WHEN Christopher Gallagher chose to surprise his partner Siobhan by proposing on her 30th birthday, neither expected that planning their dream wedding would be so seamless.
Sweeping the Glenfin woman off to Cotter Park in Co Antrim for a special birthday escape, Christopher chose the perfect moment to pop the question. And although Siobhan insists the engagement came as a total surprise, she does admit to dropping the occasional hint ahead of the special moment.
Over the moon and excited for the future, they eagerly moved on to the next step, the planning of their big day.
From the moment the pair first stepped through the doors of the Mount Errigal Hotel in Letterkenny, they said they felt truly welcome.
Entering the planning process with an open mind, quickly they became sold on the newly refurbished venue, as well as having their wedding on New Year’s Eve.
“It just seemed to fall into place really well,” Siobhan told the Donegal News.
“It wasn’t a date we were thinking about at all, but when Terry (McEniff) said it was free and asked us what we thought, we were sold.”
On the morning of the big day, Christopher set off from his hometown, Convoy, with his three groomsmen on tractors.
Parading through the countryside, soon they would reach their destination, Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, Glenfin.
After exchanging their ‘I dos’, the wedding party headed to Siobhan’s home, which is nestled amidst a charming farmyard, a fitting location for four tractors.
A few snaps later and it was on to their first stop, Castle Grove Country House in Letterkenny.
Steeped in charm and elegance, the Georgian house was the perfect setting for wedding photos, captured beautifully by Paul Doherty.
“The weather couldn’t have worked out better, it was cold but there wasn’t a drop of rain at all,” Siobhan said.
“We couldn’t get over it.”
Upon arriving at their reception in the Mount Errigal, guests were welcomed with drinks set to the music of Matthew Crampsie.
“Everyone was just in great form,” Siobhan said.
“And then, before you knew it, it was the 5pm call-in for the meal.
“Everyone was complimenting the food, it was unreal. “
As the band set up, the Gallaghers invited their guests outside to light sparklers, but surprised them with fireworks instead. After all, it was New Year’s Eve!
Guests danced the night away to the wedding band ‘Tis Not Easy’ before ringing in the New Year, with DJ Lee Duncan keeping the party going into the early hours.
Looking back on what was truly a perfect day, Siobhan praised the staff at the Mount Errigal, saying they went above and beyond in every way.
“I would without a doubt recommend the Mount Errigal to other brides and grooms out there, it is just so lovely,” she said.
“We have been in since for Sunday lunch, and we were even in for Valentine’s Day at the weekend.
“The staff are always so helpful, so lovely, and the managers chat away to you as if they know you, even though you just got married there.
“It is so homely and so welcoming.”
