True Love Tuesday Sarah-Anne and David McKinley... - Getting Married in Northern Ireland Magazine

Picnics and Proposals

May Day Bank Holiday at Cutter’s Wharf was where it all began for Newtownabbey couple Sarah-Anne and Dave. “We were introduced by a mutual friend, started chatting and the rest is history as they say!” said Sarah-Anne.

Three years later Dave organized a romantic anniversary break to Kilkenny. “On the second day Dave told me we were going for a picnic. He was so calm I have no idea,” the bride told us. After a picnic in a secluded spot at Kilkenny Castle, Dave popped the question, “I was in complete shock it was understated, perfect and just us two. I could not have asked for more!” The happy couple quickly shared their news with Sarah-Anne’s grandfather and Dave’s parents over some champagne.

The delighted Bride-to-be was thrilled with the engagement ring Dave had chosen for her, “A canary diamond from Murray and Co in Belfast it was everything I could have wanted and more,” she said.

After searching online Sarah-Anne knew that Verona Bridal in Magherafelt would have the dress of her dreams. She knew exactly what she wanted and went to the boutique alone where she tried on a small selection of dresses before finding ‘The One’. Sarah-Anne chose pink dresses online for her bridesmaids, best friend Lauren and sister-in-law Leanne.

Dave, along with best man Simon and brother Stuart chose stylish suits from Freddie Hatchett in Belfast.

The big day arrived on 20^th September 2020, with both the marriage ceremony and the reception taking place at Ballyscullion Park in Bellaghy. The day went without a hitch and the couple enjoyed it from start to finish.

For Sarah-Anne and Dave the highlight of the day was being with their guests, although some family and friends were unable to make it dorm Australia and New Zealand sue to Covid restrictions. “Sitting at dinner looking out to a room of people that we love having a great time really was the best feeling. You could feel the love in the room!” Sarah-Anne also made special mention of her 91-year-old grandfather’s moving speech.

During the speeches, Dave showed the couple’s humorous side, presenting his bride with a personalised apron for the meal, a nod to her tendency to spill things!

During the evening reception the newlyweds danced to Haley Reinhart’s version of I Can’t Help Falling in Love with You and the couple also got some fun photos using coloured smoke bombs.

Mr and Mrs McKinley continued their celebrations with a honeymoon on the Amalfi Coast. When we asked them how they were enjoying married life, they told us, “Married life during 2 lockdowns is definitely a story to tell we’ve loved all the time together and we’ve tried to make it as fun as possible!”