by City and Colour.
“The whole day was amazing. I got to marry my best friend. We laughed and we danced surrounded by all our incredible family and friends. What could have been better!” said Meghann.
There was a tiddly hiccup before the wedding service could take place though. “For months Stephen had warned me that I had better not be late on the big day because I’m always late, but as my dad and I arrived at Larchfield (on time!) we were told we had to go back out and drive around for a bit because Stephen had forgotten the wedding rings and the marriage certificate!
“He had to go back to our house to get them! It pushed the whole wedding back an hour but I couldn’t help but laugh, he will never live it down!”
Meghann and Stephen said that for them both, the highlight of the day was the company of their family and friends who were able to party the whole day. “People were dancing before the starters were served, it was loads of craic,” Meghann said.
They advise other couples planning their big day to stay calm and remember to enjoy every bit of it. “Also we would highly recommend using Liz Peel for your ceremony. A lot of people came to us afterwards and complimented us on how personal the actual ceremony was, and that was all down to Liz.”
Stephen and Meghann honeymooned in Disney World, Florida, and then the Hard Rock Hotel.