Third time a Charm

Rachel and Adam were keen not to have a long engagement however with Covid restrictions their original date of June 2020 had to be reconsidered. Their next date of May 2021 was also scuppered by regulations, however, they finally tied the knot in July with a country themed celebration.

This love story began at a Young Farmers’ Dinner in the Silverbirch Hotel in Omagh. In August 2018, nurse Rachel and maintenance labourer Adam, took a trip to Galway. “We went to Salthill Promenade for a walk, Adam was acting a bit strange and fidgety most of the day but I just thought he was ready to get home, being a farmer he doesn’t like getting away on holidays for too long!” Rachel told us. As it happened, the nerves were for a very good reason! Planning to propose in Galway, Adam had taken a trip to Belfast a few weeks previously to purchase a square diamond engagement ring from Murray and Co. Rachel was surprised by the choice of ring but delighted that it suited her perfectly.

Rachel went searching for her wedding dress in a few bridal stores but eventually found her dream gown in McElhinney’s in Ballybofey. “It was a lovely experience, I liked almost every dress I tried on and found it so hard to pick just one!” she said.

Rachel had always imagined her bridesmaids in light blue and found the perfect dress in Creative Ideas in Armagh. She was so impressed with the choice of dresses and the helpful, professional staff. Rachel chose three bridesmaids to join her in her celebrations, her best friends, Claire and Heather and Adam’s sister Gillian who was the maid of honour.

 

Adam chose stylish suits from SD Kells in Omagh for the men. On his wedding day, Adam was joined by best man Jason and groomsmen, Kyle and Matthew. Ushers Iain and Andrew and pageboys Alfie, Bobby and Reuben completed the groom’s party. 

The 9th of July soon arrived, and the wedding could finally go ahead. The couple married in Killeter Presbyterian Church in Maghernageeragh in front of 165 guests. Outside the church the guests were treated to an ice cream van courtesy of the groom’s parents, a much-appreciated refreshment on a sunny day.

Given that the happy couple originally met in the Silverbirch Hotel there was no question as to where they should hold their wedding celebrations! “Little did we think we’d be back almost ten years later for our wedding day!” said Rachel. 

The couple chose a summery country theme for the festivities, with creamery cans and jams jars filled with flowers and a bespoke wooden pallet table plan. A John Deere tractor provided both the transport and fun photo opportunities on the day. 

As is often the case not everything ran smoothly and the bridal party encountered a small bump in the road in between the service and the reception, “The limo which took the bridal party to the reception broke down halfway to the hotel. Fortunately, replacement cars were sent really quickly and the limo company were so professional and apologetic about it. The bridesmaids and groomsmen said it was the funniest half hour sitting waiting on the side of the road!” Rachel tells us.

The rest of the proceedings however ran perfectly, and the bride and groom would not change a single thing about the day. Highlights included arriving at the hotel and seeing all the guests waiting for the newlyweds as well as the personal poem written and performed by the three bridesmaids. 

Guests were entertained in the evening by DJ Bob and the Hard 2 Beat band. A photo booth provided lots of fun and memories.

Rachel and Adam’s advice to other couples would be to write everything down and not to stress about small details as they’ll probably go unnoticed by everyone else. 

After honeymooning at the Galgorm and the on the North Coast the newly weds have settled well into married life, “We’ve been together that long it hasn’t felt like much of a change!” 

WEDDING SUPPLIERS INFO

Reception location: Silverbirch Hotel  

Wedding Dress from: McElhinneys

Bridesmaids dresses from: Creative Ideas 

Groomswear from: SD Kells 

Make-up by:  Polished Beauty Salon 

Hair by: Echo Hair Studio 

Flowers by: Pollock’s Flower World 

Room Décor by: Silverbirch Hotel

Stationery by: Love Box Wedding Stationery 

Transport from: Glendale Limousines 

Photography by: Ronan McGrade Photography   

Videography by: Ronan McGrade Photography 

Entertainment by: Hard 2 Beat Band, DJ Bob, Silly Llama Photobooth