True Love Tuesday Shirley and Aaron Boyd.... - Getting Married in Northern Ireland Magazine

A Love Written in the Sand: Shirley & Aaron’s Manor House Wedding

When Shirley Hawe first swiped right on Aaron Boyd, neither could have imagined that their very first drive along the Donegal coast—chips in hand, waves crashing in the rain—would one day lead them down the aisle. “From that night, we’ve been inseparable,” Shirley recalls.

Two years and seven months later, on 3rd May 2025, surrounded by family and friends, Shirley and Aaron celebrated their marriage in a heartfelt ceremony at Lower Clonaneese Presbyterian Church, before hosting 130 guests at the elegant Manor House Country Hotel, Enniskillen.

The Proposal

Aaron’s proposal was as thoughtful as it was personal. He brought Shirley back to Muckross in Kesh, a special spot from their early days of dating. Leaving her waiting in the car, he prepared a surprise. “He had written in the sand ‘Will you marry me?’ and when I walked down by the water, he got down on one knee,” Shirley beams. Her ring, a timeless platinum three-stone design chosen by Aaron from Bogues in Omagh, was the perfect finishing touch to a perfect moment.

The Dress & Bridal Party

Shirley found her gown at Whitehouse Bridal in Fivemiletown, an experience she describes as “so relaxed and easy.” While the dress was far from what she had imagined, she knew instantly it was the one. Her bridesmaids, dressed in gowns from online boutique Azazie, complemented her effortlessly. “The dresses were affordable and easy to customize—I’d recommend them to any bride,” she says.

Supporting Shirley on the day were her Matron of Honour, Aine Devlin (best friend), Faith Bousfield (sister-in-law), and Kirsti Kelly (close friend).

Aaron and his groomsmen were outfitted by SD Kells in Omagh, with his best man Christopher Kelly, groomsman Kyle Coulter, and Aaron’s younger brother proudly by his side. Having his brother, who uses a wheelchair, included in the wedding party was especially meaningful.

The Celebration

While Shirley and Aaron didn’t stick to a strict theme, their chosen colour palette—reflected in flowers and table décor—tied everything together beautifully. A particularly poignant feature was their memorial ladder, honouring loved ones who had passed and could not share the day.

As with every wedding, there were a few small hiccups—like their page boy dozing off mid-ceremony, a moment they now laugh about after spotting it on their wedding video.

But for the couple, the highlight was simple: “The whole day. Getting married was very special to us,” Shirley says.

Dancing, Memories & Advice

The couple’s first dance was to Celine Dion’s “Because You Loved Me”, a song that perfectly captured their journey. And while the day flew by, Shirley offers advice for future brides: “Enjoy every moment because it goes so quickly. And don’t be afraid to ask for help—your friends and family are there for a reason.”

Honeymoon & Married Life

Following the wedding, Shirley and Aaron jetted off to Puerto Del Carmen, Lanzarote, where they stayed at the beachfront Fariones Suite Hotel. “It was the perfect way to unwind,” Shirley smiles.

Now back home in Cabragh, Dungannon, Shirley reflects on life as Mrs. Boyd: “Not a whole lot has changed, but I love being married—it feels so special.”

WEDDING SUPPLIERS INFO :

Reception location: The Manor Country Hotel

Wedding Dress from: White House Bridal

Bridesmaids dresses from: Azazie

Groomswear from: SD Kells

Make-up by: LA Pro Leslie Ann Watson

Hair by: Nicoelle Mone Hair

Flowers by: Chatristhome Flowers & Crafts

Rings from: Bogues Omagh

Cake by: D’s Bakes

Stationery by: KitaKards Wedding Stationary

Transport from: C4 Wedding Cars