By Paul McElwee
IT was almost serendipitous; when they were placed side-by-side at Rosses Community School, neither Declan Ward or Amie Walsh knew where it would lead but, across the years – and desks – the Donegal couple’s love grew to the point where they became husband and wife in a glittering ceremony at the beginning of the month.
Reflecting on their first meeting, new bride Amie says: “Declan and I were placed together because of our surnames and the teacher’s decision to have the class organised in alphabetical order. From then, Declan and I got to know each other and soon began dating so we’ve gone from being childhood sweethearts to a married couple.”
Declan proposed to Amie in September 2022 in the auspicious surroundings of Antrim’s Galgorm Hotel, a moment which Amie says was ‘magical’ but admits it was one she wasn’t expecting, saying: “It was completely out of the blue, Declan proposing at dinner with Prosecco and roses, but a beautiful moment. I was so happy.”
Based in Dundalk, the couple came home to Donegal to get married, with a ceremony at St Mary’s Star of the Sea Church in Annagry before joining family and friends in Letterkenny’s Mount Errigal Hotel for the reception.
Reflecting on their special day, Amie gushed about their experience, taking time to acknowledge each and every one of the talented professionals who worked so meticulously to make sure her and Declan’s day went off without a hitch.
“The day could not have gone better to be honest. The staff at the Mount Errigal were second-to-none and I couldn’t recommend the hotel enough for a couple getting married. The staff, especially Wedding and Events Co-ordinator Bronagh and manager Terry McEniff went out of their way to ensure everything was stress free. Nothing was a bother to them and they made the whole place look fantastic; from tables and decorations, down to a memory table to remember family and friends who have passed on, it was amazing.”
Amie’s dress came from Pearls and Lace in Donegal Town, with hair and makeup courtesy of Grace Walsh and Danielle Gallagher, which Amie describes as ‘perfect’. She also took time to praise the Laois-based but Donegal-born Katie Bowe and videographer Simon Gillespie for capturing the day. Amie has seen a selection of pictures so far and says she’s ‘absolutely delighted’ with them. Wedding band Red Alert were also praised for their ability to work the crowd and catering for all musical tastes.
As is usually the case with many weddings in this day and age, an after party took place at the couple’s local bar, Loughanure-based traditional pub Casadh an tSúgáin with Amie praising the owners for making it possible.
With the couple settled into married life back in their Dundalk base, Amie summed up the couple’s joy by remarking: “The whole event couldn’t have gone any better; our special day was wonderful, spent with family and friends celebrating with the ones we love.”
Related posts:
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere
SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT EDITION TODAY
and get access to our archive editions dating back to 2007(CLICK ON THE TITLE BELOW TO SUBSCRIBE)