True Love Tuesday Shannon McConkey and Oliver Warren.... - Getting Married in Northern Ireland Magazine

A Love So Bright

“In all the world, there is no heart for me like yours.

In all the world, there is no love for you like mine.”

Maya Angelou

Nestled amidst the picturesque charm of Magheramorne Estate, Shannon McConkey and Oliver Warren embarked on the most beautiful journey of their lives. With every detail meticulously planned and hearts brimming with love, their wedding day on 11^th November 2023 was a testament to their enduring bond and the vibrant colours of their shared dreams.

Shannon McConkey from Greenisland and Oliver Warren from Hillsborough first met when their families enjoyed the same Spanish campsite holiday’s during their childhood. Fate wove their paths together again during their university days in Belfast, where chance encounters kindled sparks of friendship. Eventually, their paths crossed intentionally, leading them to discover a love that felt destined.

Oliver’s heartwarming proposal unfolded amidst the enchanting ambiance of Castle Leslie Estate. Oliver told us “I was quite nervous and Shannon now tells me she had her suspicions and had her nails painted. When we got checked into our room Shannon’s parents had arranged a bottle of fizz to be left. Shannon was admiring the view and when she turned I was on one knee and popped the question” Oliver proposed to Shannon with a dazzling yellow gold solitaire ring, a symbol of their cherished dreams entwined. With tearful eyes and overwhelming joy, Shannon said yes, marking the beginning of their forever journey. Shannon told us “It was honestly the ring of my dreams. It is a yellow gold solitaire, which looked like all the Instagram photos I had been secretly saving! Oliver bought the stone in Ross’s Auctions in Belfast and designed the band and setting himself with Aces Jewellers in Lisburn.”

With excitement bubbling in their hearts, Shannon embarked on the journey of finding her dream wedding dress at SJP Bridal. Guided by the warm embrace of Shannan, she found herself adorned in a Riki Dalal gown, radiating in timeless elegance. Shannon told us “My experience with Shannan was amazing. She made us feel so warm and welcome it was like going shopping with a friend! She had so many amazing dresses to choose from and was so easy to work with, keeping in touch with me the whole time! I wish I could do it all over again!” Bridesmaids dresses for friends Nicola O’Loan and Rebecca Hughes along with cousin Chloe Smith came from Pronuptia with a dress for flowergirl Phoebe Creaney from SJP Bridal.

Freddie Hatchett was the shop of choice for Oliver and his groomsmen Luke Murray, Darren Fusco and Tom Wright; all friends of the groom.

The best part of planning was all of the cherished moments with her mother, crafting intricate details and infusing every aspect with their unique touch of love. They included drying flowers for the arrangements and even choosing a signature scent for the day with St Eval candles. Bringing out Shannon’s creative side it was glorious to see all of the hard work pay off when it all came to life, it was all made even better because she got to do it with her best friend.

Shannon and Oliver told us that the most stressful part was “We are a little bit unblessed in the moves department and we had dance lessons prior to the wedding. In to the run up the wedding it allowed us to have a fun wee hobby together and alleviated some nerves on the day but we were still both a bit stressed and there was plenty of nervous giggles throughout But we got there! And hopefully don’t look too terrified in our video”.

On 11^th November 2023, Shannon and Oliver exchanged vows at Magheramorne Estate, surrounded by the love and blessings of 180 cherished guests. Vibrant hues of pink adorned every corner, reflecting Shannon’s radiant spirit and their shared joy. From the heartfelt ceremony officiated by Jean Barrett Quinn to the lively celebration that followed, every moment was infused with love and laughter.

The day was just amazing from start to finish and their best parts were; for Oliver, the sight of Shannon walking down the aisle was a moment etched in eternity, her beauty transcending words. For Shannon, the highlight was the intimate exchange of vows, weaving promises of love and devotion for a lifetime. Their first dance to “Tennessee Whiskey” by Chris Stapleton encapsulated the depth of their love, moving hearts and igniting spirits.

Looking back on their perfect day, Shannon and Oliver wouldn’t change a single detail, the team at The Magheramorne were amazing and on hand the entire day ensuring everything ran smoothly leaving the happy couple with nothing to worry about.

Their advice to couples embarking on this journey is simple; “cherish every moment, steal quiet moments together amidst the festivities, and savour the love that surrounds you”. As they embark on their honeymoon in Cancun, Mexico, and embrace the joys of married life, they’re filled with gratitude for the love that binds them.

In the tapestry of love, Shannon and Oliver’s wedding day stands as a vibrant thread, weaving together moments of joy, laughter, and eternal devotion. As they step into the horizon of their future together, their hearts beat as one, dancing to the rhythm of a love so bright it illuminates every step of their journey.

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