Orlaith Stewart from Belfast met James Tracey also from Belfast at BOX Nightclub back in the day with both of them agreeing to disagree that Orlaith made the first move.
The couple regularly holidayed in Tenerife as this was where they went for their first holiday after they met 9 years ago so there was no better place for a private and romantic proposal to take place. They told us some details about it “James made a scrapbook with photographs and memories of our journey together, with the last piece being the proposal. When Orlaith got to the last page, James was on one knee. The room was requested by James as it was overlooking the ocean, and he made sure to do it as the sun set. Unknown to Orlaith, James had almost set the balcony on fire lighting 50 plus candles. An intimate moment shared between only James and I. One thing that is special is that there was no photographs or choreography, it was a huge surprise. The ring was from Lunns and was a classic Oval stone with a embellished platinum band”
When it came to choosing a dress Orlaith knew the place to go to would be Verona Bridal after seeing their line of exquisite dresses and was also one of very few shops to stock Milla Nova, a designer that Orlaith had always admired. After finding ‘the dress’ on Instagram some six months prior to visiting Verona Bridal, she saved it on her phone, loving it but not entirely sure it would be right for her. Orlaith told us “I did try on other dresses, but always came back to this one, as I felt there was something very different about it, and I wanted to have a ‘Sleeve-moment.’ My youngest sister, who was also my chief bridesmaid, is brutally honest but was quick to say yes before I had even said it! The girls at Verona Bridal are fantastic. They were so welcoming, and honest, which goes a long way in helping you pick the perfect dress. I’ll never forget that experience”
Orlaith wanted her bridesmaids; sisters Caoimhe, Laura and Kirsty along with James’ sister Sarah to feel comfortable and glamourous on the big day so she gave them full control over choosing their dresses. They collectively agreed on the final dress that was found online from Club London, they all looked stunning. Tuxedos for James and his brother David along with friends Seamus and James and brother in law Sean came from Freddie Hatchett.
The wedding date was set for 6th August 2022 after waiting for 4 years and being postponed due to Covid, the beautiful ceremony took place in St Michaels Chapel in Finaghy, Belfast followed by a timeless, classy and warm reception at Lough Erne Resort. Orlaith and James added personal touches to everything with their initials, they had O&J on everything; napkins, dancefloor, menus, placeholders, cake, cake stand, drink toppers, you name it and the O&J initials were on it. The couple told us “House of Elliott and McGarry Wedding Design did a fantastic job at making the venue very warm with candles, room draping and other finer details”.
The wedding day went without a hitch, Orlaith told us “The day could not have gone better – we continue to talk about how it went, from the morning to the second day celebrations, everything went smoothly and just how we pictured it. The staff at Lough Erne were fantastic”
They tried but failed to stick to a budget, they both agreed that it was worth every single penny, there were no disasters, the weather was amazing and the whole day went perfectly as James told us “The weather was brilliant and everything went according to plan. All credit to Orlaith, who had meticulously planned for everything”
A highlight for them both was “We found it so important to spend some time together away from the crowd, therefore as the sun was setting, our photographer helped us sneak away for a private first dance on the golf course. It was very special and the photos were phenomenal. The entertainment was also so special, as we got to see the guests have an amazing time, with the dance floor never emptying. We really wanted to put on a show, and ensure everyone had an amazing time. We had singing waiters, 7-piece band, and a saxophonist to name a few. The guests’ reaction was priceless” James told us “Seeing my new wife in her dress for the first time was breath-taking. Something I had thought about for such a long time and it was truly an unforgettable moment”
They both agreed that they wouldn’t do anything differently, having their first dance to Justin Bieber Only One, Orlaith is a massive ‘Belieber’ fan rounded of the day perfectly. They gave this advice to other couples planning their day “Enjoy being engaged and planning, as the lead up to the wedding is also very exciting. Make sure both people have an input; it’s both of the couples day and both should have their own twist on things. Don’t get too caught up on what others think, or what you see online, plan your day how you want it to go”
Orlaith and James enjoyed a three week honeymoon visiting New York, Orlando and Mexico, not a typical honeymoon but the travel loving couple managed to enjoy some cocktails while lazing in the sun in Mexico. They have also enjoyed a two week trip to Singapore and are happily planning more trips and making memories while they make their house a home.
Orlaith and James said “It is amazing spending life with your best friend”
WEDDING SUPPLIERS INFO NAME AND TOWN Reception location: Lough Erne Resort, Enniskillen Wedding Dress from: Verona Bridal, Magherafelt
Bridesmaids dresses from: Club London
Groomswear from: Freddie Hatchett
Make-up by: Make-up by Niamh Lynch and Caoimhe Marie at CM Studios Hair by: Danielle Denny and Ace Gray at Pelo Hair
Flowers by: The House of Elliott Flowers
Room Décor by: McGarry Wedding Design
Personalised dancefloor: Entertainment NI
Rings from: Lunn’s and Murray & Co.
Cake by: The Cakery NI – Helen Quinn
Stationery by: A Touch of Craft NI
Transport from: 1985 Porsche 356 Speedster – Star Car Hire
Bridal party cars – C4 Wedding Car Hire
Photography by: Sun & Beau
Videography by: FOREVER. ENDEAVOUR FILMS
Fireworks: Pains Fireworks Ireland
Entertainment by: Wedding ceremony: Scala Strings – String Quartet
Wedding reception: Terry McGrath Music– Acoustic set during drinks reception
Mario’s Singing Opera Waiters – Dinner reception
The Liberals Soul Band – 7 piece
Saxxy Hannah – Saxophonist
DJ Stephen Latimer
