By Tara McCormack
IN the serene setting of St. Connell’s Church in Glenties, Colleen O’Donnell and James Callan began their life together as husband and wife on Friday, August 2.
Colleen, originally from Glenties, and James, hailing from Letterkenny, celebrated their love story with a beautiful ceremony followed by a lively reception at Jackson’s Hotel in Ballybofey.
Colleen and James chose Jackson’s Hotel for their special day, a decision they couldn’t have been happier with.
From the moment they began planning in 2021, the hotel’s coordinators, Carina and Emma, were instrumental in bringing their dream wedding to life.
“They provided so much support, put together numerous ideas, and answered countless wedding planning questions,” Colleen shared.
The couple appreciated the continued dialogue and reassurance from the team right up until the big day.
The hotel itself was a perfect backdrop for their celebration. The grand staircase leading into the Finn Suite, with its stunning views of Drumboe Woods and the River Finn was exactly what the couple wanted for their big day.
Guests enjoyed the homely food, stunning service, and the opportunity to relax on the outdoor terrace in the evening sun.
For James, the morning of the wedding was a highlight, filled with laughter as he and his family prepared for the day.
“Seeing everyone looking sharp in their suits, especially my nephews Alfie, Jamie, and Cody, was really special,” James recalled.
But the moment that truly took his breath away was seeing Colleen and their one-year-old daughter, Éabha, in their dresses.
“They were absolutely gorgeous,” he said.
Later, watching little Éabha enjoy herself on the dance floor to the live music was a memory James will always cherish.
Colleen’s day began in the warmth of her family home, surrounded by memories that reminded her of how quickly time passes.
“Getting ready in my family home where I grew up was incredibly special,” Colleen reflected.
Éabha, with her playful distractions, added a joyful touch to the morning, particularly as Jenny, the makeup artist, worked her magic.
One of Colleen’s favourite moments came during the photo session with James and Éabha on the terrace steps.
The hotel’s intimate garden, bathed in sunshine, provided a perfect setting for the three of them to spend a quiet 20 minutes together.
“It was just the three of us for the first time that day,” Colleen shared.
These moments were beautifully captured by their photographer, Paul Doherty, whose work they praised as “fantastic.”
Colleen and James’s journey began in Letterkenny IT, where their paths crossed between Veterinary Nursing and Engineering classes.
Their first date in October 2014, where Colleen “knew he was a keeper” was outside McDonald’s in Letterkenny.
This marked the beginning of a love story that would see them through nearly a decade of shared experiences. By New Year’s 2015, their relationship was official.
James proposed on August 28, 2021, against the backdrop of the ship yards in Belfast.
The couple then returned to Letterkenny and Glenties to share the happy news with their families, setting the date for their wedding just under three years later.
Photographer: Paul Doherty
Wedding venue: Jackson’s Hotel, Ballybofey
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