True Love Tuesday Michelle and Eddie Shannon... - Getting Married in Northern Ireland Magazine

Wild about the Wedding

Veterinary surgeon Michelle’s love of all things wildlife was the main feature at her wedding to childhood sweetheart and bricklayer Eddie.

The Kilkeel couple first set eyes on each other at their local swimming pool. After chatting in the jacuzzi one night Michelle was smitten with Eddie, “I remember thinking how incredibly athletic his build was and that he had the cutest smile.”

A few months later Eddie arrived at Michelle’s family home seeking shooting permission on their land from her father.

“Later my dad got me to send Eddie a text regarding the paperwork and just like that we got talking.” recalled Michelle.

Their first date soon followed

Although Michelle and Eddie knew very quickly that they wanted to get married, they were forced into a long distance relationship when Michelle moved to London to complete her veterinary studies.

“Following my move home after I graduated Eddie surprised me completely with a very romantic proposal.”

Spring is a very busy time in the veterinary calendar and Eddie organised a surprise trip to Cabra Castle for a bit of rest and relaxation for Michelle. I

n the evening after dinner they took a walk by the river where Eddie got down on one knee.

Eddie chose the ring himself from Lunn’s Belfast.

“When I saw it, I absolutely loved it. Platinum cluster style diamond with diamond shoulders. Just perfect.” said Michelle

Finding the perfect dress proved to be quite straightforward for this bride. Michelle got her bridesmaids and mum together for a trip to a bridal fair for some wedding inspiration. Many bridal suppliers had a sample sales on at the fair and Michelle’s sister was keen to see her in a dress.

“The second dress I tried on got the most amazing response from my maids, it fitted just perfectly however I could barely see the dress as there was only a small mirror. “ the bride told us,

“I decided it wasn’t the ‘done thing’ to spontaneously buy your wedding dress so I left wondering if I had done the right thing.

Next day Michelle’s sister sent her a picture she had taken of Michelle wearing the dress and she knew it was the one. Luckily Angel Star Bridal still had the dress and Michelle bought it there and then over the phone.

Michelle’s three bridesmaids, her sisters Leanne and Emma and her sister-in-law Lois wore elegant teal dresses from Perfect Day in Lurgan.

Eddie, his best man Alan, brother David and friend Reuben wore suits from Statement Menswear in Portadown.

Nine years after they first met Michelle and Eddie got married on the 12th September 2018 at Mourne Free Presbyterian Church with 120 guests in attendance.

Michelle was keen that the ambience and décor of the wedding reflected the couple’s interests and personalities.

“A creamery can and wellies with flowers in at the church was a nod to my agricultural background with a bike a nod to Eddie’s hobbies.”

The nature theme continued into the reception at Darver Castle with hand painted animal portraits on each table and a wildlife themed cake complete with a picture of the couple and their dogs on top. “We had a family friend pipe us into the reception,” said Michelle.

The evening celebrations negan with the couple dancing together to Tim McGraw’s ‘It’s your Love’ followed by a jive performance by the bride and her father! The bride and groom impressed everyone with a self taught waltz. The fun didn’t stop there however, “We had a tug of war game on the lawn as Eddie is a world champion puller!” Michelle told us.

Looking back on the whole planning experience, Michelle really enjoyed the DIY aspect, making her own invitations, order of service and other decorations during any spare minute she had. This not only enabled the couple to stick to their budget, it also meant their wedding had a personal touch.

For Michelle the highlight of the day was walking up the aisle with her father towards her new husband. For Eddie it was walking back down the aisle with his new wife on his arm, “ It was just the best feeling ever,” he said.

After a blissful honeymoon in Sorrento, the couple are enjoying settling into married life.

“It’s great so far, being with your best friend at some point everyday is such a blessing.”

WEDDING SUPPLIERS INFO