True Love Tuesday: Suzanne & James

Good evening lovely brides-to-be! We hope you all had a lovely Easter break. We’re back to it at GMINI HQ and tonight we have the very pretty wedding of Suzanne Strain, owner and stylist at Chocolate Blonde Hair Couture in Markethill.

“As I spend a lot of my time chatting to brides about their big day, I was pretty sure of what I wanted our day to be,” explained Suzanne.

James and Suzanne had originally met during a night out in Banbridge, and after he supported her recovery after an operation, Suzanne knew he was the one for her!

After asking for her Dads permission and with a romantic proposal planned, James ended asking Suzanne for her hand in marriage on Halloween night in 2010 in their bedroom, just after a hospital visit.

“I was 24 weeks pregnant and suffering from Hyperemesis gravidarum, so was feeling very ill. The only thing James could think of to pick me up was to produce a sparkler! It worked!” said Suzanne.

Suzanne and James were married in St Marks Church of Ireland in Tandragee. With their two little children by their side, the couple used possessions of loved ones who sadly weren’t with them; Sarah-Jane from Vintage Violet in Markethill added Suzanne’s Grandmothers necklace and her Great Aunts brooch to her bouquet, whilst James’ Dads vintage suitcase was used during the service.

Drawing on her knowledge of the local wedding scene, Suzanne was able to handpick her suppliers who helped bring to life her ideas. The day had a stylish vintage look with soft pink being the main colour.

“The ceremony was lovely and becoming Mrs Wilshaw was a highlight, especially as I now shared the same surname as my husband and children, Savannah and Frankie. Of course, not everything was perfect. Halfway through the service I remembered my dress wasn’t done up at the back! Thankfully when we were signing the register my bridesmaids were able to finish the buttons!” added Suzanne.

Guests made the trip to the Slieve Donard Resort & Spa for the reception and plenty of fun family time. Following their day, Suzanne and James headed for a relaxing honeymoon at the La Marquise Resort in Rhodes.