By Róise Collins
NEWLYWEDS Claire and Willie McNulty’s wedding day was nothing short of a fairy tale – from a heart-warming engagement that unfolded on the big screen to the “perfect” big day surrounded by family and friends at Jackson’s Hotel.
It all started back in December 2022 when Willie orchestrated an unforgettable engagement that took Claire by surprise.
They had planned a cinema trip with her daughter Grace to see Matilda in Eclipse Cinemas, Lifford.
But as the lights dimmed and the screen flickered to life, Claire was stunned to see two very special stars appear—not from Hollywood, but from her own life.
On screen was a moving video, starring Willie and Grace, asking the all-important question.
“In the video, Grace asked, ‘Would you marry Willie?’ I couldn’t hold back the tears. I was crying my eyes out, and so was Grace—though she knew exactly what was coming,” Claire laughed.
With the storybook proposal in the rearview mirror, the couple’s next chapter unfolded on September 28, 2024, when they exchanged vows at the stunning Jackson’s Hotel in Ballybofey.
The couple’s wedding ceremony was officiated by celebrant Brian O’Sullivan. It featured a handfasting ritual, a Celtic tradition that symbolises the binding of two lives into one.
Claire and Willie were joined by their children, Grace and Aaron, who helped tie the knot in the symbolic gesture of unity.
But it wasn’t just the ceremony, it was the personal touches that made their big day feel so special.
After exchanging vows, the couple and their guests were treated to a feast that left everyone raving.
Their guests said it was “the best food they’d ever had at a wedding”.
The celebration continued with a showstopping dessert buffet that Claire described as “walking into Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory.”
As the evening unfolded, Claire and Willie hit the dancefloor with their family and friends. The energy was electric, thanks to the live band and DJ provided by the renowned Red Alert.
“If you’ve ever been to a wedding with Red Alert, you know they’re absolutely amazing.
“It’s the first time I’ve ever been sad when the DJ called the last song.”
But while the music was memorable, it was the teamwork of Jackson’s Hotel staff that made the couple’s day truly exceptional.
Jackson’s Hotel went above and beyond to make sure everything went smoothly.
“The staff was exceptional. Denise, the operations manager, really went out of her way to ensure everything was perfect,” Claire said.
Their wedding coordinator, Emma Brown, was also a constant source of support.
“Emma was so proactive and so reassuring.
“Nothing was too much of a bother, there were things that we had asked for that were outside of the norm but they did it with complete ease,” she added.
Speaking of small touches, Claire recalled a romantic gesture from her then-fiancé that added a personal and touching moment to the morning of their wedding.
“We decided not to speak to each other on the day itself. So Willie had the best man deliver a bouquet of flowers and a handwritten card to me. It was such a special moment,” she said.
But perhaps one of the most heartwarming surprises of the day came in the form of a video played during the wedding reception.
It was a heartfelt compilation of messages from family members who couldn’t attend the celebration in person, including messages from those living abroad.
As a lifelong Westlife fan, Claire also had a surprise when band member Shane Filan sent a special video message wishing her and Willie well on their big day.
As they reflect on their journey, Claire and Willie are grateful for the love and support they received from family, friends, and the staff at Jackson’s Hotel who helped make their wedding day an unforgettable experience.
The McNulty’s dancing the night away with Aaron and Grace .
Newlyweds Willie and Claire McNulty.
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